Sweet Frugal Life

Being Frugal Doesn't Make Life Any Less Sweet

  • Start Here
  • Free Downloads
  • Frugal
    • Frugal Living
    • Budgeting
    • Travel
    • Gift Ideas
    • Good Deals
  • Parenting
    • Money Education
    • Holidays
    • Crafts
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Dinner
    • Cleaners
  • Recipe Book
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

December 19, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

You can make your own pizza with this easy homemade pizza crust recipe!

Over a decade ago we started our friday pizza and movie night tradition with our little family.  The tradition is to eat pizza and watch a movie together as a family on the first Friday of every month.  We started out watching Barbie movies and now as the kids have grown, so has our choice in movies.  However, the one thing that hasn’t changed is we still eat pizza!  Sometimes I make my own pizza using this easy homemade pizza crust recipe, and other times we order out…either way the pizza always happens!

I thought we would grow out of this tradition as the kids grew, but we didn’t.  The kids still look forward to our monthly pizza and movie night!  Today I am sharing my favorite pizza dough recipe.  I have tried many recipes, and this one is by far the best, trust me!

 

easy pizza dough recipe - how to make homemade pizza

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

  • Related:  Easy Pizza Night ideas

How To Make Homemade Pizza

Homemade pizza is one of those foods that seem intimidating to make, but is actually SO easy!

First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Next, mix 2 1/4 tsp. of yeast with 1 cup warm water.  Let it sit until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy.

Add 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt and 2 1/4 cups flour to the yeast mixture and mix well.  You might need to add a little flour.  The goal is for the dough to be slightly sticky, but also able to bounce back when you poke it.

Put your dough into a greased bowl and cover with a dishcloth.  Let it rise for 30-60 minutes or until doubled.

Once risen punch down dough and place it on a lightly floured surface.  Roll it out into a pizza shape.

Place your rolled out dough on a greased pizza pan.  I prefer to use a pizza pan similar to this one.  The holes in the bottom helps the crust to cook evenly.  If you don’t have a pizza pan you can use a cookie sheet!  It will work great!

Top your pizza with your favorite toppings.  Bake for 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

 

See how easy that was?!?!?!

Easy Homemade Pizza Crust Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ tsp yeast
  • 1 cup warm water baby bath temp
  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 ¼   cups flour

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • In mixer lightly mix water and yeast together.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Add the oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture.  Mix well.  You may need a little less or little more flour.  You want the dough to bounce back if you poke it.  I also usually keep the dough slightly sticky.
  • Put dough into greased bowl and cover with a dishcloth.  Let rise for 30-60 minutes until doubled.  I will usually put it next to the flour or in the sun to speed up the rising process.
  • Place dough on lightly floured surface.  Roll out into a pizza shape.  (If you don’t have a pizza pan, just use a cookie sheet.  It works great!)  Place on greased pan.  Poke all over with a fork.  Cover with your favorite toppings.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

The fun thing about homemade pizza is all of the easy ways to customize.  My kids love pepperoni, so that’s what I make most days.  You can make it Hawaiian, cheese stuffed, thick crust, thin crust, and so on.

Encourage your kids to help with making the pizza.  They will love rolling out the dough and covering it with all the toppings!

Related Recipes:

20 Family Board Games, all Under $20

Fall Bucket List for Families

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next pizza night:

Homemade pizza dough recipe - make your own easy pizza

how to make your own pizza - easy pizza recipe

 

Easy homemade pizza dough recipe.

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

November 3, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life28 Comments

The best homemade hot cocoa mix recipe makes everything better!

We love keeping hot chocolate stocked in our home during the cold winter months.  My kids will spend hours and hours playing outside in the snow and the first thing they ask for when they come inside is some hot chocolate!  Back in my “spender” days I use to buy hot chocolate mix at the store like it was nobody’s business!  Once I started learning how to save and live a frugal life I learned how to make hot cocoa from scratch with this easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe and I have never looked back! 

Not only does making your own hot cocoa save you money, it is also so quick and easy to do.  We love this easy homemade hot chocolate recipe because it tastes much much better than anything we ever buy from the store.  I like to whip a huge catch up at the beginning of every winter and keep it stored in the pantry for the kids to use whenever they need a warm drink.

92963B27-A291-47C3-86FD-02838377C28E

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Once you start making this easy hot cocoa recipe you will never go back to the expensive store bought kind.  Kids love to help make this recipe and it’s a fun family activity to do together.

Gather Ingredients

All you need is 5 cheap ingredients to mix up this creamy hot cocoa….and you probably already have them all in your pantry!

You will need:

  • 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup powdered creamer
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Mix It Together

Now, with a spoon, stir all of the ingredients together in a large bowl.

That’s it!  You are done!  (see, I told you it was easy!)

You can store your homemade hot chocolate mix in an airtight container in a cupboard.  This mix will should stay fresh for 6-12 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your hot chocolate just stir 1/4 cup mix with 3/4 boiling water in a mug.  Enjoy!  Feel free to add marshmallows, candy canes, or whipped cream for an even more festive treat!

Hot Cocoa Mix

5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 cup powdered creamer
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Store in a tightly covered container.
  • To make hot chocolate:  Stir 1/4 cup mix with 3/4 cup boiling water.  Enjoy!
  • Related:  25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

This easy homemade hot cocoa also makes a great, cheap Christmas gift for neighbors or friends!

8FB08DF5-3D0A-43D8-9042-C2A3D24EEBA6

Just put some in a mason jar and put a pretty bow around it!  Make sure to attach the instructions so your neighbors will know how to use it.

  • Related:  Cheap Gift Ideas for Neighbors, Teachers, and Friends

In Conclusion

This easy hot chocolate recipe will cost you pennies to make and tastes so very delicious!  I hope your family will enjoy it as much as we do!

