Skillet of spaghetti, pulled pork and barbecue sauce served with sliced bread and beer.
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BBQ Spaghetti (Straight From Memphis!)

ByCheryl Malik

Memphis BBQ Spaghetti is a real Tennessee classic! Often found as a BBQ side dish it also works great as a family dinner the kids especially will love! A simple tomato sauce, leftover pulled pork (or chicken!), your go-to BBQ rub and your favorite BBQ sauce all come together into a spaghetti dinner perfect for a Friday night treat, ready in under one hour.

Bowl of chicken sausage gumbo topped with a scoop of rice. Hot sauce and chopped herbs are off to one side.
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$12 Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

ByCheryl Malik

This easy, affordable $12 Chicken & Sausage Gumbo recipe is the perfect way to enjoy this Cajun classic on a budget. Easy shortcuts like a microwave roux recipe, frozen Holy Trinity and sliced okra, and a good Cajun seasoning help you make a delicious, full-flavored gumbo for a crowd without forking out for expensive meats or shrimp.

Overhead images of a Valentine's Day meal including braised short ribs with mashed potatoes, salad, fondu, and melt-in-the-middle chocolate puddings.

$45 Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Dinner (with a bottle of wine!)

ByCheryl Malik

If you’re planning on a special dinner at home this Valentine’s Day on a budget (going out can be so expensive!) you’re going to love this $45 Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Day dinner, which includes 4 delicious courses and a bottle of wine! Our simple Braised Balsamic Beef Tips form the centerpiece of this simple, affordable date night dinner alongside mashed potatoes, your favorite salad, fondu to start, and melt-in-the-middle chocolate lava cakes to finish!

Close up of seared chuck eye steaks in a cast iron skillet topped with a garlic herb compound butter.
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Chuck Eye Steak (Poor Man’s Ribeye)

ByCheryl Malik

Once you’ve made this recipe for this reverse-seared Chuck Eye Steak with a homemade garlic and herb compound butter, you’ll never cook this affordable cut of steak any other way! Poor Man’s Ribeye may be lighter on your budget, but still packs in a massive amount of flavor perfect for a special occasion or a Friday night treat!

26 Still Delicious Depression-Era Recipes For Budget Meals

26 Still Delicious Depression-Era Recipes For Budget Meals

ByCheryl Malik

The best thing about Depression-era meals? They’re always super comforting as well as being affordable without compromising on flavor. From ideas that help stretch meat further into delicious patties, meatloaves, stews and casseroles, to thrifty cakes and ways with foraged foods these classic recipes taste just as good today as they did during the Great Depression – and they’ll still help you feed your family for less, too!

Skillet of ground beef and eggs topped with chopped parsley.
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Ground Beef & Eggs

ByCheryl Malik

This delicious, 3-ingredient recipe for Ground Beef and Eggs is the perfect high protein topper for rice bowls or brunch option! Seasoned simply with garlic, salt and pepper this deliciously simple ground beef skillet will quickly become one of your paleo and Whole30-compliant go-to’s for building a quick meal!

Close up of tomato and beef stuffed shells in a white baking dish topped with melted shredded cheese.
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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

ByCheryl Malik

This easy family recipe for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Ground beef, mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan make up the filling along with a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce, before being topped with parmesan before being baked until tender, melty and bubbly!

Two white bowls of spicy chicken pasta in a creamy sauce. Glasses of wine and blocks of cheese are off to the side.
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Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

ByCheryl Malik

This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta recipe is packed with chunks of tender chicken breast and lots of colorful vegetables like bell pepper, frozen peas and tender asparagus, all stirred together in a spicy, creamy sauce! It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing family dinner with something for everyone.