I am in a total take out mood tonight, but I am so proud of myself!  Instead of doing take out….we did take out…. in!  As you all saw, I went to Publix today!  I thought that it was important to show you what I buy and spend. Just because I have a savings blog doesn’t mean I walk out of the store paying $0.  I shop for a family of 5 plus dog.  I spend money people, just I lot less than I would without coupons!  I have the occasional 75% + savings and that always makes me feel great.  It just doesn’t happen every week.

This week, I was looking at the meat counter at Publix.  As I hunted for something to jump out and scream “Cook me!”  The stir fry meat started hopping up and down So, I walked over and saw that the package was only around $3!  That was doable, plus I just picked up a big bag of frozen broccoli!  Hmmm…the wheels started turning.   Since I was hungry for some kind of Chinese food, BEEF AND BROCCOLI it was!

If you have never thought about making your own it is so easy!  It will go from the grocery bag to your table in under 30 minutes.  It would take me longer to drive to the Chinese place!  I just wish I had one of those cute little containers to put it in!   Here is my recipe for Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli Printable Version

• Stir Fry Beef Strips (1/2 -3/4 lb)
• Soy Sauce
• Ginger
• 1 TBSP Corn Starch
• Frozen Broccoli Stir Fry Veggies
• Rice

Directions

Place uncooked Beef Strips in a bowl cover with 3-4 TBSP of Soy Sauce. Let sit 15-20 Minutes.

While the Beef is marinating is a good time to cook/steam rice.

Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat.   Add beef, a pinch of ginger, 2 TBSP Soy Sauce, and 1 TBSP Cornstarch.  Cook Beef Strips for 3-5 minutes.

Add the bag of frozen stir fry veggies.

Stir the mixture together and let cook another 5 minutes.

Serve over rice.

Meal Deal

This weeks meal deal isn’t necessarily based on the sale.  It is based on low price ingredients.  As an added bonus, think of all the time and money you saved by making this at home instead of ordering out!  That right there is worth it!

Here is what the ingredients cost me at Publix today.

• Beef for Stir Fry $3.39
• Broccoli Stir Fry Veggies $2
• Rice (Had in Pantry) $0.99 small bag
• Soy Sauce (Had in Pantry) $1.25 (est) if purchased

Total $7.63

Divide by 4

$1.90 per serving!

Try to order Panda Express for that price!

Just another money saving idea from A Few Short Cuts!

I have lots of great Dinner Recipes! Don’t forget to take a look!

I linked up at

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You guys know that I love shopping at Publix, but I buy most of my meat from Winn Dixie.  I have just found that Publix meat doesn’t go on sale often.  Not to a “Frugal” price.  I try not to ever pay more than $1.99/lb for ground beef, and $2.49/lb for Boneless Skinless Chicken.  When it goes on sale I stock up. Beef and chicken freeze great! Plus, I have several make ahead meals that are freezer friendly.  The reason I am telling you this is because I didn’t see any meat deals jump out at me from this weeks Publix flyer, BUT the bacon was a pretty decent price.

BACON. MMM…..oh how I love thee!  I really do have a problem.  I can admit it.  And I am sad to say that I have passed this problem on to my children.  Who, if I do say so my self, can put away more bacon than one could ever imagine small children could eat.  I have to limit how often I make it.  My 3 kids can eat an entire pack by themselves.  They are savages!

Since it is so hot outside, and I really was not in the mood to cook a huge meal. I though BLTs were appropriate!  Now, to dress them up a bit.  I made fried potatoes and Carrot Salad to go with.  I nice refreshing, delicious Summer meal!  I think that this meal is perfect to serve to company, or just have a picnic on the porch and enjoy the evening Summer breeze.  Either way, I am stuffed!

BLTs

• Bacon
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Bread ( I thought about making French bread, but it was just too hot)
• Mayo (I used the new Kraft Sandwich Shop Garlic Herb…YUM!)

Toast the bread, and spread Mayo on both sides.  Add Bacon, Sliced tomato, and Lettuce.

That’s it, but you already knew that

Now, I cooked my bacon in a skillet.  I am typically a microwave girl, but I wanted that bacon grease today.  That stuff is like liquid gold in the cooking world. So, cook your bacon in the skillet and get ready for some killer potatoes!