Related Articles:

Christmas Hard Candy Recipe

Frugal Christmas Traditions For Families

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Don’t Forget To Pin This Recipe To Use Again:

hot cocoa mix recipe - how to make hot chocolate at home homemade hot chocolate recipe - how to make hot cocoa at home

I hope you enjoy this easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe!

30 Family Friendly Meals On A Budget

June 18, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check out this list of Cheap Dinners For Families.

Looking for some family friendly meals on a budget?  I have you covered in this article!

One of the best ways to save more money is to cook at home more and eat out less.  The problem though is that some of us are busy, some of us have picky eaters, and some of us don’t like to cook.

I hear your frustrations and struggles!  Which is exactly why I found you these 29 simple to cook, and cheap dinners for families.  One (or all!) of these are sure to be a new favorite in your household.

1.  Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

If you are looking for a comforting dinner, try these easy instant pot chicken enchiladas!  I love meals that are freezer friendly, and this recipe is just that!  Make these enchiladas and stick them in the freezer to use for later.

2.  Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Got 20 minutes, a pound of ground beef, and some broccoli on hand? You are so lucky: You have the core of this easy Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe all ready to go, the next time you need a quick weeknight dinner idea.

3.  Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Craving Chinese takeout?  Try this easy sheet pan cashew chicken recipe instead!  You only need a few ingredients to throw together this quick dinner.

pan with cashew chicken

4.  Cheap and Easy Doritos Nacho Bake

I love this Doritos Nacho Bake because it it is easy to customize for all taste preferences.  Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, which is always a huge plus in my book!

5.  Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are cheap and tasty, basically all of my favorite things!  I love the sweet dry rub in this recipe.  It’s so easy to make and budget friendly!

6.  Garlic Olive Oil Pasta

Check out this quick, meatless Garlic Olive Oil Pasta for an easy dinner.  You only need three ingredients for this recipe, and they are all budget friendly.  Win-Win!

7.  Easy Pasta Bake

If you’re needing a quick, kid friendly meal you must try this Easy Pasta Bake.  The prep is so ridiculously easy and my kids always devour it!

8.  American Goulash

I love one pot recipes, they just make cooking (and clean up!) so much easier!  Here is a great one pot recipe using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!  Check out the American Goulash recipe here!

Big pot filled with cooked Goulash Recipe made with macaroni noodles, tomato sauce, and ground beef.

9.  Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Honestly, I want to try every single instant pot recipe that comes my way!  I’m all about a quick to fix meal!  Instead of buying boxed hamburger helper, just make it yourself in your instant pot with this easy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe!

 

 

10.  One Pot Pasta

All you need is 15 minutes to whip up this one pot pasta.  This is the perfect frugal recipe for those busy days!

11.  Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole

Check out this Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole recipe for a low carb dinner idea.  It is both frugal and quick to fix!  This would be the perfect meal for using up some of your garden zucchini!

  • Related:  9 Easiest Vegetables To Grow In First Garden

12.  Oven Baked Pork Chops

All you need is 5 minutes to prep these Oven Baked Pork Chops.  This is a simple, budget friendly sheet pan meal that is sure to become a new family favorite!

13.  Chicken Broccoli Instant Pot Casserole

Another budget friendly instant pot recipe is this Chicken Broccoli Casserole.  It has very little prep and cooks extra fast using the Instant Pot.  

A close up of a bowl filled with cheesy chicken broccoli rice sitting in front of an Instant Pot

  • Related:  What To Do With A Costco Rotisserie Chicken

14.  Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

I’m all about celebrating Taco Tuesday, and these Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are the perfect meal to do that!  You can fix it before work and let it cook in the slow cooker.  It will be ready right on time when you get home!

15.  Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

 Looking for a twist on the traditional pulled pork?  Try this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken instead!  You probably already have all of the ingredients in your kitchen, plus it will only take 5 minutes to throw it all together!

16.  Easy Chili Verde

You will only need 4 ingredients to make this Easy Chili Verde recipe.  You can serve this meal in tortillas, rice or chips!  It’s so fun to customize it however you want!

17.  Mushroom Aglio Olio

This Mushroom Aglio Olio is a quick, easy and budget friendly dinner. With just six ingredients it’s on the table in twenty minutes.

18.  Easy Skillet Caprese Chicken

If you are a fan of the classic Italian Caprese salad, then you will love this Easy Skillet Caprese Chicken recipe! It has the same amazing flavors added to the top of a sautéed chicken breast. This low carb chicken dinner is a must if you need a quick week night dinner recipe.

  • Related:  Looking for even more family friendly meals on a budget?  Check out Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe ebook where easy cooking and frugal living combine!

19.  Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here is an easy way to make a Chicken Pot Pie.  This recipe uses frozen vegetables, which makes the prep minimal!  Feel free to make your own biscuits from scratch (I have an easy recipe in my cookbook) or use refrigerator biscuits for an even easier dinner.  The choice is yours!

20.  One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

Another great one dish meal is this Spanish Chicken and Rice.  This meal is so quick and easy, you’ll be eating it in just 30 minutes!

21.  Cream Cheese Pasta

This Cream Cheese Pasta recipe combines a few simple ingredients to create an easy 10-minute recipe that will keep both your budget and mouth happy!

22.  Peanut Butter Chicken

You can use your favorite peanut butter to make this peanut butter chicken recipe.  This is the perfect weeknight meal when you are craving take out!

peanut butter chicken

23.  Skillet Lasagna

This hearty skillet lasagna recipe is easy to make with Campanelle or Bowtie pasta in a skillet on the stove top! It has all of the flavor of classic lasagna, but a fraction of the work!

