WalMart Meals under $15
Prices based on my local Wal-Mart in western PA
All meals are priced with gluten free items - meals will work with regular items also making total prices lower
I don't count basic essentials like eggs, milk, spice towards total price.
1. BBQ chicken and cheesy broccoli baked potatoes - wash and microwave baked potatoes (approx 10 min for 2) or until can easily pierce (Or make your preferred way) Microwave chicken and broccoli per package instructions. Assemble as a "stuffed" potato or serve separately.
2. Sheet pan smash burgers - preheat oven to 425. Microwave potatoes according to package instructions (approx 5 minutes). While potatoes are cooking, spread diced onions onto one half of a sheet pan. Press ground beef into onions, forming a thin flat rectangle. Spread out cooked potatoes onto the other half of the sheet pan. Season everything on sheet pan generously with seasoning of choice (i.e. fav burger seasoning or s/p and garlic/onion powder)
Bake for 15 minutes (or until beef is done). Lay cheese slices on top of cooked burger and place back into oven for approximately 3 minutes (or until cheese is melted). To serve - cut beef into squares, top with lettuce and burger sauce with a side of potatoes
3. Ziti Soup aka Lasagna Soup- In an instant pot, Brown meat and onions on sauté mode. When meat is browned, add 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp italian seasoning, broth + 1 can of water, tomatoes, marinara, and noodles. Set manual cooking time to 4 minutes (takes approx. 15 minutes to come to pressure)
While cooking, mix topping ingredients together and set aside (2 individual serving containers or 1 1/2 cups of cottage cheese, 1 cup cheese, 2 tsp dried parsley, and pepper). When time is up, release pressure. serve 2 scoops of soup topped with cheese mixture.
No instant pot? Brown meat and onions on the stove top. Add the rest of the ingredients, cover and cook for 15 minutes (or until pasta is done).
*any gluten free items may not be suitable for those with celiac or other specific allergies to wheat/gluten
#budgetfriendlymeals #WalmartGroceryHaul #easymealsforbusypeople #cheapmeals #glutenfreeonabudget
You know those nights when you're just starving but the thought of cooking a big meal feels impossible? I totally get it! Finding quick, delicious, and budget-friendly dinners is a constant mission for me, and honestly, Walmart has become my secret weapon. The main article shares some fantastic under-$15 recipes, but I wanted to add a few more personal tips and tricks for making your Walmart grocery run even more efficient for those super busy days. First off, don't underestimate the power of Walmart's frozen aisle for speed. Beyond the Birds Eye Cheesy Broccoli mentioned in the recipes, I always grab frozen pre-cut veggies – think fajita mixes, stir-fry blends, or even just plain broccoli florets. They cook up in minutes and save so much chopping time. Another game-changer is pre-cooked proteins. I often spot convenient options like the Jack Daniel's Pulled Chicken (so good for sandwiches or quick wraps!) or even pre-cooked meatballs. These are perfect for throwing into a skillet with some sauce and pasta (like the jovial brown rice pasta if you're gluten-free!) or serving alongside a simple side salad. Speaking of salads, don't forget the fresh but minimal-prep items. Grab a bag of marketside shredded iceberg lettuce, maybe some pre-chopped onions, and a rotisserie chicken from the deli. You've got the base for an instant, satisfying meal right there! Just add some dressing and maybe a few croutons. For the main dishes, always keep an eye out for Walmart's 'Great Value' brand. They often have comparable quality to name brands but at a fraction of the cost, helping you stay well under that $15 mark. I've found their canned diced tomatoes, broths, and even some dairy products like cottage cheese or mozzarella (as seen in the ziti soup recipe!) to be excellent staples. Another tip for quick meals is building a 'pantry power' collection. Stock up on things like pasta, rice (especially the microwavable pouches), canned beans, and versatile sauces. When you have these on hand, it's easy to pair them with a quick protein like ground beef or ground turkey (both featured in the recipes!) and some frozen veggies for a complete meal in under 30 minutes. The key is to think about what you can combine with minimal effort. For instance, a packet of taco seasoning, some ground beef, and a can of beans can quickly become tacos or a burrito bowl. It's all about making smart choices in the aisles. And for my gluten-free friends, Walmart has really stepped up its game. You'll find a surprising variety of gluten-free pasta, breads, and even sauces. The recipes here already incorporate GF items, proving it's totally doable without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. So next time you're at Walmart, remember these little hacks. They make grabbing 'quick food from Walmart' not just possible, but genuinely easy and delicious!
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