Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!)

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Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop



As a single mom, I am always trying to find ways where I can pinch pennies without giving up quality.  10 years ago, after Emma's traumatic brain injury, I had to stop working to take care of her.  We lived off of her social security disability and food stamps.  I had to learn how to stretch the $137 a month in food stamps we received.  I made it work! When I went back to working full time in 2009, I had to adjust spending habits again.  I also had new bills to account for- I got into a car wreck and totaled out my car that was paid.  No way I could be without a car especially in a city as large as Phoenix and having a child with disabilities who has a ton of doctors appointments.  I am also hoping to purchase a home in a year, so I am pinching pennies even more so now and the need for budget friendly meals is even greater.


In the last few months, I caught myself picking up lunches (and breakfasts, too) instead of bringing my own.  That's such a waste of money! It's okay once in awhile but not every day. I will say that Walmart definitely gives me more bang for my buck especially with items are on Rollback!

Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop


 Even though it is just Emma and I, I have caught myself spending way more than $20/meal.  I challenged myself to spend $20 or less to create an entire meal with enough for leftovers.  Thank you, Walmart, for having Kraft on Rollback!

Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop

I made mine and Emma's favorite: meatballs (ground turkey) with Kraft Honey Hickory BBQ Sauce (Only $1.00 for the small bottle).

Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop


Then I made another favorite - zucchini and onions marinated in Kraft Italian dressing ($1.50 for the small bottle) and sauteed the veggies.

Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop


My surprise side dish? My all time favorite treat, Velveeta Shells and Cheese.  I was super excited because they were on Rollback for $1.98 a box.

Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop



My belly is happy.

Emma's belly is happy.

My lunchbox is happy.

My wallet is happy.

This entire MEAL cost less than $20.

Meatballs:
1 lbs. ground turkey - $3.98
1 egg - $0.14 (dozen is only $1.68)
1/2 onion - $0.50
1 tbsp. ground garlic - $0.10 (total guess)
½ c. dry breadcrumbs. -  $0.25 
½ tsp. seasoned salt - $.05 (again- total guess)
2 tbsp. dried parlsey   $.05 (guesstimate)
2 tbsp. water (free! Well, I don't have a water bill at least)
Kraft Honey Hickory Barbeque Sauce - $1.00

Total = $6.07

Veggies:

3 zucchini - $2.00
1 onion - $1.28
1 bottle of Kraft Italian Dressing = $1.50

Total = $4.78

Velveeta Shells and Cheese- $1.98 x 1 for us

Total = $12.83 for the two of us.  WITH leftover meatballs and veggies!  I did stock up on Velveeta shells but less than $20 for two of us? Perfect.

I made a dozen meatballs.  For a larger family, you may want to double your veggies and Velveeta and it would still keep you around $20!



Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop

Easy  BBQ Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground turkey
½ onion (finely chopped)
1 tbsp. ground garlic
1 egg
½ c. dry breadcrumbs.
½ tsp. seasoned salt
2 tbsp. dried parlsey
2 tbsp. water.
Kraft Honey Hickory Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite Kraft flavor!)

Directions:

1.  Combine all the ingredients  (except BBQ sauce) in a bowl and mix until well combined. 
2.  Shape into 1” meatballs.
3.  Add oil (maybe 2 tbsp.) to non-stick skillet and turn stove onto medium heat.
4.  When oil is heated, add your meatballs and cook until nice and brown on all sides. (Approximately 5-6 minutes).
5.   Add BBQ sauce and allow to simmer just until BBQ sauce is heated and serve immediately!

Italian Zucchini

Ingredients:
3 zucchini, cut into quarters.
1 onion, cut into quarters.
1 bottle of Kraft Italian Dressing.

Directions:
1.  Place zucchini and onions in a container with a lid.
2.  Top with Kraft Italian Dressing.
3.  Close lid tightly and place in refrigerate to marinade a few hours or overnight (if possible).
4.  Heat olive oil over medium in a medium skillet.
5.  Add veggies (no need to drain!)
6.  Saute veggies until cooked (slightly translucent).

7.  Serve with Velveeta Shells and Cheese (prepared as directed on the box).



Budget Meals: BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Italian Veggies (with a surprise side dish!) #RollIntoSavings #shop




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