24.  Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bowl

Love burritos?  Try this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bowl!  It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is both filling and delicious!

No need to visit the local Mexican restaurant - make a delicious burrito bowl recipe in your own home. So yummy and so filling!

25.  Instant Pot Beef Stew

Whip up a quick beef stew in the instant pot with this recipe.  It’s the perfect hearty meal for a cool autumn day!  I especially love that you can cook it using frozen stew meat!  You don’t even have to remember to thaw it (yay!).

26.  Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup

If you’re a big fan of easy, family-friendly meals, you’ve got to try this creamy and delicious crockpot sausage and tortellini soup. With just 6 simple (and cheap!) ingredients, this is sure to become one of your favorites.

27.  Easy Cola Chicken

You will love this very simple, low prep Cola Chicken recipe.  All you need are 4 ingredients and 30 minutes of your time for a delicious dinner.

28.  Oven Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

I will try just about any recipe that contains the word lemon in the title!  It is one of my favorite ingredients!  Which is exactly the reason why I fell in love with this Oven Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs recipe.  The recipe is simple to follow and produces a moist, delicious chicken!

29.  Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff

Crockpot chicken stroganoff is a fun spin on the classic stroganoff recipe. It is a family favorite as well as an easy toss and go crockpot recipe.

30.  Quick Waikiki Chicken Recipe

My mom use to make this Waikiki Chicken recipe and it was one of my favorites!  I love making it for my own kids now.  It’s the perfect budget friendly and kid friendly dinner recipe!

You Can Cook At Home!

If you are struggling cooking dinner at home try one of these easy family friendly meals on a budget.  I have found that the easier recipes I find, the more likely I am to actually cook it!

 

Related Articles:

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe

 

Pin For Later Reference:

easy dinner recipes - cheap dinners for families

budget friendly dinner ideas - easy recipes for families

I hope you love these family friendly meals on a budget!

Simple Banana Bread Recipe

April 10, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

You will love this Quick Banana Bread Recipe!

The other day I had a few bananas starting to brown this morning and that mixed with the cloudy skies out my window put me in the baking mood!  I decided to whip up some of my Grandmas Easy Banana Bread Recipe!

My sweet grandmother shared this Banana Bread Recipe with me years ago, and we have been loving it ever since!

There is just something so sweet and special about making a recipe that I know has been made for generations.  I’m going to be keeping this recipe close to my heart and can’t wait to one day share the recipe with my own grandchildren.

It only takes a few minutes to whip up this quick banana bread…..and honestly only a few minutes to eat it till it’s gone……

This recipe is the best way to use up bananas that are turning brown or even frozen bananas!  Just pull the bananas out of the fridge, let them defrost for an hour or two, smash them up and plop them into the mixer.

How To Make This Simple Banana Bread Recipe

First, in mixing bowl, mix together the following ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs

Add 3 mashed bananas and mix again.

Next, add your dry ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix these dry ingredients gently, just until the wet and dry are evenly mixed together.

Pour this mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake in 350 degree oven for 55 minutes.  Insert toothpick in center to make sure it comes out clean before pulling out your bread.

 

Grandmas Famous Banana Bread Recipe

This Banana Bread Recipe has been loved for generations.  It is quick to make and delicious to eat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Servings 12 people

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Shortening
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3 large Mashed Bananas
  • 2 1/4 cups Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda

Instructions
 

  • In large mixing bowl beat sugar, shortening and eggs on high for 3 minutes.
  • Mash bananas and add to mixer. Mix well.
  • Add flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder.  Mix just until combined.
  • Pour in a greased loaf pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Keyword Banana Bread, Bread, Quick Bread

See how easy this simple banana bread recipe is?  The easiest!  And it is so delicious and moist!  I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in our home, like it is in ours.

The next time you have bananas going bad, consider turning them into a loaf of this delicious bread.  You will not regret it!  This is the perfect after school snack, breakfast, or sweet midnight treat!

You might also enjoy these recipes:

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

Light and Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Soft French Bread Recipe

 

Pin This Recipe For Future Reference:

homemade banana bread recipe

moist banana bread recipe

Let me know if you make this Easy Banana Bread Recipe!

Quick Waikiki Chicken Recipe

March 17, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Looking for a new easy chicken recipe to try?  You’ll love this one!

Do you ever eat a recipe and it immediately brings you back to your childhood?  Like, when the smell, taste, and look of a specific dish reminds you of something you use to eat regularly as a child?  That is what this Waikiki Chicken Recipe does for me.

This was a staple on the table when I was a child, and I love getting to make it for my own kids.  Plus, it is so easy!  Which is always a HUGE win in my book!

My Waikiki Chicken recipe is a very simple and frugal dinner to prepare, making it perfect for those busy nights.  All it requires is mixing a few ingredients together and cooking a couple of chicken breasts.  I love meals that require little prep work!

Gather Your Ingredients

First, you will need to gather all of your ingredients.  For this recipe you will need:

  • 3-5 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded, cut into rings

How To Make This Easy Waikiki Chicken Recipe

First, heat a couple of Tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

While the oil is heating, stir the flour and salt together on a plate.

Using a fork, dip each chicken breast into flour and then add it to the hot oil.

Let the chicken cook over medium-high heat for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

While the chicken is cooking stir the crushed pineapple (undrained), barbecue sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar and dry mustard together in bowl.

It might not look pretty, but it tastes great!

Once the chicken is done cooking, pour the pineapple mixture over chicken in skillet.

Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to cook in the pineapple mixture for 30-40 minutes.

Garnish the chicken with green pepper rings and serve over hot steamed rice.

This is the perfect, quick-to-fix dinner recipe.  It requires very little prep, and is always a favorite with kids and adults!

