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Saving Money, Eating Well
We enjoy eating out but limit it how often to save money. Most evenings we're eating at home which is not only budget-friendly but saves time and gasoline. One of our fall favorites is a bowl of home-made chili.
Cooking in doesn't mean you have to make it from scratch, although that usually decreases the cost. I often use canned ingredients which is a huge time-saver when putting together a meal after a day at work. This recipe is one I learned from my mom many years ago. It is so easy I can make it from memory.
Shirley's Homemade Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
- 1 – 29 ounce can of tomato sauce
- 4 – 15 ounce cans of kidney beans
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
Preparation:
Brown the meat with the diced onions. Drain the fat and then mix in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes to blend the flavor.
Optionally serve it shredded cheese or fresh onions on top. I like to add a side of cornbread.
Note on Chili Servings:
This makes 8 servings so you can halve the ingredients without a problem. We make one or two additional meals by serving the chili over hot dogs or potatoes and topping with shredded cheese.
Homemade Chili Cost
The ingredient prices are from a local grocery store chain. Prices may vary for you.
- Ground Beef: $2.00
- Tomato Sauce: $1.99
- Kidney Beans: $5.00
- Onion: $1.27
- Chili Powder: $.034
Total: $10.60 divided by 8 = $1.33 per serving. It will probably be even less as these were not sale prices.
Thoughts on Dining for Less and Homemade Chili
Do you have a favorite chili recipe? If not, give Shirley's a try and let me know how you like it.
Elle: I love chili, so I was so glad to see that Kay Lynn submitted this. If you have a recipe you want to share, please send it in!
Photo Credit: flickr4jazz