Struggle Meals

The struggle is real, but it doesn't mean your food has to suffer. Chef Frankie Celenza shows you how to make delicious meals for under $2 a plate.

Genre: Comedy

Cast:Frank Celenza , Vincent Anter , Keegan Fong

1Season 1

S1.E1 ∙ Party for Pennies

Fri, Jul 20, 2018

Frankie makes three dishes for a party of four, that when combined, are cheaper than just one meal out for brunch. Then, it's a taco party for five people for only $20!

2Season 1

S1.E2 ∙ Food Back from the Dead

Tue, Dec 8, 2020

Stale bread, old bananas, canned food, dry foods - they often get a bad wrap, but it's not the end for them yet. Frankie shares his recipes for using these pantry staples to create delicious meals.

3Season 1

S1.E3 ∙ Wrap it Up!

Wed, Dec 9, 2020

Frankie shares his method for preparing portable wraps at home for quick and easy lunches.

4Season 1

S1.E4 ∙ Bacon My Heart

Thu, Dec 10, 2020

Versatility is important, and these three items - bacon, eggs, and a whole chicken - will feed you a plethora of delicious and affordable meals.

5Season 1

S1.E5 ∙ Instant Gratification

Fri, Dec 11, 2020

Carbs are loved the world over. Endlessly versatile, cheap, and super filling - Frankie shares his tricks for pasta, pizza dough, and delicious, easy ramen.

6Season 1

S1.E6 ∙ Cauliflower's Star Power

Mon, Dec 14, 2020

Frankie highlights the versatility of cauliflower, as well as roasts a big chuck roast that stretches over three dishes.

7Season 1

S1.E7 ∙ Traveling for Your Tastebuds

Tue, Dec 15, 2020

You don't have to travel half way around the world to try a different cuisine - Frankie shows that Italian and Filipino foods are accessible right here, right now.

8Season 1

S1.E8 ∙ Street Food Faves at Home

Wed, Dec 16, 2020

Frankie makes street food at home, and it's fresher, healthier, and cheaper. Then get ready, because you've never seen rice like this before.

9Season 1

S1.E9 ∙ Sweet on You

Thu, Dec 17, 2020

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.

10Season 1

S1.E10 ∙ Save Dough, Make Dough

Fri, Dec 18, 2020

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.

11Season 1

S1.E11 ∙ Going with the Grain

Mon, Dec 21, 2020

Frankie teaches you how to prep ingredients to make delicious, healthy meals for a fraction of the time and cost.

12Season 1

S1.E12 ∙ Fancy Free

Tue, Dec 22, 2020

Going to the movies is expensive. Frankie shows us how to make a delicious TV dinner, popcorn, and dessert, for less than the cost of a movie ticket.

13Season 1

S1.E13 ∙ The Chicken or the Egg

Wed, Dec 23, 2020

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. Who says adulting has to be hard?

14Season 1

S1.E14 ∙ Frankie's Day Out

Thu, Dec 24, 2020

Frankie shows you how to make a week's worth of meals on a single trip to the grocery store, and then shows you three options for struggle meals on the go.

15Season 1

S1.E15 ∙ Show Me the Mole

Fri, Dec 25, 2020

Frankie shows you how to make delicious and filling Mexican-inspired dishes for under $2 a plate, and later uses a surprising struggle ingredient in 3 delicious dishes you'll go nuts for.

16Season 1

S1.E16 ∙ Potatoes Gonna Potate

Mon, Dec 28, 2020

Who knew potatoes are not only affordable, but nutrient rich? Frankie is cookin' up 3 potato dishes that are guaranteed to fill you up, and later a trio of delicious pancakes with a surprising twist.

1Season 2

S2.E1 ∙ Eggplant

Thu, Jun 6, 2019

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.

2Season 2

S2.E2 ∙ Meat

2019

It's time to reduce the cost of meat on your grocery bill. Frankie shows us which cuts of meat provide the most bang for our buck, and equally as important, how to cook them for optimal flavor.

