$40 Grocery Haul for 3 Adults + Meals • What We Eat in a Normal Week • Realistic Budget Groceries 

I appreciate that you speak of food sales and ads with the same excitement that most do about malls and clothes. I’d rather be in a grocery store any day 😂

Just FYI, I'm never gonna be mad about seeing a cat

I really like these weekly normal cooking videos. Seeing what you cook IRL instead of dollar store challenges is very helpful for more realistic budget and meal planning.

I walked out of Publix one day with 5 already seasoned meatloaf's they were normally $8.99 each, I paid $1.89 each, they honored it no questions

I think you would really like my Mexican Meatloaf recipe. It's easy. 1 of everything. 1lb ground beef, 1 egg, 1 can Rotel tomatoes, 1 package Knorr pasta sides Spanish rice. Mix and bake covered about 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with jalepenos and Mexican or cheddar cheese, put back in the oven to melt the cheese and you're done. I top each individual serving with taco sauce and sour cream. It's so delicious! This recipe is a regular in our house and it makes for great leftovers too! Thanks for your great recipe ideas. I truly enjoy your channel!

My favorite way to shape and cook meatloaf is in a doughnut shape. That way it cooks evenly, there is no center that isn’t quite done, and I place it on a rack so the fat drips down. Throw in baking potatoes or sweet potatoes and you have a great meal. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

I went full crazy and splurged on the purchase of a meat loaf pan! It is 2 pans that nest into one another, the inside one having holes in the bottom that allows the fat to drain away as the meat cooks. I rarely buy such specialized kitchen gear but this thing has proved to be well worth the money I spent. I got mine at Mejier but since it is made by Wilton I'm sure that these are readily available at other outlets. My grandson and his intended have recently moved into an apartment of their own and finding the transition from single and eating restaurant food all the time to be a little bit of a budget buster for two. However, as neither of them has much experience in the kitchen, I have suggested this channel as inspiration...I also have made a few gifts of weekly groceries, making a point of purchasing things that can be combined to create at least 5 meals by someone with little to no cooking experience. I also provide the receipt and review it with them so they can get an idea of how to budget and plan. In the process, I am being reminded of my own early housekeeping challenges and hope to pass on some of the tips that the elder women in my own family shared with me. Thanks for doing such a nice job!

You kitty looks just like the newest member of our family! Last Friday, my husband and I adopted a 13 year old kitty named Sasha. 🥰🥰

You are the bargain queen.. hands down best prices and most extreme budget meals period 🤯

Andrew in the back 😂 basically “you dare challenge my ability to consume a pot of chili???” 😂😂

I LOVE your BIG cat , it’s beautiful

Those tomatoes look makes me want a tomato and mayo sandwich right now. Living in update NY, I cannot wait for fresh produce stands. It’s where I get the best ones. ❤

In my state, Connecticut, if the price an item rings up is more than the posted price, you get it for free up to $20. My husband purchased 4 ice cream cakes a few years ago, over 3 days. We're always looking for discounts like this.

Always a joy to see a video from you, Lisa! Your videos inspired me to learn how to cook after years of feeling somewhat flawed because of my lack of cooking skills. You're budgeting videos are going to be very handy for me soon! Also, very sad to hear about your uncomfortable experience at Harris Teeter 😔However, they should honor the price as it is marked if it's within their policy.

Omg I wish you posted more often!!! I find myself always searching for your content

Thank You for all your videos. You put a lot of thought and time in your videos. Food looks great. In this area is Aldi, Food Lion, and Harris Teeter also. If you ever had time to make a cookbook to sell that would be great. 🙂

My meatloaf never happens the same way twice. I add whatever the spirits whisper in my ear. Sometimes beans, sometimes stuffing. Almost always some sautéed veggies (onion, peppers, shrooms, celery). Sometimes I add the W sauce, sometime teriyaki sauce, sometimes bbq. If I’m using turkey or chicken I like to use a Hawaiian marinade inside and on top. Onion soup mix ALWAYS! Beefy onion in beef meatloaf, golden onion in poultry meatloaf. Then seasonings. A little of whatever catches my eye in the cabinet. When I add water to the stuffing, I make sure the stuffing has absorbed all the water and all is moist. It’s always good. Hubs asks how i make things sometimes. I have no recipes. I look at recipes mostly for ideas. Then I wing it.

