Beef stew ...

Diced red potatoes, chopped onions, chopped celery, baby carrots and chuck beef in 1" cubes.  Brown the beef then toss all ingredients into the slow cooker with a large can of chicken broth and water to cover for three hours on high, then finish on low for another six. Toss in a cup of water with  flour to thicken the broth about an hour before serving.  Serve with good bread and a salad.

1 1/2 pounds stew beef, 2 pounds of red potatoes, a bunch of celery, a bag of baby carrots and a large onion, plus the broth and bread, maybe $13-$15.  Feeds a family of four easily, plus leftovers for lunch.  Works just as well with boneless chicken and you can replace the potatoes with rotini or macaroni shells. A can of corn's a good addition, maybe some canned diced tomatoes, makes it like a Brunswick Stew.