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Budget-Friendly Recipes Based On This Week’s Grocery Sales & Seasonal Produce

POSTED BY
MHOTC Staff

Grocery prices keep going up, up, up — with little relief in sight! While Mile High On The Cheap (MHOTC) publishes a weekly list of the best grocery deals at local supermarkets, readers can maximize the weekly savings by using some budget-friendly items in lots of tasty recipes — from dinners to desserts and everything in between.

Our team has partnered with Kathleen Pope of The Fresh Cooky. Not only is Kathleen a nationally-recognized food blogger and recipe developer, she lives right here in metro Denver, too. So, she’s an expert on cooking in Colorado.

Our other partner is Abbe Odenwalder of This Is How I Cook. Abbe, who you may have spotted on Season 2 of “The Great American Recipe” on PBS, lives in Centennial and has more than 800 recipes from around the world on her site. Cooking family food from around the world is one way she keeps her family happy and satisfied.

Each week, find budget-friendly (and super-delicious) recipes using our list of what’s on sale at local supermarkets, as well as seasonal produce you’ll find at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Check back each week for new recipe ideas!

Armed with both our grocery deals list and tasty recipes, create a menu and shopping list that maximizes your grocery shopping dollars.

To get the full recipe for any of the dishes below, simply click on the title.

And, if you want to find even more menu ideas, check out The Fresh Cooky or This Is How I Cook. You can search hundreds of recipes by ingredient, cuisine, meal-type or even cooking method.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Creamy, cheesy and totally comforting

Firecracker Chili

A bold, slightly sweet chili with a hint of cinnamon – a crowd favorite.

Pickled Jalapenos

So easy to make and so good and they keep in the fridge for like forever. You can put them on everything.

Hamburger Helper Lasagna

A one-pot, family-friendly dinner that tastes like lasagna with none of the fuss

Oven roasted green beans

Roasting brings out the best in veggies and these crispy, salty green beans are as good as French fries, and a whole lot healthier!

Homemade apple pie

Made with a Pillsbury pie crust. So good, no one will realize it isn’t homemade.

 

Wednesday, September 23, 2025

Minestrone Soup

A veggie-packed Italian soup perfect for clean-out-the-fridge nights.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Made with rotisserie chicken and lots of pre-bagged veggies.

Sabich Sandwich

Ever had an eggplant pita with fresh veggie salad and hard-boiled eggs? I kid you not, this sabich sandwich was one of my favorite things I made this summer.

Meatloaf

Classic comfort food with a tender texture and tangy glaze, plus gluten-free options.

Double Apple Crumb Cake

A tender cake topped with buttery crumb topping and extra apple flavor.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Corn Skillet Lasagna

Fresh corn, chilies and roasted tomatoes make this one delicious dinner.

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic

Eggplants are in season and this Chinese eggplant with garlic will save you from take-out.

Zucchini and Ground Beef Casserole

Comforting casserole with layers of seasoned beef, zucchini, and cheesy goodness.

Fresh Apple Cake

Super moist cake loaded with fresh apples, warm spices, with or without the cream cheese frosting.

Peach Cobbler

A classic, old-fashioned easy cobbler made with juicy peaches and a simple biscuit topping – best served warm with a scoop of ice cream.

 

Wednesday, August 27 to Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Cowboy Crack Dip

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon and green chilies—this addictive dip is a crowd-pleaser served hot or cold.

Matbucha

Matbucha is a cooked tomato salad with lots of jalapenos and red peppers. It makes a perfect side dish, appetizer or use as you would a tomato jam.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside! These easy air fryer wings are customizable and perfect for game day or a quick dinner.

Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

A lighter twist on the classic. Juicy chicken, peppers, and onions smothered in melty cheese, all tucked in a hoagie roll.

S’mores

Don’t have a campfire? Make these simple bars!

Wednesday, August 20 to Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Pizza Roll Sliders

Everything you love about pizza, wrapped into warm, cheesy, pull-apart sliders—perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun family dinner.

Caprese Chicken Breast

A fun grilled Caprese chicken breast with jammy tomatoes is served on quinoa cakes, but that is up to you.

Shrimp Boil

When the days are hot it’s time to have a shrimp boil. Shrimp, sausage, fresh corn and potatoes are amazing on a summer day.

Buttermilk Cake with Fresh Peaches

Easy buttermilk cake with brown sugar frosting and fresh peaches on the side is summer at its finest.

