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Because i am on a very high calorie diet, it gets tough trying to cook on a budget but my fiancee and I have been able to keep cooking meals around $10 or less and they can feed up to 4 people. My popular dish with him is my Stove Top Stir Fry Non-Fried.

All you need is: 2 boxes of great value brand beef rice, 1 bag of great value stir fry vegetables, 1pk. of stew meat

Cook rice and directed. In another pan cut up the stew meat into smaller pieces and add a little of soysauce to it. when thats cooked, add the vegetables until they are cooked. When both are done, add together and there ya go. In total price its $8 and feeds four people.

Sounds like a winner I will try this week thanks!

Okra, tomatoes, and sausage 'casserole'. I call it casserole, even thought it is made on the stove top. I have never figured the cost---it will depend on the use of store brands, and maybe even home-grown or put-up ingredients. 

I have always made okra and tomatoes, and one night I cooked smoked sausage to go with it, and hubby stirred all of his together. The next time I needed a quick meal, I made it all together.

It is basically a bag of frozen cut okra, a large can of stewed tomatoes, and sliced smoked sausage. I always add cut up onions, bellpepper and celery, Tony's Cajun seasoning, and brown the sausage first to give a nicer flavor. Then just simmer all on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking, until all the vegetables are done.

I usually serve this with cooked white rice, a salad, and either cornbread, or garlic bread.

We have a couple links that might be helpful for you:

http://www.bettycrocker.com/menusholidaysparties/everyday-meals/budget-meals

http://www.bettycrocker.com/community/forums/30/3507

http://www.bettycrocker.com/community/forums/30/2670

Hope this helps or inspires!

My son makes Taco Cups--hamburger, taco seasoning, refrigerator biscuits- 2 tubes of 8, salsa and some shredded cheddar cheese.  Make the taco meat by directions, then mix in 1/4 c. of salsa.   Press biscuits into muffin pans and divide meat into biscuit cups.  Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.  Bake at 350 for about 8-10 minutes.  Makes 16 taco cups and 3 is usually plenty with a side salad or fruit. 

Easy-peezy and a tasty change from regular tacos.  Really good "kid recipe".  They freeze well too and can be reheated in the microwave pretty easily.  Easy grab for a lunch at the office later in the week.

My cheapest recipe is Texas Hash.  My grandma got it out of the paper before my time!  There are a lot of variations out there, but my version is:

1 lb ground beef

1 can Ro-Tel

1 can Ranch style beans

optional, 1 small onion and bell pepper, chopped

Brown ground beef with onion and pepper, if using.  Drain fat.  Add ro-tel and beans, let simmer for 30 minutes.  Serve over hot squares of cornbread.

The best recipes I have are made from scratch and here it is :   Pot of pinto beans or lima beans ( whatever you have on hand )

Home-made tortillas:

Corn and Flour :        2 cups Masa Harina ( corn flour instant works best)

                                          1  cup white flour

                                           1 cup wheat flour

                                            2 cups hot water

                                             2 tbsp veg. oil  ( any kind of cooking oil )

                                             1 tsp salt + 1/8 tsp Cream of Tarter

Mis up the dry ingredients first then add the oil and water a little at a time to form dough and knead it for a frw minutes until it is not sticky.  Place dough in bowl and cover with  towel nd place in a warm place to rest for 30 minutes.  Then form into balls and rolls out on wax paper or counter top then cook on flat cast iron cooking pan.

This makes about 12 to 18 tortillas.  These are the absolute best tortillas with the taste of Corn and Flour at it's best.

Serve with your beans and you have plenty for leftovers.

Whatever leftover tortillas are left can be used to make tostada shells ( need to deep-fry ) or heated up.

One of my favorite cheap recipes is tomato butter sauce for pasta. Melt half a stick of butter in a small saucepan; add half of an onion (no need to dice--it's just there for the flavor). Add a large can of whole tomatoes, then break them up with a spoon. Simmer for a while until the tomatoes break down and you have a sauce consistency, remove the onion, serve over pasta.  If you have meatballs or sausage to add, go on, live large. 

Another very cheap dish I made was to sautee celery pieces in butter and then braise them in beef stock; let them get soft, then serve over rice. Surprisingly tasty for so few ingredients.

My family and friends love my Meaty Macaroni and Tomatoes.  It's 4 ingredients that are all pretty cheap and most are staples anyway! I've been making this dish for 3 years and it's really great when there isnt much food in the house. 

1 lb macaroni or elbow noodles (or you can use your favorite noodle)

1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 8oz. package of cream cheese, cut into small pieces (optional but it makes a nice creamy sauce)

1 lb ground sausage

Boil the noodles until they are ready. Brown the sausage in a separate pan then pour over the noodles. Add the can of diced tomatoes and the cream cheese and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted. That's it! I love making this dish and I hope it helps!

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MrsLDBrooks:

We all are feeling the economic pinch, so what is your best recipe that does not break the bank? How did your create this recipe? How long have you used this recipe?

MrsLDBrooks:

We all are feeling the economic pinch, so what is your best recipe that does not break the bank? How did your create this recipe? How long have you used this recipe?