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Step 1
On day one of eating on a budget you can eat grilled cheese sandwiches. You can get cheese for a few dollars per pound and a loaf of bread is about two dollars. When buying for this meal look for sale items. For instance, you may have a favorite bread you always eat, but it is getting grilled so you don't really need expensive bread. You can add a can of tomato soup to this one for a side dish. Plus, many people like to add tomato or ham to their sandwich if they can afford it. If you are frugal you could make this meal for under five dollars.
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Step 2
Spaghetti is a great meal to make when eating on a budget. You can buy a pound of spaghetti for around one dollar and sauce for around the same. Even if you pick up a box of garlic toast or bread to go with this meal you can easily feed your family for under five dollars. Add meat when you can find it on sale.
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Step 3
Mac and cheese is another family favorite. Sure, you could buy this really cheap in the packaged variety, but you can also make it cheap as well. One box of macaroni noodles, a small box of Velveeta, and a little half and half and you have got yourself a meal. All you have to do is cook the noodles, and then layer the noodles and cheese in a deep casserole dish. Pour one cup of half and half on top to finish it off and bake it for thirty minutes at 350 degrees. Naturally, there are a million ways to vary this recipe, but that is the basic outline.
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Step 4
Soup and breadsticks is another great meal to make when you are eating on a budget. You can buy a few cans of soup for relatively inexpensive and make breadsticks from the Pillsbury can. Try to find low sodium soups when you buy canned soup.
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Step 5
Having a pancake super at home is another great idea for people who are eating on a budget. Pancake mix is really cheap and all you need to top it off is syrup. Naturally, you can add to this meal by making eggs, bacon and other breakfast foods. Combine the pancakes with the breakfast foods that are on sale.
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Step 6
Making your own pizza is fun and budget friendly. You can pick up dough for around two dollars, Pillsbury sells it in the can. Then, all you need is a little mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce. Again, look for sales on the sauce, cheese and dough. You can add veggie and meat toppings when you can afford it.
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Step 7
Have a barbecue! Hot dogs and even hamburgers are relatively inexpensive. Pair them with baked beans or french fries for a budget friendly meal. When it comes to french fries, don't be afraid to buy brand x or look for sales.