As soon as I get a notification from you, I immediately go and like the video even though I haven't watched it yet. I love the positivity you bring and your helpful content!

If you've never done it, barbecue sauce on meatloaf will change your life and you'll never go back. I didn't know people used anything else till I was a teenager 😂

Really enjoyed your video today! Great recipes that you made come together easily and quickly. I appreciate seeing regular grocery hauls and regular meals. I’m over all the $5 dinners going around RU-vid. Thanks! Debi

If you feel like you might not be able to go through your onions or any other veggies during the week before they go bad, you can always just chop them up, put them in a zip top bag or something and throw it in the freezer.

Your oven mitts are adorable! I too have many of the clean grody looking mitts that you described. Your meals were amazing! You are a very smart shopper and are so good at preparing meals with little to no waste! I’m looking forward to more videos! They never disappoint! PS your cat is beautiful!

Hi Lisa. All your meals look so good this week! Healthy, filling, tasty, and balanced. I never see any "treats" in your grocery haul. I think that's where I'm going wrong on my budget! My treats equal half of your grocery haul! 😲 Btw, your hair is so pretty!!! Love from Texas ❤

Even though I'm not a cook or chef, your videos have a calming vibe to them and it always makes my day when you post! QUESTION! Are you a crafter?? I would LOVE to see you post some acrylic pour art or some type of fun, diy stuff!

Lisa, I think you did fine and had a good attitude at the checkout when the price of the steaks was debated. I find mistakes made everyday (look at the prices listed on the shelves at a WalMart versus what they ring up as at the register, e.g.). Dollar General's are also notorious for the same disparity and many just shrug their shoulders because of the quality of or lack of hired help. Most of the workers and the manager are doing the best they can given the situation but it still is disappointing what we (shoppers) have to accept in markets today. Instead of looking for the best value, we often look to see if they simply have the product! Sometimes, I feel as if I am standing in line at a soviet grocery. SMH

Just a helpful hint I have learned along the way... Use a liberal amount of spray starch (mostly wet) on your oven mitts and potholders and let them dry before you use them. It acts like a coating that washes out with the crud then respray them for the next time. They stay nicer longer. 😊

I made a turkey pot pie served with a side of greens, so yummy. I used pie crust, 10oz can turkey from dollar tree, 1 can peas and carrots, 1 can potato's 1 can mushrooms soup, 1 tsp of turkey better than bouillon, half can water black pepper, sage, ginger, cayenne powder,onion powder, dry cilantro,oregano,basil, parsley. Made a 9 inch pie enough for lunch and dinner. $10 dollars plus $3 for a box of mixed greens

I love your channel since I'm in nursing school and had to quite my full time job to follow my dreams and step out on faith your ideas and budget friendly meals are very helpful. I encourage you to keep making them because you have no clue how helpful you are for college students like myself thank you. ❤

What a deal on the steaks but your right their supposed to honor the price

I loved this "what our week looks like" video. Lol, those ribeyes were practically free, I can understand the manager's dilemma. Extreme budgets are great, but realistic low budgets in the long run are the best for both long term savings with a healthy balance.

The mis-marked steak is definitely thier problem and they should have honored whatever you had. I'm polite but I'm also not afraid to speak up when needed. Glad you got 2 at least.

Have you ever thought of doing a segment on how to cook the food that comes from food banks? It seems that the food is kind of random and people just don't seem to know what they can do with what they get.

I love roasting chickpeas, cube up butternut squash, green beans, asparagus

It's always good to see you. My lady is working on getting me introduced to more poultry into my diet and she loves your recipes and ways to save money on groceries! Thanks for sharing!

