The CHEAPEST meals you'll ever make | Cheap and Easy Pantry Meals * With Mac n Cheese*

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These are some of the cheapest meals you'll ever make. They use boxed macaroni and cheese. These boxed Mac n Cheese recipes are so cheap and easy and can be made with pantry ingredients. You can pull these together with items you have in your pantry and don't even need to go to the store. They are are amazingly delicious and can feed a family comfortably with only one box of pasta.
Pantry Staples Play List: • Using Pantry Staples
Recipes:
Tuna and Peas:
One box Mac n cheese prepared
1 can drained tuna
1 cup cooked peas
Mix and enjoy!
Mexican Mac:
One box Mac n cheese prepared
1 cup salsa
1 can drained corn
1 can drained and rinsed black beans
Mix and enjoy!
Cheeseburger Skillet:
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Опубликовано:

19 май 2022

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Комментарии : 492

@christineceriani4082 Год назад

I'm 53. Growing up poor with 6 family members, M&C was 25¢ a box (generic), and loved by us all. Mom was able to stretch mac and cheese, using cut up hot dogs and broccoli, or a couple cans of tuna and broccoli, or a little bit of cooked hamburger meat and tomatoes and onions that she roasted. I remember having macaroni and cheese at certain points three nights a week - but we always had food, and Mom tried to make it special.

@oppaloopabetty551 Год назад

You had a great Mom

@violetvillard1347 Год назад

This & your Ramen Recipes made me think back to how I grew up.. It was just my mom & I, and she worked 2 jobs to pay bills & put food on the table. Yes, I was a latchkey kid in the late 80s. We made our own versions of all 3 of these Mac n' Cheese meals + Pizza Mac & Chili Mac. We made Quick Chicken Noodle Soup & Spaghetti with the Ramen. The possibilities are endless with these 2 staples. She also taught me how to make Mini Pizzas on English Muffins in the microwave for an after school snack while she was at work. Who needs Bagel Bites. lol Anyways thanks for sharing these cheap, easy, & budget friendly meal ideas.

@beckstem9838 2 года назад

I like to add 8 ounces of diced ham and a 15 ounce can of French style green beans to a box of macaroni and cheese! Tastes awesome!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yum! Great additions!

@nicoleanderson5704 Год назад

I do the same, but with peas! I love Mac n cheese 🧀 😋

@beckywszalek726 2 года назад

Love these!! First year I was married ( before kids when my brain still worked)I used to go even faster and boil the pasta, add frozen broccoli 3 minutes before it was done, drain then add in chopped pieces of precooked bacon whole I added the butter, milk and cheese sauce. By the time I stirred it all together it was hot, perfect and ready for added cheeses and that was our perfect after work 10 min. Dinner for 2

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Love that idea!!!

@MsSexyDiva4Lyfe Год назад

Yep..those are the best meals ever!!

@CricketsBay Год назад

Oh, bacon! I've added frozen broccoli to mac and cheese, but not bacon at the same time. I am going to try this.

@lindajonesartist 2 года назад

I am so grateful when people post recipes that don't cost a fortune. Thanks!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

You’re welcome!

@kaycee18 Год назад

I went into the jungle for 2 months with the military & had to take my own food. There's nothing more tasty, economical & comforting than a box of mac & cheese mixed with a can of Hormel chili - with or without beans (whatever your preference). YUM!

@lisamartin3346 2 года назад

I LOVE recipes like this where you take one item and offer several different recipes using that one item. More, please!

@paulacostello6912 2 года назад

Mac and cheese has always been my favourite meal. I just wanted to say that if you don't have milk, you can just leave a small amount of the cooking water in -- small! -- or slowly add tap water until it's the right consistency. It doesn't detract from the taste because I think the cheese powder actually has milk solids in it.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

So smart!

@rachelhero3413 2 года назад

I’ve actually used non dairy coffee creamer too in a pinch! Was really good.

@Vida2u 2 года назад

Me too! I always save a cup or so of pasta water. I reduce the butter to 1-1/2 to 2 tbsps, and moisten to taste w the starchy water.

@ellevee1480 2 года назад

@@rachelhero3413 I have used powdered creamer as well. It did taste good.

