Budget Meals from the Dollar Store

Times are tough and money is tight. We are all feeling the effects of the COVID pandemic, work hours being cut, budget cuts within companies. Most of all we are all feeling the effects of the rising cost of gas and groceries.

Here is a few money saving meals that taste great, are child friendly and all the ingredients can be purchased at Dollar Tree. These have all been tried and loved by my family and others.

Pizza (Make Your Own)

This meal will cost you approximately $16.25 and that includes the ingredients and the pizza pans to cook it. It will make two medium size pizzas, of course, you can add extra ingredients if you'd like.

Ingredients:

• (2) Ultra Thin Pizza Crust
• (2) Pantry Essentials Pizza Sauce
• (2) Bags of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or (2) Blocks
• (2) Packages Hormel Pepperoni
• (2) Jars Sliced Mushrooms
• (2) Pizza Pans
• Can of Cooking Spray

Preheat your Oven to 375 (oven temps may vary), Spray your pizza pans with the cooking spray. Place the premade Ultra Thin Pizza Crust on each pan. Pour the pizza sauce on the crust and use a spoon or spatula to spread around. Sprinkle your Mozzarella Cheese on top of the sauce (if you could only get blocks shred it first). Then place your desired toppings (I used pepperoni and mushrooms). Bake at 375 degrees until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole is an easy winner. The cost of this dinner is approximately $10. Kids love it, it is filling and taste good too. You can always add extra ingredients if you would like.

Ingredients

• (2) Knorr Cheddar and Broccoli Rice Side
• Milk (can be non refrigerated)
• (2) Cans of Chicken
• Bag or Block of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Bag of Frozen Broccoli (optional for extra Broccoli)
• disposable casserole pan

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees (temperatures may vary). Follow the directions on the Knorr Cheddar and Broccoli rice to make it. Once that is cooked, Open and drain the cans of chicken, pour them into a bowl, and shred it up. Defrost the frozen broccoli. Mix half the bag of cheese, the chicken, the broccoli, and the rice together. Put it in a casserole dish, add a splash of milk and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly. Dish up and enjoy.

Loaded Pepperoni Stromboli

Loaded Pepperoni Stromboli is a crowd pleaser for sure. This tasty meal is easy to make, all ingredients can be purchased at Dollar Tree. Two people can eat a tasty meal for around $10 including the bowl and pan needed to make it.

Ingredients

• 1 Box of Biscuit Mix
• 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter

• ½ Cup Milk
• ¼ Cup Pizza Sauce
• ½ Cup Shredded Pizza Blend Cheese
• 4 Slices Pepperoni
• Mixing Bowl
• Cookie Pan
• Knife

Preheat oven to 450°. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the biscuit mix with butter and milk. Half the dough. Flatten one portion of the dough directly to a greased baking sheet, pressing down with hands until about ¼" thick. Spread marinara pizza sauce onto the dough, leaving a ½" border of dough. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce and top with pepperoni. Flatten the remaining dough to match the first half. Lay it on top of the pepperoni and pinch the dough edges together, forming a seal. Cut a few slits on the top of the Stromboli to ensure steam release. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the Stromboli from the oven and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes. Slice your Loaded Pepperoni Stromboli in half and dig in with a friend!

These are all super simple and budget-friendly meals. All the ingredients come from the Dollar tree. My kids enjoy these meals and oftentimes will ask for them. Give them try and leave me comments on what you think.