Kidney Beans and Spaghetti

If you are looking to feed a crowd, with very little money this might be the perfect recipe for you. Now this dish may sound a little strange, but it taste really good. Unless of course, someone doesn't like kidney beans!


INGREDIENTS:

1 pound of bacon
1 pound box of spaghetti
1 large can of light kidney beans
1 large can of dark kidney beans
2 large onions (diced)
Garlic (diced)

DIRECTIONS:

1. First begin by cutting the bacon down in to two inch strips, and cooking over medium heat in a large pot. Let this cook alone for about 10 minutes, or until you begin seeing some excess oil in the pot.  
2. Next add onions and garlic-The oil from the bacon is what we will be using to saute the onions and garlic.
3. Slowly saute onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add kidney beans, and turn temperature down to low. We want to allow the kidney bean mixture to heat thoroughly but slowly for best flavor.
5. While you are waiting you can boil the spaghetti. I use angel hair, but you can use whatever you prefer.
6. Drain spaghetti, and add it to your kidney bean mixture.
7. Serve immediately
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Old Fashioned Potato Soup Made From Scratch

There are many varieties when it comes to making a pot of potato soup. You could make creamy potato soup, loaded potato soup, and so on. This recipe is for old fashioned potato soup, the kind that is more budget friendly. My family likes this soup thick, with a couple drops of hot sauce as a bowl topper.


Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe:

• 1 pound of sausage (Italian, or Jimmy Dean)
• 3-5 pounds of potatoes (peeled, and sliced)
• 2-3 onions chopped
• 1 stick of butter
• 2 cups of milk
• seasoning-salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, parsley
• 3 cups of chicken broth

1. Boil potatoes until tender, drain.
2. In a large pot, brown sausage and onions together.
3. Mash potatoes well with butter, and add them to your meat.
4. Season to taste.
5. Add milk, and stir.
6. Pour in chicken broth one cup at a time, this way you can reach your desired consistency.
7. Cook over medium low for at least an hour.   

This makes enough to feed 4-6 people well, you may have a little bit left over. It's just as good heated up for lunch the next afternoon. This dish can be made without sausage, too.

Cheap Meal Ideas For Family's On A Budget

Coming up with cheap meal ideas for family's on a budget can be a tough task indeed. I have found quite a few cheap dinner recipes, that may help you save some cash on your grocery bill.    

I was laid off back in June of 2010, due to the fallen economy. You can imagine as a single mother of 3, I have been looking for every way possible to save each penny that I can. I use to spend $200 + per week for groceries when I was working, now we are lucky if we have $80-$100 per week to spend for groceries.

This situation has inspired me to help others in the same, or similar positions. I have decided to add a new category to this blog- Cheap Dinner Recipes. I am going to let you in on all of the cheap meal ideas that I have  found to be helpful, as well as good tasting.

Make sure to check this section often, as my goal is to find at least 31 cheap dinner recipes. If you would like to share a cheap meal idea with us, please leave me a comment.