Menu/Meal planning & a Crockpot Recipe that's just yummy!!!

What is the single most important Grocery Saving thing you can do?


The answer is simple.. Menu/Meal planning! 


Every single week I base what meals we're going to have on what items are on sale and I have a coupon for.  


I think the biggest mistake we as working parents make is the "it's way faster to order pizza/get McDonalds then it is for my tired self to make dinner".


This is where your crock pot comes in handy! I highly recommend that at least 1 of your meals a week comes from your crockpot!  Another thing you should do is make "2-day" meals.  


I am going to put together some crock-pot meals that you can start before you leave for work and when you get home.. supper's done!! 


Here is my first example.


Vegetable Beef Soup
1 package of Stew Meat   (3.57 on sale) (I bought it on sale and froze it)
1 can corn
1 can butter beans
1 can peas
1 can green beans
1 can carrots     
(for all of the above Kroger had Delmonte 5 cans for 2.00.. I had a coupon for 1.00/5 cans.. so those cost me 1.00)
6-8 medium size potatos (I got a five pound bag for 1.67 @ walmart)
1 large bottle of v-8 juice (was on sale 2/5.00 and I had a .50/1 coupon)


Total cost for meal:  $8.24 (and this meal is eatten 2 days in a row at my house, so I have fed a family of 4, 2 meals at $1.03 per person per day.


(You can also freeze individual size portions and you now have a quick lunch/supper whenever you need it.)


I am not including the price of the Ritz crackers that we use because I got them free.  


Now, on to how you make your meal. 


I cut the stew meat into smaller pieces than what the store does (I personally like smaller chunks)


I then brown them for about 1 minute in a sizzling hot skillet with a little bit of oil in it.  (The meat should sizzle when you dump it in your pan.. this is quick browning and it locks in the juices and flavors)


I then pour onto a paper plate with a paper towel on it to absorb what little bit of oil is on it.  In the meantime.. 


Peel the potatos and put them on the bottom of your crockpot (I use a 7 quart crockpot)
Then pour the meat on top of the potatos.. then pour in each can of vegetable (pour all the juice in too)
Then pour the V8 juice in last.  At about a tablespoon of black pepper, put it on high... for 8-9 hours.. go to work.


Come in your house and the house smells amazing!  Supper is done.. have a few bowls as dishes that night.  Voila! 


Turn the crockpot off, and let cool down to about room temp (couple of hours) then put in a sauce pan and put in the fridge. 


Next night you come home from work, put it on the stove top, heat up.. 15 minutes later supper is done again!


When you plan out meals like this, it makes it much easier to say... On Friday night let's just order a pizza in.  (BUT.. always use a coupon or get the "deals" at your local pizza place too)


Imagine if you could spend 8.24 every two days on meals for your family.  Wow!


I'm gonna work on making this meal choices available to you! 


Let me know if you try this and let me know what you think.  It's not a recipe out of a book, it's mine.. and don't use tomato juice in place of the v8.  The V8 is what gives it a kick!  


Love it! 


Till next time...