This month I adamant about sticking to our grocery budget. With having a teenager in our home, I've learned that it's totally different from cooking for a toddler. I believe they both have their perks. However, I am trying my best to be on the journey for debt free living and one of our largest bills is our grocery bill. Seeing how I eat mostly seafood, fruits, and veggies, I am at the store a lot to buy produce. One of the things that I would like to incorporate more in my weekly menu planning is a frugal meal or as I like to call it a stretch meal.  One of the recipes that my family is loving right now is semi-homemade jambalaya. I purchased the jambalaya mix from my local Dollar Tree for $1. (I believe Aldi's has a mix as well for under $1) Aldi's sells kielbasa for under $3. (I purchased the kielbasa for under $3 at local meat warehouse, the turkey kielbasa sold at Aldi's uses a beef casting and the Mister doesn't eat beef) with a side of salad. You have a complete meal for under $5. I made this dish in a medium size rice pot and I was so surprised at a number of people that I was able to feed with this pot. Of course, this has a lot to do with the portion size and if you add any sides to this meal. 

Meal Breakdown

• Jambalaya mix $1
• Kielbasa $3
• Salad Mix $1
• Salad Dressing $1 

Total: $5
(the kielbasa was well under $3.)

Anywho, Do you have any frugal meals that you love cooking? 

What's Needed

• Jambalaya Mix
• 1 Package Kielbasa
• Oil

Directions