What food hacks are you using to save money?

[Aspychata]

I am starting to buy in bulk from Amazon. Frontier Co-op l used exclusively in AZ. I found Azure Standard, l need to check their prices. There are restaurant websites that also sell in bulk. We have three big box stores including Costco in my area. Plus l hate food shopping. l just bought a 2lb bag of black lentils, l have never tried them but they cook fast.

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[Rocco]

Amazon fresh has been a cost cutting savior for me. Their delivery is convenient and most grocery items cost about 10%-40% less than going to an actual grocery store. On average I’m saving about $150-$200 per month buying online.

Less impulse buys when shopping online and it’s easier to see what is on sale. I cannot afford to buy in bulk and have no where to store bulk items

 

[Metalhead]

Beans, rice, frozen veggies, seasoning - cheap health casserole time.

 

[Aspychata]

Do u use the beans in cans?

 

[Metalhead]

Do u use the beans in cans?

I do. I know dry beans are less expensive/

 

[Aspychata]

l use the beans in cans, l have to drain them because they are high in sodium.

 

[MildredHubble]

I tried mixing red lentils with minced beef, I believe people in the US call it ground beef? Anyway, its supposed to be a good way of stretching your minced beef. We used to make mince and dumplings as its pretty straightforward, filling comfort food and we thought "heck, what a great idea!". Unfortunately I had a major texture nope for some reason and I've never been able to eat mince and dumplings since

Assuming it doesn't make you react the way I did its supposed to be a good way to stretch your food budget and eat a little healthier in theory.

 

[Aspychata]

I love red lentils. Have you consider mixing in black eye peas? They have a great mouth feel, not a strong taste like black beans to mix in with your ground meat @MildredHubble ? l have made burgers out ot them only, with spices, chopped onions, tasted great.

 

[Aspychata]

@Rocco , Amazon prices surprised me. Plus l have a bigger selection, don't have to deal with people, wear and tear on my car, or bad drivers which we have a lot of.

 

[Judge]

I like canned chili products, but seldom will eat an entire can. I prefer to use half for one meal, adding to it with white onions and fiesta cheese, along with some kind of hot sauce. Becoming for more economical making two meals from one can.

I also take El Monterey burritos, run them through the microwave for 120 seconds. Then I open them up to put in diced tomatoes with green chiles, diced onions and lots of fiesta cheese. Then I wrap a slice of colby-jack jalapeno cheese over the top and nuke it for another 40 seconds.

Comes out a pleasant looking burrito draped in melted cheese. Down-and-dirty cooking.

Same with the tostadas I make. Heat up some canned frijoles, heat up a Nortecas pre-fried tortilla and then load it with cheese, onions, lettuce and diced tomatoes.

Smaller portions at less expense. A win-win for me...though I'm still struggling to fill in the gap for all the frozen dinners I used to eat. I have lost all appetite for them, even though they are so easy to prepare.

I also use rice-a-roni to create pasta and rice casseroles, adding beef, ham and pepperoni to red and green peppers, white or green onions and parsley. Even adding crushed peanuts to stir-fried rice. Very cheap to make.

 

[Metalhead]

I do not recommend eating this all the time because of the sodium content, but Shin Gold Ramen is God tier.

 

[MildredHubble]

I love red lentils. Have you consider mixing in black eye peas? They have a great mouth feel, not a strong taste like black beans to mix in with your ground meat @MildredHubble ? l have made burgers out ot them only, with spices, chopped onions, tasted great.

I haven't tried black eyed peas with lentils but I do make lentil soup once in a while and someone also mentioned it can be quite nice with black eyed peas. I think lentils go very well with grated carrots in soup. A little coriander works pretty nice in there too. I want lentil soup now!

 

[late40ontheground]

Ground turkey and a can of rinsed black beans. I've been living on that for months. I also get Kroger delivery which comes with discount gas and it's so awesome to not have to go to the store.