5 family meals for under $5 (#3)

I am doing a series on frugal families meals. 5 meals under 5 dollars! The first in the series, as well as the links to the rest can be found (here).

This is one of my favorite meals because I feel so clever that I managed to clean up tacos...at least a bit. This recipe does not call for lettuce because my family doesn't like it on their tacos but feel free to add it if you like. As you'll see, this recipe doesn't call for much at all, but boy is it yummy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey. 85/15 works best because it doesn't get too stringy. Plus, it's cheap! $2.80
• 1 pkg taco seasoning or a good squirt of taco sauce. $.80
• 2 oz or so cream cheese (This is my secret ingredient that holds things together) $.40
• 1/2 a cup or so of salsa. (this can vary depending on you families preference) $.50
• 10 or so corn tortillas (depending on family size and appetite) $.25
• Enough vegetable oil to to fry the tortillas $.10

Final Cost $4.85
Feeds-4 adults

Preparation: (warning, this usually takes two to time well,think of it as a family affair!)

Brown & Drain the meat

Meanwhile, Fry corn tortillas in vegetable oil. This process is a bit complicated to explain, but I'll try. If it seems to difficult just make "tostadas" by placing the corn tortilla in the skillet and hot oil and allow it to crisp on both sides. Or you could just buy "hard tacos" for a bit more.

If you are going for taco's Place the tortilla in hot oil skillet and allow to sizzle for about 40 seconds. Take two spatulas, and gently mold the tortilla into the form of a taco so that the opposite side will be fried. Be careful to position your spatula so that the taco does not close in on itself. after about 70 seconds turn the taco so the remaining side is placed in the oil. Fry the remaining side and place on a paper towel covered plate to allow oil to dry. Repeat until desired number of tacos is reached.

Returning to the meat mix in cream cheese and salsa.

Place meat mixture into each taco and enjoy!