@tearosy Год назад

I keep a couple small cans of evaporated milk in my pantry. All you have to do is add equal amount of water to make whole milk.

@MetalScrappinChick 2 года назад

I love taking a box of mac and cheese and mixing in some taco meat. This is such an easy and delicious meal and is a great way to use up leftovers if you have either leftover mac and cheese or taco meat.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

I’ve tried that it’s delicious!!

@rhiahlMT 2 года назад

I had a roommate in Georgia in the 1980s in Atlanta. It was the place to be in the 80s. The brand name Mac n Cheese were 5 for $1. Single mothers, it was a go to when we were short for payday. Made Tuna casserole. One box of mac n cheese, about 8 ounces of macaroni noodles cooked for a few minutes before the box noodles went in (plenty of sauce, stretches the mac n cheese) one can of mushroom soup, 1/4 stick of butter, the powdered cheese mixed together, then add the noodles. Top with crushed potato chips or bread crumbs and bake till golden brown (for the breaded topping). Fed two adults, a growing pre-teen boy and two girls. Whenever I visit there, my old roommate's daughter (now in her 40s) wants that meal. Charlotte, no one can make it like you do. LOL

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Aw love this recipe and memory!

@barbnauman705 2 года назад

Thanks, Maria!!❤❤ One super easy way to use the boxed Mac and cheese is simply to add canned chili, and you have a yummy Chili Mac! Sometimes, I’ve used two boxes of Mac and cheese with one can of chili, but it depends on what proportions you like. I put grated cheese on top, sour cream, etc, if you want, but this is also very kid friendly. Also, if you’re out of butter for the mac & cheese, you can sub a small amount of regular mayo instead of oil, etc.

@karenquick8737 2 года назад

That would be yummy! I've done just chili and pasta and cheese. That's easy too

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Love these ideas! Thank you!

@patriciastrickland9540 2 года назад

I've used left over chili, added a box of prepared Mac and cheese, voilà, chili Mac!

@tinablair2206 2 года назад

Stealing this idea. May even put some hotdogs in there!! Ty

@barbnauman705 2 года назад

@@tinablair2206 that would be yummy! Ive added hamburger, but I’m going to try hot dogs too! Thanks!

@mistythompson1398 2 года назад

I make the cheeseburger mac and cheese often. I usually use two boxes so we have leftovers for the next day. I highly recommend sprinkling some chopped pickles on top when you serve it, the acidity and flavor take it to the next level.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Omg! Pickles!!! Yesssss!

@tenthousanddaysofgratitude 2 года назад

Pickles? Woah. Now I have to try it.

@samanthadodd8112 2 года назад

I live by myself so I'll make something once a week to eat on several days. I made Mac and cheese, onions, peppers, mushrooms, squash zuccuchi, and real bacon bits this week. I really enjoyed it.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yum! That sounds perfect!!

@beckywszalek726 2 года назад

You can do similar things with Ramen too

@amaizeingndn 2 года назад

I add broccoli instead of peas, sooo good!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

So great! Love that idea!

@dawnbrewer6646 2 года назад

Howdy from Texas, Maria! I have been making that macaroni and cheese, tuna with peas for years and years. So easy, so fast! The only thing I do differently is stir in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise and it takes the creaminess over the top. Love this recipe served hot or cold. Yum!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Mmm Mayo makes everything better!

@nicoleaseltine8816 2 года назад

Iv been making this 1 for about 40 years, I add a can of cream of mushroom soup and a extra 1/8 cup of milk. You could also top it with crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers and bake for 20 minutes at 350 f. For added crunch.

@suetipping4841 Год назад

Very reminiscent of the 1950's and 1960's budget recipes. Thank you, it's a good reminder of simple, frugal means we can make easily. FYI, I could feed a family of three on $25.00 a week in the early 1970's, cooking from scratch and with meals like those in the videos.

@kerriekrafts 2 года назад

One of our favorite things for supper is make a box of Mac and cheese and a pound of taco meat (I brown onion with the meat) and mix it together. Taco 🌮 Mac and cheese 🧀 yum!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

That is so good!

