Struggle Meals
The struggle is real, but it doesn't mean your food has to suffer; follow chef Frankie Celenza as he shows you how to make delicious meals that won't break the bank.
Christmas In July
S9 E1
It's July on the calendar but Christmas in our hearts. Frankie whips up three summertime twists on Christmas themed dishes and serves up tips and tricks for celebrating the most wonderful time of year in July.
We Knead Pizza
S9 E2
Cancel the pizza delivery, it's time to save money and build your pies from scratch. With three different pizza styles, you're bound to find one that satisfies your craving without digging into your wallet.
Oktoberfest
S9 E3
Join Frankie as he shares his budget friendly takes on Oktoberfest-inspired dishes, perfect for celebrating the fall season with friends. These festive and hearty meals will keep you cozy and full, and best of all, pair nicely with a beer.
Sweater Weather
S9 E4
The air is crisp and the leaves are changing, which means it's time to gather 'round the dinner table for hearty, seasonal meals on a budget. These warm dishes are sure to keep you cozy all season long.
Happy Halloween
S9 E5
Boo! It's spooky season, and what better way to get into the spirit than with affordable, party-friendly Halloween dishes that scream trick or treat?! But be warned, these meals are scary good.
Frankie's Italian Faves
S9 E7
Everyone knows Frankie can't live without pasta, but this week he shares his favorite Italian recipes that don't require any kneading. Add these simple, delicious dishes to your weeknight menu to complete your Italian dish repertoire.
Meals Under $7
S9 E8
At a loss when your pantry is empty? With these recipes, you can walk into any grocery store with only $7 and walk out with everything you need for an entire meal. Because yes, you can whip up a nutritious meal at an affordable price!
Grubby Good Food
S9 E9
Send your taste buds on a first class food tour without even leaving the Struggle kitchen! Frankie whips up his favorite regional specialties from five destinations, making them as authentic as possible while sticking to his budget.
Thanksgiving Leftovers
S9 E10
SeriesTMSID: SH030064860000. Series Description: The struggle is real, but it doesn't mean your food has to suffer. Chef Frankie Celenza shows you how to make delicious meals that won't break the bank.
Breakfast for Dinner
S9 E11
It's dinnertime and breakfast is on the menu this week. These affordable breakfast specials are hearty enough for dinner, and so delicious they may even taste better after dark. Grab a fork and dig in for the most important meal of the day!
100th Episode
S9 E12
Frankie celebrates the 100th episode of Struggle Meals with a look back on memorable moments, favorite recipes, bloopers and cooking mishaps. Take a peek behind the scenes, hear from the audience, and celebrate with a special surprise guest.
Homemade-ish
S8 E2
Last minute company leaving you in a pinch? Frankie has you covered with these easy recipes featuring store bought staples. With a few Struggle tips, these basic ingredients can be transformed into dishes that will impress your guests.
Eat Your Greens
S8 E3
Going green isn't just a trend; it's a no-brainer! When the veggies are in season and the prices are at their lowest, Frankie's colorful recipes and zero waste tips will have you celebrating the savings with fresh spring produce.
Between Two Buns
S8 E4
Is it a burger? Is it a sandwich? Is a burger a sandwich? Not even Frankie knows the answer, but one thing is certain: whatever you want to call them, these fun twists and familiar flavor combos are super satisfying to scarf down.
Struggle Splurge
S8 E5
The key to treating yourself on a budget is to keep it simple: these elegant dinners taste like restaurant specials, but they can be prepared in under one hour - perfect for easy weeknight meals for a family of any size on a busy schedule.
But First, Brunch
S8 E6
Bring your loved ones together over a delicious brunch spread made with love. Whether you're celebrating a major milestone or simply toasting to the weekend, Frankie's money-saving menu will have guests buzzing for more.
Saved By The Bowl
S8 E7
When you're craving a quick nutritious meal, say no more to throwing cash down the gutter for overpriced takeout bowls! Frankie recreates three restaurant favorites for a fraction of the cost, sparing your bank account without sacrificing flavor.
Summer Cookout
S8 E8
Soak up summer with the ultimate outdoor cookout, featuring smashburgers, pasta salad and scrumptious sweets. These classic dishes can be prepared indoors or out, making them the perfect recipes for backyard dinner parties on warm summer nights.
