15 Budget Recipes for Delicious and Affordable Meals

When you’re trying to eat well on a budget, finding the right recipes can make all the difference. Budget recipes allow you to create delicious meals without breaking the bank. These recipes often use simple ingredients that are both affordable and easy to find, ensuring you can feed your family while keeping costs low.

Incorporating budget recipes into your cooking routine can be rewarding. By choosing meals that are cost-effective, you’ll not only save money, but also discover new flavors and cooking techniques. Being smart about your meal planning helps you enjoy a variety of dishes that everyone will love.

1) Vegetable Enchiladas

Vegetable enchiladas are a tasty and budget-friendly meal. They are a great way to use leftover vegetables, rice, or beans. You can adapt the filling to match what you have at home.

To make your enchiladas, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in a skillet.

Next, fill tortillas with the vegetable mixture and roll them up. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Vegetables (bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
• Enchilada sauce
• Cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté vegetables in a skillet.
3. Fill tortillas with veggies, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
4. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

2) One-Pot Mac and Cheese

One-pot mac and cheese is a quick and easy meal that you can make in just a few simple steps. It allows you to cook the pasta and sauce all in one pot, saving you time and dishes.

To start, you will need macaroni, milk, and cheese. You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar is a popular choice.

This recipe is great for busy nights. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 15 minutes. Cooking the pasta in milk helps create a creamy sauce that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine macaroni and milk.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the cheese until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

3) Dill Cream Sauce with Broccoli

Dill cream sauce pairs wonderfully with broccoli, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly meal. You can whip it up quickly and it adds a delicious flavor to your dish.

To start, keep your broccoli warm while you prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix flour, dill, and milk until smooth. Stir this mixture into a pot with broth and bring it to a boil.

Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the chicken to the mixture and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve your tasty dill cream sauce over the broccoli, and enjoy this comforting dish that’s easy on the wallet.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Flour
• Fresh dill
• Milk
• Chicken broth
• Chicken breast

Cooking Instructions:

1. Keep broccoli warm.
2. Mix flour, dill, and milk in a bowl.
3. Stir into broth in a pan.
4. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened.
5. Add chicken and cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

4) Ground Beef Pantry Pasta

Ground beef pantry pasta is a simple and delicious meal you can whip up with items you likely have at home. It’s a filling dish that combines ground beef with pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Add in your favorite pasta and some canned tomatoes or tomato sauce. Season it with herbs and spices for added flavor.

Simmer everything together until the pasta is cooked through. You can mix in cheese at the end for a creamy touch. This meal is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces pasta (any type)
• 1 can diced tomatoes or 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add pasta, tomatoes, and seasoning.
4. Stir in about 3 cups of water or broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheese if using and serve hot.

5) Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow cooker chicken stew is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any day. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. You can use chicken thighs, which are delicious and budget-friendly.

Start with fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. These add flavor and nutrition. You’ll also need some herbs for extra taste. The stew cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to mix beautifully.

This recipe is great for meal prep. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, hearty meal. Serve it with bread for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs
• 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add the mixed vegetables on top.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (160-180°F / 71-82°C).

6) Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Chickpea salad sandwiches are a healthy and tasty option for lunch. They are quick to make and perfect for a budget. You can use canned or dried chickpeas, depending on what you have at home.

To prepare, mash the chickpeas and mix them with veggies. Ingredients like celery, cucumber, and carrots add flavor and crunch. Instead of using mayo, consider Greek yogurt for a healthier touch.

This sandwich is filling and can easily be packed for work or school. You can also customize it with spices or herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (or 1 cup dried chickpeas)
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 1 Persian cucumber, chopped
• 4 radishes, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and boil until tender.
2. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl.
3. Add the chopped veggies and Greek yogurt.
4. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve on your favorite bread. Enjoy your lunch!

7) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and budget-friendly dish. They are colorful and easy to make, perfect for a family meal. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients based on what you have at home.

Start by cutting the tops off the peppers and removing the seeds. You can use rice, ground meat, beans, or veggies as fillings.

Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes. In the last few minutes, add cheese on top and let it melt.

These peppers are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge. Enjoy them warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 pound ground meat (like beef or turkey)
• 1 cup cheese (shredded)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, ground meat, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the mixture.
5. Place peppers upright in a baking dish.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve!

8) Homemade Tomato Soup

Making homemade tomato soup is easy and rewarding. You can enjoy a warm bowl of this classic dish without spending much. It’s perfect for any time of the year.

Start with fresh ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Roasting the tomatoes with garlic enhances their sweetness.

For a creamy texture, add a splash of cream towards the end. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or oregano for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatoes and garlic in olive oil for 20 minutes.
3. Transfer to a pot and add vegetable broth.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Stir in cream if using.
7. Season and garnish with basil before serving.

9) Spicy Black Bean Tacos

Spicy black bean tacos are a tasty and budget-friendly meal. You can make them with simple ingredients and they’re perfect for a quick dinner.

To start, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and the black bean mixture. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through.

Warm up corn tortillas in another skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.

Now it’s time to assemble! Place the black beans on the tortillas and top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and a bit of feta cheese if you’d like.

These tacos are not only budget-friendly but also full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
• Corn tortillas
• Olive oil
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro
• Feta cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add olive oil and the black beans.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate skillet.
4. Assemble tacos with black beans and toppings.

10) Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry

Making a vegetable stir-fry is quick and simple. You can use almost any vegetables you have at home. This dish is great for using up leftovers too.

Begin by chopping your favorite vegetables. Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. You can mix and match based on what you enjoy.

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add your chopped vegetables and stir-fry for around 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

For flavor, add soy sauce, garlic, or ginger. Stir everything together for another minute. Your stir-fry is ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (your choice)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
5. Cook for another minute and serve.

11) Quinoa and Bean Salad

Quinoa and bean salad is a tasty and budget-friendly option for lunch or dinner. This dish is full of protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s also easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

You can start with cooked quinoa as your base. Add canned black beans, rinsed and drained, for extra protein. Incorporate chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for crunch.

For dressing, mix olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together, and your salad is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the bell pepper, onion, and tomato.
2. Mix the quinoa, beans, and vegetables in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

12) Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and delicious meal that’s perfect for your budget. With fresh shrimp and pasta, it comes together in no time. You’ll love the rich flavors without spending much.

For this dish, use medium or large wild-caught shrimp for the best taste. Pair it with a long pasta like fettuccine or linguine to soak up the sauce.

You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s satisfying and feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
• 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Then, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side.
5. Toss the pasta with the shrimp and serve with parsley if desired.

13) Zucchini and Corn Fritters

Zucchini and corn fritters are a tasty and budget-friendly dish. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick meal or snack. You can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or as a side.

To make these fritters, start by mixing grated zucchini and corn with some flour and eggs. Adding in spices like garlic powder will boost the flavor. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini to keep them crispy.

Fry the mixture in a hot pan with a bit of oil until golden brown. Cooking at about 350°F (175°C) helps achieve that perfect crispiness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, mix the zucchini, corn, flour, eggs, and spices.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Then, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan.
5. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

14) Lentil Curry

Lentil curry is a tasty, budget-friendly meal you can whip up quickly. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it perfect for a healthy dinner. You can choose between red, green, or brown lentils based on your preference.

To make it spicy, add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a creamy texture, coconut milk is a great addition. Serve it over rice or with naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (red, green, or brown)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Then, add the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk.
5. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
6. Add the spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

15) Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower fried rice is a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional fried rice. It’s low in carbs and packed with vegetables. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes.

Start with riced cauliflower, which you can find fresh or frozen. Sauté it with your favorite veggies, like peas and carrots. Adding soy sauce and scrambled eggs gives it that classic fried rice flavor.

You can also mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. This dish is budget-friendly and flexible, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower (or 4 cups riced cauliflower)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or buy pre-riced cauliflower.
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Push veggies to one side. Then, scramble eggs on the other side.
5. After that, add riced cauliflower and soy sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.