 

Waikiki Chicken

Easy, quick to fix chicken recipe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp Oil
  • 3-5 Chicken Breasts
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 8-ounce can Crushed Pineapple
  • 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Mustard
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper Cut Into Rings

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat on stove.
  • Stir flour and salt together on a plate.
  • One by one, dip chicken breast into flour mixture and then add to hot skillet.
  • Let chicken cook over medium-high heat for 15 minutes. Turning occasionally.
  • Stir together undrained pineapple, barbecue sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar and mustard. Pour over chicken in skillet
  • Cover skillet and let cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes.
  • Garnish with sliced bell pepper and serve over rice.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner recipes, waikiki chicken

In Conclusion

I hope your family loves this Waikiki chicken recipe as much as my family has!  It just might become your new family staple, you never know!

If you are looking for more easy recipes, be sure to check out my Recipe eBook, Mel’s Home Cooking.  This is the spot where I shared our family favorite, quick to fix recipes for easier home cooking!

 

Related Articles:

Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

Easy Tin Foil Dinner Recipe

Three Easy Beef Roast Recipes

 

Pin For Future Reference:

waikiki chicken recipe - easy chicken dinner recipe

easy throw together dinner idea - frugal recipes for dinner

easy chicken recipe - waikiki chicken recipe

Enjoy this quick Wakiki Chicken Recipe!

15 Easy Pantry Dinner Ideas

January 21, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check out these kid friendly easy cheap dinner ideas!

This month I have been participating in a January Pantry Challenge.  My goal has been to save some extra money by eating the food I already have at home and spending less at the store.  This is not always an easy task, but I love the challenge and pushing myself out of my comfort zone!  As I’ve been trying to cut my grocery expenses I’ve found a few pantry dinner ideas that I am so excited to share with you!

How To Stock A Frugal Pantry

I love having my pantry, freezer, and cupboards stocked with a few of our every day staples.  Having a well stocked pantry makes it much easier to throw together a few easy pantry dinner ideas, without having to go to the store.

The best way to stock up your pantry is to buy a few extra of the items you would normally be buying anyways.  For example, when I need ketchup, I’ll buy 3 bottles of ketchup, rather than just 1.  This gives me the extra food on hand, that I know I buy and use regularly.

When stocking your frugal pantry, try to focus on buying frugal friendly food items.  A few of my favorites are:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Pasta
  • Oatmeal
  • Vinegar
  • Beans
  • Eggs
  • Potatoes
  • Popcorn

Related:  Cheap Foods to Buy For a Well Stocked Pantry

pantry dinner ideas - easy dinner ideas for picky eaters

Easy Pantry Dinner Ideas

Alright!  Let’s get to it!  Here are a few of my easy pantry dinner ideas.  I hope they will inspire you to use food that you already have at home to put together a few easy dinner ideas.

Most of these dinner ideas are kid friendly and easy to customize and change to your personal eating preference.

1.  Taco Soup

Taco soup is the perfect pantry dinner to throw together using ingredients you already have at home.  It’s really easy to throw together whatever you happen to have in your fridge to make this soup.

Use chicken, beef, or beans (or a combination of all three!) as the base for your soup.  Then, add in onions, tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, and whatever else sounds good to you for a nice, warm, and hearty taco soup.

*My favorite taco soup recipe is included in my Mel’s Home Cooking recipe ebook!

2.  Pasta Bake

Looking for an incredibly easy-impossible to fail-quick to fix pantry dinner idea????  This easy pasta bake is just what you need!  You only need 4 ingredients to throw it together, and one of them is water (seriously.)!  You can find this easy Pasta Bake Recipe here!

3.  Chili With Cornbread Waffles

Have a can of chili sitting in a cupboard and some cornmeal?  Make chili with cornbread waffles!  This is my kids favorite cheap and easy dinner!

To make chili with cornbread waffles, you will first need to heat up a can of chili over the stove on medium-high heat.

While the chili is warming up, make your cornbread waffles using the recipe below.

 

Cornbread Waffles

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk if you do not have buttermilk just mix 1 Tbsp vinegar into 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • In large mixer cream together the sugar and oil.
  • Add eggs and milk and mix well.
  • In separate bowl stir together the baking soda, flour, cornmeal, and salt.
  • Add all at once to egg mixture and mix until smooth.
  • Pour batter onto waffle iron and cook until lightly golden brown.
  • Serve with chili and cheese on top.

Serve the chili on top of the cornbread waffles and sprinkle with cheese.  You will now be your kids favorite person, seriously.

4.  Spaghetti With Garlic Toast

Spaghetti is one of the easiest pantry dinners around!  Have a box of spaghetti noodles and a jar of spaghetti sauce???  All it takes is a few minutes to warm them up on the stove and, boom dinner is ready!

I like to serve spaghetti with a side of garlic toast, which is so easy to make!  Get out a few bread slices from a loaf of bread and spread butter on top and then sprinkle it with garlic salt.  Cook the bread slices on a cookie sheet, under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until brown and toasty.  That’s it!  Garlic toast is a great side for a family friendly dinner.

5.  Burrito Bowl

Burrito bowls are a perfect way to use up ingredients you have sitting in your fridge and pantry.  Layer your burrito bowl with rice on the bottom, and layering with beans, cheese, seasonings.  Top your burrito bowl with your favorite toppings.

A few topping suggestions are:  tomato’s, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips, lettuce, corn, avocado, cilantro, ranch dressing, and anything else that sounds good to you!

6.  Sloppy Joes

Another great pantry dinner idea is to make sloppy joes.  Sloppy joes can easily be made with some ground beef and a few other pantry staples.  This is a very freezer friendly meal, so I will double the recipe and then freeze half for another day.

  • Related:  19 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

These are best served on hamburger buns, but we have used a regular loaf of bread when in a pinch.  All about pantry friendly here!

