$5 meals for a family of 4, purchased at WinCo Foods

I am happy to participate in the $5dollar dinners Bargain Meal of the Week.

For more of my $5 meals go to my bargain meals label

Ingredients were all purchased at WinCo Foods on September 11th.

Meal #1
Macaroni Taco Bake (serves 8)

Ingredients:
2 packages of Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft) $.74 each
1lb ground beef $1.98
1 cup chunky Salsa $.74
2 cups crushed tortilla chips $1.00 (always save your tortilla crumbs for things like this)
1 can (2.25oz) sliced olives $.88
2 cups (8oz) shredded taco cheese (Kraft) $1.68
Sour cream, Optional

Prepare mac and cheese according to directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Stir in salsa; set aside.

Spread mac and cheese into a greased 13X9 baking dish. Layer with beef mixture, chips, and olives; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Serve with sour cream is desired.

Total: $7.76 for 8. For a dinner for a family of 4 is $3.88 with a second night dinner or lunch costing the same.


Meal #2
Italian Hot Dish (serves 4)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups uncooked small pasta shells (Hy-Top) $.92
1lb ground beef $1.98
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms $.89
1/2 cup chopped onion $.24
1/2 cup green pepper $.24
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce (Hy-Top) $.48
1 tsp dried oregano ~.15
1/2 tsp garlic powder ~$.10
1/4 tsp onion powder ~$.10
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Kraft) $.42
4 tsp grated Parmesan cheese ~$.25

Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray cook the ground beef, 1/2 cup mushrooms, onion, and green pepper until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Drain pasta; place in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with meat sauce and remaining mushrooms. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella and 2 teaspoons Parmesan.

Cover and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 5-10 minutes longer until cheese is melted.

Total: $5.77