Classic Gravy (AKA Marinara Sauce)- $0.49 a Cup

Pasta and Sausage is a staple at our hour. Note only is it a cheap meal but the entire

family loves it. When in a pinch, we pick up some Classico “sauce” gravy and it costs us a

lot more than if we make it ourselves. Therefore, I try really hard to always have the

staples on hand and my crock pot ready to make some “sauce” gravy in the morning for our

favorite dinner. As a bonus, we use our gravy for making our weekly pizza dinner too.

Ingredients

2 (28 oz) Cans of Crushed Tomatoes

2-3 Italian Sausage Links

½ Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Pepper

1 Teaspoon Oregano

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Onion Powder

2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes

Directions

Place all ingredients in a crock pot on low for 6- 8 hours.

-I layer the ingredients in the crock pot in the following way:

Sausage

Tomatoes

Spices

Stir in spices and then stir on occasion.

Dinner Round out

Serve with Pasta, Green Salad, Bread, Red Wine

Bonus:

For Vegetarian Gravy replace Sausage with about 1-2 cups of vegetables (peppers, onions

and mushrooms), increase the Italian Spice to taste. If you prefer sweeter gravy then add

carrots to the vegetable list and omit the red pepper flakes. At the end of the 6 hours, blend

the sauce to create a smooth texture.

~ Savings ~

Cost Breakdown:

Regular Shopping

2 (28 oz) Cans of Crushed Tomatoes= $1.58

3 Italian Sausage Links= $1.80

Spices Estimation: $0.06

NOTE: Italian Sausage Links can be eaten with the first pasta meal. If we don’t count the

sausage as part of the price calculations, then the price per cup would be $0.24.

Total Recipe Cost = $3.44

Cost per cup = $0.49

Classico Pasta Sauce

Cost Per = $2.69

Cost Per Cup= $0.90

"Over a Year" Scenario:

Homemade Gravy w/o the sausage: 3 cups (per week) per week= 52 X $0.72 = $37.44

Classico Pasta Sauce: 3 cups per week= 52 X $2.70= $140.40

*Money Saved = $102.96

Comments

Menu Planning: #245

NOTE- 1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe. 2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location. March USDA Thrifty Food Plan ccording to this plan our family would have a budget of $186.20 per week. Given our health concerns, we struggle to maintain this budget, but I am going to try to make this happen. Cost Saving Tip of the Week: Check your sale flyers for loss leaders. Each week grocery stores advertise specific products at a great price to get you in the store. Recently, I have noticed a very specific time frame for getting these deals. Good luck and happy hunting. Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: Refrigerator Clean Out Pre-cut all vegetables for the week Pulled older items to the front for easier consumption C...

Menu Planning: #250

NOTE- 1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe. 2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location. March USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan our family would have a budget of $186.20 per week. Given our health concerns, we struggle to maintain this budget, but I am going to try to make this happen. Cost Saving Tip of the Week: When I purchase fruit for the week, it helps to calculate the cost per serving vs. the cost in general. For example, this week a whole watermelon was on sale for $3.99 each. When it is cut up, the watermelon will yield at least 20 servings which will place the cost per serving at $0.20. Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: Breakfast Options: Hard Boiled Eggs Yogurt Homemade Breakfast ba...

Menu Plan #307

Menu Plan #307 NOTE- 1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe. 2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location. February 2025 USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.30 per week. Since March has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $757.20. We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats. Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices. Grocery Shopping Tip: Utilize your grocery store’s loyalty program. This month, my 2 primary grocery stores have provided me with store coupons for bread, Silk milk, jelly candy, frozen vegetables, and Bali coconut water. Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: ...

The Sweet Life On A Budget

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