Bacon Fried Potatoes

• 2-3 Potatoes (cut into bite sized pieces)
• Bacon grease
• salt

Now, after you fry that bacon, leave the grease in the skillet.

Toss in the cut up potatoes and cook them over medium heat.

This should take about 15 minutes.  When they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and salt!

I don’t want to keep secrets from you guys, so …..don’t tell anyone else.  You can add shredded cheddar and some sour cream, and make these even better!  But….I didn’t say that!

While those potatoes are cooking it is time to make some carrot salad.

Carrot Salad

Carrot Salad Printable Version

• 4 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits ( Find out how to cut a pineapple here)
• 1/2 cup raisins (golden or regular)
• 1/2 Cup Mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt

In a large bowl mix together the carrots, pineapple, and raisins.

Stir in the mayo, sour cream, and salt.

Chill, and serve.

I am going to be honest.  The first time I saw this I turned my nose up.  I was like, carrot salad??? , What is in it??  Hmmm…No thanks.  Then one day, with children looking on, I was offered some, and being the good mom that I am (trying to teach my kids to try new foods) I had some.  Do you know it is really good???  So, I proved myself wrong.   IF you are like me a skeptical about carrot salad, give it a try.  You may be pleasantly surprised!

Oh, if you need this dairy free just use 3/4 cup mayo and no sour cream!

Meal Deal

Here is what this fabulous Summer Meal would cost this week at Publix.  Prices may vary by region! Thanks to I Heart Publix for the matchups!

::Kraft Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip Dressing, Assorted Varieties, 30 oz jar, BOGO $3.99

-$1.50/2 Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
-$0.50/2 Miracle Whip or Kraft Mayo 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
-$0.75/1 Kraft Kroger My Magazine Grilling (exp 8/1/2010)
-$2 WYB 2 participating KRAFT products: Kraft Dressing (16 oz.) Kraft Mayo Mayonnaise (24-32 oz.) Miracle WHIP Dressing (24-32 oz.) tearpad
-$1 off Bread wyb Kraft Mayo 12 oz. or larger tearpad
-$2 on Produce WYB 2 participating Kraft products – KRAFT Dressing ( 16 oz ), KRAFT Mayo Mayonnaise ( 24-32 oz. ) or Miracle Whip Dressing ( 24-32 oz. ) tearpad
- $2 on Fresh Meat with the purchase of Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz or larger) and any other 2 participating products: Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz) Kraft Mayo Mayonnaise (22 oz) Miracle Whip Dressing (22 oz) Kraft Barbecue Sauce (18 oz) Tearpad
-$1/1 Miracle Whip Facebook coupon

Use $1.50/2 Kraft Mayo 6/20 SS
$1 off Bread WYB Kraft Mayo
$2 off Produce WYB 2 Kraft Products

Pay $1.99/2 Plus get $3 off your other items

::1 pkg Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, 16 oz, 2/$6

::Russet Baking Potatoes, 5 lb bag, $2.99

::Carrots $1

::Tomato $1 (est)

::Lettuce $1.25

::Publix White Bread $1.19

::Canned Pineapple $1.25 (est)

::Raisins $1 (est)

Total

$16.67

-$4.50 coupons

$12.17

Feed 4 for $3.04 per serving!

Feed 6 for $2.03 per serving!

Plus, have extra potatoes and mayo!

This is a fabulous Summer meal deal!  I have lots of Weekly Meal Deal posts! What is your favorite?

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This week I am proud to bring you one of my very own creations!  Many of you told me that you like Mexican food.  Well, so do I!  Tacos, Enchiladas, and everything in between is welcome at my house!  Even the little one loves her “molie”.  I came up with a great recipe that not only has the flavors that we love in Mexican food, but is a twist on another classic dish.

I took a stuffed chicken recipe and twisted it around a bit.  I think you will love what I came up with!

South Of the Border Stuffed Chicken

South of the Border Stuffed Chicken Printable Version

• 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 Limes (or 1/4 cup lime juice)
• Fresh Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Fiesta Rice (I would make the whole batch! )
• 1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese blend

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With a mallet or hammer, pound chicken breasts flat.  They should be about 1 /4 inch thick. Place in a casserole dish.

In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, olive oil, a pinch of cilantro, and a dash of salt and pepper to make a marinade.

