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    Cheap Easy Meals With the Food Lion Frugal Cookoff

    Cooking, Easy Recipes, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Sponsored Jump to Recipe

    Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FoodLion as part of the #FrugalCookOff. All opinions are my own. Read my full disclosure policy here.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals, like these healthy fish tacos, using everyday ingredients.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored
    A few months ago, I had the the honor of participating in the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff at the Southern Women’s Show in Charlotte in an Iron Chef-style competition with other bloggers from the region. My teammates were Jen from Peanut Butter Runner and K. Elizabeth from YUMMommy.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored

    Talk about intense. The two teams had 15 minutes to shop for ingredients, $15 to spend and just 30 minutes to prepare cheap easy meals for a family of four, including a main dish and two sides.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored

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    Kinda sounds like a typical weeknight, huh?

    But we had to do it in front of an audience, while being interviewed by an emcee and with the knowledge that a panel of judges, including Food Lion executives and the Charlotte Observer’s food editor, would be critiquing our cheap easy meals for flavor, frugality presentation and adherence to the challenge rules.

    (I was just hoping we wouldn’t give them food poisoning!)

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored

    Spoiler alert: my team won with our healthy, Tex-Mex inspired fish tacos, spicy Mexican potatoes and black bean and corn salad.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored

    I’ll be sharing the winning recipes today — and frankly I should have done it sooner. Chalk it up to being one of those busy, tired, overwhelmed working moms!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    But I think you’ll forgive my procrastination when you hear that I have an awesome giveaway sponsored by Food Lion. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect, as most of us are in an eat-healthy, save-money mindset after the holiday binge!

    Be sure to enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a $250 Food Lion Gift Card. That will buy a lot of groceries!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookoff

    Before the Frugal CookOff began, my teammates and I did a little menu planning and brainstorming.

    We knew that we’d be cooking with one of four different proteins — chicken breasts, tilapia fillets, ground turkey or boneless pork chops — but we didn’t know which one until the day of the event.

    And we had no clue what we’d find in the Food Lion pantry.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    K. Elizabeth made the selection for us, and we lucked into the tilapia filets. (The other team chose the boneless pork shops in the blind drawing.)

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    Then it was off to the pantry, calculators in hand, to select the rest of the ingredients for our cheap easy meals. We had just 15 minutes to shop and formulate our plan before we headed into the kitchen.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookoff

    We decided to divide and conquer, with each team member in charge of a different dish.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookoff

    I made the Mexican potatoes, while K. Elizabeth mixed up the black bean and corn salad and Jen cooked the fish tacos.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    Can I just say how hard it is to dice potatoes using unfamiliar knives in front of an audience with a clock ticking down?

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    And I really felt the heat in the kitchen as I was waiting for those potatoes to get tender!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    Food Lion had a chef on hand to provide both teams some coaching, and she proved invaluable.

    Not only did she give us insights into the quirks of our kitchen arena, but she also helped us think through menu choices to save time. She talked us out of serving rice with our fish tacos, knowing that 30 minutes wasn’t enough time to boil the water and cook the rice completely.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    She saved us, for sure!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    Because we were racing the clock to get everything cooked, plated and garnished in 30 minutes.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    But we did it, deliciously!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookoff

    And the judges agreed!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. #sponsored #FrugalCookoff

    We took home the winner’s trophy, but more importantly, it was an amazing experience. I met some great bloggers, including the ladies on the other team: Kate from My Mommy Brain, Jenny from The Melrose Family and Kelly from The Best Crowe’s Nest. (Be sure to check out their recipes.)

    And I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone cooking onstage at The Southern Women’s Show and later sharing our award-winning recipe on a Charlotte morning show.

    All those times I pretended I had a cooking show in my own kitchen did not prepare me for the this!

    One of us dropped a piece of fish on the host’s high heels. It wasn’t me, and it all happened off camera, so viewers didn’t see it. But I got a little flummoxed because I was talking at the exact moment it happened!

    That’s live TV for you.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    And here’s the funny thing about being a “celebrity chef,” if only for a few days.

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    Except for a few sample bites to test the seasoning, we didn’t get to eat these pretty plated meals! That joy went to the judges and the TV station hosts and crew.

