New Recipe Idea: Southwestern Pasta

The items pictured (plus some spices) were what made up our dinner last night.  First, I'll explain the recipe and then I'll tell you how much it cost to make! 

• Boil pasta, any pasta will do.  This is just what I had on hand.
• Strain pasta and add remainder of ingredients. 
• Add spices to taste.  I added about a tsp. of chili powder, a few shakes of garlic powder and some salt and pepper.  If you had fresh cilantro that you could chop, that would be nice addition.
• Obviously, fresh tomatoes would be better, but since it's only May... 

Wondering what is in the zippered freezer bag?  It's black beans that I cooked on the stove in bulk (from dried beans) and then froze in portions.   It is a cost saving measure.  Before you think I am too virtuous, this is considerably easier than you think, the hardest part is remember to do it before you need them!  I promise to post more about this the next time I do it, so I can have pictures!  Canned beans will work just fine. 

Cost: 

• Pasta and canned tomatoes:  FREE!  I got this free back in March from a Kroger Mega Event.  I posted pictures and coupon links here.  The pasta is actually on sale again through May 18 AND the coupon links still appear to be working.  So, if you missed out last time, you can still take part!  
• Cheese:  I purchased this when it was on sale for 3 for $5 and had a $1.00 of two coupon, making the cheese $1.17.   
• Beans:  I estimate the cost of the beans to be about $1.00.  This is the equivalent of about 2.5 cans.  This is the main source of protein in this dish, so a lot were used. 
• Frozen Corn:  $.75, I got it on sale with a coupon. 
• Grand Total of the Meal:  $2.92!!

You can do it too!  I know what I use a lot of and always try to stock up when things go on sale and I have coupons.  Shredded cheese freezes really well, so stock up if you find it below $1.67.  That is usually the lowest price it is sold for.  It can be less if you have a coupon. 

Also, I realize there is no meat in this dish.  I will sometimes add shredded chicken to this dish.  We don't eat a lot of meat here, but I know that some families really like it in every meal.  Meat is usually the cost limiting factor of a dish, so try to use it sparingly, if you really are trying to save.