@martabolkovac1834 Год назад

Maria you are great please don't ever quit, we need you now than ever ❤️

@robertamckiski8682 Год назад

1 box Mac and cheese and a can of cream style corn. Makes a hearty chowder. Bacon is good in it too.

@tanyaperrin1218 Год назад

A little tip for mixing: when you drain the pasta, return the pot to the hot burner and add the butter to melt, then add the cheese mix to create a paste followed by the milk which makes a sauce. This takes just a moment but it gives a much smoother sauce and for those times that you get clumps of cheese you can get them out easily without mashing the pasta. Back to binge watching your channel!

@sissycarolina4863 2 года назад

Just a quick tip. I add the frozen peas in with the macaroni so they cook at the same time. You just remove the water like you usually do when you are ready to add other ingredients. Saves cleaning the extra pot.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Love that!!

@CricketsBay Год назад

I love the white cheddar shells with a can of diced, fried SPAM cubes mixed in. Any 12oz fancy box or 2 boxes of not-fancy macaroni and cheese is amazing this way. I always add a couple tablespoons of cream cheese per serving. It's the best comfort food ever.

@JonTanOsb Год назад

I always added my frozen vegetables in the water and boiled them with the macaroni. I added the tuna last with a dollop of mayo mixed in. My kids complained I was ruining Mac & Cheese, but they always ate it. They're all grown up and away now, but maybe I should make it for myself. It's hard to be inspired when cooking just for yourself. Jon in rural BC, Canada

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Sounds delicious!

@amaya1561 Год назад

Random tip for Mac and cheese that I've learned - if you add the cheese packet and then the milk over it, the pesky cheese powder doesn't stick to your mixing spoon as much. I'm so excited to try these, I have the pickiest 3 year old but he loooooves his Mac and cheese! Thank you!

@Branbrina 2 года назад

This seriously couldn’t have come at a better time! I’m trying to use stuff up before it goes out of date and have like 40 boxes of macaroni and cheese. Vegan, the kind with sauce, the kind with powder. Thank you 🙏🏻😊

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Now is the time!!

@dixiebell3585 2 года назад

Just remember old pasta won't make you I'll it just cooks fast!

@gerald6079 10 месяцев назад

Yo😮 can freeze it, extends the shelf life for a very long time

@stormyweather2807 2 года назад

I always have powdered coffee creamer on hand, so if I run out of milk for mac & cheese I just leave a bit of the cooking water in and add a tablespoon of the creamer. Works great.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

So smart!

@wendyboone2413 Год назад

Powdered coffee creamer works well for mashed potatoes as well

@bridgetharrison103 7 месяцев назад

@@wendyboone2413Wow I never thought about that. Is there really any noticeable difference and how much milk to creamer you use?

@lilpoohbear653 Год назад

I make some rice in my rice cooker and top with a can of chili or hotdog topping in a can! So filling...you can add onion, sour cream or cheese if ya have. Cheap and family loves it

@rmlrhonda 2 года назад

I found one in a magazine when my kids were small. To a box of the Mac and cheese add a can of kidney beans, a carton of frozen spinach, a bit of hot pepper flakes. It sounds weird but my family loved it.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

I think it sounds good! Thank you for sharing!

@robind8149 2 года назад

Do you think that any other type of beans would work? Kidney beans are my least favorite, but it sounds interesting!

@lanagibson5436 Год назад

@@robind8149 Try black beans or garbanzo beans which are called chickpeas.

@dixiebell3585 2 года назад

I got several boxes of this 4 for $1. I like the tiny macaroni for my macaroni salad and mixing the cheese packet with about a 1/2 cup of milk is an easy delicious cheese sauce for veggies but yeah kinda a meal builder. ❤️

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Great deal!!

@lisal3516 2 года назад

4 for $1?!? Wow! Im in Canada and we are paying $1.25 - $2.00 a box right now!

@ladywytch129 2 года назад

I tend to make two boxes and use just one packet of cheese, leaving the other for another recipe. Vegetables or rice are popular here!

@tinablair2206 2 года назад

Love the video. I want more pantry ideas and you nailed it here!! I think We would prefer the white cheddar for some things. Aldi has a great box of cheesy shells for cheap that I am now going to experiment with. So many quick and easy add ins are coming to my mind. Buffalo wing sauce and canned chicken And spinach, mushrooms and crumbled Turkey sausage

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Great ideas!!!