Pour the lime marinade over the pounded chicken breast.  Let sit while you prepare the Fiesta Rice.

Prepare the Fiesta Rice. You can find the full recipe and directions here.

Take each breast and lay them on a flat working surface.  Fill with 2 -3 Tbsp rice, and a handful of cheese.

Roll each breast and place seem side down in a clean casserole dish.

After each breast has been stuffed, sprinkle the tops with more cheese.

Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Serve with Tortilla Chips, Guacamole, Salsa, etc. You can also serve the extra Fiesta rice on the side!

Meal Deal

This week was a stockpile meal for me.  I bought the produce for the guacamole fresh.  Everything else I had on hand!  To learn more about stockpiling you can read my “First Cuts” post and see my stockpile!

I try not to pay more than $1.99/lb for Chicken Breasts.  Winn Dixie has them on sale BOGO this week! I also only by Tostitos when they are BOGO.  Rice I purchase in bulk, and it lasts quite a long time.  It is much cheaper to buy a 5 lb or 10 lb bag than to buy the single serving bags. The Rotel Tomaotes were and unadvertised BOGO at Publix last week, so I stocked up with the $1 off 3 coupon.

The secret to good stockpiling is to only buy what you can use before it expires.  There is no point in buying 10 bags of Tostitios if they will expires before your family will eat them.  Also, try not to wipe out shelves so that there is none left for others.  You can always place a special order at customer service if you know you will need a lot of one item.

This meal should not only be delicious, but budget friendly!

Come back tomorrow for a fantastic and fresh “Snack”urday!

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I am so impressed by the A Few Short Cuts Facebook community!  You guys just jumped right in the other day when I asked what was for dinner!  I got some surprising answers.

Becca was having Beef and mushroom risotto.  Katee was having beef gorditas and Heirloom Nitro Tomato soup with guacamole salad.  Katrina was having grilled chicken that had been marinading in a lime juice, honey and garlic mix.. with green beans and couscous.

I then felt ashamed!  Here I am blogging about food, and you guys eat better than me!   So I admit, maybe I  had hit a little slump lately.  I needed you guys to help me realize there is more to life than chicken nuggets and pizza.  I live with 3 kids 24/7.  They live on Chicken Nuggets and pizza, the little one throws in some celery occasionally!

I decided that I would share one of my favorite meals with you this week!  Not only because it is my favorite but because everything I needed is on sale at Publix this week!  That is just the cherry on top if you ask me!  Ask my Mom; if it was my birthday or a special  occasion and I got to pick the meal, I wanted Steak and mushrooms.  I know, not the typical kid request.  We raised our own beef when I was little.  So the freezer was always full.  It was what I knew, and it was good!  I am a meat and potatoes girl.  I don’t think I could ever be a vegetarian!

So, this week we are having Sirloin Steaks, with sauteed Mushrooms, Steamed Lemon Butter Asparagus, and Roasted potatoes! Take that!

I almost forgot, I wish I would have made these dinner rolls!  It would have been perfect!

Sirloin Steaks

• 4 Sirloin Steaks
• 1 TBSP Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (optional)

I try really hard to practice what I preach, but today I forgot! Check the labels on meat! Especially the first day of a sale!  These steaks are on sale this week for $3.79/lb.  Look what they charged me!  $4.49/lb.  Not a huge difference, but big enough.  Guess I am going to have to take the receipt with me next time I go to the store!

Anyway, back to the cooking.

Get a large skillet and get it good and hot over medium- medium high heat.  I put about 1-2 tbsp Olive oil in the pan.

Now, season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.  If you have good fresh meat, that is all you will need.

Once the pan is nice and hot lay the steaks in and you should hear that nice sizzle!  That is what we want.  Let it cook on the first side about 3-5 minutes.  Then flip.  Cook on the back side 3-5 minutes.

I like my steak medium.  Everyone is different.  I like to place the lid on my skillet when I flip the steaks.  That way it traps the heat in and helps the steaks cook through faster.  Cook yours to your desired doneness.

A good way to test is to use a spatula and push on the middle of the steak.  If it gives in a good bit, it is rare.  The firmer it is, the more done it is.

Once your steak is done to perfection. Remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Just enough time to saute’ those mushrooms.

