Finding tasty and budget-friendly meals is a game-changer for maintaining a healthy diet without breaking the bank. Here are ten top picks that are both delicious and easy on the wallet:
1. Vegetable Stir-Fry
A versatile dish that allows you to use whatever vegetables are in season or on sale. Pair with rice or noodles, and add tofu or chicken for extra protein.
Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice or noodles.
Here is a recipe for an easy Vegetable Stir Fry.
2. Chili
Perfect for batch cooking, chili is hearty and satisfying. You can make it with ground beef, turkey, or go vegetarian with beans.
Ingredients: Ground meat or beans, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, onion, chili powder, cumin.
Here is a recipe for an easy Pumpkin Chili.
3. Lentil Soup
Lentils are both nutritious and inexpensive. A hearty lentil soup is filling and can be made in large batches.
Ingredients: Lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, spices.
You can find recipes for a variety of lentil soups HERE.
4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (pronounced ah-li-oh ee o-li-oh)
This Italian classic is simple, flavorful, and requires just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: Spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley (optional).
You can find a recipe here for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
5. Egg Fried Rice
Utilize leftover rice with eggs and any vegetables you have on hand. It’s quick, easy, and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients: Cooked rice, eggs, mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), soy sauce, green onions.
You can find a great recipe for egg fried rice here on Healthy Nibbles.
6. Black Bean Tacos or Quesadillas
A great option for a meatless meal. Black beans are rich in protein and fiber and can be used to make delicious and satisfying tacos.
Ingredients: Black beans, tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado (optional). You can find a great recipe here for Black Bean Quesadillas.
7. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a filling and inexpensive meal. Top them with a variety of toppings like cheese, beans, or vegetables.
Ingredients: Potatoes, cheese, sour cream, chives, beans, or any preferred toppings.
This recipe for Perfect Baked Potato gets rave reviews!
8. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This one-dish meal is comforting and easy to prepare. It combines chicken with rice and vegetables, all baked together.
Ingredients: Chicken breast or thighs, rice, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup or a homemade sauce.
Here is a tasty recipe for Creamy Chicken and Rice.
9. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat or beans, and spices make a nutritious and budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground beef or turkey (or beans), rice, canned tomatoes, cheese (optional).
You can find a couple of different varies of stuffed bell pepper recipes HERE.
10. Vegetable Frittata
A great way to use up leftover vegetables and eggs. It’s like a crustless quiche and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, any vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, peppers), cheese (optional), spices.
You can find a recipe here for an Easy Vegetable Frittata.
These meals are not only budget-friendly but also nutritious and easy to prepare. They can be adjusted based on your preferences and what you have available, making them perfect for any weeknight dinner.
One of my favorite budget-friendly recipe blogs is Budget Bytes. I’ve made a lot of Beth’s recipes, and they’ve all turned out pretty good. I’ll actually be making her recipe for Sopa de Fideo tomorrow 🙂 Happy cooking!