    But that’s OK, because these recipes are easy to make at home!

    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff

    spicy
    Print
    Spicy Mexican Potatoes
    Prep Time
    5 mins
    Cook Time
    15 mins
     
    Serve these spicy Tex-Mex style pan-fried potatoes with healthy fish tacos. A great alternative to rice.
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 197 kcal
    Ingredients
    • 3 large russet potatoes diced
    • 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil enough to coat the pan
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 2 teaspoon chili powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
    • 3 cloves garlic crushed and minced
    • 2-3 Tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
    • salt
    Instructions
    1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes, covered.
    2. Remove lid and season potatoes generously with salt.
    3. Add paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes and continue sautéing until potatoes are tender and slightly crisp., about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent potatoes from burning.
    4. During the last minute of cooking, add garlic and sauté. Season with salt, as needed. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
    Nutrition Facts
    Spicy Mexican Potatoes
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 197 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Sodium 30mg1%
    Potassium 717mg20%
    Carbohydrates 31g10%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 4g8%
    Vitamin A 811IU16%
    Vitamin C 12mg15%
    Calcium 31mg3%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff
    Print
    Corn & Black Bean Salsa
    Prep Time
    10 mins
     
    Fresh, healthy and protein packed, this corn-and-black-bean salad pairs well with tacos. It's also a great healthy option for a potluck or cookout.
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 197 kcal
    Ingredients
    • 1 can black beans drained
    • 1 can yellow corn drained
    • 1 bell pepper diced
    • ¼ cup green onion sliced thinly
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
    • Juice of one lemon
    • Dash of cumin
    • Salt to taste
    Instructions
    1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
    Nutrition Facts
    Corn & Black Bean Salsa
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 197 Calories from Fat 18
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 2g3%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Sodium 385mg17%
    Potassium 602mg17%
    Carbohydrates 40g13%
    Fiber 10g42%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 10g20%
    Vitamin A 1339IU27%
    Vitamin C 49mg59%
    Calcium 42mg4%
    Iron 3mg17%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    The Food Lion Frugal Cookoff is all about teaching busy families how to prepare healthy and cheap easy meals using everyday ingredients. Get the award-winning recipe for Healthy Fish Tacos, Mexican Potatoes and Corn & Black Bean Salad from the North Carolina Food Lion Frugal Cookoff #sponsored #FrugalCookOff
    Print
    Healthy Fish Tacos in Lettuce Wraps
    Prep Time
    10 mins
    Cook Time
    10 mins
     
    Pan-fried spicy fish tacos served in lettuce wraps instead of taco shells.
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
    Keyword: fish, healthy
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 264 kcal
    Ingredients
    FOR THE SPICE MIX
    • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    FOR THE TACOS
    • 4 Food Lion frozen tilapia fillets thawed
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 head romaine lettuce
    • 2 tablespoons sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons salsa
    • 2 Tablespoons Shredded cheddar cheese
    Instructions
    1. Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
    2. Pat fish dry and sprinkle with a generous coat of spice mixture, rubbing it in to distribute evenly on each side.
    3. Pre-heat a large non-stick skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and add tilapia.
    4. Saute fish for 3-4 minute per side, or until firm and flaky.
    5. Remove from heat and gently flake fish.
    6. To assemble tacos, place tilapia inside a large washed romaine lettuce leaf and top with salsa, sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
    Nutrition Facts
    Healthy Fish Tacos in Lettuce Wraps
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 264 Calories from Fat 90
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 10g15%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Cholesterol 93mg31%
    Sodium 804mg35%
    Potassium 982mg28%
    Carbohydrates 8g3%
    Fiber 5g21%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 38g76%
    Vitamin A 14641IU293%
    Vitamin C 6mg7%
    Calcium 125mg13%
    Iron 3mg17%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Filed Under: Cooking, Easy Recipes, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Sponsored Tagged With: dinner tonight, easy dinner, easy dinners, easy recipes, easy weeknight meals, healthy meals

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer Marie

      January 14, 2016 at 10:20 pm

      I like breakfast for dinner. French toast, eggs, fruit. Quick, easy, and cheep to make.

      Reply
    2. Linda

      January 14, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      I like to make homemade pizza. It’s so easy and I like to experiment with different toppings and combinations.

