3 Easy Ways to Turn Mashed Potatoes into Weeknight Dinners (MM#27)
This time of year, 5-pound bags of potatoes are everywhere and usually on sale. It totally makes sense to take advantage of that and stretch one simple ingredient into multiple hearty meals.
The best part is that mashed potatoes are easy to make, even if you don’t consider yourself a great cook, with no special skills needed. These three dinners are cozy comfort food at its best, perfect for chilly nights.
Because they’re potato based, they’ll keep you fuller longer, making them a great choice for busy winter weeks when everyone needs a little extra warmth. Our total at the Walmart Supercenter came out to $24.61 for 15 items, making this week’s mini menu both hearty and budget friendly.
Grocery List Needed for the Mini Menu
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double-check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
Southwest Mashed Potato Bowl
Creamy mashed potatoes are the base for this fun and flavorful dinner topped with shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce. You can swap in pinto beans or ranch dressing if you can’t find the avocado ranch sauce, or use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Turkey
This comforting classic layers ground turkey, mixed vegetables, and rich gravy under a blanket of leftover mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy dinner. Swap the turkey for ground beef or chicken, or use cream of mushroom soup instead of gravy for a creamier version.
Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into a creamy, cheesy soup that’s perfect for cold nights. Frozen or fresh broccoli both work great, and you can add diced ham, shredded chicken, or a handful of extra veggies for an easy flavor boost.
Free Printable Grocery List & Recipes
Here is a 1-page cheat sheet that includes the grocery list as well as all the recipes you need to make this budget mini menu work!
Don’t forget to check out our full week menus, as well as join our email newsletter for more fun and affordable meal ideas!