*My favorite Sloppy Joes recipe is available in the Mel’s Home Cooking ebook.

7.  Tomato Soup With Cheese Toast

We always keep a can of tomato soup stocked in our pantry for nights when I’m to tired, or busy, to make a big dinner.  It only takes a few minutes (and hardly any effort!) to heat up some tomato soup over the stove

I love to serve tomato soup with a side of cheese toast.  Make cheese toast by placing some cheese onto slices of bread and then cooking them on a cookie sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

8.  Tacos

Tacos is another quick and easy dinner you can throw together using pantry ingredients.  Make your tacos using any meat you happen to have at home, such as chicken, pork, or beef.

To make tacos just cook your meat over the stove.  Once cooked add 1/2 cup water and a packet of taco seasoning.

If you don’t have a packet of taco seasoning in your pantry, that’s ok!  You can make it yourself!  Check out my favorite taco seasoning recipe below!

Easy Taco Seasoning Mix

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • In small bowl mix all ingredients together.
  • Use 2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix in replace of 1 packet of taco seasoning.
  • Store seasoning in a tupperware container or jar in your pantry.

 

Cook and stir your meat with taco seasoning and water until the water has cooked off, about 5 minutes.

Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.  We love cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, salsa, sour cream and guacamole.

9.   Homemade Pizza

We love homemade pizza at our house!  Use this homemade pizza dough recipe to make the crust, and then top it with your favorite toppings, or whatever you have in your pantry.  

Get creative!  You can use barbecue sauce, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or even Thai sauce.  For toppings try different kinds of cheeses, vegetables and meats. 

If you don’t feel like making homemade pizza dough, you can even use French bread, biscuits or tortillas to make your pizzas.  Find out how here:  Easy Pizza Alternatives.

10.  Bean Burritos

Another great pantry dinner idea is to make bean burritos!  This is a very quick and easy meal to prepare, and they are freezer friendly!  (yay, I love freezer friendly!) 

To make bean burritos just mix beans (we use black or pinto beans), cheese, rice, and taco seasoning together.  Place mixture on tortillas and gently roll up.

Heat your burrito in the microwave or oven and serve!  Easy peasy!

11.  Stir Fry

Stir fry is another dinner staple at our house!  It’s the perfect meal to make on busy days.  The three steps to a good stir fry are vegetables, protein, and sauce.

Choose whichever protein and vegetables you have in your home already.  A few protein suggestions are:  chicken, beef and shrimp.  There are so many vegetables that make a great stir fry, such as:  peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms and peas.

Sauté your protein in a large frying pan.  Add vegetables and continue to sauté until cooked.  Next, add sauce and stir together.  Cook and stir for a few more minutes until sauce has thickened.

Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles, whichever is in your pantry.

My favorite stir fry sauce is included in my Mel’s Home Cooking eCookbook, but I also really like this 3 ingredient stir fry sauce.

12.  Stroganoff

Stroganoff is another simple and pantry friendly dinner.  You can whip up some stroganoff with ground beef, sour cream, cream of chicken soup mix and some seasonings.  Serve it over noodles or eat it Idaho style, served over a baked potato!  Yum!

13.  Breakfast for Dinner

My kids love when I make breakfast for dinner.  It’s such an easy, fun dinner to make when your pantry is feeling bare.  We love to make waffles, pancakes, eggs and a smoothie for Saturday night dinners once or twice a month.

14.  Twice Baked Potatoes

I grew up on an Idaho potato farm, so potatoes are always a staple at my house.  They are so cheap, easy and filling!

Twice baked potatoes are a great way to make a filling meal out of ingredients you probably already have at home.  I love this recipe from Ree Drummond.

15.  Quesadillas

Have some tortillas and cheese???  Make quesadillas for dinner!  You can customize your quesadilla in whichever way you want!  We use salsa, beans, chicken, onions, peppers and green chilis.

A fun way to serve quesadillas is to set out all of the ingredients you have to make them for a quesadilla bar.  Let everyone fill, and customize their own tortilla and cook on the griddle.

Save Money and Cook At Home

I hope these pantry meal ideas gave you some inspiration for cooking without having to go to the store.  Cooking dinner using your pantry ingredients is a great way to save extra money on groceries. 

Remember, to try to use the foods that you already have at home.  If a recipe calls for something you don’t already have, be creative and find a good substitute, do not run to the grocery store!  Because we all know if we go to the grocery store for “just one thing” we always leave with more (is that just me????).

Related Articles:

How a Pantry Challenge Will Save You Money

Best Ways To Store Produce To Keep It Fresh Longer

15 Products You Should Always Buy Generic

Pin this article for future reference:

easy dinners to make from the pantry ingredients - easy dinner ideas for homemade cooking

easy dinner ideas when cupboard is bare - quick to fix family dinners

I hope you enjoyed these easy pantry dinner ideas!

Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

November 20, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

This Check out these easy freezer chicken recipes.

One of my favorite ways to save money on groceries is to buy my chicken in bulk.  Bulk chicken is usually priced much lower than buying smaller amounts.  This is also a great way to save time in the kitchen!  When I buy my bulk chicken, I like to prep some of them for the freezer for quick to fix dinners.  Today I am going to show you how to prep bulk chicken for the freezer and 6 of my favorite easy freezer chicken recipes.

how to freeze bulk chicken - chicken freezer recipes

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

I will receive compensation from purchases made through links in this post.  Thank you!

Where To Buy Bulk Chicken

There are many different places you can buy your chicken in bulk.  Watch for sales at your local grocery store.  Bulk chicken will go on sale multiple times throughout the year and is usually an excellent deal.

I have also bought bulk chicken at Savory Butcher and Butcher Box, and honestly was so happy with both!

