I love finding a good (and cheap) dinner recipe. I enjoy it even more when I can save a bit extra using coupons. This is a super cheap $1 Turkey Pasta Dinner when you are feeling a bit lazy!
No matter what, we all like to scam out a brag-worthy meal that costs us close to nothing. You feel a sense of victory when it happens. This is one recipe that you are going to be so proud of yourself for making and saving money at the same time.
I tend to write about how to save money on groceries without coupons. But sometimes, using coupons can come in handy in creating a super cheap meal that is “real” (i.e. something you don’t just toss in the microwave straight from the box).
📎 Use Coupons
I used coupons for every ingredient in this meal, aside from the pasta. And it was tasty!
It was one of the least expensive meals I’ve ever made, not only on a per serving basis, but as a whole. It only cost me $1.15 to make the entire thing!
This was all I served for dinner so I divvied up the dish between the two of us and we had huge portions. If you’re serving this as a side, it could definitely feed a family of four.
🍴 Ingredients and Cost
Here’s what I used (and what I paid)
Two turkey burger patties – I found a great manager’s special for this ½ lb. total – $0.55
Pizza Sauce – I found a coupon for a jar that brought the cost down to $0.79! So, the ¼ jar I used was only $0.20
Peppers and Onions – I got a bag for free, but I only used half of it
Pasta – I paid $0.79 and used half of it – $0.40
* Of course, I did use a few seasonings. I used a few shakes of garlic salt and a tiny amount of a packet of taco seasoning that I’ve been using for ages. I tend to just sprinkle it here and there in dishes. You can use whatever you have on hand – this really is a versatile meal.
Total cost for meal: $1.15
Cost per serving main/only dish (2 servings): $0.58
Cost per serving as side dish (4 servings): $0.29
So, I completely understand that you ARE NOT going to find those exact coupon deals right this second. I do want to teach you the VALUE of using coupons and figuring out how much it will cost you per serving to feed you and your family. What this does do is help you open up your pantry and your freezer to what you already have and add that to coupons you have with sales that are out right now. This will take a few minutes the first few times but you will get the hang of it and once you do, you will see those coupons and managers specials with a whole different light.
🍽️ Instructions
Step One: Boil the pasta in salted water.
Step Two: Thaw the turkey burgers. Chop them up to a “ground turkey” consistency and brown it in a skillet over medium high heat.
Step Three: Add onions and peppers and a bit of seasoning. I used a little taco seasoning.
Step Four: Drain the pasta and add it to the turkey mixture.
Step Five: Slowly add the pizza sauce. I like mine a little drier, so add it slowly until you get to your desired level.
Step Six: Turn the burner to low and let the flavors combine for about ten minutes. Stir it occasionally to minimize any sticking.
This was just one of those “I need to go food shopping but I don’t feel like going tonight” kind of meals where I just had to use what I had on hand out of sheer laziness. Shop your pantry and freezer! You’ll be shocked what meals you already have or what you can create with what is on the shelves.
💡 Expert Tips
This is a classic (easy) recipe that is really versatile. I only used the turkey because I got such a good deal on it. I put together a list of tips on how I save money buying meat.
Any ol’ pasta will work for this, so definitely find the less expensive store brands. Every now and then, my grocery store will shift their product displays around and they put some varieties on sale. Whenever that happens, grab a few extra boxes. This is also a great time to use those partial boxes in the pantry. You’ve already paid for them so you may as well use them.
👩🍳 Recipe FAQs
Of course! Pizza sauce has a little bit extra seasonings than regular pasta sauce but is essentially the same thing. This is great if you find a super cheap on pasta sauce.
Really you can use whatever you like. You only need ½ teaspoon, so about anything will work. Italian seasoning is a great replacement.
Yep! We found a great deal on ground turkey, but you can seriously use whatever works for you. Sausage, chicken, ground beef, or anything else will work.
Related Recipes
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
$1 Turkey and Pasta Dinner
Ingredients
- ½ lb Ground Turkey
- ¼ jar Pizza Sauce
- 1 Green Pepper
- 1 Onion
- ½ box Pasta
- ½ tsp Taco Seasoning
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and add in the chopped onions and pepper
- Add taco seasoning and stir
- Drain the pasta and add it to the browned turkey
- Slowly pour the pizza sauce over the mixture. I don't like as much sauce, so I only added enough to combine well with the meat and onions.
- Turn the burner to low and let simmer for ten minutes. Stir periodically to minimize burning and sticking
- Serve! Enjoy your $1 Dinner!
Notes
Cooking In Instant Pot Or Ninja Foodi
- Sauté the ground turkey on the sauté feature in the Instant Pot or your Ninja foodie. When the meat is almost cooked add in your diced onions and peppers.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and coat all the meat.
- Add ½ box of pasta. 1 ½ cup broth or water. And the pasta sauce.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and make sure your valve is set to sealing.
- Cook high pressure for 4 minutes followed by a quick release of pressure.
- Remove lid, stir and serve.
Nutrition
You can certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Looks like our “homemade hamburger helper”. Ground meat seasoned up, mac and cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. If I have some on hand I’ll add sour cream and a little extra cheese. I’ll definately have to try it with pasta sauce and different veggies. Thanks!
My mom used to make this all of the time, and I do, too. She called it Chuckwagon Chili, but used beef instead of turkey. My family loves this meal!
My mother used to make this when I was growing up. I still have her recipe. She called it “Chuckwagon Chili” and I make it pretty often. I love your site.
This is AWESOME! So cheap, and it looks delicious. Glad to have discovered your blog 🙂
This looks great! I’m married to a picky eater who would probably dislike the peppers and onion (my favorite part!), but this is totally my kind of meal!
I love one pot meals! And being cheap and quick makes it even better.
Thanks for sharing!
I make a lot of meals like this because my kid loves anything with pasta – a pack of macaroni, a lb of ground beef, a small can of tomato sauce and some chili powder makes a darn good chili mac!
Looks easy, delicious and the best part is cheap! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Pinned!
Shauna @ The Best Blog Recipes
There is nothing better than a quick, inexpensive, and great tasting meal!
This looks fabulous and I love how low cost goulash can be. Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
I had no idea it was called goulash! I’ve always wondered if it had a name. 🙂 Thank for stopping by, Cindy!