This is basically just a very simple and plain chili/casserole. I made this meal for under 8.00 (i already had the seasonings in my pantry) and it made 2 good sized adult portions. Nothing fancy but definitly answers yes to the question of, can a person still eat good,healthy, non -processed food for cheap? I always get store brand organic meat or the meat offered that has no hormones, antibiotics, etc... . Some stores even have their own line of organic canned goods to really keep this price low. I have even made this without the meat and just subbed a small container of fresh mushrooms and it was still really good. BE SURE to use the liquid from both the beans and the tomatoes; it gives it more flavor and better texture. Hope it works for you.