Walmart Deals October Sale 2024: Delicious Recipes to Maximize Your Savings!

The Walmart October Sale is the perfect time to stock up on pantry staples and fresh ingredients, all at deeply discounted prices. This year, get ready to not only save money but also elevate your culinary game with these easy and delicious recipes that take full advantage of the Walmart October Sale 2024 deals. We’ll be focusing on recipes that utilize common sale items, reduce food waste, and provide healthy, budget-friendly meals. Get your shopping list ready, and let’s get cooking!

Planning Your Shopping Trip: Key Items to Watch For

Before diving into the recipes, it’s crucial to identify the key items typically featured in the Walmart October Sale. Keep an eye out for:

* **Proteins:** Chicken breasts, ground beef, pork tenderloin, and canned tuna are frequently discounted. Consider plant-based options like beans, lentils, and tofu for vegetarian dishes.
* **Grains:** Rice, pasta, quinoa, and oats are excellent pantry staples to buy in bulk during the sale.
* **Canned Goods:** Canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth are versatile and shelf-stable ingredients for soups, stews, and sauces.
* **Frozen Fruits and Vegetables:** Take advantage of deals on frozen berries, spinach, broccoli, and other vegetables to ensure you always have nutritious options on hand.
* **Dairy and Eggs:** Milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs are essential for many recipes and often feature prominently in sales.
* **Spices and Seasonings:** Restock your spice rack with essential seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
* **Oils and Vinegars:** Olive oil, vegetable oil, and various vinegars are culinary staples that are worth purchasing when discounted.
* **Produce (especially root vegetables and seasonal fruits):** Keep an eye on deals on potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, and pumpkins, as they are often in abundance during October.

Once you’ve identified the items on sale, plan your meals around those ingredients to maximize your savings. This approach helps minimize food waste and ensures you’re using the most affordable ingredients.

Recipe 1: One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe is a weeknight staple, easy to customize, and uses ingredients that are frequently on sale during October.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 whole chicken (around 3-4 pounds), or about 2.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
* 1 large onion, cut into wedges
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).**
2. **Prepare the vegetables:** Wash and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onion. If using other root vegetables, prepare them similarly. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
3. **Prepare the chicken:** If using a whole chicken, pat it dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, ensure they are about the same thickness. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage, even under the skin if using a whole chicken. For chicken breasts, simply coat evenly.
4. **Arrange on a baking sheet:** Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. If using chicken breasts, spread the vegetables evenly and place the chicken pieces throughout the pan, ensuring they aren’t overlapping.
5. **Roast:** For a whole chicken, roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. For chicken breasts, roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving (if using a whole chicken) or serving (if using breasts). This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
7. **Serve:** Serve the roasted chicken and vegetables hot.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on whole chickens or family packs of chicken breasts. Potatoes, carrots, and onions are also frequently discounted during the October Sale.

Recipe 2: Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

This comforting soup is perfect for chilly October evenings and utilizes canned tomatoes, which are often on sale. The grilled cheese croutons add a fun and delicious twist.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
* 4 slices bread
* 2 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
* 2 tablespoons butter

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add tomatoes and broth:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
4. **Blend (optional):** For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
5. **Add cream (optional):** If desired, stir in the heavy cream for extra creaminess.
6. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Make the grilled cheese croutons:** While the soup is simmering, make the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top each slice with a slice of cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
8. **Grill:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly.
9. **Cut into croutons:** Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into small cubes.
10. **Serve:** Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and top with the grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Canned tomatoes, broth, and bread are often on sale during the October Sale. Look for store-brand versions to save even more money.

Recipe 3: Lentil Soup

This hearty and nutritious lentil soup is an excellent source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and affordable meal. Lentils are a budget-friendly staple that are often available at discounted prices.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
* Spinach or kale (optional, for added nutrients)

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes:** Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. If adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
4. **Remove bay leaf:** Remove the bay leaf before serving.
5. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:** Ladle the lentil soup into bowls and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley also makes a nice garnish.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Buying dried lentils in bulk is typically more economical than buying canned lentils.

Recipe 4: Tuna Noodle Casserole (Elevated!)

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food, and this version elevates it with fresh vegetables and a crispy topping. Canned tuna and pasta are pantry staples that are frequently discounted during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound egg noodles
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or buttered breadcrumbs (for topping)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the noodles:** Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Sauté vegetables:** While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. **Make the sauce:** Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. **Combine ingredients:** Stir in the drained tuna, cooked noodles, and frozen peas. Mix well.
5. **Assemble the casserole:** Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed potato chips or buttered breadcrumbs.
6. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
7. **Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on canned tuna, egg noodles, and frozen peas. Consider using store-brand versions of these ingredients to save money.

