15+ Recipes on a Budget: Delicious Meals That Save You Money

Eating delicious meals on a budget is possible and can be fun. You can enjoy a variety of tasty and healthy recipes without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and planning, you can make meals that are satisfying and affordable.

Many people think that cooking on a budget means sacrificing flavor or nutrition. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly recipes that can keep your family happy and healthy while saving you money. You’ll find that simple ingredients can lead to satisfying dishes that everyone will love.

1) Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta fagioli soup is a tasty, budget-friendly dish full of flavor. This classic Italian soup combines beans, pasta, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy meal.

You can easily make this dish with simple ingredients. The soup is hearty and will keep you full without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to use what’s already in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 1 cup small pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and oregano. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add broth, tomatoes, and beans. Bring to a boil.
5. Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes or until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

2) Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Teriyaki chicken thighs are a tasty and budget-friendly meal. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. You can make them quickly on a weeknight.

To start, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Marinating them in a homemade teriyaki sauce brings out the best taste. The sauce is typically made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes on each side. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve the chicken with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey.
2. Marinate chicken thighs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

3) Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers

This Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers is a great budget-friendly dish. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. You can use leftover tamales and add a delicious twist with peppers and cheese.

Start by placing chopped peppers in a greased baking dish. Cut tamales into quarters and layer them over the peppers. Top it all with a can of chili for added taste.

Bake the pie in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it’s hot and bubbly. This meal is not only filling but also a great way to enjoy Mexican flavors without spending too much.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken or beef tamales
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili with beans

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish.
3. Place chopped peppers in the dish.
4. Cut tamales into quarters and layer on top of the peppers.
5. Top with chili and sprinkle cheese over everything.
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

4) Instant Ramen with Veggies

Instant ramen is a quick and affordable meal. You can easily make it healthier by adding fresh vegetables.

Start with your favorite instant ramen noodles. Cook according to the package directions. As the noodles cook, chop up some veggies like spinach, carrots, and bell peppers.

Once the noodles are almost done, stir in the veggies. This adds nutrition and color. You might also want to add some soy sauce for flavor.

Feel free to get creative. Consider adding tofu or a soft-cooked egg for extra protein. Enjoy your warm, cozy bowl of ramen!

Ingredients

• 1 package of instant ramen noodles
• 1 cup chopped fresh vegetables (spinach, carrots, bell peppers)
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Optional: tofu or soft-cooked egg

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions.
2. Chop the fresh vegetables.
3. Add the chopped veggies to the pot when the noodles are nearly done.
4. Stir in soy sauce and mix well.
5. Add tofu or a soft-cooked egg if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

5) One-Pot Vegetable Curry

A one-pot vegetable curry is a perfect meal for budget-friendly cooking. It combines a variety of vegetables in a creamy coconut sauce that’s full of flavor. You can make this dish in about 30 minutes.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic. Then, add mixed vegetables, chickpeas, and your choice of spices. Pour in coconut milk for creaminess and let it simmer.

This dish is simple and delicious, making it great for a quick dinner. Serve it over rice or with naan for a filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp curry powder
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add mixed vegetables and curry powder.
4. Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Egg Sandwiches

Egg sandwiches are a quick and tasty meal you can enjoy at any time. They are budget-friendly and easy to customize with simple ingredients.

You can prepare an egg sandwich in different ways. Use a scrambled egg for a soft filling, or fry an egg for a classic touch. You can also add cheese for extra flavor.

For a simple option, try a fried egg sandwich. Just toast some bread, fry an egg, and add your favorite cheese. This makes a satisfying meal in minutes.

You can also make egg sandwiches in bulk for meal prep. Just cook a few eggs at once and assemble them on English muffins or bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 slices of bread or English muffins
• 1 slice of cheese (optional)
• Butter or oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add butter or oil.
3. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook to your liking.
4. Toast the bread or English muffins.
5. Assemble the sandwich with cheese, if using.

7) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and budget-friendly meal. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients, making them easy to personalize. They are perfect for using up leftover rice, meat, or vegetables.

To make stuffed bell peppers, start by choosing colorful bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds. You can use ground meat, beans, or just veggies for the stuffing. Mix your choice of filling with rice, spices, and cheese for extra flavor.

Once you have your peppers stuffed, place them in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. The peppers should be tender, and the filling hot.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 pound ground meat or 1 can beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Spices (like salt, pepper, and garlic)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. Mix cooked rice, meat or beans, cheese, and spices.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture.
5. Place them in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then serve hot.

8) Vegetable Stir-Fry

Vegetable stir-fry is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal while sticking to your budget. You can use a variety of vegetables based on what you have at home. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights.

Start by heating some oil in a pan. Add your favorite chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.

For flavor, add soy sauce and any spices you like. You can also toss in some protein, like chicken or tofu, to make it heartier. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Optional: chicken or tofu
• Rice or noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and stir for 1-2 minutes.
4. If using, add cooked chicken or tofu.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

9) Cabbage Stir Fry

Cabbage stir fry is a quick and budget-friendly meal. It combines fresh cabbage with garlic, soy sauce, and your choice of protein. You can use chicken, beef, or even keep it vegan with just vegetables.

This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Cooking cabbage keeps it tender yet crunchy, giving you a satisfying bite. You can customize it with extra ingredients like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Optional: protein (chicken, beef, or tofu)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped cabbage and stir for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce and add protein if using. Cook until protein is done.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

10) Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Bean and cheese quesadillas are a tasty and budget-friendly meal. They are quick to make and use simple ingredients you may already have at home. This snack is perfect for lunch or dinner.

For this recipe, you’ll need tortillas and your choice of cheese. You can use canned beans for added convenience. Feel free to add some veggies if you want extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Optional: chopped veggies (like bell peppers or onions)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Spread a layer of refried beans on one side of a tortilla.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beans.
4. Place another tortilla on top to form a sandwich.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

11) Potato and Chickpea Curry

Potato and chickpea curry is a hearty and filling dish. It’s easy to make and doesn’t cost much. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.

Start by heating oil in a pot. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions are soft.

After that, add diced potatoes and drained chickpeas. Spice it up with curry powder, salt, and pepper.

Finally, pour in coconut milk and bring to a boil. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.

This curry goes well with rice or bread.

Ingredients

• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook until soft.
3. Add diced potatoes and chickpeas.
4. Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in coconut milk; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.

12) Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty and budget-friendly meal. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it filling and nutritious.

You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and savings.

This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week. It’s also simple to make, which saves you time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 5 carrots, sliced
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup pasta (like small shells or elbows)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like zucchini or spinach)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onions, and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
5. Add pasta and mixed vegetables.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

13) Budget Chili

Budget chili is a delicious and filling meal that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for feeding a family and can be made in one pot. You can use simple ingredients that are often on sale.

Start by browning ground beef or turkey in a large pot. Add chopped onions and garlic for flavor. You can also use canned beans, tomatoes, and corn.

Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, and salt. Then, let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mix well. Serve it hot with some bread or rice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) beans, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
5. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

14) Lentil Stew

Lentil stew is a comforting, budget-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It mixes hearty lentils with vegetables and spices. You can easily make a big batch and freeze leftovers for later.

To start, gather your ingredients. Lentils are packed with protein and fill you up. They cook well with vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes.

This stew is also very flexible. You can add your favorite spices or green veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons dried herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the lentils, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes (150°C).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

15) Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is a quick and tasty meal that fits your budget. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dish on the table in 20 minutes.

To make it, you will need pasta, garlic, butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Cook the pasta according to package directions. While it cooks, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté until golden.

Once the pasta is done, drain it but keep a bit of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the pan with garlic butter and mix well. If it seems dry, add a little pasta water. Top with Parmesan before serving. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Drain pasta, reserving some water.
5. Combine pasta with garlic butter in the pan.
6. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve with Parmesan on top.