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Coupon Abbreviations
  • SC = Store Coupon
  • MC = Manufacturer Coupon
  • SS = Smart Source
  • RMN = Retail Me Not
  • PG = Proctor and Gamble
Coupon Terms
  • WYB = When You Buy
  • B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free
  • .75/1 = 75 cents off one item
  • .75/3 = 75 cents off three items
  • EXP = Expiration Date

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Ultra Frugal Holiday Meal Ideas

on 11.16.2025 at 11:50am
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The cost of groceries continues to rise, and even when we are doing everything we can to shop the sales and stock our pantries, inflation is a real thing. Planning to feed a lot of people over the holidays can be overwhelming, but remember that less important than the food is the fact that you can be together! I’ve come up with a list of ultra frugal holiday meal ideas. They may not be the traditional dishes you’re used to, but they are nutrient dense, filling, and have the same cozy feel as your traditional holiday favorites.

Ultra Frugal Holiday Meal Ideas

Whole roasted chicken

A plate with a sliced brown sugar ham steak, topped with cracked black better and served with green beans and potatoes

Brown sugar ham slices

Shepherd’s Pie

Baked chicken drumsticks served with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Baked chicken drumsticks

Chicken and dumplings

One Pan Savory Beef and Mushroom Noodles

Beef and mushroom egg noodles

Chili Bar

Lasagna Casserole

Side Dishes

These ideas are simple and frugal and just need some good seasoning to make them taste extra special.

Roasted Vegetables

Use any vegetables that are on sale!

creamy dairy free mashed potatoes in bowl.

Dairy free mashed potatoes

Omitting dairy will make it even cheaper!

Cabbage Gratin

a baking dish with homemade stuffing on a Thanksgiving table

Homemade stuffing

Use old bread to make this even more frugal!

Green Beans with Garlic & Breadcrumbs

Breads

You can make so much more bread at home if you buy flour or cornmeal in bulk!

Homemade Biscuits or Drop Scones

cornbread in a glass pan

Cornbread

No-Knead Bread

Frugal Desserts

These desserts only have a few ingredients each!

Apple Crisp or Pear Crisp

photo by May I Have That Rec

Bread Pudding

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Brown Sugar Shortbread

Groceries are only getting more expensive. Here are some frugal holiday meal ideas to celebrate with family and friends while staying on budget.