3Season 2

S2.E3 ∙ Plant-Based

2019

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. It's nutritious and great for the planet. Win-win!

4Season 2

S2.E4 ∙ Budget Week

2019

Frankie figured out the weekly budget grocery equation so you don't have to. 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.

5Season 2

S2.E5 ∙ Cheese

2019

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 without breaking the bank. Bonus: Frankie teaches how to make cheese at home!

6Season 2

S2.E6 ∙ Tomatos

2019

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.

7Season 2

S2.E7 ∙ Date Night

2019

Date night doesn't have to be at an over-priced 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.

8Season 2

S2.E8 ∙ Workday Lunches

2019

A big way to save money on a struggle budget is to prepare homemade lunches for work. Frankie shows us how to make five delicious lunches for the whole work week. Each one flavored differently during meal prep so you don't get bored. You'll be saving money, and you might even be more productive at work after a nutritious homemade lunch!

9Season 2

S2.E9 ∙ Flour

2019

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.

10Season 2

S2.E10 ∙ Hotdish

2019

You say hotdishes, Frankie says casserole. Either way, these one-pot hotdishes are an affordable way to feed a group of people, or the family for dinner. Plus they're great to freeze for future meals. Frankie's secret is to use a combination of frozen and fresh ingredients to keep these hotdishes nutritious and cost-effective.

1Season 3

S3.E1 ∙ Game Day

2020

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.

2Season 3

S3.E2 ∙ Winter is Here

2020

It's the dead of winter in Frankie's kitchen, which means it's that time for hearty, delicious, and warming meals.

3Season 3

S3.E3 ∙ Valentine's Day

2020

Frankie prepares a Valentine's Day dinner for under $15 with a bistro-style theme to up the romance.

4Season 3

S3.E4 ∙ Beans Beans Beans

2020

Dried beans are the most affordable and healthy way to prepare them, with very little effort to boot. Frankie will teach the basics of preparing beans from scratch while making super tasty recipes.

5Season 3

S3.E5 ∙ Rent Week

2020

It's that time, the first of the month, when you spend your whole paycheck on rent and bills. Frankie cooks up some go-to pantry meals and also teaches us how to better prepare for this time of the month.

6Season 3

S3.E6 ∙ Mushroom Mania

2020

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.

7Season 3

S3.E7 ∙ No Kitchen No Problem

2020

Frankie teaches us a few easy and inventive "no-kitchen" hacks for delicious meals. Just because you're dorm living, road tripping, motel living, or haven't gotten that bachelor pad in shape yet, doesn't mean you can't make tasty meals.

8Season 3

S3.E8 ∙ Spring Fling

2020

Spring is in the air which means a whole new world opens up in the produce department, especially all the greens. Frankie does what he does best and teaches us how to cook with mother nature, spring-style.

9Season 3

S3.E9 ∙ Spice Is Nice

2020

Flavor, flavor, flavor. Frankie shows us the way around the spice cabinet. You know that area in your pantry that collects dust? Well get ready to dust it off.

10Season 3

S3.E10 ∙ Root-to-Stem

2020

Frankie teaches us how to use whole vegetables, from root-to-stem, which means no food goes to waste. Learn how to use those leafy green tops you thought were for decoration.

11Season 3

S3.E11 ∙ Holiday Flavors

Fri, Nov 20, 2020

The holiday season looks different this year, so why not mix things up and celebrate classic flavors in new and unexpected ways. Frankie puts a twist on all your holiday favorites, using simple ingredients for your loved ones to enjoy.

12Season 3

S3.E12 ∙ Less Stress Holidays

Fri, Dec 18, 2020

The holidays are hectic enough, and with more planning, cooking and cleaning than usual, everyone wants to shop smart and save time. Frankie tackles weekday meals that will keep you organized, fed, and less stressed this season.