@lisaryherd4685 Год назад

Yum!!!

@barbarathompson8559 Год назад

Thank you , I have been making these recipes for years. With your ground beef you can add a can of vegetable soup let simmer and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

@13blackcatzzz Год назад

I like to add diced raw onion, black olives and mushrooms with lots of black pepper. Simple and yummy.

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Yum! Sounds delicious!

@Vro- 2 года назад

I love seeing ideas using pantry items for other dishes! You could also forgo the cheese packet to make pasta salads, soups, etc. and save the cheese packets for something else.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Absolutely!!

@alwayslearning9272 2 года назад

Very smart and inventive ideas! Love the suggestion to also use it for soups and salads, brilliant! :)

@rudysittig2343 Год назад

I love your recipes like this. s for the salsa teach the kids to enjoy the spicy kind slowly so that they don't want bland food when they get older.

@JewelBlueIbanez Год назад

Currently eating white cheddar shells Mac and cheese (it’s what I got from the food bank) with frozen peas and a piece of cut up chicken. Have also substituted a can of tuna and/or frozen broccoli. Can confirm it tastes fine. When you’re hungry, you’d be surprised what tastes good. (I once got a can of smoked oysters from the food bank. Fried them up in some of the oil they came in and some red onion scraps, garlic, and tossed it in with some drained instant ramen noodles that cooked with the flavour packet. Delicious.)

@kelbac678 Год назад

The canned mexi-corn (corn with red & green bell peppers) is great instead of plain corn in the Mexican inspired mac n cheese dish! Its not spicy, just flavorful!

@shelbylynnwilliams8520 2 года назад

Thanks so much for these budget meals using items we have already in our pantry. Here in Washington state the price of Great Value macaroni and cheese is 43 cents. Still a good deal for budget meals.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Absolutely!

@grandmapamm Месяц назад

Back in the 70’s I made the Mac and cheese with tuna and peas for my kids all the time in fact I just bought everything I need to make this

@dianezielaznicki9799 Год назад

I love quick and easy recipes especially in the summer months. tfs

@bridgetharrison103 7 месяцев назад

Maria you really help me in a pinch our car is in the shop were down to out last dollar and our pantry items are really low but you knock it out of the park when i can fix my family that Mexican mac and cheese! Thank goodness I had everything in my pantry. Top it off you know that its going to be good coming from your recipes!

@MealsWithMaria 7 месяцев назад

I’m so glad I can help!!! You’re going to love that dish!!!❤️❤️❤️

@bridgetharrison103 7 месяцев назад

@@MealsWithMaria We did love it we were amazed at how well it turned out with such little ingredients

@nikkilacroix910 Год назад

the tuna at the beginning, my mom used to make us that all the time when I was a kid in the 90''s. It was one of my favorites!

@anitamullins9949 2 года назад

My mother used to make us an easy dish she called, Tuna-Mata-Mac. Fix the Mac and cheese according to box. Add a drained can of tuna and a drained can of diced tomatoes...easy and so good!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

That sounds like another good idea!

@Hasenkind1 2 года назад

If you like squash/pumpkins, try to combine it with mac and cheese i love that combo

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Omg yes! Great idea!

@Hasenkind1 2 года назад

@@MealsWithMaria its also pretty cheap even in summer (even in germany you can get 1kg butternut/hokkaido for 2.29€) you have to get creative because some things are so expensive now

@susanharclerode1647 2 года назад

Tuna noodle casserole for me has always been making mac and cheese, add a can of cream of mushroom soup and the tuna and peas yum!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yum! I like that recipe!!

@LadyCin611 2 года назад

Your tuna noodle casserole is what I have always called Tuna Surprise. My kids always loved this!

@jackiepearson5505 Год назад

Oh man, found you again after watching ramen recipes. In heaven.

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

😀😀😀

@deannealbrecht774 2 года назад

I totally forgot how much I used to love tuna surprise.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yes!

@nancycarney 2 года назад

I will be trying all of these. My dad (92) and my husband (75) are huge fans of mac & cheese. especially Tuna casserole. I have been making for years a similar recipe of the one with ground beef. A Huge budget friendly meal when my children were home and I worked. Thanks for all the work you put into these videos.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

😀😀 so glad these will be a hit!!

@karenhull2826 Год назад

The white cheddar works just as well. I add Monterey Jack cheese and green onions and peas and tuna. Whatever is not eaten goes into the fridge and the next day is used to make Tuna Melts. I just put some mozzarella on the top and broil it for a couple of minutes. Oh, I toast the bread first so it doesn't get soggy.

@tanyaembly7630 2 года назад

I am going to try these. Thank you. I make a easy meal with Mac and cheese Box of Mac and Cheese Hamburger or Turkey burger Taco season Corn. Cook as suppose to and mix together.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yummmy!!!

@phoenixgarcia5540 2 года назад

Yessss 🤗 it's so yummy I also add a can of green beans to mine and honestly I really thought I was the only one who grew up on this meal and now I make it for my son I call it my Tex-Mex Mac 😂😂😂 y'all have a wonderful weekend with many blessings 💐💐💐

@tanyaembly7630 2 года назад

@@phoenixgarcia5540 That's awesome. Yes all my kids love it ☺️. Thank you. Have a wonderful weekend as well.

@feefee234234 2 года назад

I add better than bouillon chicken to the water when boiling my mac and cheese pasta. Then save a tad bit of the pasta water to use in place of the milk when adding the remaining mac ingredients. Flavor changer!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

That is so smart! Love that idea!!

@bridgetharrison103 7 месяцев назад

That's very interesting how much better than bullion did you used

@suzannemurdoch6084 Год назад

This is something we have in our home with tuna and agree it's delicious! I add my peas frozen and they warm up in a few minutes -- it saves time, dishes and prevents mushy peas!

@jlcarter1975 2 года назад

My niece calls the first recipe M.P.T. (macaroni, peas, and tuna). I use a deluxe box with the cheese sauce packet so I don't have to worry about having butter or milk on hand.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Fun! MPT!

@daphnesalang5047 Год назад

Used to make mac & cheese meals all the time you have inspired me to get back into it

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

😀😀

@leal536 2 года назад

Back in the early 1970s when I was in college, my sister and I made Mac & cheese w/ tuna and peas all the time. Now when I do this, I top the dish with french fried onion rings. Shredded rotisserie chicken is also really good.

@conniebrister7229 Год назад

Here’s a tip I like to do when I make mac n cheese. Mix the cheese packet with the milk in a bowl together then add your hot pasta. Mixes better. Enjoy.

@merriebaldwin 2 года назад

The Walmart Mac and cheese is literally the best. Much thicker harder pasta than the Kraft. I cook mine a method I learned on TikTok. I just barely cover the pasta with water and then go ahead and add the cheese sauce. I boil for about 10 minutes stirring frequently until the water is almost gone. Then you add a big tablespoon of butter and the milk and cook an additional minute. It is so creamy and delicious that way. And about 50 cents.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Perfect! Great tip!!

@bridgetharrison103 7 месяцев назад

@@MealsWithMariaWill you do some meals with just Hot Dogs as your meat option I have 2 packs in my freezer and we really need ideas. Thanks for helping us all!

@ginaskrobosinski49 Год назад

Love the tuna and peas one great 👍

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

😀😀

@wblake22 10 месяцев назад

That macaroni and tuna was the way I remember eating it. Going to make me some soon

@JonTanOsb Год назад

When my son visited, he wanted Mac & Cheese, so I made it. He wanted to know why mine tasted better, when he followed the package directions. I hadn't read directions in years and was surprised that they no longer say to add salt. I still do. Jon in rural BC, Canada

@StamperWendy Год назад

To this recipe, as well, you can add cooked chopped veg and browned hamburg. Also, you can add some diced tomatoes, yum.

@chrisr.1803 Год назад

I used to use up leftover taco meat in a boxed Mac and cheese! My kids loved it!

@hollyworld2001 2 года назад

I grew up on the tuna and peas Mac& cheese! I do think frozen peas taste better and you actually don’t even need to cook them. They heat through enough from the heat of the pasta. It’s now a comfort food for me lol. Such a great video idea! Thanks for sharing!

@sharlaleonard Год назад

Mac and cheese and browned ground beef optional can of drained diced tomatoes; I also add a can of cream of chicken or mushroom with the tuna; 1 lb ground beef with 1 or 2 cups minute rice 1 can cream of mushroom 1 or 2 cups water (depending on how much rice) serve with soy sauce and veggie…

@mazie7952 2 года назад

I put stewed tomatoes in mac and cheese It's actually good

@tina6277 2 года назад

The Mac and cheese with tuna is even better if you add a can of cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup .and season with onion and garlic powders. It's good with a couple leftover hamburgers broken up and corn as a twist. The Mexican casserole. Remove macaroni and add cooked rice serve in or with tortillas for kids roll into burritos add burger to it and you have a cheap Spanish rice

@tina6277 2 года назад

A couple other cheaper options not mac and cheese related. 1 or 2 lbs ground meat browned or leftover cooked ground meat , taco seasoned, sloppy joe, leftover spaghetti sauce with meat,, all work. the type of ground meat does not matter or a combination of them. 1 large can of tomato juice, optional 1 reg size can small diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cloves fresh or powdered garlic ,1 onion or powdered onion, Italian seasonings. 2 cups macaroni. Mix all ingredients except macaroni bring to boil add macaroni. Add more liquid if needed as macaroni cooks when macaroni is done then its ready to eat. This is a less expensive version of goulash. To rewarm on stove Add water about 1 cup and a few squirts of ketchup. Changes the flavor slightly so you don't get bored . For a new taste Add 1 can chili flavor beans this is a cheap chili mac. That will give you 3 days of the same meal but different flavors. Meal 2 same basic ingredients but take out the macaroni. Toast rice in oil in a frying pan until brown. Add toasted rice to the boiling meat and tomato mixture when rice is cooked its done.. Add beans for the second meal, Add taco seasonings instead of Italian. Serve plain in a bowl or in a tortilla with favorite taco toppings and roll into a burritos.

@jeannestottlemyer8747 Год назад

Definitely will be trying these, have grandchildren for the week.

@meemee4276 2 года назад

I love Tuna Mac! My mom used to make it for us all the time. Such an affordable meal.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

😀

@janebush2478 2 года назад

Thank you for these recipes! They are such quick and convenient meals!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

😀🙏

@leeperkins963 2 года назад

A family favourite at our house has been dubbed “Chuckwagon”. Prepare Manwich as if for sloppy joes and mix into prepared Mac and cheese. Yummy 😊

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Oh that’s a great idea!!!

@ginarivells3491 2 года назад

Tuna is really good in the white cheddar Mac and cheese

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

I need to try that!

@docink6175 2 года назад

mac and cheese is a meal stretcher, when my kids were growing up it 5/$1.00, chopped hot dogs, tuna, ground beef, canned chili, deli roast beef, diced ham or bologna, spam. peas, carrots, beans, corn, you can vary what goes with what and create a 100 different meals... I like the ketchup and mustard trick for cheeseburger in a bowl, my kids liked taco seasoned beef, the granbrats do also... to make it stretch the food budget a bit more I used powdered milk and increased the water to suit... I use the powdered milk and cheese when camping

@bidensucks6792 Год назад

2 really easy things you can do, 1) add 2-3 slices of American cheese. String cheese works great also. "I never told the girls mother this secret" 2) add a can of you're favorite chilli. Both are really easy and good tasting.

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Both great ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!!

@ambyg720 Год назад

One of the struggle meals my kids still eat. When I was a single mom, I could get a couple of boxes of great value thick and creamy mac and cheese and a can of chili with beans for nothing. Don't knock it. You'd be shocked.

@gloriasiess1129 Год назад

I put canned or cooked shredded chicken and mixed frozen vegs or peas..great recipes thank you for sharing them.