Picnic Lunches
S8 E9
It's field trip day, and Frankie shows off his best handheld lunches perfect for leisurely days at the park, the beach or the pool. These sturdy meals are made to travel and only get better with time.
Too Hot To Cook
S8 E10
When the temps are soaring and turning on your stove or oven is not even an option, Frankie's no cook meals will blow you away. Enjoy refreshing, nourishing dishes that will help keep you cool all summer long.
Pizza My Heart
S7 E1
On this special delivery episode of Struggle Meals, Frankie explores three ways to make delicious pizzas, and shares clever tips to make an A+ pie without dropping your dough on expensive ingredients.
French Bistro
S7 E2
Bonsoir, indeed! Join Frankie as he cooks up elegant but achievable French classics that will transport you to an evening on the Seine, complete with some savvy wine tips without the hefty cost of a plane ticket.
Thanksgiving Dinner
S7 E3
Thanksgiving dinner will be a breeze this year thanks to Frankie's struggle tips for a delicious holiday meal. From a simple turkey entree to a new twist on a classic dessert, Frankie makes a feast without unstuffing his wallet.
Meatless Mains
S7 E4
Start a new tradition at the dinner table this year with a meat free spin on your favorite main courses. Learn new tips and tricks to make your veggie forward dinner so delightful that even the biggest meat eaters will be back for seconds.
Spice Spice Baby
S7 E5
Frankie kicks it up a notch in the Struggle Kitchen with flavor-packed, spicy recipes, and some hot tips for adding layers of flavor. But don't sweat it, these warming dishes won't burn your cash or your tastebuds.
Easy Meals For A Crowd
S7 E6
Finicky family coming to town? Fear not, for Frankie's sharing all the struggle tips and tricks to keep the stress levels low and the enjoyment high with simple, delicious meals to please everyone at the table.
Holiday Sweet Treats
S7 E7
'Tis the jolly season of giving, but this year, there will be no more struggles in making your list and checking it twice. Frankie's festive, budget-friendly treats are the sweetest way to tell your friends and family you love them.
Homemade for the Holidays
S7 E8
There's no better way to spread some holiday spirit than at the dinner table with these decadent, festive recipes that can make any long, dark night feel warm and merry.
New Years Party
S7 E10
Wow your party guests this New Years Eve by serving these fancy but frugal dishes to ring in the year right. From appetizers to mocktails, everyone will enjoy your spread!
Citrus Sunshine
S6 E1
Winter citrus is here to brighten up your day. Frankie is fixing up some light, zesty, and affordable recipes to add a little seasonal sunshine to your plate.
Suppertime Superstar
S6 E2
From casual weeknights to special occasions, be the star of the dinnertime with these crowd-pleasing meals.
Romantic Steakhouse Dinner
S6 E4
Give your wallet a break by taking the fine-dining experience straight to the comfort of your home. From tender, juicy steak paired with classic sides, to decadent desserts, Frankie's got your date night meal covered.
Fancy Pants Pasta
S6 E5
Treat yourself to a five star pasta dinner, as Frankie cooks his signature dishes with showstopping sauces.
I Need To Eat Right Now
S6 E6
At the end of a long, hectic day, when you need dinner in a pinch, Frankie unlocks his not-so-secret formula for whipping up quick and easy meals, using minimal ingredients that will satisfy your cravings and feed the family in a flash.
Piece Of The Pie
S6 E7
There may be infinite ways to define pie, but the only math that matters is what makes these sweet and savory dishes fit the bill. In true Struggle Style, Frankie rolls out his best tips and tricks for enjoying hassle free, cost friendly pies.
The Big Game
S6 E8
Brackets are complete and all that's missing is food to fuel your team's run. Huddle around the kitchen as Frankie preps the ultimate watch party spread. These savory, spicy and sweet dishes are championship-worthy even if your bracket goes bust.
Bananas For Bananas
S6 E9
As one of the cheapest members of the produce aisle, bananas will save you bunches of money when you whip up these delightfully appealing recipes that go above and beyond a basic bread.
Cry Me An Allium River
S6 E10
Frankie takes on his longtime frenemy, the onion, and all its powerful relatives. There might be a few tears shed along the way, but they are well worth the delicious and flavorful results, from sweet buttery leeks to the ultimate onion masterpiece.
Summer BBQ
S5 E1
Frankie's favorite cookout classics take you from weekend picnic to backyard BBQ, with or without a grill.
