NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Households pinching pennies are turning to ultra-cheap, few-ingredient “struggle meals” as grocery costs remain a top pain point. An August AP-NORC poll found a majority of adults now call groceries a major source of stress, and many have even used buy-now-pay-later for essentials.
Searches for “struggle meal” hit a record high in September, and #strugglemeals posts are climbing on Instagram and TikTok, reflecting a wave of budget-cooking content.
Online, the genre runs from rice-and-egg bowls and ramen hacks to skillet “helpers.” Tastemade’s long-running Struggle Meals series with Frankie Celenza anchors the space on YouTube, while creators like Dollar Tree Dinners have gone viral with ultra-low-budget holiday menus. Nutrition voices caution that many recipes skew low in protein and fiber and high in sodium, urging simple add-ins (beans, eggs, frozen veg) to balance plates rather than abandon thrifty cooking altogether.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The trend points to steady demand for low-cost staples—such as rice, pasta, tortillas, eggs, and canned goods—and value lines, creating opportunities for producers and retailers positioned on price.
This quick and easy recipe puts a Southern twist on a Chinese staple with leftover Pot Roast and tinned buttermilk biscuits. Steaming these Southern-Style Beef Bao Buns on the stovetop only takes five ingredients and 30 minutes!
This Mexican-inspired recipe for Tiny Taco Beef Tartlets is an easy-to-make appetizer that will win over any crowd.
Tens of millions of Americans eat beef every single day. As a staple of grilling season and a go-to for major holidays, beef can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are six savory recipes for beef.
Spice up your morning with this quick, flavorful Southwest breakfast recipe! RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender and Lyndi Knowles of ZK Ranches share this hearty and flavorful breakfast idea.
Tammi Arender’s recipe for Hawaiian Ribeye Steaks with Grilled Pineapple Citrus Salad will make you feel like you are on the beach surrounded by palm trees. She joins the Tennessee Beef Council to walk us through the recipe!
RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender visited
ZK Ranches in Springfield, Tennessee, to cook some of their homegrown beef, including Date Night Filet Mignon!
What better way to celebrate our beef producers than to eat a delicious burger recipe? RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender shows us a new way to dress up our burgers that will impress everyone this grilling season.
“This is going to hit everywhere, and it’s going to have an impact on those grocery bills.”
