A practical guide to living a simple and competent lifestyle
The 1970s were all about simple, comforting meals that could feed the whole family without spending a fortune. Dinner tables were filled with casseroles, meatloaf, and recipes made with pantry staples. Many of these dishes are still loved today because they’re easy, filling, and bring back memories of family dinners around the kitchen table.
If you’re looking for a little nostalgia—or just some inexpensive meal inspiration—here are three classic meals that were popular in the 1970s.
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Toast is one of those simple foods that can turn into a delicious and filling meal with just a few ingredients. When money is tight or you are trying to use up leftovers, a few slices of toast can become the perfect base for a quick breakfast, lunch, or easy dinner. Here are three frugal ideas for turning everyday ingredients into something warm and satisfying.
One of the best ways to use up leftover chicken, turkey, roast beef, pork, or even hamburger is to make a simple gravy. Chop or shred the leftover meat and warm it in a skillet. Make a quick gravy using drippings or butter, flour, and milk, broth, or water. Add the meat back into the gravy and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the hot, creamy mixture over a couple of slices of toasted bread for a comforting meal that makes leftovers feel brand new. You can also toss in leftover vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or green beans, to stretch the meal even further.
For an inexpensive meal that feels a little special, try a soft-boiled egg over toast. Cook an egg until the white is set but the yolk is still soft and runny. Place it on a slice of buttered toast and break the yolk so it runs over the bread.
Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, or add a pinch of garlic powder or shredded cheese. If you have leftover vegetables, avocado, or even a slice of tomato, add those too. Eggs are an affordable source of protein, and this simple meal is ready in just a few minutes.
Another great way to use up small amounts of vegetables is to make a simple creamed vegetable topping. Leftover peas, corn, broccoli, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables all work well. Make a basic white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then stir in your cooked vegetables.
Spoon the creamy vegetables over warm toast for an easy and filling meatless meal. You can add a little cheese on top if you have some to use up.
Toast is much more than a breakfast food! With leftovers and a little creativity, you can turn simple ingredients into a frugal, delicious meal while wasting less food in the process.
When you need an affordable, filling meal that everyone can customize, baked potatoes are a great choice! Potatoes are inexpensive, hearty, and easy to turn into a delicious meal with just a few simple toppings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy summer day or need a quick dinner during the school week, loaded potatoes can help stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
Here are three easy and frugal loaded potato ideas to try!
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There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm, buttery garlic breadsticks fresh from the oven. If you’ve ever wished you could recreate those famous Olive Garden-style breadsticks at home, you’re in luck! These homemade garlic breadsticks are soft, fluffy, brushed with a delicious garlic butter topping, and sprinkled with just the right amount of seasoning. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
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Eggs are one of those foods that become even more valuable when prices at the grocery store start coming down and backyard chickens are laying heavily. This time of year, many families suddenly find themselves with cartons overflowing in the fridge or baskets full of fresh eggs on the counter. And honestly, that’s not a bad problem to have. Eggs are one of the most affordable protein options you can buy, and they’re incredibly versatile for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and baking.
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Today we wanted to share a recipe for instant pot red beans and rice. It is another great recipe to have in our recipe arsenal of quick weeknight meals.
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