Bring Your Own Lunch
S5 E2
Frankie is all about BYOL - bring your own lunch. It's not only good for your wallet, it's good for your health. Skip the vending machine and the cafeteria in favor of creative, cost effective and easy-to-transport midday meals.
Salad Salad Salad
S5 E3
Amp up your salad game with a little mixing and matching, from light and leafy greens to crisp and hearty toppings, and dressings for all occasions. Frankie shows us how versatile and fulfilling a homemade salad can truly be.
How Do You Like Them Apples
S5 E4
Apples aren't just good for keeping the doctor away. Frankie demonstrates how to make the most of this beloved, everyday fruit, from sweet treats to savory meals. There's a whole world of apples to dive into, especially while they're in season.
Super Squash
S5 E5
Never underestimate the power of squash: they're affordable, abundant and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Frankie spotlights squash from summer through winter highlighting their amazing superhero traits.
Spooktacular Tricks and Treats
S5 E6
Frankie's got tricks and treats up his sleeve this Halloween with simple, wicked good dishes for all to enjoy.
Let's Play Ball
S5 E7
No matter who you're rooting for, savor these ballpark favorites while beating those major league prices.
Pantry Pasta
S5 E9
It's no secret that pasta is Frankie's favorite; he's serving it up all night without even opening his fridge.
Potato Variety Show
S5 E10
Frankie's slicing, mashing and smashing his way through the spud species, a staple for any Struggle kitchen.
Struggle Soup
S4 E4
Frankie's soup blueprints can turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary soups, with endless flavor opportunity.
Struggle Sandwich
S4 E5
In a sandwich, every component plays a role. With a supporting cast of fixin's, and Frankie's cost-saving homemade twists, these sandwiches just might steal the show.
Cabbage, Cabbage, Cabbage
S4 E6
Cabbage has long been an underrated green on the field, and it's about time Frankie gives it a starring role. This leafy head proves itself as the versatile ingredient it is needed to be, affordable year-round, delicious, and filling.
Mayo: The Secret Ingredient
S4 E7
Mayo is a controversial condiment that can unlock the buttery, crispy, decadent codes of favorite dishes, without leaving a trace of mayo-ness. Best of all, it's easy to make at home.
Crunchy
S4 E8
Exploring how to get the perfect crunch on both sweet and savory dishes.
A Cruciferous Delicious Time
S4 E9
Delicious and easy-to-make recipes featuring members of the cruciferous family.
5-Ingredient Recipes
S4 E10
Five-ingredient recipes are featured.
Game Day
S3 E1
Frankie throws a game day party for under $25. Game days aren't for dinner parties but they are a day for some fan-favorite finger foods, especially those you can make in advance. Frankie makes three no-fuss appetizers that are cheaper, healthier, and tastier than subpar game day take out. Plus, it's an easy and affordable party to host.
Winter Is Here
S3 E2
The struggle is real, but it doesn't mean your food has to suffer. Chef Frankie Celenza shows you how to make delicious meals that won't break the bank.
Valentine's Day
S3 E3
Frankie prepares a Valentine's Day dinner for under $15 with a bistro-style theme to up the romance. Why go to a crowded restaurant for an overpriced prix-fixe menu with bad service when you can prepare a simple yet decadent romantic meal at home.
Beans Beans Beans
S3 E4
Frankie teaches the basics of preparing beans from scratch while preparing tasty recipes.
Mushroom Mania
S3 E6
Frankie takes us on a magical mushroom trip. Not that kind but hey, no judgement. You may not get the trippy visions or fall in love with a tree, but mushrooms for every day meals are magical in their own special way. They're packed with nutritional value and they're an affordable plant-based meat replacement. We'll learn about all things mushrooms and how to make some inventive, flavorful dishes that might trip you out on their awesomeness.
No Kitchen No Problem
S3 E7
Frankie demonstrates easy and inventive hacks for delicious meals.
Spring Fling
S3 E8
Frankie teaches how to cook with mother nature, spring-style.
Spice Is Nice
S3 E9
Frankie shows the way around the spice cabinet. Also, Frankie also tackles a monster challenge with the favorite monster guest.
Root to Stem
S3 E10
Frankie teaches how to use whole vegetables so that no food goes to waste.
Holiday Flavors
S3 E11
Frankie teaches viewers to put a twist on holiday favorites, using simple ingredients for loved ones to enjoy.
