Some things are just easier, cheaper and more convenient to purchase prepared or frozen, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dehydrated, boxed junk.  For this meal, I got lucky and hit a close out on some fresh 3 cheese tortellini in the deli section. $4.99 for a family size serving. Add some meat marinara and a side salad and you have a super easy and super yummy meal. A little over $10 bucks, but well worth the extra .59 cents. Not only is this meal great tasting, it’s so simple and fast, you’ll have it on the table before your kiddos even finish they’re homework!

Meat Marinara Sauce:

1/2 a yellow onion, finely chopped – $.30
1/2 lb hamburger or ground turkey – $1.45
1 large can crushed or diced tomatoes – $1.19
1 small can tomato sauce – $.25
1 Tbsp Olive oil – pantry
1 1/2 Tbsp minced or crushed garlic – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
2 Tbsp Dried Italian herb mix (Oregano, Basil, Marjoram and Thyme), but if you have fresh, that’s even better – pantry
1 Tbsp Dried Onion or 1/2 a small fresh onion, diced – pantry
1 tsp pepper – pantry
1 tsp red chile pepper flakes/pequine (optional) – pantry

COST: $3.19

Prepare Tortellini as instructed on package.

For sauce, brown hamburger in large sauce pan. When cooked, strain oil and return meat to pan and turn heat up to medium. Add a little olive oil and chopped onion to cooked hamburger and cook a few minutes. Just till onion is transparent. Add garlic and stir. Cook for just a minute or so more, then add crushed or diced tomato and tomato sauce, herbs, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 15-20 mins. Serve over cooked/strained tortellini and serve with fresh salad and garlic toast.

Side Salad:

Mixed greens, whatever’s on sale – $.99
1 Large Roma Tomato – $.15
1 red Pepper – $.77
Salt and Pepper to taste – pantry

COST: $1.91

COST for 3 Cheese Tortellini: $4.99 (top with parmesan cheese – $.50)

GRAND TOTAL: $10.59