Savory Butcher

Savory Butcher is a meat coop community offering discounted meats to multiple areas around the United States.  Their meat are all humanely raised, antibiotic free and no added hormones.

They are currently delivering meat to areas in Texas, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon and more!  Products include beef, pork, seafood, and chicken.

I just tried out Savory Butcher for the first time, and I was SO impressed!  The customer service was incredible and the meat was high quality and delicious!  Plus, the price is right which is so important to me.

I chose to purchase the 40 lb case of chicken, which was only $1.99/lb.  This is a smoking deal!  Their chicken comes fresh from the farm and already trimmed (this makes life easier, trust me!).

Butcher Box

Another great place to buy meat and get it shipped right to your door is Butcher Box!  Be sure to click here for my full Butcher Box review.

D5AF0676-2EA7-403C-9F87-33E7C09A33DA

How To Freeze Bulk Chicken

I just spent a couple of hours prepping my bulk chicken.  It makes me happy to stock my freezer full of chicken for quick, easy dinners.  I prepped 8 ready to cook dinners; and 6 bags of plain chicken.  It does take a little bit of effort to prepare your bulk chicken, but the amount of money you save is SO worth it!

 


  • Related:  How to freeze Pancakes for a Quick Frugal Breakfast

If your chicken comes trimmed (like mine did) you can start putting them into freezer safe packaging, right out of the box.  

Sometimes bulk chicken is sold still needing trimmed.  Take a few minute trimming off the fat and then you can begin packaging.

When preparing chicken for the freezer I highly recommend using a vacuum sealer.  This one simple purchase will make freezing bulk chicken much easier and does a great job of preventing freezer burn.

My sealer was not working (resulting in quite a bit of frustration on my part!).  So, I used freezer bags instead.  These don’t work quite as well as a vacuum sealer does, but they can get the job done.

To prep your chicken for the freezer you will need to separate your chicken into dinner sized portions.  For my family I put about 2-3 chicken breasts per bag for my family.  Place each portioned chicken into freezer bag, remove all of the air and seal tightly.

Your chicken is now ready for the freezer!  Yay!  Your chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for 6-12 months.

 


Easy Freezer Chicken Recipes

While you are preparing your chicken for the freezer, you can whip up a few of these easy recipes at the same time.  I love these recipes because I can pull the chicken out of the freezer in the morning, and half of the work for dinner is already done!  They are perfect for busy days, or when you just don’t feel like cooking!

15E74EF0-5C70-4931-AD0C-D068F5735EA0

Slow Cooker Honey Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. chicken breasts
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 4 Tbsp diced onion
  • 4 Tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tsp cornstarch
  • 6 Tbsp water

Instructions
 

  • Combine chicken, salt, pepper, honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup and garlic powder in a freezer bag.
  • Let all air out of bag.  Seal tight and freeze.
  • When ready to prepare take it out of freezer and allow to thaw.
  • Dump entire bag of chicken and sauce into slow cooker.  Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  • When finished cooking take chicken out of slow cooker and leave the sauce.
  • Combine cornstarch with water, stir well.
  • Add it into slow cooker with sauce.  Cook sauce on high until it begins to thicken (5-10 minutes).
  • Slice chicken into small chunks.  Return to slow cooker and stir with sauce.
  • Serve over rice.

 

Barbecue Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. chicken breasts
  • 1 container of barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • Put chicken in a freezer bag.  Pour entire container of barbecue sauce on top.
  • Let all air out of bag.  Seal tight and freeze.
  • When ready to prepare take it out of freezer and allow to thaw.
  • Cook on grill.  Top with barbecue sauce to serve.

 

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb. chicken breasts sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper in freezer bag.
  • Put chicken in a freezer bag.  Pour entire container of barbecue sauce on top.
  • Let all air out of bag.  Seal tight and freeze.
  • When ready to prepare take it out of freezer and allow to thaw.
  • Cook chicken on grill.
  • Serve with rice and veggies.

Balsamic Chicken

181D34A0-61BC-42CC-9676-542E14F92ECE

This balsamic chicken recipe is available as part of my Free 5 Days to Frugal ecourse.  You can sign up below and my 5 favorite frugal recipes will be emailed to you on day 3 of the challenge!

 

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tacos

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb. chicken breasts
  • 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Combine chicken, tomatoes, brown sugar and red pepper flakes in freezer bag.
  • Let all air out of bag.  Seal tight and freeze.
  • When ready to prepare take it out of freezer and allow to thaw.
  • Pour chicken and sauce into slow cooker.
  • Cook in slow cooker on high for 5 hours.
  • When done cooking shred chicken in sauce.
  • Serve in flour tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Grilled (or baked!) Island Chicken

82F561C3-E2B4-44EE-A3E3-DB4381E53FEB

This grilled island chicken recipe is available as part of my Free 5 Days to Frugal ecourse.

You can sign up below and my 5 favorite frugal recipes will be emailed to you on day 3 of the challenge!

Favorite Baked Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb. chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in freezer bag.
  • Let all air out of bag.  Seal tight and freeze.
  • When ready to prepare take it out of freezer and allow to thaw.
  • Bake in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.
  • Serve with baked potatoes and veggies.
  • Related:  Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe Book

Honey Lime Enchiladas

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. chicken
  • 6 Tbsp honey
  • 4.5 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 10 oz. can green enchilada sauce
  • flour tortillas
  • shredded monterey jack cheese

Instructions
 

  • Combine chicken, honey, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder in freezer bag.
  • Let all air out of bag.  Seal tight and freeze.
  • When ready to prepare take it out of freezer and allow to thaw.
  • Pour chicken and sauce into slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Shred chicken in sauce.
  • Pour a small amount of green enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
  • Fill tortillas with shredded chicken and cheese.  Place in pan.
  • Pour the rest of the green enchilada sauce over the tortillas.  Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

In Conclusion

I love buying my chicken in bulk.  It has proven time and time again to be a money and time saver for me.  Feel free to try any of these recipes for any chicken, it doesn’t have to be in bulk.  Let me know which one is your favorite!

