Cheap Side Dishes

Sometimes it may be hard to think of things to cook for your side dishes. There are many side dishes you can make for cheap. I have a section with some side dish recipes. Here is a list of a few cheap sides. I always make a vegetable for every dinner I cook along with a side dish. If you have a bigger family, I'd suggest making a main dish, two sides, and a vegetable.

• White Rice- Combine rice with twice as much water in a saucepan. Boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, without uncovering at all.
• Macaroni and Cheese - I load up on the Kraft brand when there are sales. They taste a lot better than the store brands.
• French Fries- I think they go well with Hamburger Helpers. To save even more money, make your own french fries. Here is a link to some home made french fries: Homemade French Fries
• Baked Potatoes- Very cheap side dish. Can top with whatever you like, for example: butter, sour cream, chili, cheese, peppers, onions, etc...
• Flavored Rice- You can usually buy these for less than one dollar for the store brand. 
• Pasta Salad- In some stores you can find these for $1. Or you can make you own. Macaroni Salad Recipe
• Mashed Potatoes- I buy the powdered kind because it is very quick and easy to make. 
• Biscuits- You can buy the 4 pack of biscuits for pretty cheap. Or if you'd like you can make your own.
• Stuffing- The boxed stuffing doesn't cost too much for the store brand.
• Ramen Noodles- A very cheap side dish.
• Beans- Canned or dried beans make good side dishes. Dried beans just take a lot longer to cook.

Hot Dog Chili

Another cheap recipe made with hot dogs. Sounds really good. You could also add over white rice, mashed or baked potatoes, or noodles.

Ingredients:

1 can of spicy chili beans in sauce
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 package of taco seasoning mix
4 to 6 hot dogs
Jack cheese, sour cream, avocado (optional)


Directions:
Pour first 4 ingredients into a pan; add taco seasoning and mix well; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Slice hot dogs into 1/2-inch pieces; add to chili; reduce the heat to warm and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve over a toasted New England hot dog roll and top with any or all of the optional toppings.
Note: For an over-the-top treat, put the roll topped with chili and cheese in the oven for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.

Macaroni and Hot Dog Skillet

Another cheap recipe made with hot dogs but with macaroni this time. You can leave out some ingredients if you don't have them. I have bullion cubes at my house all the time so I will use that as the broth.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
4 cups beef broth
2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound hot dogs, cut in 1/2 to 1-inch slices
1 small can or jar mushrooms, drained (about 4 ounces)
1 tablespoons chopped pimiento

Directions:
Melt butter in a large skillet; add onion and bell pepper and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, until softened. Add beef broth; heat to boiling. Add macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until macaroni is almost tender. Add salt, sliced hot dogs, mushrooms, and pimiento. Cook hot dog mixture for 10 more minutes, or until macaroni is tender.