Home / Series / Struggle Meals / Aired Order /

All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Party for Pennies

    • December 7, 2020

    - Pulled Pork Taco Party - Sweet Potato Sausage Hash - Orange-Cranberry Scones - Potato Egg Nests

  • S01E02 Food Back from the Dead

    • December 8, 2020

    - French Toast Casserole - Chicken Stock For Chicken Noodle Soup - Banana Mug Bread - Barley Risotto - Barley Salad - White Bean Chili - Crispy Chickpea Lettuce Wrap - Salmon Burger - Open-Faced Tuna Sandwich

  • S01E03 Wrap it Up!

    • December 9, 2020

    - Steak Wrap - Chicken Caesar Wrap - Mini Breakfast Burritos - Chicken Pot Pie - Meatloaf - Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

  • S01E04 Bacon My Heart

    • December 10, 2020

    Versatility is important. These three items - bacon, eggs, and a whole chicken - will feed you a plethora of delicious meals... and for cheap!

  • S01E05 Instant Gratification

    • December 11, 2020

    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.

  • S01E06 Cauliflower's Star Power

    • December 14, 2020

    Cauliflower is a star and can be transformed into unexpected dishes. Plus it's delicious and nutritious! Frankie reminds us to buy dried-goods in bulk and makes a big chuck roast that stretches over three dishes.

  • S01E07 Traveling for Your Tastebuds

    • December 15, 2020

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

  • S01E08 Street Food Faves at Home

    • December 16, 2020

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

  • S01E09 Sweet on You

    • December 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!

  • S01E10 Save Dough, Make Dough

    • December 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.

  • S01E11 Going With the Grain

    • December 21, 2020

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

  • S01E12 Fancy Free

    • December 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! Then, French food isn’t all fancy and expensive. These classic peasant dishes are made with fresh affordable, ingredients for hearty meals big on flavor and light on your wallet.

  • S01E13 The Chicken or the Egg

    • December 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?

  • S01E14 Frankie's Day Out

    • December 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.

  • S01E15 Show Me The Mole

    • December 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.

  • S01E16 Potatoes Gonna Potate

    • December 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.

Season 2

  • S02E01 An Eggplant Extravaganza

    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 and the days of mushy, bitter eggplant will be long gone.

  • S02E02 Meat: More Bang For Your Buck

    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. The focus will be protein-fueled recipes, plus using veggies in fun and unique ways for low-carb, healthy options.

  • S02E03 Plant-Based Budget Meals

    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!

  • S02E04 The Weekly Struggle Budget

    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.

  • S02E05 Cheesin'

    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!

  • S02E06 Turn Up For Tomatoes

    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 so you can enjoy their freshness throughout the year.

  • S02E07 Date Night

    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. That special someone will love it!

  • S02E08 Lunches for Work

    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!

  • S02E09 Frankie & Flour

    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, and strap on an apron. It's time to get messy in the kitchen.

  • S02E10 Hotdishes

    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.

Season 3

  • S03E01 Game Day

    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. So gather around with friends and cheer on your favorite teams. Or just eat. Both are a win. - Game Day Chicken Wings - Potato Poblano Flautas - Scotcheroos

  • S03E02 Winter is Here

    It’s the dead of winter in Frankie’s kitchen, which means it’s that time for hearty, delicious, and warming meals. Cooking is one of the best activities to do during these cold, dark months because you’ve got the oven on to keep your flannel pj’s warm. Plus, you get a lot of bang for your buck with winter foods, hearty vegetables, and meats that stretch. So you’re saving even more money, while you’re staying in, already saving money. It’s a winter miracle. - Roasted Pork Butt With Apples and Onions - Pumpkin Ravioli With Sage Butter - Beef Stew

  • S03E03 Valentine's Day

    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 for a fraction of the cost? It’ll be sweet, it’ll be aphrodisiacal, and it’ll be sexy cheap.

  • S03E04 Beans Beans Beans

    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. We also take a field trip to the grocery store to shop the bulk aisle where those dried beans live. Beans are the gift that keeps on giving, so don’t be scared to eat too many. Remember, they’re good for your heart.

  • S03E05 Rent Week

    It’s that time, the first of the month, when you spend your whole paycheck on rent and bills. Your fridge is looking pretty sad and the grocery budget is low. Frankie cooks up some go-to pantry meals and also teaches us how to better prepare for this time of the month. Learn what pantry essentials to stock up on so you always have ingredients to make hearty, delicious meals. It’ll make writing out that rent check hurt a little less.

  • S03E06 Mushroom Mania

    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.

  • S03E07 No Kitchen No Problem

    Frankie teaches us a few easy and inventive “no-kitchen” hacks for delicious struggly 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 from some handy kitchen (and non-kitchen) appliances. No Kitchen? No problem.

  • S03E08 Spring Fling

    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. It’s tasty, seasonably affordable, and pretty to look at. It’s time to ditch the winter sweaters and stews, and spring into action with these delicious meals that are light on the plate and your wallets.

  • S03E09 Spice Is Nice

    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. All it takes is a couple primary dried spices to make a variety of homemade spice blends. Plus, they're is a fraction of the cost of buying them pre-mixed. Bonus: Frankie also tackles a monster challenge with our favorite monster guest!

  • S03E10 Root-to-Stem

    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. Or vegetable stalks you would normally throw away. Those are like free bonus ingredients, plus they’re tasty. Root-to-stem cooking: less waste, more food, and more nutrition. Frankie’s favorite.

