Dine In: How to Make In-N-Out-Style Food at Home

How good is In-N-Out? And we all know the song, "that's what a hamburger is...all about." In this day and age, however, families may not be able to survive soley on eating out at restaurants and drive-thrus. The truth is the cost can add up. Save a little by staying home, cooking from inspiration and by simply being a Frugal Family.

But of course, Poway's new In-N-Out is some of the best inspiration. Here's how to get it an In-N-Out-style family meal for four at home.

Here's your shopping list (Shopping for more? Just double or triple quantities):

2 pounds of lean ground beef, on sale this week at Poway's Vons, $2.97 per pound 

Sliced American cheese, on sale this week at Poway's Vons

2 onions, one sauteed, one sliced thickly, on sale this week at Poway's Vons

2 tomatoes, sliced thickly

1 head lettuce, leafed and sliced

1 package of your favorite hamburger buns

Secret sauce (Thousand Island dressing mixed with diced pickles, don't wanna buy it? Mix mayonnaise with ketchup and diced pickles) 

1 package of frozen french fries

1 container ice cream, 2 for $6 at the Poway Vons

1 quart of milk, $2.99 per gallon at Poway Vons

Your favorite sauce for shakes, either chocolate or strawberry, or both!

Directions: 

Hamburgers: Form your ground meat into very, very thin patties. We're talking 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Grill or cook them thoroughly. Add cheese for those who like cheese burgers. Warm hamburger buns. Spread each side of the buns with your secret sauce. Layer patty, lettuce, tomato, and onions. Onions can be "as is" or grilled. 

Bonus Tip: To make a "Double-Double," 3x3, or 4x4 at home just make sure the patties are thin enough to keep layering. Place between two buns and build as high as you wish!

Fries: Bake fries in oven as bag directions specify. Add a little salt to the fries when they are done and enjoy from there. 

Bonus Tip: In order to make your fries or hamburger "Animal Style" mix your secret sauce with extra diced pickles, grilled onions, diced tomatoes, and "roasted mustard" which is painted on the patties or drizzled over the fries. Use mustard of your choice and simply heat up. 

Milk Shake: Blend two scoops of vanilla ice cream with a splash of milk and sauce of choice. In-N-Out serves up milk shakes of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavor. Try all three for a Neapolitan shake!

Just based on today's grocery deals, $7 can be accounted for and saved. See more here from Vons on how to save daily with coupons and club card rewards, which are free to sign up for. Remember- these are additional deals from the weekly specials which means more cash is saved once you sign up. 

With the rising cost of food in Southern California, it's always good to try and save some doe. Making food at home is a great option for this as well as a nice way to spend time with the family. With this recipe the pocketbook and belly can agree on one thing, happiness.