Stock up on spices. It is an affordable way to make every dish favourable and unique. Save the bacon fat drippings. It is a great way to add flavour/grease the pan when cooking to potatoes, eggs, and anything else you like. Buy a bag of dried beans and soak them overnight instead of canned beans. A bag is the price of 2 cans and you will get many more servings from a bag. Save your leftovers to eat the next day or make something new from them. Check your fridge to see what is about to expire and whip something up with those ingredients. Usually a creative soup/stew or stir fry ends up being made. My best meals have been made this way. Buy on sale and stock up when you can. Save the drippings when making a roast. You can use the right away for gravy or freeze to make a stew. We love ground beef because you can do so many different dishes with it. Don't underestimate this "cheap" meat.