Simple Berry Tart

Lots of berries still to be found. One of my favorite ways to use them is to make this simple berry tart.

 

Wednesday, August 13 to Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Tostada

Crispy, golden tostadas topped with beans, meat, and fresh toppings—easy to customize, fast to make, and totally family-approved.

Chinese Chicken Salad

With so many fresh veggies in the stores right now, it’s time to enjoy this rotisserie chicken salad with a peanut dressing.

French Onion Ground Chicken Burger

Who doesn’t love a ground chicken French onion burger? It is the season!

Cowboy Baked Beans

A hearty side dish with smoky bacon and a sweet-and-savory sauce—these beans could be the main event.

 

Cherry Pie Filling

Homemade cherry pie filling bursting with sweet-tart flavor—made with simple ingredients in under 15 minutes! Great for pies, crisps & more.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 to Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Crockpot Chicken and Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—this slow cooker favorite uses Olive Garden dressing for a tangy twist on comfort food.

Calabacitas

This new version of calabacitas is layered to make a tomato sandwich and stuffed with a zucchini green chile mixture.

Summer Pasta

Summer pasta with burrata, fresh corn, tomatoes and basil plus bacon can be a main course or a great side dish.

Blackberry Blueberry Cornbread Cake

Always hits the spot. Not too sweet, so it is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Peach Pound Cake

Moist, buttery pound cake loaded with fresh peaches — a beautiful dessert for any occasion.

 

Wednesday, July 30 to Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Tuna Salad

Creamy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor—this Southern tuna salad is a classic comfort food made with simple pantry staples.

Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

A colorful, crunchy salad tossed with toasted ramen noodles, slivered almonds, and a tangy sesame dressing—fresh, fast, and fabulous.

Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken

Makes an awesome dinner that could last all week. Skip the rotisserie chicken and try this instead.

BBQ Potato Packets

Easy to grill in these simple foil packets.

Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins

Moist, bakery-style muffins loaded with melty chocolate and just the right amount of sweetness.

Wednesday, July 23 to Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Layered Salad

An old fashioned overnight salad that is made with a variety of ingredients. Always a hit at the potluck.

Chopped Grinder Salad

All the bold, zesty flavors of an Italian sub—without the bread. This chopped salad is crisp, creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Chicken Fajitas

Tender strips of meat sautéed with bold seasonings and caramelized vegetables—so good wrapped in warm tortillas.

Blistered Green Beans

Crispy and totally delicious. Using fresh green beans this side dish is easy to make.

Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Chocolate fudge swirls and peanut butter cups folded into a rich vanilla no-churn base—your favorite store-bought flavor, made better at home.

Wednesday, July 16 to Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Old Fashion BBQ Chicken

With homemade bbq sauce and an easy rub.

Shish Kebabs

Skewers full of flavor—perfectly marinated, grilled, and ideal for entertaining.

Cobb Salad

A classic American salad loaded with bacon, chicken, eggs, avocado, and blue cheese—hearty enough to be the whole meal.

Corn, Grits and Green Chile Pudding

Softer than cornbread but just as addicting, this is the perfect way to use corn.

Strawberry Shortcake

The quintessential summer dessert. The shortcakes are from James Beard and have a special ingredient that makes these taste incredible.

Wednesday, July 9 to Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Blender Salsa

Fresh, zesty, and ready in minutes—this restaurant-style salsa blends up in a flash with canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a kick of lime. So simple, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Grilled Chicken with Cheese and Basil Vinaigrette

One way to jazz up chicken breasts. Stuff with cheese and drizzle with a basil vinaigrette

Vietnamese Grilled Pork

Made with pork tenderloin or shoulder this is one addictive main course Abbe can’t get enough of. Perfect in a sandwich or as a noodle bowl or even just over rice.

Mexican Fruit Salad

A fresh, juicy blend of tropical fruits with a zesty, chili-lime twist—cool, sweet, and a little bit spicy.

Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and super easy—this slow cooker side dish is comfort food at its best (with a beloved restaurant twist!). Great as a breakfast potluck dish or picnic side.

Key Lime Pie

Award-winning and refreshingly tart — this key lime pie is a must-try.

Wednesday, July 2 to Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Jalapeno Corn Dip

A creamy, cheesy corn dip with just the right kick — serve warm with tortilla chips.

