Thrifty Meals From Grandma’s Recipe Book
Stretch your family's food budget by putting these delicious dishes into heavy rotation.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf
“When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favourite meal.” —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota
Favourite Chicken Potpie
“This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night.” —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Beef Barley Soup with Roasted Vegetables
“The beauty of this soup is that you can roast the vegetables separately in the oven while it’s simmering away, then simply add them in during the last minutes on the stovetop. I love that the roasted vegetables keep their own bright flavours that add to this earthy bowl of warmth.” —Gayla Scott, West Jefferson, North Carolina
Judy’s Macaroni Salad
“After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavour and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket.” —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
“I adapted an oven recipe to cook itself while I’m away. It’s ready to serve when I get home, making it a real winner in my book!” —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Lima Bean Soup
“A yearly Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May honours the many growers there and showcases different recipes using their crops. This comforting chowder was a contest winner at the festival several years ago.” —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey
Great-Grandma’s Italian Meatballs
“My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavour’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories.” —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Salisbury Steak Deluxe
“This recipe is so good that I truly enjoy sharing it with others. I’ve always liked Salisbury steak, but I had to search a long time to find a recipe this tasty. It’s handy, too because it can be prepared ahead, kept in the refrigerator and warmed up later.” —Denise Barteet, Shreveport, Louisiana
Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
“One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining.” —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Three-Bean Baked Beans
“I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I’m always asked to bring my special beans.” —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
Swedish Meatballs
“Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering.” —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Next, check out these inspired spring dinner ideas.