Less Stress Holidays
S3 E12
Frankie tackles weekday meals that will keep people organized, fed and less stressed this season.
An Eggplant Extravaganza
S2 E1
Eggplant: A fruit you didn't know was a fruit. Often underrated and overlooked, Frankie shows us how to shop for and cook this filling, delicious, cost-effective, and versatile ingredient. Master these cooking techniques.
Meat: More Bang for Your Buck
S2 E2
Frankie shows which cuts of meat provide the most bang for a consumer's buck, and equally as important, how to cook them for optimal flavor.
Plant-Based Budget Meals
S2 E3
Frankie busts the myth that eating plant-based is expensive. Preparing these good-for-you meals is all about eating seasonally to save money on produce, and shopping the bulk aisle for even more savings on plant-based pantry items.
The Weekly Struggle Budget
S2 E4
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for seven days, for a family of four, for under $150. All it takes is a little planning, meal prep and using up leftovers in inventive ways to avoid food waste.
Cheesin'
S2 E5
Cheese can be really expensive. Frankie teaches us how to cook with more affordable cheese swaps than what might normally be called for in a recipe. More importantly, we learn how to stretch cheese in a dish so it can be the star.
Turn Up For Tomatoes
S2 E6
Tomatoes are one of the most produced fruits, especially when in season. Frankie teaches us how to prepare them fresh in a variety of ways. And for even more savings, Frankie will share a few tips on how to preserve tomatoes.
Date Night
S2 E7
Date night doesn't have to be at an over-priced, mediocre restaurant. Frankie prepares an affordable and delicious sushi date night at home, filled with three courses, plus tips on how to set date night ambiance at home on a struggle budget.
Frankie & Flour
S2 E9
Flour has the super power to transform into an endless variety of meals, and a little goes a long way. Frankie teaches us how to make three different meals using flour as the affordable vehicle. Save money, learn new techniques.
Hotdishes
S2 E10
Frankie puts the spotlight on one-pot hotdishes as he provides tips to keep them nutritious and cost-effective.
Party for Pennies
S1 E1
Frankie makes three dishes for a party of four, that when combined, are cheaper than one meal out for brunch; it's a taco party for five people for $20.
Food Back from the Dead
S1 E2
Stale bread, old bananas, canned food, dry foods... they've all gotten a bad wrap, but this is not the end of them yet! Don't let this stuff sit in the pantry, don't let it go to waste - Frankie encourages you to stretch further and cheaper!
Wrap It Up
S1 E3
Frankie combines bargain and nutrition with butternut squash in three old school dishes; Frankie demonstrates how to prep portable wraps at home for easy lunches.
Bacon My Heart
S1 E4
Versatility is important. These three items - bacon, eggs, and a whole chicken - will feed you a plethora of delicious meals... and for cheap!
Instant Gratification
S1 E5
Everyone loves carbs! Endlessly versatile, cheap, and super filling - Frankie shows you tricks for pasta, pizza dough, and delicious, easy ramen meals that aren't soup.
Cauliflower Star Power
S1 E6
Cauliflower can be transformed into unexpected, delicious and nutritious dishes; Frankie discusses why to buy dried-goods in bulk and makes a big chuck roast that stretches over three dishes.
Traveling for Your Taste Buds
S1 E7
Italian and Filipino foods are accessible; traveling half way around the world to try a different cuisine is not necessary.
Street Food Faves at Home
S1 E8
Frankie makes street food at home that's fresher, healthier, and cheaper than its standard counterparts.
Sweet on You
S1 E9
Sweet potatoes and a sweet tooth - Frankie's got you covered on the cheap and full of nutrition. Some times, you've got to indulge!
Save Dough Make Money
S1 E10
Prepping meals at home is cheaper and way more nutritious! Frankie makes portable breakfasts for the work week and forays into the stuffed dough of different cultures.
Going With the Grain
S1 E11
Frankie demonstrates how to prep ingredients to make delicious, healthy meals for a fraction of the time and cost.
The Chicken or the Egg
S1 E12
Which came first, In this episode, it's the egg. Frankie shows us both high and low maintenance ways to prepare roasted chicken and eggs for any meal.
Show Me the Mole
S1 E15
Frankie demonstrates how to make filling Mexican-inspired dishes for under $2 a plate; Frankie uses a surprising ingredient in three dishes.