Sauteed Mushrooms

• 1 Container of Fresh Sliced Mushrooms
• 1 Tsp olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic
• Onions(optional)

I think the only time I make these is with a steak.  So, I just take the pan that I cooked the steak in.  It has all those yummy bits of steak goodness in there.  I leave it on medium heat and dump the mushrooms, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a little bit of oil if needed.

Let them saute for about 5 minutes if that.  You will know when they are done!  You won’t be able to stand it anymore.  You will just have to have a bite!  You can also slice onions and add them to the mix, or just saute the onions.

Everyone’s personal preferences are different.  I know not everyone likes mushrooms, but they are so good!

Lemon Butter Asparagus

• 1 lb fresh asparagus
• 1 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt

I am a new asparagus eater.  It is one of those foods I finally tried and decided I liked.  I don’t know why it took so long.

Take the fresh asparagus and wash it.  Then hold toward the end and bend.  They will naturally snap off where they should be cut.  (This is fun for the kids to do)

Once they are all snapped, lay them out on a large piece of aluminum foil.  Top with 1-2 tbsp butter (or margarine), a squirt of lemon juice, and some salt.

Wrap them up tightly and you could grill or place in the oven around 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes. I tossed them in the oven while the potatoes were finishing.  It worked out perfectly!

Roasted Potatoes

I cheated this week and took help from Simply Potatoes since they are BOGO at Publix.  I just lined a pan with foil and sprayed it with some olive oil cooking spray.  Tossed the potatoes down and sprayed them too.  Then, I sprinkled some garlic salt on them and baked as directed.  It takes them about 30 minutes.  I put them in first, and dinner was complete when I pulled them out of the oven!

So, In 30 minutes you can have a steak dinner that is fit for a king! It is so easy, and will cost you a fraction of what it would at a restaurant.  Here is the breakdown!

Meal Deal

This is the price for this meal if you purchased all of the ingredients today from Publix.  You may be able to make this meal for less by shopping at another store.  Some prices may vary by region.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the sale info and matchups!

Buy 2 Simply Potatoes, Homestyle Slices, Shredded or Southwest Style Hash Browns, Diced Potatoes With Onion or Red Potato Wedges, 20 oz bag, BOGO $2.50
Use -$1/2 Publix Smart Savings Booklet (exp 7/31/2010)
Pay $1.50 for 2 bags of potatoes

Sirloin Tip Steaks, $3.79/lb
Buy 4 steaks about 1.5 lbs ($5.69)

Buy 1 Baby Portabella Mushrooms 8 oz pkg, $1.69

Buy 1 Lb Asparagus, $2.49/lb

Total after coupons $11.37

Divide by 4

$2.84 per person!

Sounds like we covered it all!  Delicious, Nutritious, Time Friendly, and Budget friendly! Another A Few Short Cuts success!

Check out my other Weekly Meal Deals for more great dinner ideas!

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Since there are so many more of you this year than there were last year at this time I thought we would revisit our meal deal from last year!  It is perfect for this holiday weekend, and like I said the sales are very similar!  I have made the meal deal available to feed 6…in case you invite some friends over .  I even included the charcoal & of course, Sweet tea!   I will be bringing you recipes all weekend long to help you celebrate your Fourth of July in style!  So, don’t forget to stop by everyday and see what’s cookin’!

Plus, we have giveaways everyday this weekend too!  There is a big one coming tomorrow that you will not want to miss!

MAKE THEM YOUR OWN BBQ RIBS

• 1 Slab of Pork Ribs (Baby back or St Louis style)
• 1 bottle of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ (or your preference)
• Seasonings to taste (Salt, Pepper, etc.)

Take that slab of ribs and cut it into equal sections (about 3 ribs a section).

Place them in the crock pot.  Fill crock pot with enough water to cover the ribs. You can season the water..I use salt and pepper.

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before time to eat tell your hubby to fire up the grill, Or you could. Totally up to you.

We have a charcoal grill. Again this is one of those things where people will argue what is best. If you are using propane you will want a medium flame.

Here is where the personalization comes in. It is all about taste and preference. Get a medium size bowl and pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce in.  This is my hubby’s specialty.  I don’t even know what all he mixes in.  You could add any of the following…

Beer, OJ, Sugar, salt, Pepper, Garlic salt, paprika………you get the idea.

