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Meals With Maria

I’m Maria, a passionate home cook with a mission to help you create delicious meals on a budget. As a wife and mom of three boys, I know how important it is to make every dollar count without sacrificing taste or quality. With my background in financial analysis and my love for cooking, I’ve developed a unique approach to meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking that will inspire you to save money while still enjoying gourmet meals at home.

Featured Post

New Fall Recipes + Exclusive 48-Hour Sale on Meal Plans!

Hi Friend! Fall is in full swing, and I'm thrilled to share some cozy, delicious fall recipes on my YouTube channel! I just published a new video featuring 7 brand new recipes that bring all the fall vibes—perfect for this season. Watch Here! To celebrate, I’m offering subscribers-only an exclusive 48-hour sale on my meal plans! Get the monthly meal plan for just $7.99/mo (regularly $9.99), or Sign up for the yearly plan for just $60/yr (and get my 4-week Smart Spend Bootcamp for FREE—over...

Hi Friend! With the school year in full swing, things are getting busier than ever around here! Sound familiar??? Whether it's soccer practice, swimming lessons, or LEGO club, our weeknights can get a little hectic. But no matter how busy we get, I always try to make sure we sit down to a hot, nutritious meal together as a family. That’s where make-ahead casseroles come in handy for us! Whether I prep them on the weekend, in the morning, or the night before, these casseroles are a lifesaver...

The weekly breakfast grind is real, isn’t it? Every morning, you’re faced with the same question: What’s for breakfast? And it’s not just for you—what about the rest of the household? It’s a simple question that often turns into a daily struggle, even with a stocked fridge. Sometimes, it feels like there’s no answer in sight. Last spring, I decided enough was enough. I took a hard look at our daily routines and made a commitment to make mornings easier for everyone. After months of battling...

Are you tired of planning delicious but complicated meals only to find they don’t fit into your busy schedule? Or perhaps you’ve tried thrifty meal plans that your family just won’t eat? Maybe you’ve given up on meal planning altogether, feeling like it's just not for you. There are a million reasons why meal planning hasn't worked for you in the past, and that’s probably because there are a million different ways to do it. With so many gurus and exciting plans online, it’s easy to feel...

To be honest, I tend to scroll the grocery store sales flyers before bed. I really really like them and enjoy them. (total geek, I admit it!) But there was a time when they really stressed me out. I had to find the right balance of need and want when it came to using them properly and to get the best deals. And I get, it's not for everyone, which is why especially on busy weeks, I only pick one store to shop and I really only focus on the first page of the flyer. That's where the best deals...

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! This August, I’m offering two limited-time bonuses that are perfect for busy moms: 30 Back-to-School Slow Cooker Recipes 5 Ingredients in 15 Minutes Recipes for Busy Moms These collections are valued at over $50, but you’ll get them for free if you purchase my Smart Spend Bootcamp now! These bonuses are available in limited quantities, so don’t miss out. What’s more? You’ll still receive our monthly meal plans and everything the Smart Spend Bootcamp...

I can't believe I used to serve black beans as just...black beans. I love black beans canned or home cooked, but here's the deal, THEY NEED SEASONING! The perfect blend you ask? Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, a little smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain them, rinse them, and sauté them in a pan with those spices, and chef's kiss! It's not that hard! I'll make up a quick burrito bowl with black beans like that instead of meat and you'd never know you've gone without. AND there are a...

As a friend who genuinely cares about you getting the best deal possible, I wanted to give you a quick heads-up. All week, I've been talking about Pantry Cooking Academy and all of the amazing features you'll find inside. I've also made it clear that the introductory pricing is going up TOMORROW! This means the $7.99 a month price, the $47.99 yearly membership, and the absolute best value—the lifetime membership at just $67—all go up tomorrow and will never be seen again! So, if you've been...

Today, I'm treating myself to something special. Tonight, my husband is headed to a concert, my 8 and 6-year-old are staying with my mom, and I'm staying home with our two-year-old. I'm treating myself to my favorite meal and a chick flick after he goes to bed. I splurged on a rib eye, dill roasted potatoes (my mom's recipe), grilled asparagus, red wine, and some good chocolate! For the asparagus: I'll marinate it in 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of...

If you're a lover of my meal plans, I have absolutely amazing news for you! Starting in August, everyone who is a part of Pantry Cooking Academy will receive a 40-recipe mix-and-match seasonal meal plan each month. What You'll Get: 12 pantry-friendly recipes 4 vegetarian recipes 12 delicious dinners 8 breakfast recipes 4 desserts! These recipes are mix-and-match so YOU can decide what to have depending on the sales. And don't worry, they're all seasonal meals, so they should align with your...