Why $5 meals?

$5 meals are not only great when you are living from paycheck to paycheck. I think that $5 meal plans are great for when you have a spending goal or have an expense coming and want to save money for it. It is also good for when you want to live within and even below your means. I love doing $5 meals as it prevents food waste and it allows me to be creative with what I already have in our kitchen and what I can create with the budget. 

Next read: 68 Ways to be Frugal

Will it be healthy?

The majority of the meals will be from scratch or batch-cooked. Yes, it may require you to purchase bulk foods like a pound of dry beans but it will save you money in the long run. Some of the spice mixes can also be done homemade like taco seasoning or ranch seasoning. Sometimes, the meals I will be sharing will require a can of condensed soups. For that option, I can suggest using a no-salt or low-sodium content. I love buying a whole chicken and make Oven-Roasted Chicken. Left-over chicken meat will be used for soups, fajitas, or Mexican meals. Don't forget about the bones! Bones are used for broths.

Few things to consider:

• The total cost for this recipe is $6.44 - which serves a family of four. This recipe provides plenty of left-overs. In reality, the meal is less than $5.
• The basic ingredients or base flavoring were already in my pantry such as garlic, oil, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. I used a base broth for this recipe
• This recipe uses beef broth. You can either buy a carton from Aldi for less than $2 or use a bouillon cube (cheaper). Another option is to use a broth base. Walmart has a base broth, $3 for a 12 oz jar (Orrington Farms.). Better than Boullion is my favorite as well. Sam's Club has Members Mark Tone's Beef Base for $4.98. Even if you buy the base broth, a little goes a long way and you can use the base for several recipes.
• This recipe uses an Instant Pot. While it can be expensive, it will be a great investment in your kitchen. My instant pot had saved me time and money. 
• I live in the Inland Empire (Southern California). Prices in my area will be different from where you live.

Serve this healthy recipe on its own or serve with bread or tortilla. I served it with a homemade sourdough tortilla. 

Also check: Easy Sourdough Starter

Here's the recipe without any photos:

Ingredients:

1 lb of ground beef 

1 lb dried lentils 

2 cups celery, diced

2 cups carrots, diced

2 cans 14 oz diced tomatoes with juices

1 large potato, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced 

1 onion, diced 

1 1tbsp oil, canola, or olive oil 

6 cups beef broth 

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 

1 tsp Italian seasoning

salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Turn your IP on to Saute. Cook the beef, onion, and garlic until browned, Drain fat. Add the broth and scrape the bottom of the pot for the brown bits. If you are using a broth base, follow the instructions at the back of the container on how to make a cup of broth.

2.Add the remaining ingredients and set the instant pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.

3.Then, naturally release for 10 minutes and manually release the remaining pressure.

OPTIONAL:  Using fresh spinach or other frozen veggies like peas or corn instead of potatoes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you already have it.

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Other recipes to try:

Instant Pot Broccoli and Turkey

Air-Fry Crispy Chicken

Homemade Pantry Staples