Make your sauce how you like it to taste.

Place your ribs on the grill. They should already be cooked. This is just to bake the sauce on.

Brush with sauce and let grill in. Baste them several time to get a good coat of sauce.

They should be done in about 20-30 minutes.

Meal Deal

Now this weeks total includes everything you will need to BBQ including charcoal and Sweet tea for $3.91/person!  Here is the Grocery list with coupons below.  These are the current prices this week at Publix.  Your prices may vary by area and availability of coupons.

Buy 2 Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 18 oz Bottle, $2.35
Use -$1/2 Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, Any (2) 18 Oz. Or (1) 28 Oz. Or Larger – 05-23-10 SS
Pay $1.35 for 2 bottles

Buy 2 Bush’s Best Baked Beans or Grillin’, Assorted Varieties,  21 to 28 oz can, BOGO $2.29
Use -$1/2 Bush’s Best Beans, 12-16 oz, any variety (Manufacturer coupon with Kroger logo)
Pay $1.29 for 2 cans

Buy 1 Kingsford Charcoal Briquets,11.1 to 16.6 lb bag, $6.99
Use -$1/1 Kingsford 12.5 lb+ PRINT or  -$1/1 Kingsford PRINT
Pay $5.99

Publix Pork spareribs, $1.99/lb (est 5 lb/ $9.95)
Use  -$2 off Pork Ribs wyb Kingsford PRINT
Pay $7.95

Buy 2 Publix Deli Tea, Assorted Flavors, 1 gal bot, BOGO $2.39

Buy Georgia Sweet Corn, 10/$1.49

Buy 2 Lay’s Potato Chips, Assorted Varieties, 10.5 to 13.5 oz bag (Excluding Baked!, Light & Natural) BOGO $3.99
Use -$1/2 Lay’s Potato Chips, Any Flavors/Varieties, 10.5 Oz. Or Larger
PAY $2.99 FOR 2 BAGS

Total $23.45

Divide by 6

$3.91/person!

Come back tomorrow and I will be posting some great dessert recipes for your Fourth of July weekend!

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This morning I hit up Publix.  I saw in the sale that “Whole Bottom Rounds” were $1.99/lb.  I had a feeling that it was going to be like the Whole Pork Loin;  HUGE!  I was right!  These things are massive; 15 lbs to be exact.   So, I walked down the meat counter to where the smaller roasts were $2.69/lb.  My wheels started turning, What if I showed you how to save $0.70/lb. and make 5 + meals?!  I think that would count as saving you time and money in the kitchen and at the store.   Let’s do it!

First things first, Publix has a sign up that says they will cut the Whole Bottom Round for you!  Thank goodness!  So, I picked one that was almost 15 lbs. exactly.  I had them cut it into 5 almost equal pieces.  That is 5 (3 lb) roasts that will be perfect for dinners.  You could also have them grind some to get some really cheap ground beef. I try to never pay more than $1.99/lb for ground beef.  There is always a sale somewhere, and it doesn’t take up that much space, even if you have a small freezer.

I take advantage of whatever services grocery stores offer for free.  Publix is very customer friendly! They don’t mind doing this for you at all!  I suggest hitting the meat department first and telling them how you want it cut, then doing the rest of your shopping, and stop back for your meat!  I don’t really understand how they can charge you $0.70 a pound more for cutting it when they offer to cut it for free! Still trying to figure that one out!

Just as a heads up.  I stopped by the deli and was going to get some roast beef for sandwiches $9/lb!  Highway robbery.  I can tell you right now that one of these roasts will be cooked and sliced for sandwiches.  I like $1.99/lb much better! I wish I had one of those fancy meat slicers! That would make it much easier!

So, what to do with all of that beef!  That is easy here are some fantastic meal ideas for you…with photos of course.  Click on the name of the meal to see the post with full instructions.

My personal favorite is to throw one of these roasts in the crock-pot all day with some salt and pepper.  Then about 30 minutes before you are ready to serve shred it with a fork and toss some BBQ sauce in!  It makes a mean BBQ Sandwich!

Savory Beef Stew (Cut some beef into chunks!)