If you are looking for more easy recipes be sure to check out my very own recipe book!  Mel’s Home Cooking offers 65 simple, delicious and easy recipes for one low price.  You are sure to find a new family favorite!

Related Articles:

How to Freeze Raspberries

8 Foods You Should Freeze in an Ice Cube Tray

Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe Book

Pin For Later:

Love these freezer chicken recipes for the busy mom

 

Enjoy these easy freezer chicken recipes!

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

January 21, 2019 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

The very best whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffin recipe!

My friend shared this whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffin recipe with me years ago and I have been hooked on them ever since!  My kids love to eat these muffins for breakfast, after school snacks and in their school lunches.

whole wheat banana chocolate chips muffins

These muffins are quick and easy to make, fairly healthy thanks to the whole wheat, which makes me happy!  They are also super easy to make a large batch to freeze for later….and my ENTIRE family LOVES them.  So, basically just a win all around!

How To Freeze Muffins

This whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffin recipe is perfect for freezing!  I like to double the recipe and then freeze half of them for later!

To freeze these muffins, just place the cooled baked muffins into a ziplock freezer bag and then throw them (or I guess gently place them….either way works 😉 ) into the freezer.  That’s it!

When you are ready to eat the muffins, take them out of the freezer and thaw on the counter.  You can even just pop one into the microwave for a minute if you don’t want to wait for them to thaw.  (this is my kids’ fave trick!)

whole wheat banana chocolate chips muffins (1)

Easy Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

First, beat softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a large mixer.

Add the eggs, honey and mashed bananas.  Mix together well.

Next, slowly mix in the flour and chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into greased muffin cups.  

Bake muffins for 23-28 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until smooth.
  • Add the eggs, honey and mashed bananas.  Beat well.
  • Next, mix in the flour and chocolate chips.
  • Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full.
  • Bake for 23-28 minutes.
  • This recipes yields 12 regular sized muffins.

This is such a great, easy and family friendly recipe!  If you are looking for more easy family favorites be sure to check out my eCookbook, Mel’s Home Cooking, where I share all of our tried and true recipes, perfect for busy families!

 

You might be interested in a few of my other recipes:

Light and Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Homemade Graham Cracker Recipe

Quick and Easy Overnight Oatmeal

Pin for later:

whole wheat banana muffin recipe

I hope your family enjoys this easy whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffin recipe!

How to Freeze Pancakes

January 15, 2019 By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

Tips to store pancakes in the freezer.

Trying to get my three kids fed, ready, and out the door every morning can get a little hectic.  One of my favorite hacks to make these mornings a little easier was to start making breakfast ahead of time to store in the freezer.  One of our favorite freezer breakfast meal are these pancakes.  They are so easy to make and freeze!  Today I am going to share everything you need to know about how to freeze pancakes.  You will love doing this!!  Promise!

This idea really started because I’m trying to be like my mom.  I really think my mom was supermom.  Granted, I didn’t think that when I was growing up….but now that I have become a mom myself, I am able to look back and realize just how hard she worked for our family.

I feel fairly confident when I say that many of you are supermoms as well.  You wake up early, spend all day serving your family, and go to bed late worrying about your kids.  My goal is to be supermom!  I fail about everyday, but I continue to try!

One of the many “supermom” traits from my mom was her willingness to make us a hot breakfast every single morning before school.  I knew that when I walked upstairs after getting dressed the table would be set, and a fresh warm breakfast would be served.  I TRY to do the same with my kids….but I REALLY struggle some mornings to find the energy and motivation.

I’ve recently started batch cooking many breakfast items and stocking up my freezer for quick breakfasts for my kids before they head out the door for school.  I want to share how you can do that too!

for all ages

  • Related:  Quick and Easy Overnight Oatmeal Recipe

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

How to Freeze Pancakes

To freeze pancakes, you first have to make the pancakes!  I love this pancake recipe, and I think your family will love it too!

Once you are done making your pancakes, including cooking on the griddle, let them cool completely.

1885e48a-9155-476b-94c0-9f2bacba02a1

After they are cooled place the pancakes on a cookie sheet in a single layer.  Don’t let any of the sides touch each other.

4d1275d7-9625-4a4f-9e6a-8c58645f0d9a

Put the cookie sheet into your freezer to allow your pancakes to flash freeze, this takes about 1 hour.

While the pancakes are in the freezer you can prepare your freezer bags.  This is easy!  Just get out a freezer bag and write “Pancakes” and the date on one side.  Done and done!

7a55fa72-bb4e-4dbc-9a84-4636ffa46c2a

Check your pancakes in the freezer after an hour.  Once they are frozen completely you can take the pancakes off of the cookie sheets and place them all into your freezer bag.  Feel free to fill the bag as full as you need to!  

8a16021f-93f3-4ae7-8fa4-7a7fd728f691

Stick the bag of pancakes in the freezer and you are done!  Yay!  Easy peasy!

How To Use Your Frozen Pancakes

Using your frozen pancakes are about as easy as freezing them!

When you are ready to use the pancakes, simply take out the number of pancakes you need and microwave them until they are warm, about 1 minute.  That’s all!  Now serve the warm pancakes with your favorite toppings!

These are also easy for the kids to get out of the freezer themselves!  If you ever have a busy morning, your older kids can get the pancakes out by themselves!  Yay for independence!

