Have you been reading all the posts on How to Save on Meat without coupons?

This week we are talking about beans… lots of beans. Did you know that beans are packed with protein and fiber? You can actually add them to your regular meals (sometimes without anyone knowing) to pump up your protein without pumping up the cost of the meal. This is a great way to save money.

How can you add beans to your meals?

Anytime we have a mexican dish, we add in beans, especially Kidney beans – we love them. We often serve them on the side. However, you can mix them in. Whether you serve them as a side dish or mix them in you will save money, because you can then use less meat.

3 Easy ways to stretch recipes with beans:

1. Serve them in your tacos

For example, my family loves tacos! We eat them all the time, but my family can go through atleast 2 pounds of ground beef on taco night. Forget that! Instead I serve one pound of beef and mix in kidney, black beans or pinto beans (sometime even two of them). They love them and I just saved 50% on my meal. If your kids don’t like beans, mix in refried beans in with your taco meat and they might not even notice. 🙂

2. Double them in your soups:

If we have taco soup or an Italian soup I often add in double the amount of beans. By doubling the beans, I am able to use less beef or less chicken. The family still gets the protein without the added cost.

3. Mix them into your casseroles:

Think about the casseroles you make – couldn’t you add in beans to pump up the protein? Half the time your family won’t even notice that you use less chicken or beef because it is a casserole!

Easy recipes with beans to try:

• Easy chicken enchilada soup
• Crock pot taco chili
• crock pot white chicken chili
• Ground Turkey Chili recipe

What if the family doesn’t like beans?

 

Hide them! If you have kids who are afraid of beans, then hide them.

• Navy or Great northern beans are great to smash up with a chicken dish. Since they are similar in color they hide well.
• Kidney beans or pinto beans hide well wtih ground beef dinners.

There is nothing wrong with smashing a bean so they will mix better and be hidden in enchiladas, quesadillas, lasagna, or a soup. The protein is still there!

Easy way to save money – make your own beans!

Canned beans are filled with sodium and are pretty expensive. Instead make your own. Just recently, I have given you 2 ways to make your own beans with very little effort. You will save so much money and will stay healthier by making your own.

• How to Make “Canned Beans” in Your Crockpot
• How to Make Refried Beans in your Crockpot

Stay tuned for more easy money saving tips. 🙂

You can also learn How to save money on K-cups! 

More Money saving tips:

• Saving on meat without using coupons
• Save money – add ground turkey to your meals
• 5 easy tips to save money at kohls
• 6 of the best ways to save on produce