Housing is tanking, gas prices are higher than Cheech and Chong, and people much smarter than me are starting to utter the "R" word. It's no secret the economy is lamer than HBO since The Wire ended, and guys are looking to trim their spending anywhere they can. Which means cutting back on eating out, rather than give up MLB season pass.

So to save you from endless nights of Ramen noodles and Easy Mac, I turned to Jaci Rae, known as The Queen of More Green. Her book, 5 Meals for $5, is loaded with recipes like B-B-Q Ham Sandwiches w/Homemade B-B-Q Sauce and Mexican Beef Enchilada Lasagna, that cost, on average, under $1.60 per serving. With many costing under $1. Including a salad. (Suck on that, Dollar Menu McNuggets.)

In the coming weeks, Jaci will be developing recipes just for us bachelors who want to make a batch of $5 meals, freeze the leftovers, and eat like a king for a month. (Then, like idiots, go out and blow the savings on 3-for-1 dances at the Pole Palace.)

Here's the first of her recipes, which will always include the average cost per ingredient, cost per serving, and total cost to feed five people. (Keep in mind prices vary depending on where you live and shop.) So put the Cup O'Noodles down, and eat something just as cheap, that actually requires a knife and fork.

Chuck Roast
Average total cost for five people: $4.78
Average cost of meal per person: $0.96
2 lbs chuck roast ($1.92)
1 lb potatoes, diced ($0.40)
4 carrots, chopped ($0.10)
1 onion, chopped ($0.30)
1 beef bouillon ($0.16)
1 garlic clove, minced ($0.01)
Salt and pepper to taste ($0.02)
Iceberg Lettuce and Cucumber Salad ($1.45)
Basic Vinegar and Oil Salad Dressing ($0.42)

Sauté chuck roast in a dash of oil until both sides all dark brown (about 2 minutes on each side on high). Combine all other ingredients into a large stew pot or crock-pot. Once meat is browned, put into pot with other veggies and spices and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender and fully cooked. Serve with salad.


Chicken Divan and Rice
Average total cost for five people: $7.81
Average cost per person for one serving: $1.56
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, chopped ($0.99)
3 cups rice, cooked ($0.17)
1 can cream of chicken soup ($0.50)
1 can cream of mushroom soup ($0.50)
1 tbsp lemon juice ($0.09)
1 1⁄2 cups (12 oz) cheese, shredded ($1.56)
1 lb broccoli ($1.33)
1 garlic clove, minced ($0.01)
Hearts of Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Lime and Cucumber Salad ($2.38)
Salad Dressing ($0.28)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook rice according to package. Combine all ingredients except cheese in a bowl and put into pan, then cover with cheese. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes until the cheese mixture is bubbly and golden crispy brown. Remove from oven. Serve with salad.

For more recipes, check out Jaci's book here.