Recipe 5: Sheet Pan Fajitas

This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal. You can use chicken, steak, or shrimp, depending on what’s on sale during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound chicken breasts, steak, or shrimp, sliced into strips
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 packet fajita seasoning
* Tortillas
* Toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).**
2. **Prepare the vegetables and protein:** Slice the bell pepper and onion. Slice the chicken, steak, or shrimp into strips.
3. **Toss with oil and seasoning:** In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken, steak, or shrimp, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
4. **Spread on baking sheet:** Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken, steak, or shrimp is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. **Warm the tortillas:** While the fajitas are baking, warm the tortillas according to package directions.
7. **Serve:** Serve the fajitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on chicken breasts, steak, shrimp, and bell peppers. Fajita seasoning packets are also frequently discounted.

Recipe 6: Breakfast Burritos (Make-Ahead)

These breakfast burritos are perfect for busy mornings and can be made ahead of time. Eggs, cheese, and tortillas are often on sale during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper, chopped
* 8 eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (or vegetarian sausage alternative)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 8 large flour tortillas
* Salsa for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. **Scramble the eggs:** In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set.
3. **Assemble the burritos:** Warm the tortillas according to package directions. Divide the scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese evenly among the tortillas. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll up from the bottom.
4. **Wrap and freeze (optional):** If making ahead of time, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
5. **Reheat:** To reheat frozen burritos, remove from the freezer and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
6. **Serve:** Serve the breakfast burritos with salsa.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on eggs, cheese, breakfast sausage, and tortillas. Buying these items in bulk can save you money in the long run.

Recipe 7: Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts

This healthy and filling breakfast is a great way to start your day. Oats, berries, and nuts are often on sale during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup water or milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
* Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine oats, water/milk, and salt:** In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water or milk, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are cooked and the mixture has thickened.
3. **Top with berries and nuts:** Pour the oatmeal into a bowl and top with mixed berries and chopped nuts.
4. **Sweeten (optional):** Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on rolled oats, frozen berries, and nuts. Buying these items in bulk is typically more economical.

Recipe 8: Black Bean Burgers

This vegetarian burger is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Canned black beans are a pantry staple that are often on sale during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Burger buns
* Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, salsa

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Mash the beans:** In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher. Leave some beans slightly chunky for texture.
3. **Combine ingredients:** Add the sautéed onion and garlic, cooked brown rice or quinoa, breadcrumbs, egg (or flax egg), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix well.
4. **Form patties:** Shape the mixture into 4 patties.
5. **Cook the burgers:** Heat a skillet over medium heat or preheat a grill. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned.
6. **Assemble the burgers:** Serve the black bean burgers on burger buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and salsa.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on canned black beans and burger buns. Buying dried black beans and cooking them yourself is typically more economical, but canned beans are more convenient.

Recipe 9: Chicken Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a quick and easy way to use up leftover vegetables. Chicken breasts, soy sauce, and rice are often on sale during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, sliced
* 1 bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1 cup snow peas
* Cooked rice for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Stir-fry the chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Stir-fry the vegetables:** Add the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Combine chicken and vegetables:** Return the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry with the vegetables for another minute.
5. **Serve:** Serve the chicken stir-fry over cooked rice.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on chicken breasts, soy sauce, and rice. Frozen vegetables are also a convenient and affordable option for stir-fries.

Recipe 10: Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that is perfect for potlucks or picnics. Pasta, vegetables, and salad dressing are often on sale during the Walmart October Sale.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
* 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
* 1/4 cup red onion, diced
* 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/2 cup Italian dressing
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
3. **Add dressing:** Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Chill:** Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

**Walmart Deal Tip:** Look for sales on pasta, vegetables, and salad dressing. Buying store-brand versions of these ingredients can save you money.

Maximizing Your Savings Beyond Recipes

While these recipes offer a great starting point for leveraging the Walmart October Sale 2024, consider these additional tips to maximize your savings:

* **Use Coupons and Rebates:** Check for manufacturer coupons and cashback offers on apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 to further reduce your costs.
* **Meal Prep:** Dedicate a few hours each week to meal prepping. This will save you time and money during the week and help you avoid eating out.
* **Embrace Leftovers:** Plan to use leftovers creatively. Roasted chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups. Leftover vegetables can be added to omelets or stir-fries.
* **Shop with a List:** Create a shopping list based on your meal plan and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay within your budget.
* **Compare Prices:** Compare prices between different brands and sizes to find the best deals. Unit pricing can be helpful in determining the most cost-effective option.
* **Stock Up on Non-Perishables:** Take advantage of the sales on non-perishable items like canned goods, grains, and spices to build a well-stocked pantry.
* **Don’t Forget the Freezer:** Freezing extra portions of meals is a great way to save time and money. Label and date your frozen meals for easy identification.

By planning ahead, utilizing these recipes, and implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can make the most of the Walmart October Sale 2024 and enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals all month long! Remember to check the Walmart website and your local store’s flyer for specific sale items and dates.