Dollar Tree Cooking Challenge

So, I recently saw a video (<------- that one) by the

VEGAN ZOMBIE, about shopping the groceries at 

DOLLAR TREE. 

& I know there are several budget meal plans on Pinterest, based products available at Dollar Tree. 

I'll just assume that this is one of the new Facebook challenges, 

& I'm getting ahead of the curve,

 because I'm a fun killer & won't dance outside my car.

For the excitement of it, & because we roll quick, cheap & easy

 I wanted to check it out. 

I was amazed at the selection of things available (coconut oil?!?!), & was surprised at some of the things they didn't have. 

Of course selection will vary by location.

DOLLAR TREE NOT TUNA CASSEROLE

10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup

1/2 C Mayo

1 bag egg noodles (boiled & drained)

1 C Cheddar Cheese 

1 C Milk 

Sprinkle 'O bread crumbs 

In all fairness we already had milk, so I didn't buy theirs, though they have milk available in the refrigerator section. 

Or the bread crumbs. That's just a pantry staple.

Mix it up it your 9x13 & bake at 350 for about 45 minutes, until brown & bubbly  

by all means, drain a can of tuna to add, if you like tuna. I thought I had a better chance of getting the troops to eat it sans tuna. 

I also picked up a frozen steamer bag of peas, because that's what you eat with tuna casserole. 

These are the very same, name brand bags available at any grocery store, & just as tasty!

We also tried the veggie burgers mentioned in the video, with tater tots (last night)- I thought it was ok, but the visible veg chunks in the patties were a flop with the kids.

It's good to have this shopping option available, but buying smaller packages in the long run is usually more expensive. 

If you are just feeding a single person, I can see where this might be a good budget plan, especially if you have access to reasonably priced fresh produce,

 so you aren't living on processed foods 100%

Let's face it, it's just hard to beat Aldi. 

 But I'd make this again in a pinch.