Chicken with Dates and Lemon

Comfort food at its finest.

Tomato Toast

There is nothing better for breakfast or lunch than a hearty slice of tomato toast topped with a simple salad of fresh tomatoes, peppers and onions. And don’t forget the dollop of soft cheese.

Bacon Macaroni Salad

A creamy, flavor-packed pasta salad loaded with crispy bacon, tender pasta, and crunchy veggies—perfect for BBQs and picnics.

Lemon Icebox Pie

Cool and creamy lemon pie that’s simple to make and always refreshing.

Wednesday, June 25 to Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Knorr Spinach Dip

This classic, crowd-pleasing dip comes together in a flash.

Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad

Everyone loves pasta salad but this one made with cilantro is exceptional.

Corn Panzanella Salad with Cornbread Croutons

Filled with summer’s bounty.


Sherried Chicken Salad with Grapes

Classic chicken salad gets a gourmet upgrade with a hint of sherry and crunch from sweet grapes, nuts and celery.


Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken

Grilled Greek lemon chicken with oregano is made for summer. Use a whole chicken so everyone can have their favorite piece.

Peach Dump Cake

The easiest way to enjoy juicy summer peaches — just dump, bake, and enjoy!

Wednesday, June 18 to Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Chicken Vesuvio

A classic Chicago dish with chicken and roasted potatoes in a white wine sauce. It’s worth traveling to Chicago to get this, but now you can make it here at home.

Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin (Yucatan Pork)

This Grilled Yucatán-Style Pork Tenderloin is packed with smoky achiote flavor and a fresh citrus marinade—like cochinita pibil, but easier and faster.

King Ranch Casserole

A classic, tasty casserole with corn tortillas, cheese sauce and chicken.. Yummy!

Peruvian Green Sauce

This simple sauce is made with sour cream, lime juice, cilantro and garlic. And don’t forget the jalapenos! Perfect on any grilled food or even great for dipping French fries.

Diced Hash Browns with Bacon

Tender potatoes and crispy bacon come together for a hearty breakfast or side.

Cherry Smoothie

This vibrant smoothie blends sweet cherries and citrus with protein-packed Greek yogurt for a refreshing, nutritious boost.

Wednesday, June 11 to Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Chicken Tinga

An easy recipe with chipotle chicken and corn tortillas. Make it with rotisserie chicken if you want!

Chicken Enchiladas

Tender shredded chicken wrapped in corn tortillas, smothered in sauce and cheese.

Corn and Mango or Peaches Salad

This fresh corn salad made with sweet mangoes or peaches is a crowd pleaser. Add some salty cheese and you truly have a winning dish!

Crockpot Corn Pudding Casserole

A creamy, comforting side dish made easily in your slow cooker — no Jiffy mix required!

 

Sichuan Potatoes

A classic in China but not seen so much here, these shredded chile potatoes made with Russets are so worth making if you are a potato lover like Abbe!

Lemon Lime Bars

Bright and zesty bars with a luscious citrus filling and buttery crust.

Wednesday, June 4 to Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Antipasto Pasta Salad

A hearty, colorful salad packed with flavor from meats, cheeses, and a zesty homemade dressing.

Green Goddess Dressing

A creamy, tangy dressing bursting with herbs that’s perfect for drizzling over salads or dipping veggies.

Giardiniera

Giardiniera is a Chicago style relish made with bell peppers, jalapenos and other fresh vegetables. Very easy to make. Perfect on sandwiches, hotdogs and just about anything! Keep topped with oil and it will last in the fridge all summer. That is if you don’t eat it too fast!

Ground Pork & Ground Chicken Meatloaf

This tasty meatloaf is always a family favorite.

Cheesy Asparagus Bake

Creamy, bubbly, and loaded with cheesy goodness—this baked dish turns a veggie side into a star. And it just so happens to be low-carb too!

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

This quick bread is bursting with juicy blueberries and lemony goodness—perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Wednesday, May 28 to Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Tilapia Fillet

Light, crispy, and full of flavor—this air fryer tilapia is a weeknight dinner dream! With a simple spice blend and no messy oil, it comes out perfectly golden in just minutes. Serve it with rice, salad, or tucked into tacos!

Vietnamese Chicken Breasts

Abbe loves using boneless chicken breasts on the grill. A simple Vietnamese marinade keeps these Vietnamese chicken breasts moist and flavorful.

