14 Budget-Friendly Meals That Won’t Leave You Hungry
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Having to watch your wallet at the grocery store doesn’t mean that you can’t still have delicious, flavorful, and healthy meals. There are plenty of budget-friendly recipes that you can make, and no, they aren’t all bean recipes. Check out these fourteen budget-friendly recipes that won’t leave you hungry.
1. Baked Ziti
Pasta dishes are almost always budget-friendly and this baked ziti recipe is no exception. It’s a family favorite and you can pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Not only is this delicious recipe easy on your wallet, you can prep it in advance, and even freeze it for months. Why not make two? One for dinner this week and one for the freezer for later.
2. Greek Avocado Toast Recipe
This Greek avocado toast makes a tasty breakfast (or snack) and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. It’s delicious and healthy and will fill you up thanks to its healthy fat and fiber content. A perfect dish to serve on a weekend morning.
3. Refried Bean Soup
Refried bean soup is easily and quickly made with a can of refried beans and a jar of salsa. It makes enough for several people and freezes well if you are just cooking for yourself. It’s also a great meal to pack in a Thermos with some cornbread for lunch at work or at school.
4. Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Peanut butter oatmeal is very satisfying stuff. The healthy fats from the peanut butter and the fiber from the oats will keep you full until lunch, and the ingredients fall into the budget-friendly category to boot.
5. Avocado Toast With Egg
Need a simple breakfast or even a snack? This avocado toast with eggs is quick, simple, and actually quite versatile. Get some avocados when they are on sale, and get ready for a very filling and satisfying breakfast idea.
6. White Bean Soup
Veggies and beans are a classic budget meal. But this white bean soup brings them all together into one tasty bowl of comfort food. This is great served with a side of crunchy garlic bread and packs well for lunch or dinner on the go.
7. Stuffed Dates Recipe With 9 Stuffing Ideas
While these may look fancy, this stuffed dates recipe with 9 stuffing ideas is still a budget-friendly snack or dessert. One or two are plenty for a delicious dessert which will help them stretch over several weeks or months (if you keep them in the freezer). Plus, they are portable for easy travel.
8. Cauliflower Salad Recipe + 7 Creative Ways To Use Cauliflower In Your Cooking
If you like heartier, toothsome salads with lots of flavors, try this cauliflower salad recipe + 7 creative ways to use cauliflower in your cooking. It truly fills you up, and the flavors won’t disappoint. Serve with a side of toast or mix in some lower-cost rice to round out the meal.
9. Split Pea Soup
You just can’t get more budget-friendly than split pea soup, especially if you don’t add any meat. This vegetarian/vegan version is simple, tasty, filling, and only costs you pennies. Meat eaters can add ham if they wish, but it’s more budget-friendly as is.
10. Skillet Pancake
This single-serving skillet pancake is the perfect breakfast for one. While you can certainly share it, it’s best to keep this one all to yourself. It’s a great single-serving option for breakfast and it can really make your pennies stretch thanks to it’s simple ingredients.
11. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples
If you are looking for a healthy snack or dessert, these slow cooker cinnamon apples are fantastic mixed into Greek yogurt, served over ice cream, or just enjoyed by themselves. Apples are budget-friendly when they are in season and are even better if you happen to have a tree to pick them off of.
12. Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Slow cooker Italian chicken is a hearty meal with tons of veggies. It makes a big batch, and you can prepare it using all frozen ingredients, making it a very easy meal to put together too. Frozen ingredient can be purchased when on sale and will keep in the freezer until you have collected everything.
13. Easy Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Easy Instant Pot lentil soup is a wonderful meal you can get on the table fast, thanks to your Instant Pot. It’s delicious, filling, and affordable to make. A simple piece of toast is a great side for this dish, and it works well for either lunch or dinner on a budget.
14. One-Pot Ratatouille
While you can make this with store-bought produce within a budget, this one-pot Ratatouille is also a way to use up veggies at the back of the fridge. Make a big pot and eat from it all week long with any budget-friendly sides you like best.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Meal prep can save you money at every turn. Here are easy meal prep recipes you can prep for your freezer in 15 minutes on a budget.