Crock Pot Roast with Mushroom Gravy

Meat and Bean Burritos (So Easy and Delicious!)

Ground Beef Options

This is a super idea to really stretch your dollar!  If you have all of the meat turned into ground beef you will end up with enough for 15 meals!  That is amazing! Oh, I have a gazillion recipes for ground beef!  Here are just a few…

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Cheesy Chili Mac

Meatball Subs

Mini Meatloaves

So, I just gave you Nine Meal ideas for your Whole Bottom Round.  They are all super simple, family friendly, and low cost.  So, don’t be discouraged when you see such a large cut of meat!  Just think of the possibilities!  That $30 hunk of meat could in reality make 15 meals easily!  That is a huge savings of your time, and money.  That is a great stockpile builder so you don’t have to purchase meat again next week.

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I am a day behind this weeks for the meal deal!  The days just flew by.  Trying to get last minute things done around the house!  With Father’s Day coming up this weekend I wanted to really fix a great meal for Dad!  We all know that they deserve to sit down to a great meal on Fathers’ Day, and Mom shouldn’t have to spend the whole day in the kitchen.

I love these peppers because you can make the filling in advance.  That way you can just have the peppers in the fridge ready to go in the oven.  You can also make these ahead and freeze them!  I am a huge fan of those aluminum throw away pans from the dollar store! They are perfect for make ahead meals.  Hmmm…there is an idea.  One week we may post a bunch of Freezer cooking meals.  Enough for a week!  Sounds like a plan to me!

These stuffed Bell Peppers were the perfect choice this week with all of the summer veggies coming into stores at great prices.  Bell peppers can be so expensive if you don’t purchase them in season.  You can of course play with the recipe a bit and use yellow or red peppers, but my favorite are the green ones.  They have such a great flavor.

This recipe is one of my larger ones.  You will have enough to feed 6.  You can always half it, or freeze the extras.  Makes a fast an easy dinner for another night of the week!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers Printable Version

• 6 Medium Bell Peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¼ chopped onion
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1-2 tsp salt
• Dash of pepper
• 1 clove of garlic (1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Directions

Cut a thin slice from the stem end of each bell pepper.  Remove the seeds, and membranes from the inside until it is just the shell.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large skillet cook the beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is cooked through.  Drain and return to skillet.

Add 8 oz of tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and rice to the beef mixture.

Stuff peppers with beef mixture and stand them in a casserole dish.

Pour remaining tomato sauce over peppers, and top with cheese.  Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until peppers are tender.

Makes 6 servings

Meal Deal

Alright, here is what this meal will cost you this week at Publix.  Thanks to Michelle at I Heart Publix for the ad preview and matchups.  To see the full ad go here. These prices may vary by region and the coupons you have available to you.

Bell Pepper .99/l b (est 3lbs) $2.97

Ground Round Beef $3.49/lb

2 Muir Glen Tomato Sauce $0.89/each
-(2)$1 any Muir Glen Product PRINT
Free plus $0.22 Overage if your store allows

Uncle Ben’s Rice, Boil-in-bag: Enriched Long Grain or Brown Whole Grain; or Fast Cooking: Brown Whole Grain or Converted, 14 or 15.8 oz box, BOGO $2.29
-$.75/2 Uncle Ben’s PRINT
Final price $1.54/2

Shredded Mozzarella Publix brand $1.50 (EST)

Fresh Express Salad Blend or Greens, Assorted Varieties, 4.5 to 12 oz bag, BOGO $3.99
-(2)$1/1 Fresh Express Salad Blends, Any Blinkie
-$1/2 Fresh Express Salad Blends Family Style Magazine- Home Mailed version
Final Price $0.99/2

Wish-Bone Dressing, Assorted Varieties, 16 oz bottle, BOGO $2.65
-(2)$.50/1 Wish-Bone HERE (must register)
-(2)$.75/1 Wish-Bone Dressing, Any 7 Oz. Salad Spritzers Or 16 Oz. Pourable (Target Coupon) – 04-25-10 RP
-$2.00 off Meat WYB 2 Wishbone mail in rebate
Final Price $0.15 each plus $2 off ground beef after rebate

All of the above for $8.42!

Divide by 6

$1.40 per serving for Stuffed Pepper and Salad!

Wanna go cheaper??? Add this Money Maker to your bill.