Related Articles:

How to Freeze Raspberries

Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

8 Foods You Should Freeze in an Ice Cube Tray

Pin For Later:

how to freeze pancakes to save time and money

how to freeze pancakes - easy freezer breakfast idea

I hope this article helped you to learn how to freeze pancakes.

Three Easy Beef Roast Recipes

February 22, 2018 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

Stretch your meals further by using one roast for three dinner recipes.

One of the biggest expenses in most households is groceries.  Because of this, I am always looking for new ways to spend less on food and lower our grocery budget.  One of the easiest ways I have found to save money on food is to stretch meat through multiple meals.  Another plus to stretching your meat is it makes meal prepping even easier!  Yay!  Today I want to share three easy beef roast recipes.

Each of these easy beef roast recipes are super simple, easy dinner ideas.  As a busy mom, I love meals that do not require a lot of effort and time.  🙂

100E8DBE-1EB2-4CC2-AB82-8B476A2CAC0E

Meal #1:  Pot Roast

The first meal I use the roast for is a simple Pot Roast cooked in the crock pot.  I make this meal for our Sunday Dinner and serve it with mashed potatoes, gravy and a salad.  My sister shared this recipe with me a few years ago and I still can’t believe how easy and delicious it is to make.  I always receive compliments whenever I make this for someone!

59EE07F9-7DF9-4B2E-8C50-9283729C5CB7

For the Pot Roast you will need a packet of brown gravy mix, a packet of ranch dressing, a packet of Italian dressing, a 1/4 cup of water and a 3 1/2 lb. roast.  The size of your roast will vary depending on how many are in your family and how many left overs you want to have.

First, mix the three packets and water together in your crock pot.

 


Next, you will need to brown your roast.  Heat a couple of TBSP of oil in a large sauce pan on the stove top over medium heat .  When oil is hot add the roast and cook it on each side until each side is lightly browned.  This only takes a few minutes to get it all browned.


Once the roast is browned, place it into the sauce in the crock pot.  Spoon the sauce as much as you can over the roast.  Turn the crock pot to low and let the roast cook for 6-8 hours.

 


After the roast is done cooking set it on a cutting board, cover, and let rest while you prepare the gravy.

For the gravy you will need to dump the excess sauce from the crock pot into a sauce pan.  Heat this over medium-high heat.  In a small bowl mix about a 1/4 cup of cornstarch with approximately a 1/2 cup water.  Slowly add this to the gravy in sauce pan. 

Continue heating until it comes to just a boil.  I do not always use all of the cornstarch/water mix.  I slowly add it and stir until the gravy becomes thick.  When it achieves the right amount of thickness I quit adding the cornstarch mixture.  Remove from heat.

 


Slice the roast into thin pieces and it should be ready to serve!  If you want to use this roast for two more meals make sure to set aside 2/3 of the roast slices.

CACD86AD-897E-43B1-B759-DA2BC394D91F

Easy Beef Roast Recipe

Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 6 hrs

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 lb Beef Chuck Roast
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 packet Brown gravy mix
  • 1 packet Ranch dressing mix
  • 1 packet Italian dressing mix
  • 1/4 cup Water

To Make Gravy

  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup Water

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
  • Brown roast in hot oil until brown on each side.
  • Mix three packets together in slow cooker with water.
  • Add browned roast to slow cooker.
  • Cook roast for 6-8 hours on low heat.
  • Once down set aside to rest until ready to slice and serve.

To Make Gravy

  • Pour sauce from slow cooker into a small sauce pan.
  • Heat over medium heat.
  • In a small bowl mix water and cornstarch.
  • Slowly add cornstarch mixture to sauce in pan. (you might not need to use it all)
  • Continue heating and stirring until it comes just to a boil.
  • Remove from heat and serve over roast.
  • Related: 10 Quick Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill

Meal #2:  French Dip Sandwiches

For dinner the next day I used 1/2 of the Pot Roast leftovers to make French Dip Sandwiches.  I always just wing this meal without a recipe.  It’s really easy!

Butter the insides of hoagie rolls and lay them face up on a cookie sheet.

Stick the hoagie buns under the broiler for a few minutes to get them slightly toasted.

Then, just layer cheese (provolone tastes best) and the roast beef slices on the rolls, and cook them for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.

While they are cooking follow the directions on the Au Jus packet to make the dipping sauce.

This dinner is SO easy!  I usually serve it with some carrots or celery on the side.

 


  • Related:  Easy Pasta Bake Recipe

Meal #3:  Beef Stew

A friend gave me this delicious beef stew recipe a few years ago, and it quickly became our family favorite!  There really isn’t anything better than a warm beef stew on a cold winter day….especially when the crock pot does all of the work!  😉

This beef stew requires a small amount of prep work to chop all the veggies, but once that is done it is such an easy recipe.

I like to make this recipe using leftover roast meat.  I simply cut it into chunks and add it to the stew.


Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 6 hrs

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb Stew Meat (cut into chunks)
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Garlic Clove
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 3 Sliced carrots
  • 3 Diced potatoes
  • 1 Chopped onion
  • 1 Celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 Bay leaf

Instructions
 

  • Mix beef with flour and salt and pepper in the slow cooker.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

In Conclusion

And that is how I use one roast for three dinners.  It has helped our family save on groceries time and time again!  I hope that it will help you too!

Here are a few other recipes my family loves!

  • Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe
  • Quick and Easy Overnight Oatmeal Recipe

Don’t forget to pin theses recipes for future use!

Easy roast beef in the slow cooker

three ways to use one roast - easy roast beef recipes

Let me know if you try these easy beef roast recipes!

 

Hello! I’m Melanie!

Follow me on social!

Want more frugal tips?

Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

Copyright © 2023 · Modern Blogger Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT