It was such a busy weekend. I didn’t even have time to put anything into the crockpot or even defrost some chicken. As a result, dinner time was fast approaching and there was nothing on the table.
What makes it worse is that it is Superbowl Sunday! Ack!
Here are some of my favorite ways to use prepared food for last minute cooking and still save money.
Rotisserie Chicken
Around here, an already cooked rotisserie chicken will run you about $7.99. Ouch, right? Still, it beats take out at $25-$40 (the prices in my area to feed our family of five. The lower number is for fast food or pizza.
A rotisserie chicken can be eaten as is with a couple of quick sides that you can do at home, such as frozen or canned veggies, or it can be shredded to with flour tortillas in a wrap.
Breaded Chicken Patties
Pick up a package or two of breaded chicken patties, fresh or frozen (you’ll get more patties for the same price if you go frozen). You can top them with some pasta sauce (just a bit) and provolone cheese then pair them with some pasta and bagged salad for a great meal that is less than $10.
Alternatively, grab that package of flour tortillas, some lettuce and tomato, some shredded cheese, and you got yourself the equivalent of snack wraps that are fresher and cost less than what you would pay at the drive through.
Frozen Meatballs
Hint: Turkey meatballs are cheaper and healthier than the traditional frozen meatballs. A few minutes simmering in jarred pasta sauce and you are all set. You don’t have to just use them with pasta, either. Turn them into meatball subs when you pick up some shortie rolls and that inexpensive provolone.
You can also go swedish on the with bit of sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Enjoy!
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