Frugal Superbowl meals and ideas

It’s that time of the year again where we all gather round to watch the millionaire beasts of the NFC and AFC battle it out to determine the NFL champions. Unfortunately, we’re not all millionaires, and if we ever hope to accumulate millions, it’s going to be through living frugal and investing and saving.

This year, we’ve got an energetic high powered offense in Drew Brees’ New Orleans team with that southern flavor against the powerhouse Midwestern Peyton Manning led Indianapolis Colts. It’s surely going to be a high scoring game. But now, it’s your time to score some great frugal meal ideas and other frugal thoughts on watching the game in style. Below, I’ve listed some great and low cost meals for the Southern and Midewestern fans and much more.

Stay in and enjoy the game with family and friends, avoid the bars, $3 beers, and crowds.

Consider making your own party decorations and spend time doing something fun and free prior to the big game. Consider hooking up a couple of TV’s in the same room if you don’t have that big screen. Play Superbowl game squares for 10 cents a square.

For the meals and drinks:

Appetizers:

Make your own fruit tray (under $15) or make your own veggie tray (under $15). Maybe even consider making your own chips using your microwave and salsa.

Drinks:

Consider making your own iced tea (add vodka with or without lemon for an ice pick), Iced water, milk for the kids. Consider low cost beer like Paps Blue Ribbon, or if you have a large party, chip in a few bucks each for a keg. There’s endless frugal drinks you could make, saving you tons of money in simply avoiding the bars. Ask your guests to each bring a cheap bottle of something and mix and match. If you don’t plan on getting smashed, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference in expensive drinks and low cost alternatives. Believe me, I know.

For the Main Meal (Chili or Spinach Salad):

New Orleans’ Style Cajun Chili (serves 8-12) for under $20;

Cajun recipe found here.

For a simple Midwestern Chili (Serves 6) for under $15:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 envelope (1 3/4 ounces) chili seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet. Cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Stir in chili seasoning mix, then add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with cornbread or crackers.

Easy Chili recipe serves 6.

Found here.

And for a meatless alternative, healthy alternative (Under $15):

Spinach Salad:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 c. fresh spinach, torn in bite-size pieces
• ½ c. mandarin oranges
• 1 c. strawberries, sliced
• 4 oz. soy blue cheese crumbles
• ¼ c. cashews

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp. orange juice
• 1½ tbsp. canola oil
• ¼ tsp. dry mustard
• 1/3 tsp. poppy seeds

Utensils:

• knife (you’ll need help from your adult assistant)

Directions:

1. Mix dressing ingredients and refrigerate.
2. Mix the fruit and spinach together.
3. Pour dressing over salad and mix well to coat evenly.
4. Divide salad among 4 plates (about 2 cups each plate).
5. Sprinkle cashews and soy blue cheese over the top of each salad plate.

Serves: 4

Serving size: about 2 cups

Nutritional analysis (per serving):
220 calories
11 g protein
12 g fat
3 g sat. fat
24 g carbohydrate
2 g fiber
66 mg cholesterol
507 mg sodium
276 mg calcium
3.9 mg iron

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

Variations and suggestions:
This salad can be served as a side dish, or add some chicken to it and make it a meal!

Dessert(Under $10):

Monkey Bread

Copyright © 2002 by Michelle Jones, editor of BetterBudgeting.com

Perfect for taking to a brunch or serving to your own family, this yummy pull-apart bread is always a big hit!

Ingredients:

4 cans of refrigerated biscuits

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 T. cinnamon

3/4 c. butter or margarine

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

* Cut biscuits into quarters and coat with an extra mixture of cinnamon and sugar if desired, makes it EXTRA good!

* Melt remaining ingredients together in a small saucepan.

* Place half of biscuit quarters into a greased Bundt pan and sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins on top if you have them on hand.

* Pour 1/2 of butter mixture over the top and repeat with remaining biscuits.

* Bake for 30-40 minutes.

..Of course, you can save much more money by simply cooking your own beans and rice and add in whatever other ingredients you may like.

What other great frugal Superbowl Ideas do you have that you’re willing to share?