Welcome to my Dave Ramsey meal plan you can use when you’re on a “beans and rice, rice and beans” budget. Be sure to grab the free printable download at the bottom of this post before you go!
When I wrote 13 Things Dave Ramsey Fans Wish You Knew a couple of years ago, I had no idea how much that post would resonate with people. I received TONS of emails and comments from other families who were working on the baby steps and loved getting some encouragement along the way.
Since then I’ve added several Dave-inspired posts for my readers, including:
- Dave Ramsey Budget Forms For When You’re Struggling To Stay Afloat
- How We Paid For Christmas By Earning Amazon Gift Cards
- We’re Debt Free! Our Story Of How We Paid Off Our House
…and more!
Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I share something along the lines of a Dave Ramsey meal plan to help you keep your grocery bill down while you’re on the “beans and rice, rice and beans” budget during baby steps one and two. (You know, that phase where you sell so much stuff, the kids think they’re next?!)
Another bonus of doing some strict Dave Ramsey menu planning is that it ultimately saves time and money. A simple meal is quick to prepare almost any time, day or night, and going grocery shopping is quicker and easier, too.
Dave Ramsey emeals coupon / special offer
You might also choose to use the meal planning service Dave mentions often on his show, called emeals (this link takes you to Dave’s free 14-day trial offer; there’s no special Dave Ramsey emeals code needed). There’s a small fee for their service, but they save you money overall, so many people find that it’s worth it to give them a try. Plus, they offer a free for 14 days trial period. You can pick and choose your meals, and they’ll have everything waiting for you at your local WalMart store for pick-up. That’s pretty cool.
The Cheapskate Cook and other frugal cookbooks
Another idea for creating your own Dave Ramsey meal plan is to search out cookbooks about cheap healthy meals. The Cheapskate Cook has one you might like called Dinner for a Dollar: Real Food Recipes for Under $1 a Serving. Also check out The Flat Broke Cookbook. If you don’t want to purchase a new cookbook, you can always ask your local library to order them.
And now, without further ado…
My Dave Ramsey Meal Plan For a Beans and Rice Budget
(To make it easier for you, you can easily download it below)
Rotating Breakfasts
- Eggs with toast
- Toast with peanut butter and banana slices
- Toast with 100% fruit spread
- Oatmeal with raisins
Lunches
- Plan to use make enough dinner so you can use the leftovers for lunch the next day
- Keep one or two salad kits on hand for the days you don’t have leftovers (Aldi has salad kits for $2-$3 and they feed two people easily)
Dinners
Download my PDF for The Beans + Rice Budget Meal Plan. Each day’s recipe is hyperlinked, so once you download it, you can click or tap each day’s dinner to be taken directly to that recipe. Or, if you prefer, you can print it out and hang it on the fridge!
Simply enter your email address and I’ll send it to you right away. It’s free for my email subscribers!
Do you have a Dave Ramsey meal plan you use when your budget is tight? What are your favorite cheap and easy recipes?
New to my web site? I like to write about ways to optimize your life, save money, and cook cheap healthy meals. Here are a few more ways you can save money:
- Cook at home more. We used to waste so much money going out to eat! This is a constant struggle for us as a busy family. Try a program like emeals (the link takes to you a free 14-day trial) to help you create simple, inexpensive meals at home if you struggle in this area like I do. You’ll save MORE money on your groceries each month than the small amount you pay for their service.
- Earn Amazon gift cards. A simple way to earn a little extra money from home by using the Swagbucks site instead of Google for searching. You can also do surveys and a few other things to earn points, which you redeem to purchase gift cards from them. Swagbucks is what we used to earn Amazon gift cards and pay for Christmas gifts one year. (Click here to read about how we did it.)
- Create a budget. I’ve created several beautiful budgeting printables for you! Some you can find for free just by browsing this site, and I’ve also assembled this gorgeous printable Budget Planner Toolkit you can use to get started.
Mary Alice Page says
I’m 70 with metastatic breast cancer and can no longer work. My son is a preacher and full time bank emloyer with wife and three wonderful children. He and wife home school. As you can see I need all the budget ideas possible so I can eat right with out a lot of effort because of illness. Any ideas greatly appreciated. Thank you
Mary Alice Page
marycook616@gmail.com
Vanessa says
This was a good read! Eating less animal protein definitely helps the budget!
Ashley says
Do you have any tips on starting your own blog? That sounds like something that I could possibly do.
Jaime says
Hi Ashley! And yes, absolutely! I wrote a post about it here: https://likeabubblingbrook.com/best-way-start-wordpress-blog/
In that post you’ll find a link to sign up for web site hosting. Their customer service will walk you through getting set up. Let me know if you have questions, too — I love blogging! It’s been a blessing to my family!
Sharon says
Hi I tried to sign up for your email but it says my email address is invalid. I ran into this problem before my email is with Charter which is charter.net and some websites do not recognize the ” .net”. If you could please add me that would be great! My email address: bsharon9556@charter.net
Thanks
Sharon
Jaime says
I just added you, Sharon! You’ll need to click the confirmation link in your email. Glad to have you here!
Sandy Taylor says
After my divorce from my first husband, I used Dave Ramsey’s plan, and it worked beautifully for me. My son and I did not have the best of every thing we wanted, but we were happy. It taught him how to manage his money for his retirement. I paid off my house and gave it to him, and paid off my car, so I now live debt free. We never buy anything if we can’t pay cash for it. Dave’s plan worked for us, and we have since shared it with griends and family.
Melissa says
Any specific sites to use to find virtual assistant jobs? I’m nervous of spammy ones or ones that aren’t legit.
Jaime says
Hi Melissa! I have a few “work from home” ideas here: https://likeabubblingbrook.com/2018/07/stay-at-home-mom-jobs/
I would also try to join some FB groups for virtual assistants. There are several! You’ll find opportunities there.
I hope that’s helpful to you!
Lillian Kendley says
Hello, I ran across your page and I would like to receive some jobs working from home and getting out of debt.
Tanya Elsworth says
Hi. My husband is blind and I work in a grocery store. I am looking for something at home, so we can both get involved with working at home.
Life is always an adventure and we look forward to a new adventure every day.
God bless,
Tanya
Chris says
Cooking at home is key!! My family is tired of left overs though. So very frustrating that they want crap instead of good homemade food
MaryLetitia says
No group of people knows how to cook beans and rice, rice and beans better than well-balanced vegans and vegetarians. I love following vegan influencers that share cheap and easy dishes that have all the food groups which are much more creative than just plopping rice and beans on a plate. Also,some of the $10/week grocery hauls on YouTube are amazing.