Use small amounts of meat bulked up with black beans and corn.
Put the white bulb ends of green onions in a small jar of water on your windowsill. They will regrow indefinitely, giving you a "free" garnish for every meal. Use small amounts of meat bulked up with
Pre-cut fruit, shredded cheese, and individual snack packs carry a massive markup. Spend 10 minutes shredding your own block of cheese or slicing your own carrots to save 30–50%. Pre-cut fruit, shredded cheese, and individual snack packs
Red or brown lentils simmered in a jar of basic marinara or canned crushed tomatoes. Flavor: Add plenty of dried oregano and garlic powder. Serve: Over a big box of spaghetti or over baked potatoes. Sheet Pan Black Bean Quesadillas Feeding a crowd one quesadilla at a time is tedious. Flavor: Add plenty of dried oregano and garlic powder
Onions, carrots, and celery are inexpensive and form the flavor base for almost any soup, stew, or sauce.