Tough times call for tough cooking. When money is tight, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and rely on expensive takeout or processed snacks. But with a little creativity and some basic pantry staples, you can whip up delicious meals that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll share 18 budget-friendly recipes that are perfect for those trying times when money is scarce.
From comforting bowls of bean and rice to hearty stews and satisfying sandwiches, these recipes will help you stretch your grocery dollars further than ever before. And the best part? They’re all ridiculously easy to make, so you can focus on more important things… like paying the bills.
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes and start cooking up a storm!
Beans and rice with sautéed onions
This classic dish is a staple of comfort food, perfect for a weeknight meal or a satisfying side dish. With its flavorful combination of tender beans, fluffy rice, and sweet onions, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried black beans, cooked according to package instructions
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine the cooked black beans and rice in the skillet with the onions.
4. Stir well to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Homemade potato soup with milk
Warm up with a comforting bowl of homemade potato soup, made rich and creamy with the addition of milk.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in milk and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried bologna sandwiches with mustard
A classic comfort food, these crispy fried bologna sandwiches get a boost from tangy mustard for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of white bread
– 1/2 pound thinly sliced bologna
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with sliced bologna and spread yellow mustard evenly.
5. Place the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Egg and cheese scramble on toast
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast that’s easy to make and packed with protein and flavor. This simple recipe combines scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and toasted bread for a delicious morning treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 slice of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1-2 slices of cheddar cheese (depending on your preference)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, pour in the egg mixture and scramble until cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Meanwhile, toast the bread until lightly browned.
4. Place the toasted bread on a plate and top with the scrambled eggs.
5. Place one or two slices of cheese on top of the eggs, depending on your preference.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peanut butter and banana sandwiches
A timeless favorite that’s both satisfying and delicious! This simple sandwich is a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and soft bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
– Optional: honey, granola, or chopped nuts for added texture
Instructions:
1. Spread one slice of bread with the peanut butter.
2. Top with sliced banana.
3. Place the second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
4. Cut in half or into quarters, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Lentil stew with carrots and onions
This comforting lentil stew recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for a chilly evening. With the added sweetness of carrots and the pungency of onions, this dish is sure to warm your belly and your heart.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped carrots and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Macaroni and cheese with hot dogs
This beloved recipe combines creamy macaroni and cheese with sliced hot dogs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 4 hot dogs, sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, hot dog slices, and cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.
7. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cornbread and milk (poor man’s cereal)
A Simple and Satisfying Breakfast: Cornbread and Milk!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread crumbs (leftover or store-bought)
– 1 cup milk
– Optional: sugar, butter, or honey to taste
Instructions:
1. Pour the milk into a bowl.
2. Add the cornbread crumbs and stir until well combined.
3. If desired, add a spoonful of sugar, butter, or honey to sweeten the mixture.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Notes:
– You can use leftover cornbread or store-bought crumbs for this recipe.
– Adjust the amount of milk to your liking, but be careful not to make it too runny!
– This is a great way to repurpose stale cornbread and enjoy a quick breakfast or snack.
Fried egg and ramen noodles
This recipe brings together the creamy richness of a fried egg and the savory flavors of ramen noodles, making for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of instant ramen noodles
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, sesame oil, or green onions for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Crack in an egg and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
3. In a separate pot, boil some water and add the cooked ramen noodles. Stir-fry the noodles with some soy sauce (if using) for added flavor.
4. Assemble the dish by placing the cooked noodles on a plate, topping with a fried egg, and adding any additional seasonings or toppings as desired.
Cooking Time:
– Ramen noodles: 2-3 minutes
– Fried egg: 3-4 minutes
– Total cooking time: 6-7 minutes
Cabbage and sausage stir-fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that combines the crunch of cabbage with the savory taste of sausage, ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, chili flakes, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the cabbage to the pan and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Return the sausage to the pan and stir to combine with the cabbage.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.
8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Tomato soup with grilled cheese
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this simple recipe that combines the richness of tomato soup with the gooey goodness of grilled cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons butter, for grilling
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, and cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soup is heated through.
3. Grill bread slices with butter until golden brown.
4. Serve hot tomato soup with grilled cheese dippers.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil
Classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe
This Italian-inspired dish is a staple for any pasta lover. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and aromatic spaghetti dish that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and 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 minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pancakes with syrup and margarine
Classic Pancakes with Syrup and Margarine Recipe
A simple and satisfying breakfast or brunch recipe that’s sure to please the whole family. Fluffy pancakes smothered in sweet syrup and topped with a pat of butter are a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted margarine
– Syrup (your favorite flavor)
– Additional margarine for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted margarine.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until smooth batter forms.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip pancakes; cook for an additional 1 minute, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with syrup and a pat of margarine.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuna salad with crackers
This classic recipe is a satisfying snack or light meal that’s ready in no time. With canned tuna, crunchy crackers, and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a delicious treat in minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon of chopped celery
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of crackers (such as Ritz or saltines)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and celery. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Arrange the crackers on a plate or serving dish.
4. Spoon the tuna salad onto the crackers.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes.
Rice and fried egg bowl
This simple yet satisfying dish combines creamy scrambled eggs with flavorful rice and a sprinkle of savory toppings, perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and/or soy sauce
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until well beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and scramble until cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate grains.
4. Assemble the bowl by placing a scoop of rice on a plate, topping with the scrambled eggs, and adding any desired garnishes (green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Baked potatoes with butter and salt
Simple yet satisfying, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of baked potatoes with a rich and savory topping.
Ingredients:
– 2-4 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel.
3. Poke some holes in each potato using a fork or knife to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub the potatoes lightly with your hands to remove any excess moisture.
5. Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
8. Slather each potato with softened butter, then sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Oatmeal with brown sugar
Start your day off right with this simple and satisfying oatmeal recipe, perfect for a cozy morning treat. The combination of creamy oats and sweet brown sugar will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
3. Stir in the brown sugar and salt until well combined.
4. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sliced banana, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegetable stir-fry with rice
This recipe is a perfect combination of colorful vegetables, savory flavors, and fluffy rice. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli; stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt to taste.
6. Serve the vegetable mixture over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Tough times call for creative cooking! This article shares 18 budget-friendly recipes that won’t break the bank. From comforting bowls of bean and rice to savory stir-fries, these dishes are perfect for those looking to stretch their food budget. Hearty options like lentil stew and macaroni and cheese with hot dogs will warm bellies on a cold day, while quicker meals like peanut butter and banana sandwiches and egg and cheese scrambles on toast provide a pick-me-up. These recipes prove that delicious doesn’t have to be expensive.