@missmajor5640 Год назад

I love how you make meals on a budget thanks 👍

@judieahmed98 2 года назад

They all sound delicious!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

😀👍🏼

@lexirueda4028 Год назад

Hello Maria! I absolutely love your channel! I've used many of your budget friendly recipes for my family. The recipe mac and cheese with salsa would be really good with cumin added. You have really great ideas when it comes to cooking. I can't wait to see what you'll cook up next! 🤗🍲🥘🍳

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Yay! I’m so happy this is helpful to you! So glad you are here 🙏🙏❤️

@la_old_salt2241 Год назад

Add a can of chunk chicken for some protein also. Yummy!

@susancaroline927 Год назад

Walmart thick and creamy Mac and cheese is the BEST!!!! I make this all the time with just tuna. I’ll have to try adding a veggie.

@christinemay1752 Год назад

Those meals really looked good. Just the kind of food we like!

@Linda-in9ns 2 года назад

New here nice video. Thanks for sharing. 👍🌼

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

So glad you’re here! Enjoy!

@tenthousanddaysofgratitude 2 года назад

New to your channel. Enjoying your recipes though I’m single, no children. I still like the kid factor for me.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

😀 always feel like a kid! I’m so glad you’re here and like the ideas!

@Bloomcycle Год назад

I'm 56 and love mac n cheese with boiled hotdogs

@vale_rawrrrx3593 2 года назад

Maria this is literally my favorite series! I’m a baby vegan and still find your videos so versatile! Please continue this because this is truly useful! I’ve binged watched you recently and so excited for your future content! Love from Jacksonville ❤️❤️❤️

@shelzp7272 2 года назад

@vale We don’t eat meat and when I want to make things like this I simply substitute kidney or garbanzo beans for the meat… With canned garbanzos, I find I like the texture better if I pan fry or bake them and basically add them to the top of a serving but with other beans, I just stir them in…

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yay! So glad they are helpful! You could switch most of this out with vegan Mac and different beans!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Great ideas!

@missdollieface Год назад

I grew up eating tuna in Mac & cheese and I love it! Never had it with the peas though!

@sunshinemee4226 2 года назад

Great ideas. Thanks!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

You’re welcome!!

@margaretadami6358 Год назад

you're a good mom...I like you're recipies. just made the hamburger beef stroganoff. btw...I'm 65 yrs old

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Yum! So glad you liked it!

@mommy0920 Год назад

That is exactly how I grew up eating what we called tuna casserole!!

@christeenprice5637 2 года назад

Awesome recipes. Thanks

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

You’re welcome!

@bethcatt7919 Год назад

I have added tuna, peas, and cream of mushroom soup

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

The cream of soups sound like a good idea!

@TheKatyMadison 2 года назад

The original Hamburger Helper.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

So true!!

@micahmiller5923 2 года назад

Ooh! Love this! My mom always used to make the tuna Mac recipe. I love your idea of adding spinach. You could really elevate this recipe by combining imitation crab/canned crab, spinach, and white cheddar mac.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

I love crab! Great call!

@lilstepnoel Год назад

Here's something I do with mac & cheese. Just open a small can of whole tomatoes and cut them up or swish them with your clean hand in the mac & cheese, salt & pepper, it's really good and simple.

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Yum! Great idea!

@lilstepnoel Год назад

@@MealsWithMaria Thanks! It's delicious.

@purplebutterfly4756 Год назад

Thanks for the idea's I really like simple recipes that use minimal ingredients but still taste good. Keep the video's coming.

@lifebeyondthesalary2458 2 года назад

My mom called the tuna, peas, & Mac & cheese mix Mac & cheese casserole. I grew up on it & still love it to this day!!! Add a bit of pepper and garlic seasonings & it kicks it up a major notch!

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Yum yum yum! Great idea!

@lindaquery584 Год назад

I might add some pickle slices to that cheeseburger skillet. Also if you are out of butter or margarine, mayonnaise is a great substitute.

@MealsWithMaria Год назад

Oh yum! The pickles sound delicious!

@amberleestevens2052 2 года назад

We mix tuna and cream of chicken in our Mac and cheese sometimes.

@MealsWithMaria 2 года назад

Perfect! Yum!

@carlahabeck4051 Год назад

You often see meal ideas for ramen but this is the first I've seen for mac and cheese. Thanks! Hope you do some more as I too have lots in my pantry. BTW, we have always done a meal with ground chicken or turkey (or leftover bits of almosf any meat, with broccoli or peas.