10+ Easy Cheap Recipes for Delicious Budget-Friendly Meals

Finding delicious meals on a budget can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Easy cheap recipes allow you to create satisfying meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, there are plenty of options that are both affordable and simple to prepare.

You can enjoy nutritious dishes made from everyday ingredients. With a bit of creativity, you can make meals that are tasty, filling, and kind to your wallet. Let’s explore some easy cheap recipes that will keep you and your loved ones happy at the dinner table.

1) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and delicious dish you can make quickly. It features pasta, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This recipe is perfect for a budget-friendly meal.

To prepare, you start by boiling spaghetti in salted water. While it cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add sliced garlic. Cook until it’s golden and fragrant, then add red pepper flakes.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it into the pan with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to blend. You can finish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a pot and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Drain spaghetti and add it to the pan.
6. Toss to combine and serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

2) Chickpea Stir-Fry

Chickpea stir-fry is a quick and budget-friendly meal. It is packed with protein and full of flavor. You can have it ready in about 20 to 30 minutes!

Start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped veggies like bell peppers and onions. Then stir in canned chickpeas for a hearty touch.

You can season it with spices like garlic and pepper. Top it off with some peanuts for extra crunch. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Peanuts for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft.
3. Stir in the chickpeas and garlic.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with peanuts on top.

3) Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable fried rice is a quick and tasty meal. It’s perfect for using up leftover veggies you have at home. This dish is budget-friendly and ready in just 20 minutes.

Start by cooking rice ahead of time. You can use day-old rice, which works best. Gather your favorite vegetables, like carrots, peas, and bell peppers.

With a little oil in a pan, sauté the veggies for a few minutes. Add the rice and soy sauce for flavor. Stir everything together until it’s warm.

Feel free to add eggs or tofu for extra protein. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Optional: 2 eggs or 1 cup tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Sauté mixed vegetables for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce.
4. Stir and cook until heated through.
5. Add eggs or tofu if desired, and cook until set.

4) Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is a simple, budget-friendly meal that you can whip up in no time. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting. You only need a few ingredients to make it delicious.

For this recipe, you’ll combine tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce. You can add vegetables like peas or corn to boost the flavor and nutrition.

Cooking time is quick, so you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. It’s also easy to freeze for later use!

Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas or corn
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix noodles, tuna, soup, peas, and seasonings.
4. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
5. Top with cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.

5) Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a simple and delicious dish that you can prepare quickly. It combines fresh ingredients for a comforting meal. This soup is also budget-friendly, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

To make this soup, you need just a few basic ingredients. You can enjoy it hot with some crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. It’s a great choice for both lunch and dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Add basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth if desired. Serve hot.

6) Black Bean Tacos

Black bean tacos are a simple and tasty meal. You can make them quickly using pantry staples. They are filling and budget-friendly.

To start, you’ll need black beans as the main filling. You can use canned beans for convenience or cook your own. Add some fresh toppings like chopped cabbage, cilantro, and jalapeños for extra flavor.

Feel free to dress your tacos with a sauce or salsa. A drizzle of lime juice can brighten everything up.

These tacos are great for any day of the week. Enjoy making and sharing them with friends and family!

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans (15 oz or 425 g)
• 4 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• Lime wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the black beans in a pan until warm.
2. Warm the tortillas in another pan.
3. Fill each tortilla with black beans and toppings.
4. Squeeze lime juice on top.
5. Serve immediately.

7) Lentil Salad

Lentil salad is a tasty and affordable option for any meal. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrition. Plus, lentils are known for being budget-friendly.

You can mix various vegetables and dressings to create your perfect salad. Try adding bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes for extra flavor.

This salad is great for meal prep, too. You can store it in the fridge and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain and cool the lentils.
4. In a bowl, mix lentils, kidney beans, corn, and bell pepper.
5. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss well. Enjoy!

8) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. It uses layers of baked eggplant, sauce, and cheese. This dish is both hearty and affordable.

To start, slice your eggplant and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for a bit to remove excess moisture. After that, dip the slices in beaten eggs and coat them with breadcrumbs.

Next, layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish with your favorite spaghetti sauce and cheese. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This meal is perfect for any night. Enjoy it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
• 3 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Layer eggplant, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden.

9) Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a tasty and filling dish that is easy to make. You can prepare it quickly for a weeknight dinner or make a large batch for meal prep. It combines ground beef with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty meal.

Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s browned. Then, mix in chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor.

Next, add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve it hot with rice or bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (16 oz) can of kidney beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic.
4. Mix in diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
5. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve warm.

10) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a delicious and easy dish you can make quickly. It features eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. This meal is not just tasty but also budget-friendly.

To make shakshuka, you need simple ingredients. You can often make it with items you already have at home. Onions, tomatoes, and spices create a rich flavor.

You can customize it by adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach. This adds nutrients and color. Plus, it works great for breakfast or any meal of the day.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 large onion
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Sauté chopped onions until soft.
3. Add canned tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Create wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them.
5. Cover and cook until eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes.