Outback Steakhouse Kicks Off Tailgating Season With Free Bloomin' Onions

We hate to disappoint, but everybody's favorite Australian appetizer isn't actually from the Land Down Under after all: The Bloomin' Onion was actually invented in New Orleans. The association originated because of Outback Steakhouse's Aussie theme and stuck around because of the popularity of its signature appetizer.

Now, if you're a fan, you can score this favorite app for free to kick off football season — but that's not the only great deal that will leave you craving the Outback. Check out a few more great deals to help you eat at the Outback for less money and ultimately stretch your budget so you can afford to go out to eat more often.

Don't miss: 8 clever ways to save money so you can still afford to eat out

Free Bloomin' Onion

Courtesy of Outback Steakhouse

Starting today and lasting through Sunday (Aug. 25), you can get a free Bloomin' Onion with the purchase of any adult entrée. Feel like staying at home to watch the game? Just use the code "BLOOM" to get the same deal online. That's what we call a win!

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Aussie 3-Course Meal

Price: $14.99

Get a starter, a steak, and a cake with this new dine-in-only deal from Outback Steakhouse. Choose from a couple of different entrées, including steak, shrimp, ribs, and more. The prices may vary by location, but this is a great deal for a top-quality meal for less than $20.

Bloomin' Bundles

Courtesy of Outback Steakhouse

A bundle meal can feed between four and six of your best mates while you watch the game. The meal options include steak, chicken, and shrimp, all of which come with a family-size salad, sides, and bread. The price may vary by entrée choice (and location) but starts as low as $12.50 per person.

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Bottom line

Going out to eat shouldn't be a luxury, but the rising cost of groceries has many families cutting their restaurant budgets and treating dining out as a special occasion.

Tackling high grocery costs doesn't have to prevent you from enjoying meals at restaurants, and the Outback is bringing some amazingly low prices that mean you can enjoy steak and other fine dining options for about the same price as fast food — who can resist that?

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).