by Sylvia Harrison

Created on: November 05, 2011

In today's economy many "middle class" families are stretching their budgets to the extreme to make ends meet. Saving money at the grocery store may mean cutting back on choice meals that include great cuts of meat or 5 course meals. That does not mean they can't be interesting and palatable!

Some of the best meals fixed on a budget are not only more inexpensive, but very good healthy choices. These are just a few of the meals that can be prepared economically and still be good for you.

Bean Burritos

For 8 bean burritos you will need:

8 taco shells, (soft and either corn or flour depending on preference)

A can of refried beans (with or without chilies included)

Taco sauce (or spice the beans with Cumin, red or black pepper and leave out

the taco sauce completely!)

Toppings of your choice: Lettuce, cheese, tomato, sour cream, additional taco

sauce, onions, guacamole, etc.

Warm the shells in the oven or microwave to make them more pliable. While doing this, in a medium bowl, mix the refried beans with the spices or taco sauce. Place a portion of the bean mixture onto one side of each taco shell, roll across to form the burrito. Heat in microwave. Serving suggestions may include a lettuce salad, a cool dessert, or just the main entree!

Chili

For many, meat is a commodity that can be ill afforded at this time. A basic Chili is not only healthy, but very economical.

For a huge pot of meat-free Chile you will need:

1 Can Tomato Juice

4 or 5 Cans of Chili beans with sauce

Additional cans of other types of beans (optional), such as kidney beans, red

beans, etc.

Additional cans of other vegetables such as corn, peppers, etc. (also optional)

5 or 6 Tablespoons of flour (for thickening)

Chili powder and/or red pepper

Mix all but 1 cup or so of the tomato juice, beans, and vegetables in a large cooking pot. Using the additional cup of tomato juice in a shaker or medium bowl, add the flour, and mix very well. When this mixture is complete, pour it slowly into the chili pot, mixing well. Add Chile powder to taste and simmer for at least 45 minutes. (Chili can be simmered all day long! Just remember to stir occasionally).

Serve with crackers, cheese, onions, hot dogs, salads, or all alone. Great for your family and great for your checkbook!

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers can be a great addition to the family budget. They can be made so many different ways. The following is a "cheat" method used with no meat and boxed red or black beans and rice. Extremely easy and very healthy.

You will need:

1 Green, yellow, or red pepper per number of servings desired

1 box or can of red beans and rice (or black beans and rice or some other

variety that you wish. Even a can of store-bought Chili will work!)

Core and deseed the pepper(s)

Wrap these in a paper towel and microwave on a lower power until they are

softened, mostly cooked.

Following the directions on the box, fix the red beans and rice

When the rice mixture is ready, and not too thin, spoon some into the cooked peppers. Plate the peppers using any remaining red beans and rice as a side and with an adornment of lettuce salads, fruit salads or whatever your family may enjoy.

These are just three meals that can save a bundle on the grocery bill but are very healthy for your family. Other simple, inexpensive meals, include (but are definitely not limited to!): Spaghetti, Tacos, Chicken and noodles. Tuna Casserole, Quesadillas, Breakfast taco or burrito, Home-made oatmeal with various flavorings.

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