      Reply
    3. Courtnie Miller

      January 14, 2016 at 12:06 pm

      Grilled cheese and soup is an easy quick meal!

      Reply
    4. Elle

      January 14, 2016 at 11:08 am

      I like to make spaghetti dishes with a protein like chicken and vegetables. It’s easy to throw cooked spaghetti, sauce, cut up chicken and cut up veggies like peppers in a pot, cover it and let it cook and it’s delicious.

      Reply
    5. Sarah Hayes

      January 14, 2016 at 8:40 am

      my favorite is fixing spaghetti. its so yummy and so easy

      Reply
    6. Michele @ The Vintage Vixen

      January 14, 2016 at 8:24 am

      Congratulations!!! All 3 recipes look great-can’t wait to try them myself!!!

      Reply
      • Michele @ The Vintage Vixen

        January 14, 2016 at 8:33 am

        My favorite quick, easy and cheap meal idea is pasta salad loaded with veggies and grilled chicken. I use all leftovers so nothing goes to waste then just add pasta and dressing. Yummy, healthy and quick!!!

        Reply
    7. Rebecca

      January 14, 2016 at 5:34 am

      I love breakfast for supper anytime!

      Reply
    8. Rebecca

      January 14, 2016 at 5:31 am

      Congratulations Amy! I will try all three recipes!

      Reply
    9. Tabathia B

      January 13, 2016 at 10:29 pm

      cheesy hot dogs, bun, weiner, ketchup,mustard and chili and cheese in a bun and bake

      Reply
    10. Kelly D

      January 13, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      I like to put veggies & cheese in a pie plate and pour Bisquick on it and bake it for 30 minutes.

      Reply
    11. Nataly Carbonell

      January 13, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      Quesadillas are my favorite cheap and easy meal!

      Reply
    12. Jessica To

      January 13, 2016 at 6:46 pm

      My quick and easy meal is a sausage and egg casserole.

      Reply
    13. Julie Wood

      January 13, 2016 at 6:37 pm

      I like to take inexpensive chicken breasts and try out different toppings to give it a fresh flavor. I like my Baked Pecorino Chicken, Chicken Curry, my Chicken Chili that I can make in a hurry. I also like sausages with all the toppings to make a cheap meal.

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 19, 2016 at 10:36 am

        I want to come to dinner at your house. All these dishes sound amazing.

        Reply
    14. Mami2jcn

      January 13, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      Spaghetti is cheap and a kid favorite at my house!

      Reply
    15. Nikki @ Nik Snacks

      January 13, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Good job, Amy! Any time you want to help on my $20 Challenge show, you let me know!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 13, 2016 at 5:17 pm

        That would be a blast!

        Reply
    16. LeeAnn

      January 13, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      We love white chicken chili. So simple and so yummy on winter evenings!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 13, 2016 at 5:17 pm

        That reminds me; I have a great recipe for white chicken chili.

        Reply
    17. Jessica N

      January 13, 2016 at 2:29 pm

      Easiest quick meal would be pulled pork! Just throw it in the slow cooker and buy some buns! Dont forget your bbq sauce!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 13, 2016 at 5:18 pm

        You’re speaking my language. We love our barbecue here in North Carolina.

        Reply
    18. Marty Walden

      January 13, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Probably my favorite and easiest throw together meal is slow cooker taco soup. I served it for 15 over the holidays and it was devoured!

      Great job on the competition, Amy!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 13, 2016 at 5:18 pm

        Thanks Marty. And I think I’ve made your taco soup. It was yummy. I could use a bowl tonight!

        Reply
    19. Shell

      January 13, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      My favorite quick and easy meal is tacos! So quick to throw together and my family can top them to their own tastes.

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 13, 2016 at 5:19 pm

        We have tacos at least once a week. And bonus, my husband always volunteers to cook them.

        Reply
    20. Kristen

      January 13, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      Yay for you!!! I remember you posting about this! My favorite go-to busy night dish is a Tuscan pasta. Kids love it, always have the ingredients on hand and it is DONE in under 20 minutes!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 13, 2016 at 5:19 pm

        That sounds really tasty, Kristen. And 20 minutes? I need to get the recipe.

        Reply
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