10+ Healthy Easy Budget Recipes for Delicious Meals on a Dime

Finding meals that are healthy, easy to prepare, and fit your budget can be a challenge. These recipes will help you create delicious dishes without breaking the bank. You can enjoy nutritious meals that are simple to make and affordable.

With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up satisfying meals in no time. Whether you are cooking for yourself or your family, these options make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable. You’ll discover how easy it is to eat well and save money at the same time.

1) Chana Masala with Canned Chickpeas

Chana masala is a tasty and healthy dish that’s easy to make. Using canned chickpeas makes it quick and convenient. You’ll enjoy the blend of spices and flavors in this meal.

To make this dish, start by heating some oil in a pot. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, then sauté until they are soft. Next, stir in spices like cumin and garam masala.

After that, add the canned chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You can add fresh cilantro for extra flavor before serving over rice or with flatbreads.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of chickpeas (15 oz each)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
3. Add cumin and garam masala, stirring for 1 minute.
4. Mix in the canned chickpeas and diced tomatoes.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro if using.
7. Serve with rice or bread.

2) Parmesan Cabbage Soup

Parmesan cabbage soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to make. It combines the goodness of cabbage with the rich flavor of parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a healthy meal without breaking the bank.

You will need some basic ingredients, including cabbage, parmesan cheese, and rice to thicken the soup. The combination makes this dish nourishing and satisfying.

You can adjust the soup to your taste by adding herbs or spices. It’s a wonderful choice for chilly days or when you need a quick, budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped cabbage and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the rice and broth.
4. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Mix in grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Spicy Tuna Salad with Crispy Rice

Spicy Tuna Salad with Crispy Rice is a tasty and budget-friendly dish you can make at home. It combines canned tuna, which is affordable and rich in protein, with a crispy rice base.

You will need sushi rice, which gives a nice texture when crisped. Mixing in some unseasoned rice vinegar and a bit of sugar enhances the flavor of the rice.

For the spicy tuna, add mayo, a touch of sriracha, and some chopped green onions. This mix gives a nice kick to the dish.

Top it off with fresh vegetables for extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups sushi rice
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 can of tuna
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Vegetables of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the sushi rice and cook according to package instructions.
2. Mix rice vinegar and sugar into the cooked rice.
3. Press the rice into a hot pan for a crispy texture.
4. In a bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and sriracha.
5. Top crispy rice with spicy tuna and fresh veggies. Enjoy!

4) Quick Tomato, Kale and White Bean Soup

This soup is a simple and healthy option for any meal. It combines tomatoes, kale, and white beans for a delicious dish that is both filling and nutritious. You can make it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

Start by heating some olive oil in a pot. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Then add canned tomatoes, white beans, and vegetable broth. Stir in fresh kale until it wilts.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This soup is great on its own or served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 stick celery, chopped (optional)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can white beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
3. Add diced tomatoes and white beans.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and stir.
5. Mix in chopped kale and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes, then serve hot.

5) One-Pot Chicken Paprika

One-Pot Chicken Paprika is a simple and tasty meal that you can make at home. It’s packed with flavor and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

You will need chicken, paprika, and a few other basic ingredients. It comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on both sides.
5. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through.

6) Healthy Turkey Chili

Healthy turkey chili is a delicious and easy meal. It’s full of lean ground turkey, which is a great source of protein. You’ll also find kidney beans and corn, adding fiber and flavor.

This recipe lets you use simple ingredients, making it budget-friendly. You can cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, depending on your schedule.

You can spice it up with your choice of seasonings, like chili powder and cumin. This chili is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, and corn.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

7) Slow Cooker Tuscan Bread Soup

Slow Cooker Tuscan Bread Soup, also known as Ribollita, is a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s packed with vegetables and has a comforting, hearty taste. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for your budget.

You’ll need some day-old bread to give it that classic texture. The soup is best when it simmers all day, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, rinsed
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 3 cups day-old bread, torn into pieces
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, mix the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans and kale.
4. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the bread pieces, stirring gently.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 180°F or 82°C).
7. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious soup!

8) Tuna Pasta Bake

Tuna Pasta Bake is a delicious and easy dish that your whole family will enjoy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of protein, making it perfect for a budget-friendly meal.

To make this dish, you need just a few simple ingredients. You can customize it with vegetables or your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (about 225 g) pasta
• 1 can (about 15 oz or 425 g) tuna, drained
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) cream or milk
• 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded cheese
• 1 cup (about 150 g) frozen peas (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, tuna, cream, cheese, and peas.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with more cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9) Chicken Enchilada Rice Bake

This Chicken Enchilada Rice Bake is a tasty and budget-friendly meal. It combines shredded chicken, rice, and delicious enchilada sauce for a satisfying dish that is easy to make.

You can have this dish ready in about 50 minutes. Just mix everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. Top with cheese for extra flavor!

You will enjoy the great taste and the fact that it’s simple to prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 2 cups (300g) cooked rice
• 1 cup (240ml) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans (optional)
• 1 cup (150g) corn (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, enchilada sauce, beans, and corn.
3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

10) White Chili with Cannellini Beans

White chili is a warm and comforting dish that is both healthy and easy to make. Using cannellini beans adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein. This recipe is perfect for busy days and fits well in your budget.

You’ll start with ingredients like chicken, beans, green chiles, and spices. They come together to create a delicious, hearty meal. You can enjoy it with bread or rice for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced green chiles
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 4 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

2. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned.

3. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Shred the chicken and serve.