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

With seasoned ground beef, fresh squash, and layers of melted cheese (all on sale this week), this hearty casserole is a dish the whole family will love.

Waldorf Salad

With apples on sale there is no better time to make a classic Waldorf salad. Kids and grown-ups love it!

Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Bread is beloved by all. This simple recipe should be on everyone’s kitchen counter.

Apple Crisp

This apple crisp tastes just like grandma used to make! Sweet, tender apples are baked with a buttery oat topping until golden and bubbly. It’s easy, cozy, and made even better with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Wednesday, May 21 to Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Coney Island Hot Dogs

A fan favorite-there is no time like Memorial Day to eat hotdogs. Top with Coney Island chili-or not!

3 Cup Chicken

This three cup chicken recipe is an easy, flavorful chicken recipe made with lots of garlic and fresh basil. A little spicy and a whole lot good, three cup chicken refers to soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil.

Noodle Kugel

With sour cream and cottage cheese on sale it’s the perfect time to make this noodle casserole. This classic kugel, studded with raisins, or not, and topped with cornflakes, makes a great side dish to just about anything!

Baked Beans

Yes, we’re embracing canned baked beans and giving them a flavor upgrade that’s perfect for your next BBQ or potluck.

Mexican Street Corn Rice Bowls

A colorful, flavor-packed bowl of creamy, tangy street corn goodness—made extra sweet with this week’s fresh corn deal.

Wednesday, May 14 to Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Chicken Thighs Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Bold, zesty flavors meet healthy convenience in these easy Chicken Shawarma Bowls—loaded with tender spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy garlic sauce.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender—this Instant Pot Whole Chicken is the budget-friendly hero of the week! Cook once, and enjoy shredded chicken for days.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Packed with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, lunches, or busy weeknights.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these Zucchini Corn Fritters are a delightful way to sneak in veggies. Budget-friendly and oh-so-dippable!

Tropical Fruit Salad

Fresh, juicy, and bursting with sunshine! This naturally sweet Tropical Fruit Salad is a beautiful and refreshing way to celebrate seasonal produce—no added sugar needed.

Wednesday, May 7 to Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Asian Marinated Pork Tenderloin

Juicy, flavorful, and grilled to perfection! This Asian-inspired pork tenderloin is marinated in a simple, savory-sweet blend and makes a standout dinner with hardly any fuss.

Asian Marinated Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Asparagus

Crisp-tender asparagus in under 10 minutes! This easy air fryer recipe brings out the best in fresh asparagus with just a few simple ingredients—quick, healthy, and full of flavor.

Air Fryer Asparagus

Balsamic Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts made easy! These roasted sprouts are tossed in a simple honey balsamic glaze—sweet, tangy, and totally delicious.

Fresh Berry Cheesecake Cups

Fresh Berry Cheesecake Cups

These Cheesecake Cups look fancy but are secretly super simple—just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to assemble. Perfect for spring gatherings, and easy on the wallet, too!

Wednesday, April 29 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Tamale Pie

Ground beef on sale this week? Make the most of it with this easy Tamale Pie! It’s a hearty, budget-friendly dinner with seasoned beef, beans, and a golden cornmeal topping—comfort food without the fuss.

Tamale Pie

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Want to save money on takeout and still feed your family a great meal? This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe does double duty—easy to make at home, full of flavor, and great for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and more.

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad

This Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad is quick, affordable, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Loaded with crunchy veggies, a zesty homemade dressing, and creamy, peak-season avocados. Got some leftover Chipotle Chicken? It’s a great way to add protein and make it a complete meal.

Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad

Cilantro Lime Rice

Make the most of those sale-priced limes with this Cilantro Lime Rice—an easy, flavorful side that goes with just about everything.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake

Snag those blueberries while they are on sale and whip up this springy, budget-friendly dump cake—just 5 simple ingredients!

Posted by MHOTC Staff on October 16, 2025 | Updated October 15, 2025 Filed Under: Food & Drink · Groceries

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Roxanne says

    April 30, 2025 at 11:22 am

    WOW! Excellent addition!
    Thanks so very, very much!
    Roxanne

  2. Katie says

    May 7, 2025 at 9:27 am

    This is SO great! This is a fantastic idea! Can’t wait to try some of these. Thank you so much for adding this.

  3. Chris says

    June 4, 2025 at 8:41 am

    This is great and I am here for it!

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