Meals With My Deals: Stretching a Pre-Made Freezer Meal Further

Mar

2010

Thursday

I love having these freezer meals on hand for those nights that I just really do not feel like cooking at all. These meals are usually a little pricey, but many times you can score a great deal on them when good coupons are released (like a B1G1 Free coupon and a $1 off coupon that you can use together!)

Even though most weeks there will be actual recipes on Meals With My Deals, this week I wanted to share with you what I do to extend these meals further than the 2-3 they are made for.

I’m honestly almost embarrassed to say that I used to cook multiple of these meals at the same time so that I would have enough to feed everyone. The pasta and veggie portions are usually pretty slim, so one day I decided to just add more of my own pasta and veggies to stretch the meal further, and it turned out great. We try to eat smaller portions of meat anyway, and there is plenty of sauce in one package (more than necessary most of the time, in my opinion).

Super easy, right? I’m seriously kicking myself for those times that I used up two bags just for our little family.

Meal straight from the package (yeah, not a lot, right?)

Fresh broccoli added.

Cooked pasta added.

Done! Definitely a meal that can feed our little family of 5!

Now it’s your turn! What kind of recipes did you come up with to use with your deals? Please link directly to your recipe below.

I also highly recommend heading over to $5 Dinners Bargain Meal Of The Week where she categorizes meals by different store deals!

tessa

I do the same to Hamburger Helper. Yum!

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Janet

I would have to add more chicken to that one bag. Not enough chicken for even 3 let alone 5 in my opinion. They are skimpy on the protein! http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/ gives you step by step recipes for 3 different kinds of these "bagged" meals that you make for freezer to take out when you need a quick meal. I can't believe I didn't realize how easy it can be. I added some extra spices but fine as is. (look under "cooking" at top menu bar). You control sodium, etc. Maybe a little healthier this way. I just tried a couple yesterday and it worked out cheaper (even after coupons on store bought bags).

Beth @ In Good Cents

That's a great idea, Rachel! I usually add lot of vegetables, but never thought of extra pasta, so it would be enough for our family of 5. .-= Beth @ In Good Cents´s last blog ..WINNER: Bisquick Pancake Breakfast Giveaway!! =-.