Here's a challenge for you: a pot-luck main dish (feeds 8) for

M

marilynfl

Moderator
I've just priced out a few of mine and they end up in $40-$50 range because the silly dishes I pick use lots of meat, cheese, shrimp and other costly items.

Here's what I've made before:

New Orleans gumbo (chicken/sausage/shrimp)

Sodom & Gomorrah Chicken Casserole (chicken, cheese, ridiculous amount of expensive canned soups)

Revised feijouada (adding Even. More. Meat to it)

Our work group holds a lunch potluck every 4 months. It's either "bring an entree or pay $10". I always prepare food...plus a dessert.

There was almost a revolt when I told the organizers that I was just going to pay the $10 next time.

So...what can you come up with?

 
chicken tetrazini? Meatloaf? Turkey chili?Mac and cheese with

ham (or maybe even shrimp?) Shrimp and grits?

 
Baked ziti, chili, pizza, spaghetti, soup.I have an enchilada rec, but once you start adding meat...

plus cheese, I think you get over the $10 price point.

 
casserole of deconstructed stuffed cabbage

I've not priced it out but will provide the recipe if you are interested. the proportions of rice and cabbage vs. the ground beef could probably be increased to decrease the $ per serving.

 
Sure, or maybe close:

Anchorage prices:
Barilla marinara on sale: 2.50
Barilla pasta on sale: 1.59
Mozzarella, 8oz on sale : 2.00
Ricotta, walmart 32oz: 2.88, but 16 oz would probably be enough for roll-ups, or stuffed shells, and splurge on another brand.
handful of spinach julienned, or maybe kale on sale now or square box of frozen spinach, maybe 1.50(I bought some on sale for $1/box)
That's 10.47, but add an egg and some parm and you probably have closer to $11 or $12.
It won't be organic or fancy cheeses and meaty, but would be satisfying and pretty and enough for 8, if a few other things are served. If it's the only main dish, than maybe not. you can cut the noodles in half, long ways and make "shorter" rolls---this works out nicely with the frilly part of the noodle on top.

 
There was almost a revolt when you said you were going with the 10$!!!??? (more)

They want to revolt 'cuz you cannot buy a good entree AND dessert for 10$.

If you are buying good stuff and spending mondo bucks for the food you usually bring (with a dessert!!!), I FEEL IMHO that you need to tell your work group that they should donate THEIR 10$ to YOU and you will make something really special--just as you always do!!!



I mean if you like to cook and end up spending so much, and THEY are eating it--come on, they need to pitch in and show you the money! And give it to you! It could be a win-win situation here: good food for all and some compensation for you.

 
I would love to see recipes with prices. That would help tremendously. I don't

know what the hell I'm doing.

I just priced out the S&G chicken casserole and it was $46 including disposable aluminum pan.

 
Okey-doke, let's Marilyn-ize this:

Marinara Sauce = Mezzetta's = $4.99/bottle
Barilla Pasta = BOGO at $2.99 ($1.50)
Mozzarella = 16 oz ball = $5.99/sale
Ricotta = 16 oz = $3
Spinach = $1.5/box

so what's that....5 + 6 + 3 + 3 = $17.

 
I like watching Melissa d'Arabian's show and she does make healthy, appealing meals

but I wonder how she does it for 10.00 or under. I'd really have to watch the sales and use coupons to get some of the deals she gets, and I am not disciplined enough to do that. My husband told me right after we were married that he did not see the need for me to run all over town to get deals on 10 cans of tomato sauce for $. He said I have to figure gas and my time. We always got by and ate well. Now with just 2 of us, I don't worry about it...we eat what we want and make good use of leftovers.

I do not have much of an idea for you, but what about a hearty Italian based soup, using cabbage, kale, carrots, beans, tomato, a little sausage, fresh herbs (if you grow your own, or maybe a friend can donate some) chicken stock onions and garlic, and any type of that very tiny pasta that will thicken the soup and add interest.

 
how about Waikiki Meatballs, old Betty Crocker recipe and big pot of steamed rice

Waikiki Meatballs, based on Betty Crocker recipe

1 1/2 pounds ground beef(increase to 2 # for your 8 servings, the other meatball ingredients should be fine)

2/3 cup crushed saltine cracker crumbs

1/3 cup minced onion

1 egg

1/4 cup milk(a bit more for 2 #)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil (or more if needed)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks -

drained, with juice reserved

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper (I always add more, and some red peppers too, and I add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat)


Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, onion, egg, milk, ginger and salt. Shape mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls into meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place meatballs in skillet and cook until evenly brown, and meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, vinegar and soy sauce. Mix until smooth, then pour into the skillet with meatballs. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils, about 5 minutes. (I usually have to add some water---it gets thick) Stir in the green pepper and pineapple chunks. Heat through.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Waikiki-Meatballs/

 
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