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*This is a sponsored post written by me for Save-A-Lot. All opinions are my own.
Making awesome food when it comes time to cheer on your favorite team doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, when it comes to hosting a tailgating party, there are some things you can do to make the process easy. This is especially true when it comes to tailgate foods.
As someone who feeds a crowd of 10 family members every day, I can say that feeding a crowd doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. Keeping the cost and the workload in check really is all about knowing a few tricks ahead of time. And a great tasting, money-saving recipe perfect for tailgating doesn’t hurt any.
The truth is, game days can be hectic, especially if you’re heading out to take in the game so it’s all about planning and shopping smart.
But, you don’t have to let the food stress you out. Follow these simple tips to have a stress-free tailgate party that’s great for adults and kids…and be sure to read all the way to the end for my money-saving recipe for walking tacos with a twist!
When it comes to tailgate foods made easy, it’s all about choosing the right foods. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Choose foods that require as few dishes as possible
Fewer dishes on game day means less clean up. I shoot for recipes that are finger foods whenever possible. With my walking tacos, the only thing needed is a fork. Easy peasy.
Choose foods that you can prepare ahead of time
For example, with a dish like walking tacos, the meat can be made a few days ahead of time if needed. Vegetables can be prepared the day or night before, which means your work on game day will be minimal.
Choose foods that have common ingredients
Specialty foods usually mean a higher price tag. When you’re feeding a crowd, this will really drive up the cost of your food bill. Choose tailgating foods with easy to find ingredients that you may already have on hand.
Choose foods that can be stretched
When it comes to saving money and feeding a crowd, choose dishes that you can alter to make them stretch even further. When I make taco meat, I add a can of refried beans in with the meat. Most people can’t even tell it’s in there (even my non-bean eating hubby!). Not only does that make the meat stretch, it also adds great flavor.
Shop at the right stores
You’re busy. I get it. For this reason, making things easy for great tailgating food is key. One of the best shortcuts you can take is to shop at a store that has everything you need – and has great prices.
Everything I needed for my tailgating feast I got at Save-A-Lot, which is one of my favorite places to shop for food on any given day.
With everyday savings of up to 40%, Sav-A-Lot is part of my money saving strategy that helps me feed my family of 10 for just $350 a month. You can even step up your savings by becoming a member of their Smart Shopper Email Club.
Plus, see your weekly ad to get some ideas brewing for some money-saving foods for your own tailgate party – or check out my recipe for Walking Tacos With a Twist below! Everything I needed for this recipe came from one shopping trip to Save-A-Lot!
Choose foods that are customizable
No need to make multiple dishes when you have one star dish that can be customized to each person’s liking. Things like tacos, baked potatoes with various toppings, and personal pan pizzas are great ideas for customizable dishes that work great for tailgating parties.
Are you ready to check out my walking tacos? I will warn you, there won’t be any leftovers. This meat in this recipe feeds about five people, so increase the meat ingredients appropriately to fit your tailgate party needs.
For this recipe you will need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can refried beans
for taco spice mix:
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder (to make your own taco spice mix right in the pan)
- 1 Tablespoon salt (to make your own taco spice mix right in the pan)
- 2 teaspoons cumin (to make your own taco spice mix right in the pan)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (to make your own taco spice mix right in the pan)
then:
- 1/2 cup water
- individual bags of chips like nacho and cool ranch flavored chips as well as corn chips like Fritos
- toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, shredded cheese, sour cream & salsa
Brown ground beef and drain. Put the meat back in the pan. To the pan add the chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic power. Then, pour the water over the meat and stir to combine. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Next, add the can of refried beans. Cover and allow to simmer for 10 more minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare all the toppings.
After 10 minutes, give everything a final stir.
And
If you prepare the meat and all the toppings ahead of game day, it’s only a matter of putting the meat back in the pan to heat through and getting out all your prepared toppings.
Assemble each walking taco by crushing up the chips a bit right in the bag and adding desired toppings for each person. The entire “meal” is eaten right in the bag itself. See what I mean? No mess!
Tailgate parties with family and friends are just one of my favorite things about fall. But, don’t let all the planning, shopping, grocery bill, and preparing the food stress you out. Plan ahead. Plan smart. When you do, you’ll actually be able to enjoy the game and your company!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.
