How To Cook Healthy, Nutritious, Tasty Meal for $.50, Save Money on Food Expenses

One of the cheapest, healthiest and best meals on the planet is available for the cost of around $.50-.75 in your area depending on prices, quantity, and quality of food.

Ingredients for Healthy, Nutritious, Tasty meal for $.50

1. Potatoes: Russet, Idaho or the many varieties of healthy, nutritious potato. In my area (North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico) I have purchased a 10 lb bag of potatoes for $2.00 or $.20 per lb from a local "Village Market". Most of the time the price ranges from $.35/lb (Costco) to $.99/lb (Whole Foods). At these prices, a 8 oz (1/2 lb) potato is $.17 - $.50. Cost: $.20
2. 4 oz of milk and/or 2 oz of sour cream and/or 2 slices of butter, depending on recipe and personal preference. Cost: .13
3. 1 oz Shredded cheese. Cost: .08
4. Salt/Pepper. Cost: .03
   

   Total Cost for Healthy, Nutrious Meal: $.43

5. BONUS/EXTRA: Ham/Bacon/Shredded Beef. Cost: $.67

Recipe Ideas for Inexpensive and Healthy $.50 Meal

 Experimenting with a variety of recipes with potatoes can be a fun way to save money on your food bill. Many of the following recipes are my personal favorites and I enjoy a baked potato as both a side dish and a main entree.

1. 5 ways to bake Potatoes
2. Terrific Tin Foil Recipes for Potatoes
3. Potato Side Dish Recipes
4. Allrecipes.com Potato Recipes (Great Ideas!!)
5. How To: Soft and Pillowy Mashed Potatoes

What are some of your favorite potato-based recipes?