I'm sure I've said this before but I just LOVE the way that you shop and cook. My favourite RU-vid cooking/food channel by a country mile! Thank you, Rose (UK)

So many great ways of preparing a reasonable amount of food for the budget! You really lucked out with those steaks!

Well I am hooked on your site. Loving the budget,so creative, so happy for you. Go girl. 😊

Oh we love those imitation crab . Cut them, mix w mayo n dill. Put on lettuce n mix so simple n delicious

Yeah! Love when your videos pop up. I live alone now my kids are grown, it's so hard to cook for one. I been making meals and feeding my neighbor some, makes cooking so much more enjoyable. Love how you cook around the sales you get.

I love your aggressive use of black pepper!!!

I add up to 1 cup of oats to my meatloaf to extend the portions - I will also freeze meatloaf in slices for a grab and go dinner - reheat in the microwave, make some pan fried potatoes, add the meatloaf and any veggies, the meatloaf gets a really nice crispy crust

When I got married in the late 70's I read in a frugality magazine (Good Housekeeping or Family Circle, I think) that by federal law they had to honor the marked price. Don't know if it's still true or if it ever was. I worked at a convenience store in those times and I agree. I'm always nice to the clerks because they often have to put up with some very rude people.

I love these videos. They really show the true facts of how to save money yet eat well. Your budget of $40 breaks down to $13.33 for each person/week. Which is certainly doable when buying for more than one person. However, very difficult for 1 person. Here is why Think about it- $13.33 to spend for a week. A bag of frozen Spinach sells for $1.98 split between 3 it comes to $. 66. Whereas, for a single person it is the whole $1.98. Same with hamburger. If a package is $5.98 that would be a big chunk out of the budget . Those two are $7.96 leaving just $ 5.37. Some loafs of break cost that much ! Even Oatmeal which is less than cereal costs at least $2.79 . Leaving just $2.58 to purchase milk, coffee, tea more veggies. A single person would be better off taking their entire months budget of $53.52 [ $13.33/ week x 4 weeks ] and purchasing meat one week, frozen or canned veggies the next, oatmeal and meal the following week etc. That way they can keep prices low while getting the groceries they need. Would take alot of planning to make sure you stretched the meat, dairy wtc over more than one week but could be accomplished.

Almost every time I watch your videos I learn something!! I've never seen or heard of anyone using stuffing in meatloaf and I think it's genius!! Now, I know what to do with all of that extra stuffing mix I have😊

Im so glad you got the kitty oven mits 😀❤️ thought they looked cute and made me think of y'all, keep cooking and thanks for always sharing great content!

You are amazing because food is so expensive and it’s good to learn savings

Lisa, your videos are awesome. I watch every time you upload. I’m just a single person, but I am going to try meal prepping that fiesta chicken… it looked awesome. Not the first recipe of yours I have tried 😁

Thank you Lisa for another great video! Love everything you cook. The chili looked yummy. I cook my meatloaf in a pan I bought from pampered chef..its the one with all the squares. The pieces come out great! Btw, your cat is beautiful! Have a great week!

I love your videos so much and was so excited to see your upload❤😊😊

Love a Lisa post !! 🎉

Yayyyyy I’ve been checking for a new video from you for days! ♥️♥️

Hi Lisa! Thanks again for the video! I am so blessed and thankful for your tutorials. I am learning so much and you have taught me to not be afraid to try new things.😊

Another epic video! Great home cooking. Thank you for the video!

That curry recipe looks amazing!!! I'm gonna try !

Everything looks amazing, thanks!😋

🎉❤ Welcome back lisa , i have been waiting anxiously , thanks for the new video

Your cat is so adorable! I absolutely love seeing him. Your videos are great thanks so much Lisa Dawn.

Love your videos and your food looks amazing!

I Love your videos ! You make such fantastic food at such bargain prices,I Ove it !

Always enjoy your videos!

