Are you tired of breaking the bank at every meal? Do you want to eat well without sacrificing your wallet’s comfort zone? Look no further! As a frugal foodie, it can be challenging to find recipes that are not only delicious but also easy on the purse strings. That’s why we’ve compiled our favorite 18 budget-friendly cheap recipes for you to try.
From hearty bowls of beans and rice with sausage to flavorful vegetable stir-fries with noodles, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds without emptying your bank account. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget or simply looking for ways to stretch your food dollars further, these recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to eat well without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll explore some of our favorite frugal foods and share simple, affordable recipes that will become staples in your kitchen. So grab your apron, sharpen your knife, and get ready to cook up a storm – without breaking the bank!
Beans and Rice with Sausage
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe combines tender sausage, creamy beans, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the red kidney beans, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the bean mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve the sausage on top of the beans and rice.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles
A flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, this vegetable stir-fry with noodles is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked noodles (such as soba or rice noodles)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the cooked noodles and vegetable mixture, and stir-fry for an additional minute.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Lentil Soup
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious soup made with tender lentils, aromatic spices, and a hint of smokiness from the cumin. Perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Egg Fried Rice with Veggies
Egg fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. This recipe combines the simplicity of cooked rice with the savory flavors of scrambled eggs, mixed veggies, and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add mixed veggies; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender-crisp.
4. Push veggies to one side of the pan.
5. Pour eggs into the other half; scramble until cooked through.
6. Mix eggs with veggies.
7. Add cooked rice, stirring-frying for about 5 minutes or until combined and heated through.
8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that highlights the beauty of garlic and olive oil.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6-8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant.
3. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the garlicky goodness.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor.
5. Serve immediately, enjoying the simplicity and richness of this beloved Italian dish.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Potato and Onion Frittata
A classic brunch option that’s perfect for a crowd or just a quick breakfast on-the-go, this potato and onion frittata is packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the potatoes and onions in butter until they’re tender and lightly browned.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the potato and onion mixture in the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is fully cooked and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Black Bean Tacos
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the richness of black beans with the crunch of fresh toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried black beans, cooked according to package instructions
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked black beans, red onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bean mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by spooning the black bean mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato and Basil Pasta
This classic Italian dish combines sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta to create a light and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious homemade pasta dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they release their juices and start to soften.
4. Stir in chopped basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and tomato-basil mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chickpea Curry with Rice
This flavorful and nutritious curry is a great way to add some plant-based protein to your meal routine. With the warm spices of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using); cook 1 minute.
4. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Simmer curry for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuna and White Bean Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines the protein-packed power of tuna with the creamy goodness of cannellini beans, all wrapped up in a refreshing package.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1 cup of cooked cannellini beans
– 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, cannellini beans, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of black beans, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork.
3. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the black beans in a pan over medium heat.
6. Once the sweet potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and top each half with a spoonful of black beans.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegetable and Cheese Quesadillas
Savor the flavors of Mexico with these crispy, cheesy, and veggie-packed quesadillas! Perfect as a snack or light meal, they’re easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients:
– 4 whole wheat tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup diced zucchini
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together cheese, bell peppers, zucchini, and cilantro.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the veggie-cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal
Start your day off right with this creamy and delicious oatmeal recipe that combines the natural sweetness of banana with the richness of peanut butter. This breakfast classic is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk (or a combination)
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: honey, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture has a creamy consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the sliced banana and stir until well combined.
4. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles
Elevate your ramen game with the rich flavors of garlic butter! This simple recipe combines the comfort of homemade noodles with the savory goodness of melted butter and pungent garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 package ramen noodles
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, or additional seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Add cooked ramen noodles to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or additional seasonings of your choice (optional).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Corn and Potato Chowder
Warm Up with Creamy Corn and Potato Chowder
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet corn, creamy potatoes, and savory flavors. Serve it as a starter or main course for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
This hearty soup originates from Italy, where pasta and beans are staples of the cuisine. This recipe is a classic take on the dish, with tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and creamy cannellini beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni, ditalini)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, cannellini beans, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Scrambled Eggs with Toast
Start your day off right with this simple and satisfying breakfast recipe that combines fluffy scrambled eggs with crispy toast.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork until well-beaten.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the melted butter.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and scramble the eggs with a spatula until they’re just set.
4. Meanwhile, toast the bread to your liking.
5. Serve the scrambled eggs on top of the toasted bread.
Cooking Time:
– Scrambled eggs: 2-3 minutes
– Toast: 1-2 minutes
Homemade Vegetable Fried Rice
This classic Chinese dish is a staple for any meal. With this simple recipe, you can create a flavorful and filling vegetable fried rice that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until they’re translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the rice mixture for about 5 minutes, until it’s heated through and slightly crispy.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using).
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover delicious and affordable recipes perfect for frugal foodies! This collection of 18 budget-friendly dishes will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. From hearty soups to savory stir-fries, and from comfort food classics to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. Try Beans and Rice with Sausage, Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles, or Homemade Lentil Soup for a satisfying meal that won’t dent your wallet.