1Season 4

S4.E1 ∙ Warm + Cozy Winter

Thu, Feb 4, 2021

Frankie gets cozy with recipes that bring warmth, flavor and joy to the kitchen on the coldest winter days.

2Season 4

S4.E2 ∙ Eggscellent Techniques

Thu, Feb 11, 2021

Learn Frankie's techniques and tricks for making your favorite egg dishes just the way you like them.

3Season 4

S4.E3 ∙ Vintage

Thu, Feb 18, 2021

Frankie shows us that vintage doesn't have to break the bank with these classic, oldie-but-goodie recipes.

4Season 4

S4.E4 ∙ Struggle Soup

Thu, Feb 25, 2021

Follow Frankie's blueprint for building a hit soup, and you'll be singing for seconds all year round.

5Season 4

S4.E5 ∙ Struggle Sandwich

Thu, Mar 4, 2021

Every layer counts as Frankie ups the ante on classic sandwiches, with homemade twists that steal the show.

6Season 4

S4.E6 ∙ Cabbage, Cabbage, Cabbage

Thu, Mar 11, 2021

Cabbage has never been cooler than right now, proving to be the utility ingredient we never knew we needed.

7Season 4

S4.E7 ∙ Mayo: The Secret Ingredient

Thu, Mar 18, 2021

Frankie unlocks mayo's secret powers that take your recipes to the next level, all without leaving a trace.

8Season 4

S4.E8 ∙ Crunchy

Thu, Mar 25, 2021

There's nothing like a satisfying crunch to up your recipe game; bonus points for not bursting your budget.

9Season 4

S4.E9 ∙ A Cruciferous Delicious Time

Thu, Apr 1, 2021

No veggie family stands the test of time like the cruciferous family, and its hearty meals will win you over

10Season 4

S4.E10 ∙ Ingredient Recipes

Thu, Apr 8, 2021

Less is more when it comes to simple weeknight meals that focus on maximum flavor and minimal ingredients.

1Season 5

S5.E1 ∙ Summer BBQ

Fri, Sep 3, 2021

Frankie's favorite cookout classics take you from weekend picnic to backyard BBQ, with or without a grill.

2Season 5

S5.E2 ∙ Bring Your Own Lunch

Fri, Sep 10, 2021

These handheld lunches for work or school are easy on the wallet and customizable for the whole family.

3Season 5

S5.E3 ∙ Salad Salad Salad

Thu, Sep 16, 2021

Add a plot

4Season 5

S5.E4 ∙ How Do You Like Them Apples?

Fri, Sep 24, 2021

From sweet treats to savory meals, explore all the possibilities apples have to offer.

5Season 5

S5.E5 ∙ Super Squash

Fri, Oct 1, 2021

Don't overlook the humble squash's superpowers in these delicious dishes that'll feed you year around.

6Season 5

S5.E6 ∙ Spooktacular Tricks and Treats

Fri, Oct 8, 2021

No matter who you're rooting for, savor these ballpark favorites while beating those major league prices.

7Season 5

S5.E7 ∙ Play Ball

Fri, Oct 15, 2021

No matter who you're rooting for, savor these ballpark favorites while beating those major league prices.

8Season 5

S5.E8 ∙ The Future is Flavor

Fri, Oct 22, 2021

Good things take time. These preserving, pickling and curing basics will deliver flavorful meals.

9Season 5

S5.E9 ∙ Pantry Pasta

Fri, Oct 29, 2021

It's no secret that pasta is Frankie's favorite; he's serving it up all night without even opening his fridge.

10Season 5

S5.E10 ∙ Potato Variety Show

Fri, Nov 5, 2021

Frankie's slicing, mashing and smashing his way through the spud species, a staple for any Struggle kitchen.

1Season 6

S6.E1 ∙ Citrus Sunshine

Thu, Jan 20, 2022

It's the dead of winter but citrus is in season and these recipes will brighten your day and your palette. Grapefruit and Beet Salad, Orange Ginger Chicken, Winter Citrus Cake.