Thanks Lisa always inspiring ❤

I love watching your channel! I always enjoy the ideas from the meals.

You do the best job of shopping and cooking. Love your leftovers. Yummy

A new Lisa Dawn video...YEA!!!

Agree on the ginger method. I do the same, and it's so much easier. You definitely don't notice the peel.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS another great video. You are awesome Lisa Dawn ❤

Have you ever tried making a cucumber and onion fresh salad with Italian dressing. It's so good and refreshing, but costs very little.

Great meals!! Thank you for sharing your grocery haul & meals. You always give me such great ideas. Love seeing the kitty. Now I'm on the search for those ovenmits & potholders.

I love when you post! ❤

YAY! Thank you Lisa Dawn for another great video! I always get impatient when it's been a while, not fair I know lol! Also I was sooo happy to see your handsome cat guy, I hadn't seen him in any of your vids for a while and I started to be concerned about him - glad to see he's his usual big guy sweet self!

I always love watching your videos. They really help me relax . ❤😊

Delicious home made food...keeps the bellies full and the budget intact.......way to go!!!

Lisa, Thank you sharing your kitchen with us!

You ALWAYS provide inspiration! I appreciate how relatable you are and a contagious smile! Thank you for doing these videos! I got so excited when I see new one has been made! Have a wonderful week!

Yum everything looks so good, thank you

Worcestershire sauce also gives a great flavor to meatloaf

Them oven mitts are adorable ❤ Maddy/Mattie has great taste 🎉

I love watching your videos!!!

Love the oven mittens and I'm going to try and make a few of those recipes!

Yeah. If that's the price... u get it for that price. No questions asked.

I love Lisa Dawn's videos!❤

You are such a great chef!

You inspire me soooo much! Our Canadian prices are crazy! I am retired and on my own. A few days of groceries can easily top a hundred dollars. I do eat more fruit and milk etc, but what I like about your videos is how you show us how to cook. I e been so crazy busy during my career I relied on packaged foods…now I’m going to try some of your recipes! Yummy!

Everything you cooked looked amazing!!! I love when you tell us the food prices and the stores. You got some great bargains, especially the steaks! I wish we had a Food Lion. My stores are still pretty high on meats and produce. (Not much meat sales)

Thank you for making these types of videos! I usually have your videos playing while I cook my dinners. Thank you!

Thank you for making these videos! I always enjoy them 😊

Thank you so much. Loved the meal ideas.

Amazing everything looked delicious.

Yahooooo! She's back. All good meals. I've never tried curry. Don't know which recipe I'll try next.😀👍🌞

Your kitty is so pretty. I really enjoy your dinners. Thank you.

thanks for all your hard work. Everything looked great, n yummy too. Enjoy yr cooking days….😊

Love these videos!

Everything looks delicious!!!😊

Awesome video! Very helpful. I will definitely be using your recipes in my budget cooking. And you have such a lovely personality, so pleasant to watch your videos. Thank you!

I love these dishes. Thanks for sharing and I was happy to see kitty❤😊

Thanks so much. I love truly love your content!

That gal can cook, can’t she? I am always sooooo impressed!

Somehow you dropped off my video feed. Glad to find you again. You’ve got your usual great recipes with a frugal spin. Thanks! Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

I can’t wait to try your meatloaf!! Stuffing- genius!! yum 🤤

Love your channel….seems you have cheaper stores in your part of the country. Also you eat a bit different. I’m excited to try new ideas. In the Pacific Northwest most people don’t make Mac and cheese as a side dish for holiday meals. Meat loaf is generally made with bread crumbs or oatmeal, milk, fresh vegetables; onions, garlic, parsley, peppers, and cooked along with baked potatoes. I don’t eat beef or pork. When I used to make meatloaf, I served with a steamed fresh green vegetable. You seem to use a lot of salt. I don’t use a microwave or pressure cooker any longer, because high heat destroys nutrients and can make some foods dangerous (toxic).