  • S03E11 Holiday Flavors

    • November 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 teaches us to put a twist on all your holiday favorites, using simple ingredients for your loved ones to enjoy.

  • S03E12 Less Stress Holidays

    • December 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.

Season 4

  • S04E01 Warm + Cozy Winter

    • February 5, 2021

    Frankie gets cozy in the Struggle kitchen with recipes that bring all the warmth, flavor and joy during the coldest days of winter. From a casual weekday dinner to a special weekend meal, these dishes are sure to keep you warm and cozy.

  • S04E02 Eggscellent Techniques

    • February 12, 2021

    In this special technique episode, Frankie teaches us several methods for cooking a quintessential ingredient: eggs. The scramble, the omelet, the Benedict - learn to make them just the way you like them.

  • S04E03 Vintage

    • February 19, 2021

    Frankie cooks his way back in time with his favorite vintage recipes. These oldie-but-goodie dishes are not only nostalgic and comforting, but they'll also fill you up without costing you a pretty penny.

  • S04E04 Struggle Soup

    • February 26, 2021

    Warm and hearty bowls of veggies, beans, pasta, and more, these soups will have you returning for seconds all year round. Frankie's soup blueprints can turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary soups, with endless flavor opportunity.

  • S04E05 Struggle Sandwich

    • March 5, 2021

    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.

  • S04E06 Cabbage, cabbage, cabbage

    • March 12, 2021

    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 we need it to be, affordable year around, delicious and filling.

  • S04E07 Mayo: The Secret Ingredient

    • March 19, 2021

    Who knew mayo could be such a savvy secret agent? It's a controversial condiment that can unlock the buttery, crispy, decadent codes of our favorite dishes, without leaving a trace of mayo-ness. Best of all, it's easy to make at home!

  • S04E08 Crunchy

    • March 26, 2021

    Reaching textural nirvana is never easy, but Frankie explores several ways to achieve the perfect crunch in his dishes, both savory and sweet. Add this elusive element to your recipes without adding cost to your budget.

  • S04E09 A Cruciferous Delicious Time

    • April 2, 2021

    No veggie family packs the same nutritious punch as the cruciferous family, and with a shelf life this long, they've become a fixture in Frankie's meal rotation. These delicious and easy-to-make recipes will win everyone over in no time.

  • S04E10 5-Ingredient Recipes

    • April 8, 2021

    Who said struggle meals can't be delicious? Don't sleep on these 5-ingredient recipes - simple weeknight meals that are anything but boring, and with a few pantry staples, you'll have dinner on the table in no time.

Season 5

  • S05E01 Summer BBQ

    • September 3, 2021

    Summer is coming to a close but there's still a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce to enjoy. Celebrate with Frankie as he makes some of his favorite cookout classics that'll take you from a weekend picnic to a backyard BBQ, with or without a grill.

  • S05E02 Bring Your Own Lunch

    • September 10, 2021

    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.

  • S05E03 Salad Salad Salad

    • September 17, 2021

    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.

  • S05E04 How Do You Like Them Apples

    • September 24, 2021

    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.

  • S05E05 Super Squash

    • October 1, 2021

    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.

  • S05E06 Spooktacular Tricks and Treats

    • October 8, 2021

    Don't let the line of trick-or-treaters or the candy corn overload scare you out of the kitchen this Halloween. Frankie's got tricks up his sleeve to make simple yet wicked good treats for everyone at the party to enjoy. All while saving some dough.

  • S05E07 Let's Play Ball

    • October 15, 2021

    Batter up! Fall ball is heating up, and Frankie's offering us his favorite stadium snacks, without those major league prices. No matter who you're rooting for, these ballpark classics will be a hit with friends and family for seasons to come.

  • S05E08 The Future is Flavor

    • October 22, 2021

    Frankie harnesses the power of time to transform simple ingredients into flavorful goods that'll stick around for a long time. Learn the basics of preserving, pickling & curing to make dinner anything but a struggle. It just takes a little patience.

  • S05E09 Pantry Pasta

    • October 29, 2021

    `Keep your pantry stocked with a few basic staples, and you'll always have ingredients on hand for dinner, especially for pasta night. In this episode, Frankie creates delicious pasta dishes with the kitchen's best-kept secret weapon - the pantry.

  • S05E10 Potato Variety Show

    • November 5, 2021

    Today, Frankie's slicing, mashing and smashing his way through the spud species, an essential staple for any Struggle kitchen. They've got so many talents and textures that whichever way you dig 'em, potatoes will never let you down.

Season 6

  • S06E01 Citrus Sunshine

    • January 22, 2022

    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.

  • S06E02 Suppertime Superstar

    • January 29, 2022

    Whether you're cooking for a casual weeknight or a special occasion, Frankie shared delicious and hearty dishes that will not only shine on the dinner table, but they'll also impress your guests, without costing an arm and a leg.

  • S06E03 A leftover glow up

    • February 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.

  • S06E04 Romantic Steakhouse Dinner

    • February 11, 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.

  • S06E05 Fancy Pants Pasta

    • February 18, 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.

  • S06E06 I Need to Eat Right Now

    • February 22, 2022

  • S06E07 Piece Of The Pie

    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.

  • S06E08 The Big Game

    • March 3, 2022

  • S06E09 Bananas for Bananas

    • March 11, 2022

  • S06E10 Cry Me an Allium River

    • March 25, 2022

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9