Combat Ant or Roach Killer – $3.49 to $3.99
$3/1 Publix coupon from Yellow Advantage Buy flier found in-store
$2/1 Coupon HERE
Use BOTH coupons and it will be a $1.01 to $1.51 moneymaker!

Buy 2 Combat and lower your grocery bill to $6.40!

Making it just $1.07 per serving! WOW!

Come back tomorrow night when I wow you with an amazing “Snack”urday fit for a king! Or a dad on Father’s day!

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I will be the first to admit that this weeks Publix sale is less than desirable.  I have a feeling that I will be hitting Winn Dixie for groceries this week.  So, in honor of all of you who are saddened by the lack of deals I am cooking from my stockpile.

I pulled every ingredient for this meal either out of the pantry, freezer, or fridge.  I didn’t make a special trip to the store, or anything.  I was so proud of myself.  I can come up with the best meals out of necessity some times! I will be doing an entire post on stockpiles tomorrow.  You guys are motivating me to organize my shelves.  You get pictures and all.

Now, just like most of you I take help where I can when I cook!  I am not pretending to be something that I am not here.  I did use a box of Old El Paso Enchilada Dinner kit.  I, of course, doctored it up!  I bought the kit BOGO with a coupon not that long ago.  It cost me a fraction of what the tortillas, seasoning and sauce would have cost if I bought them separately.  It just makes sense to use the boxed kit.

I don’t know if it is still on, but there was a show on the Food Network called Semi Homemade.  She used to take store bought things and turn them into fancy meals.  I love doing that.  It is so nice to take short cuts when you can!

So, here is this weeks meal deal.  Pictures and all.  Plus, I am including printable coupons after the recipe so you can snag some of these items cheaper this week if you need them!

Beef Enchiladas

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 can refried beans
• 1 box Enchilada dinner kit
• Cheddar Cheese
• Toppings

I followed the directions on the box except I mixed it up a little bit!    I used half ground beef and half refried beans!  I like the taste better!

I even had the ground beef precooked!  When I buy ground beef I typically buy it in bulk!  I precook some of it into crumbles for tacos, burritos, or sloppy joes!  Makes dinner even faster to get on the table!

You could also just use re-fried beans if you are trying to keep it vegetarian!

I seasoned it with the seasoning packet just the same as if it was all meat!

I stuffed the tortillas, topped them with enchilada sauce and cheese.  Then, I baked it at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.

Fiesta Rice

Fiesta Rice Printable Version

• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 Can Ro Tel Tomatoes with lime & cilantro
• 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
• 1/4 of a medium onion
• 2 tablespoons oil

Directions

In a medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add in the fresh garlic and onion. Saute for 1-2 minutes until softened.

Add in dry rice. Stir for about 5 minutes until rice becomes a golden brown color.

Add in broth and canned tomatoes.

Stir it up and bring to a boil.

Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20 minutes and fluff with a fork.

*You can substitute a can of regular diced tomatoes if you don’t have the RoTel tomatoes.

Final Meal

Oh…yum!  Oh, almost forgot! If you would like my guacamole recipe you can find it HERE!

Meal Deal

Like I said! This is a total stockpile meal!  Here is what we have.

Ground Beef $1.99/lb (I try to never pay more than this for ground beef)

Old El Paso Enchilada Kit (Bought it BOGO with coupons a couple weeks ago)

• You can get $1/2 Taco Bell Kits Coupon HERE

Rice ( I buy this in bulk…great money saver)

Canned Tomatoes ( I used RoTel because I bought them for a recipe contest)

• You can get $1/1 Muir Glen Coupon HERE (Makes free Tomato Sauce!)

Chicken Broth (Bought BOGO last week with coupon..Paid pennies for 2)

• You can get the $1/1 College Inn Broth Coupon HERE (Use zip code 19422)

Produce

• Sign up for the Publix Baby Club to get great Coupons!  I just got $1 off produce and $1 off meat in mine!

Cheese

• Several Kraft Cheese Coupons HERE

Not a total, but a ton of coupons to save you if you need to buy these items this week!

Stockpiling is a great way to have groceries on hand when the grocery store sales aren’t so hot.  See my post tomorrow on stockpiling, How to get started, and the best ways to store items!