Okay, I’m going to make a little confession right now. My kids, and even more so my husband, actually prefer tomato soup from a can and mac and cheese from a box rather than my homemade versions. Oh, and they love potato salad from the deli too! I don’t know that offended is the right word, but I used to be a little taken back by their “store bought is better” opinions. Life has gotten busier and now you might be able to say I’m even a little grateful they don’t complain about eating food straight from the pantry!

We live on our family farm, which happens to be about an hour drive from the nearest grocery store. That means whenever I make the big trip to the store I stock up in a big way! There are always more to do’s on the town list than there is time to do them. It would be one thing if it was just my list I had to worry about, but as soon as my husband and kids find out I’m headed to town they add their own items to the list. It’s crazy items like pitchforks, equipment parts, and fencing supplies that they add. There are a few little tips and tricks that I’ve learned about getting through the grocery store quickly and saving myself money while I do it! But sorry, no tricks on how to escape the farm list! Check out these grocery store stock up hacks!
- I always keep a grocery list on my phone. If you haven’t tried the Albertsons app you really should! I love the way it categorizes all of the items on my list. The list is organized in sections just like the grocery store would be organized which makes shopping so much quicker and most days quicker is the name of the game!
- Like I said I always have a list of items I need, but I don’t completely stick to that list. Of course I know what foods we consume regularly. If I notice those items are on sale I buy a whole case because I know we will use them eventually and I prefer to buy them when they are on sale. I realize sometimes making purchases like that isn’t financially an option. When it’s not I buy at least a few of that item. There is some peace of mind knowing you have food in your storage anyway!
- Having a stock up schedule helps spread the cost of stocking up out over a longer period of time. For example, I always try to stock up on personal hygiene and health related items in January or February; toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, etc. I try to stock up on canned foods in October. Watch for sales though because sometimes you can stock up on these items at different times.
- Buying fresh fruits and veggies is a little trickier because you really can’t stock up on them. This is the hardest one for me because I never know when I’m going to be back at the store again. I try to buy a variety of fruits and veggies. Some produce, like carrots, last longer than lettuce so try and grab a few things that can hang out in the fridge a little longer. Frozen and canned veggies are also a great option!
- And my last tip is that no matter what else you grab you most definitely deserve to get a treat for the ride home! (Remember my ride home is an hour long so I deserve a big treat!)
So I was telling you about Mexican Mac and Cheese earlier. This recipe is one of those that you can create with a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator! Yup, this is the kind of simple food my kids think I’m amazing for making!
- Make mac and cheese according to package instructions.
- Add ground beef or canned chicken if you really want to keep it to a pantry meal.
- Add taco seasoning, and sour cream.
You could stop right there and have a perfectly simple meal. Or you can go just a little farther.
- Put it in a baking dish.
- Top with a little, or a lot of grated cheese,
- Sprinkle crushed corn chips over the casserole.
- Bake just until the cheese is melted, the casserole is warmed through, and the chips are a little browned.
Of course the kids like to eat Mexican Mac and Cheese just like this! Mom and Dad like a few extra toppings right on top. Sour cream, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes and olives are all great options.
Trust me, having stocked pantry shelves makes life so much easier and the grocery bill less expensive in the long run. Going to the grocery store is time consuming and I always end up buying plenty of unnecessary items when I’m there which is expensive. The less often I go to the store the better off I am and stocking up when I am there makes it possible to eliminate those extra trips.
Mexican Mac and Cheese might be one of your new favorite “hurry up and grab something out of the pantry” meals! Like I said, it’s quick and easy, and cheesy, and pretty much every kid’s dream come true! I mean really…who can resist mac and cheese?
Mexican Mac and Cheese is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Albertsons! Thanks to brands and stores that make this blog possible!
Mexican Mac and Cheese {Plus Stock the Pantry Hacks}
Ingredients
- 1 box macaroni and cheese plus ingredients to prepare as directed on the box
Instructions
- Make mac and cheese according to package instructions.
- Add ground beef or canned chicken if you really want to keep it to a pantry meal.
- Add taco seasoning, and sour cream.
- You could stop right there and eat this as is, or you can put it in a baking dish.
- Top with a little, or a lot of grated cheese,
- Sprinkle crushed corn chips over the casserole.
- Bake at 350 degrees just until the cheese is melted, the casserole is warmed through, and the chips are a little browned. I baked mine for 10 minutes.
Sherry says
I appreciate the fact that you live a long drive from the store.
But if you want a healthy meal, you need to get rid of your cans and boxed meals. UGH! You are young, and your body can throw more of the poisons off now.
Make your own soup, your own mac and cheese, and your own cookies. For about the same price, you can make it and freeze it. So stock your freezer well with healthy fare. You can even freeze your vegetables, like corn, beans, etc. At least you will know what went into it!
Eating like this REGULARLY will feed your tummy, but can do your body harm.
Wishing you and your family good health.
Amy Engberson says
Hi Sherry! I agree with you! Homemade is always better tasting, less expensive, and better for you! Most of the time we eat meat we raised, vegetables from our garden, and fresh fruits! However, there are days when life is crazy busy and it’s always nice to have a few recipes that are quick and easy that can be made with food straight from the pantry! I don’t think it will hurt us too badly to eat like this every once in awhile! Have a fantastic day!
Jenni LeBaron says
This looks wonderful and easy! I like that combo. I love the idea of adding taco toppings like tomatoes and olives also. Nice recipe!
Amy Engberson says
We could be soul sisters! Easy is the name of my game especially when it’s this tasty!
Krista says
What a great dish! I love this stock up sale too!
Amy Engberson says
I’m a bit of a stocking up addict! My husband is so supportive of my habit! He always says, “We’ll eat it”!
Abeer says
Wow! I should make this for dinner tomorrow!
Amy Engberson says
It’s perfect for busy days! We love it!
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
Ooey gooey Mac and cheese perfection!!
Amy Engberson says
You just can’t beat mac and cheese!
Erin Dee says
Love your stock the pantry hacks! And this Mexican Mac & Cheese is sure to be a hit!
Amy Engberson says
Thanks! Living on the farm makes us learn how to stock the pantry and cook from what we have on hand! It’s such a time saver in the long run!
Jen says
I need to check out this app! I’m always scribbling lists and then have to text my husband if he’s running to the store. This would make it so much easier to have it all in one place, thanks!
Amy Engberson says
Having an organized grocery list makes grocery shopping so much quicker and easier! You’ll love this app!
Jen says
Anything with a mexican twist goes over well in my house! This cheesy goodness is bound to be a hit!
Amy Engberson says
Your family sounds like my family! If it’s Mexican and pasta in the same dish they are happy!
eat good 4 life says
Love mac and cheese and this one looks like a great contender!
Amy Engberson says
Thanks! Mac and Cheese is one of those meals that you know will always go over well with the family!