One of the best ways I know to save money is to not throw food in the trash. You’re bound to have noticed, but we’re all experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store and many of us are trying to cut back expenses any way we can.
But too often we grocery shop without a plan…and that means that we end up buying food that spoils before we get around to eating it.
The best way I know to prevent food waste is to shop with a plan – and that means having a written, well-thought out meal plan. That way you know exactly what you need to purchase. More importantly, when you’ve got a meal plan you’re less likely to pick up impulse items that end up going in the trash.
The next best way I know to save money on food is to plan to use every scrap of meat that we serve. This means that no scrap goes into the trash. Fortunately, there are lots of great casserole recipes that help you turn what might not be enough by itself into a whole new dinner. And the starch ingredients that you add to stretch the meat leftovers is generally pretty cheap.
Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is one of our family favorites. My mom used to use a recipe from the Baptist Church where she grew up but over time we’ve made modifications to it. Any time I cook chicken I save the leftovers to make this dish…it’s a surefire way to use up any meat that isn’t eaten during the original meal.
In fact, I generally plan ahead and cook more chicken than I need for just one meal so that I can make this dish. After all, it’s not any harder to let the oven or slow cooker cook a little more meat, is it?
Cooking a little ahead is one way that I save time and effort in the kitchen. I’m really not wild about spending any more time cooking than I have to. And doubling recipes or cooking a little extra meat to make dinner easier later in the week is a great time saver.
Ground Turkey Manicotti
I’ve got several of these super easy manicotti recipes and they all start with dry noodles.
Yes, you read that right…you don’t cook the noodles before you stuff them.
This recipe for Ground Turkey Manicotti is one that I use after Thanksgiving when we’ve got turkey meat leftover and we’re tired of sandwiches. But it’s also great to prepare using ground turkey you buy in the store.
Penne Pasta with Ham
We love a good ham at my house. In fact, ham is probably my dad’s favorite so it’s something I fix pretty regularly.
That means that we also end up with the more “scraggly” parts left over once we’ve had the main meal and some sandwiches. So this recipe for Penne Pasta with Ham & Peas is a great way to use up those little bits.
I also add leftover ham to macaroni and cheese to make a different casserole. Honestly, however I serve ham at my house, it’s going to be gobbled up!
Plan for leftovers
When you sit down to make out your meal plan for the week, it’s a good idea to prepare for leftovers.
I frequently cook a chicken to serve as one meal and then plan for chicken tacos or quesadillas using the leftover meat sometime during the week. This lets me use every bit of the meat I’ve already cooked and get a whole other meal from my efforts (and my money!)
It doesn’t take much to start seeing a serious drop in your grocery bill. All you need to do is start collecting casserole recipes and plan them into the weekly rotation depending on what other meat you’re already cooking.
Learn to save more $$$ on groceries
If you’re tired of spending so much money at the grocery store, the Grocery Budget Makeover helped me. I thought I was a good shopper but I learned tips and tricks I hadn’t thought about or used before I took this course.
Look it over. Everything is too expensive these days to not make your grocery dollars go as far as possible!
Click the image below to learn more about the Grocery Budget Makeover.
More quick and easy recipes for you to try:
Keto Pumpkin Pie
Holiday gatherings don’t have to blow a hole in your diet or your blood sugar readings. This recipe for Keto Pumpkin Pie is low in carbs, and high on the taste scale. Even your guests who aren’t watching their diet will love it. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.…
Instant Pot Pork Chops & Mushrooms
Sometimes you need dinner on the table in a hurry and don’t have anything prepared. That’s when using the Instant Pot can be a real lifesaver. This recipe for Pork Chops with Mushrooms is tasty and easy to get on the table quickly. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.…
Ground Turkey Manicotti (updated 10-8-25)
Boy do I have an easy recipe to help you use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey! This easy ground turkey manicotti will please your family and get you out of the kitchen in a hurry! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details. Now I happen to love turkey.…
Orange Poundcake
Poundcakes have always been a favorite in my family. From way back my mom used to make poundcakes but this orange poundcake recipe is is newer to my collection. While it’s light and yummy at any time of the year, something about oranges makes me think about the holidays (probably because Santa used to leave…
I’m a retired educator, mom of three adult children, cancer warrior, sandwich generation member, and lover of life!
I help older women create & live a life they love through radical self acceptance, unapologetic goal pursuit, and relishing the joys of home.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork in Lettuce Wraps