3 Low-Cost Dinners Using Deli Meat (MM#35)
Deli meats are an easy shortcut when you need dinner on the table fast. They’re already fully cooked, which means many meals only require a little chopping and can be served cold or at room temperature. They also work surprisingly well in hot dishes when they’re layered, wrapped, or gently warmed instead of cooked from scratch.
This week’s mini meal plan features three low-effort dinners built around deli meat. All 17 ingredients came to $29.80 at Walmart, and you may already have some of the basics on hand, which could bring your total even lower. Each meal is quick to put together, light on prep, and still feels like a real, satisfying dinner.
Grocery Items 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.
Pepperoni Pasta Salad
This pasta salad uses pepperoni for built in flavor and works well served cold, making it a great low effort dinner. You can add or swap in vegetables you like, just blanch firmer ones such as broccoli or cauliflower first so everything mixes evenly.
Ham Chef Salad
Thin sliced ham makes an easy, filling salad without any cooking, perfect for busy nights. Add croutons, sunflower seeds, or serve with bread on the side to add crunch and make the meal feel more filling.
Turkey Wrapped Stuffing Bake
Layered deli turkey wrapped around stuffing and baked with gravy turns thin slices into a warm, hearty dinner. You can swap the stuffing for mashed potatoes and use any frozen or cooked vegetable you already have instead of peas.
Free Printable 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!
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