Lately, I've been on a mission to tighten the purse strings at the grocery store without sacrificing flavor in the kitchen. In doing so, I've found plenty of recipes that cost less, but taste even better to ensure every meal is a tasty delight. These budget-friendly recipes result from my quest to dine well without straining the wallet. If you’re a newbie in this money-saving world like me, these are the ideal recipes to try in your new efforts!
Citrusy Shakshuka
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Swap out multiple eggs for versatile Heyday’s Harissa Lemon Chickpeas, creating a flavorful and substantial twist. With a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce, this delightful recipe costs just over $9.50 for 3 to 4 servings, perfect for brunch or dinner. (via Brit + Co)
Lemony Greens Soup
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Give your budget a breath of fresh air with this budget-friendly soup recipe. This clever combination of green vegetables, lemon, and miso proves that resetting your system can be delicious and economical. (via Brit + Co)
Fried Rice
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Craft the perfect budget-friendly fried rice by repurposing day-old rice for that coveted crispy texture, and opt for neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola or refined peanut oil, for a delicious result. The best part? It makes delicious leftovers! (via Brit + Co)
Basil + Brussels Sprout Mac and Cheese
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A delightful twist on the classic comfort dish. With budget-friendly ingredients, it brings back the mac and cheese joy in a wallet-friendly way. (via Brit + Co)
Oven-Roasted Fries
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By coating potatoes in a cornstarch slurry and baking them to perfection, you can achieve the same crispy texture as deep-fried fries while keeping them budget-friendly and delicious. Plus, oven roasting significantly reduces your oil consumption, making it a healthier and more cost-effective choice. (via Brit + Co)
Holiday Leftovers Breakfast
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Elevate your budget-friendly holiday leftovers with this hearty breakfast delight that transforms shredded ham, leftover potatoes, and eggs into a savory masterpiece. (via Brit + Co)
Keto-Friendly Zucchini Lasagna
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Swap costly pasta for wallet-friendly zucchini slices. Enjoy layers of flavor without breaking the bank, proving keto dinners can be delicious and easy on the wallet! (via Brit + Co)
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog
Crafted with a handful of veggies and pantry essentials, this soup is a budget-friendly delight, offering a simple, cost-effective solution without compromising flavor or creaminess. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)
Lentil Shepherd's Pie
Image via A Virtual Vegan
Incredibly flavorful and protein-packed, this shepherd’s pie epitomizes comfort food without breaking the bank. With saucy lentils nestled under a crispy golden mashed potato crust, it's budget-friendly, freezable, and family-friendly. (via A Virtual Vegan)
Freezer-Friendly Tex Mex Breakfast Quesadillas
Image via The Girl on Bloor
By freezing these in batches, you're maximizing your grocery investment, making several servings at once, and ensuring nothing goes to waste—a savvy approach to a delicious, budget-conscious breakfast solution. (via The Girl on Bloor)
Peach Overnight Oats
Image via Hello Little Home
Crafted from affordable, everyday ingredients like fresh peaches, oats, yogurt, and cinnamon, this recipe delivers a delightful morning treat without breaking the bank. (via Hello Little Home)
Sticky Tofu
Image via Crowded Kitchen
Coated in cornstarch and crisped to perfection, this tofu bathes in a slightly sweet, sour, and spicy sauce with garlic and ginger, creating a delightful blend perfect for a family meal when paired with white rice and veggies. At less than $1.50 per serving, this is an economical yet flavorful meal choice. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Budget-Friendly Vegan Meatball Glaze Recipe
Image via The Edgy Veg
With minimal ingredients and easy steps, these meatballs are versatile enough for pasta dishes, meal prep, or standalone enjoyment. Crafted with less than ten ingredients, this budget-friendly recipe ensures simplicity and wholesomeness in your culinary journey. (via The Edgy Veg)
Healthy Taco Casserole
Image via The Real Food Dietitians
Transform lean ground beef, vibrant veggies, and pantry staples into a nutritious and flavorful dish, perfect for stretching your grocery budget and satisfying hungry appetites. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake
Image via Averie Cooks
A vegetarian dinner that's quick, light, perfect for families, and preps in under an hour, providing leftovers for planned meals—a budget-savvy choice that ticks all the boxes! (via Averie Cooks)
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Image via This Wife Cooks
Maximize savings with this recipe—it's budget-friendly to make, and the leftovers can be stored easily in the fridge, ready to reheat for another satisfying meal. Simply stash the extra in an airtight container and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave whenever you're craving a comforting and affordable dish. (via This Wife Cooks)
Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes
Image via Pink Owl Kitchen
These salmon croquettes are a meal that keeps on giving. With leftovers easily stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, you can relish these croquettes in subsequent meals. For optimal crispiness, a quick reheat in a skillet transforms these delights into a flavorful treat for days to come. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Fried Cabbage and Noodles
Image via Veggie Society
With its caramelized onions and green cabbage, this recipe brings a taste of tradition to your table. Easy on the budget and incredibly delicious, it's a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. (via Veggie Society)
Grilled Peaches
Image via Feel Good Foodie
Ideal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. With easily accessible and affordable peaches, this dessert is a go-to solution for whipping up a sizable batch when time and budget are tight. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Budget-Friendly Grocery List
Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
In theory, living on a budget sounds great, but not so much in practice, right? Well, when it comes to cooking and grocery shopping, you can always make it work. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable groceries that can also serve multiple meals. Prices, of course, may vary depending on where you buy your groceries and the brands you prefer, but here are a few I think you should know about!
- Rice: A staple, cost-effective option. A 5-pound bag of white rice typically costs around $3.
- Beans: (Canned or Dry): Great for versatility and budget meals. Canned beans range from $0.60 to $1 per can, while a pound of dry beans costs around $1.
- Pasta: An easy and affordable option. A pound of pasta costs approximately $1 to $2.
- Frozen Vegetables: Convenient and economical. Prices vary by type, but a 16-ounce bag is generally around $1 to $2.
- Eggs: Versatile and inexpensive. A dozen eggs cost about $2.
- Oats: Perfect for breakfast or baking. A 42-ounce container of oats costs around $3.
- Potatoes: A versatile vegetable. A 5-pound bag typically costs $3 to $4
- Canned Tomatoes: Great for sauces and stews. Prices range from $0.80 to $1 per can.
- Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: Often more affordable than breasts. Prices vary but can be around $1.50 to $2 per pound.
- Ground Beef: Versatile for various dishes. Prices vary, but it's often around $5 to $6 per pound.
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Header image via The Girl on Bloor