2Season 6

S6.E2 ∙ Suppertime Superstar

Thu, Jan 27, 2022

These hearty dinners will not only make you a star, but they'll sit front and center and hold their own as a complete meal, whether it's a casual weeknight or a special occasion. Lasagna Roll Ups, Biscuit Pot Pie, Roast Chicken with Veggies.

3Season 6

S6.E3 ∙ A Leftover Glow Up

Thu, Feb 3, 2022

Give last week's leftovers the makeover they deserve with Frankie's recipes for tasty, waste-reducing meals that transform uninspiring excess food into fresh and exciting dishes. Your bank account will thank you. Cheesy Pasta Frittata, Chicken Taco Pockets, Fridge Clean Out Fried Rice.

4Season 6

S6.E4 ∙ Romantic Steakhouse Dinner

Thu, Feb 10, 2022

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. Butter Basted Ribeye for Two. Creamed Spinach and Mashed Potatoes, Flourless Chocolate Cake.

5Season 6

S6.E5 ∙ Fancy Pants Pasta

Thu, Feb 17, 2022

This week, treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy pasta dinner at a fraction of the price, as Frankie cooks up some of his signature dishes featuring show stopping sauces. Pappardelle with Frankie's Ragu, Homemade Beet Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce, Carbonara.

6Season 6

S6.E6 ∙ I Need to Eat Right Now

Thu, Feb 24, 2022

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. Savory Oat Bowl, Spicy Sesame Noodles, Quick Couscous Salad.

7Season 6

S6.E7 ∙ Piece of the Pie

Thu, Mar 3, 2022

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. Shepherd's Pie, Cherry Slab Pie, Chocolate Cream Pudding Pie.

8Season 6

S6.E8 ∙ The Big Game

Thu, Mar 10, 2022

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. Tater Tot Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie.

9Season 6

S6.E9 ∙ Bananas for Bananas

Thu, Mar 17, 2022

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. Banana Corn Fritters, Banana Fosters Pudding, Gooey Banana Chocolate Cake.

10Season 6

S6.E10 ∙ Cry Me an Allium River

Thu, Mar 24, 2022

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. Creamy Leeks with Breadcrumbs, Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread, Flowering Onion.

1Season 8

S8.E1 ∙ I Don't Want to do Dishes: One Pot Meals

Fri, Mar 3, 2023

Any true struggle cook knows there's nothing better than a one pot dinner. Not only is there hardly any cleanup at the end, but the prep is minimal too, which means hunger satisfaction is imminent. Who says meals can't be cheap, easy and delicious?

2Season 8

S8.E2 ∙ Homemade-ish

Thu, Apr 6, 2023

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 store bought ingredients can be transformed into dishes that will impress your guests.

3Season 8

S8.E3 ∙ Eat Your Greens

Thu, Apr 13, 2023

Add a plot

4Season 8

S8.E4 ∙ Between Two Buns

Thu, Apr 20, 2023

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 on burgers and sandwiches with delicious flavor combos are super satisfying to scarf down.

5Season 8

S8.E5 ∙ Struggle Splurge

Thu, Apr 27, 2023

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 with busy schedules.

6Season 8

S8.E6 ∙ But First, Brunch

Thu, May 4, 2023

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. Mushroom Spinach Quiche, Crispy Potato Rosti and Raspberry Lemon Swirly Buns.

7Season 8

S8.E7 ∙ Saved by the Bowl

Thu, May 11, 2023

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.

9Season 8

S8.E9 ∙ Picnic Lunches

Thu, May 25, 2023

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. Tuna Nicoise Sandwich, Veggie Muffaletta, Spam Musubi.

10Season 8

S8.E10 ∙ Too Hot to Cook

Thu, Jun 1, 2023

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. Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup, Frankie's Green Goddess Chopped Salad, Watermelon Lime Granita.