This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
Many of you feel like every week you don’t actually come home with food to eat when you’re buying what’s on sale. While that is part of the plan (only buying what’s on sale and creating a small stockpile), there are so many recipes that are built on staples that are frequently on sale. With warmer weather here, these are easy summer recipes that are easy on the stomach and the budget.
Note: These prices are based off of averages and subject to change weekly.
Ideas for Frugal Summer Recipes
Cilantro Chicken with Zucchini Spanish Rice
Have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. This is a simple meat, starch and veggie meal but it adds something different to the routine.
Key ingredients:
Whole chicken, 99¢/lb
Sour cream, $1
Zucchini squash, $1/lb
Knorr Fiesta Sides, 99¢
Grab extra Zucchini (this is it’s peak season) and let the kids enjoy making finger foods for dinner.
Key ingredients:
Zucchini squash, $1/lb
Pasta sauce, $1.50
Mozzarella cheese, $2
While this isn’t a meal… life needs dessert every now and then. We are seeing cool whip on sale in many stores for the 4th of July so add in some yogurt and fresh fruit and make a delicious and healthy treat.
Key ingredients:
Blueberries, $2.50
Blueberry yogurt, $1
Cool whip, $1
Graham cracker crust, $2
We are aiming for a few more meatless meals each week to stretch the budget. While these might not fill everyone up as much you can always make more without blowing the budget. You can always add in a can of soup or a salad too.
Key Ingredients:
Cucumbers, 60¢ ea.
Sandwich bread, $1.75
Mayonnaise, $2
Both Publix and Kroger have chicken legs on sale this week (Kroger wins at 39¢ per lb). Throw them straight into the crock pot for a super easy dinner! If you are like me you already have 4 bottles of BBQ in the pantry…
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Legs, 39¢ to 69¢ lb
BBQ Sauce, $1
We actually have ground beef “on sale” this week at $4.49 per lb at Publix and Kroger. That’s the lowest we’ve seen in a few weeks so you can splurge a bit and have something other than chicken! This is a great meal to stretch your beef and fill stomachs without tons of expensive ingredients. It also saves great for leftovers!
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef, $4.49 lb
White Rice
Beef Broth (was just on sale last week)
Tip: Leave off the pepper and celery if you don’t have them. It’s just as delicious with just rice, beef and onions!
See more of our menu plans!
