Any ideas for very low budget, yet tasty, meals for couples?

[Bigjim68]

Originally Posted by Rob Babcock

If you have a warehouse club membership (eg Sam's Club, Costo) then you can save a ton by buying stuff in bulk. For instance, Sam's sells 25 lb boxes of converted rice for less than a 3 lb bag of Uncle Ben's costs at the local markets- and it's just as good. Same goes for basmati, etc. Dried beans are much cheaper than canned and also far better tasting, although they require a bit more planning. Some of the best deals are on the larger #10 (restaurant sized) cans which admittedly can be problematic for two but they needn't be. A gallon jug of may will last you a long time but it keeps well. Ditto for canned black olives. Pickles will also keep almost indefinitely.

Another trick you can use is to make batches of stuff and freeze or can it. Chili and other soups can be stored both ways. Canning takes a small investment in supplies but can be a lot of fun and save you money. It's also nice if you garden or have friends that do. Freezing of course costs you nothing, and keeping your freezer fuller will reduce energy use (plus give you a buffer in weather or financial emergencies).

I buy most things in large quantities at Costco even though I generally cook for one or two. It is surprising how many things will freeze well. 3# garlic costs 4 something yesterday, about the same as a 3 pack a the supermarket. I use heavy whipping cream, a quart around 2.50, I freeze it in ice cube trays. Whole beef primals are way less expensive than supermarket steak prices, and are easy to learn to cut,.

[Bigjim68]

I .make large quantities of many dishes. Lasagne, chile, and a host of others. Freeze them in individual servings. It is not much more time consuming to make 10 pounds of something than it is to make a small portion.