Feeding your family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing variety or flavor. These 17 frugal recipes use simple, affordable ingredients to create satisfying meals that go a long way. From hearty soups to creative mains, each recipe is designed to stretch your weekly grocery budget without feeling repetitive. Save money while still putting filling, delicious food on the table with recipes that make every dollar count.
Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup loaded with chicken, potatoes, and corn, simmered to create a thick, savory broth. The combination of starchy potatoes and tender chicken makes this dish comforting and filling. It takes about 1.5 hours to prepare and offers a rich, slightly herby flavor. Perfect for stretching leftovers into a satisfying meal.
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Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
This fish soup is light yet satisfying, featuring white fish fillets, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It comes together in under 30 minutes using an Instant Pot, making it quick and efficient. The broth is savory with delicate seafood notes and a touch of warmth. It’s a budget-friendly option for a fast, nourishing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Roasted delicata squash salad combines sweet, caramelized squash with leafy greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing. The squash’s natural sweetness balances beautifully with the fresh greens’ crispness. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a light yet flavorful dish. It’s ideal for adding variety to weekly meals without overspending.
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Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
This dish features creamy borlotti beans cooked in a savory tomato sauce and topped with soft, runny eggs. The beans soak up the robust sauce, offering a rich and satisfying taste. It takes under 40 minutes to prepare and uses pantry staples like beans, tomatoes, and eggs. It’s a great protein-packed meal for any budget.
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Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian endive soup is a smooth and velvety dish with a mild, slightly bitter flavor softened by cream or broth. The endives pair well with simple seasonings to create a light yet filling meal. It takes about 45 minutes to make and feels refined without being expensive. Serve it as a cozy starter or light lunch.
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Matzo Brei Pizza
Matzo Brei pizza transforms matzo and eggs into a crispy, pizza-like base topped with savory ingredients like cheese, sauce, and vegetables. This creative dish is quick, taking just 25 minutes to prepare. It tastes familiar, like classic pizza, but offers a unique texture. It’s perfect for repurposing pantry items into a fun, affordable meal.
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Chicken Sancocho
Chicken sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew filled with chicken, root vegetables, and corn in a flavorful broth. It takes about 1.5 hours to simmer into a comforting, satisfying dish. The blend of vegetables adds sweetness, while the chicken keeps it rich and filling. It’s perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
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Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
This borscht features earthy beets, cabbage, and carrots cooked into a vibrant, slightly tangy soup. The flavors are brightened with vinegar and herbs, creating a rich and refreshing dish. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and uses affordable, simple vegetables. Serve it hot or chilled for a colorful, budget-friendly option.
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Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
This dish combines nutty quinoa, creamy kabocha squash, and hearty chickpeas, all topped with a zesty green tahini sauce. The flavors are earthy and bright, with the sauce tying everything together. It takes 45 minutes to make and relies on nutrient-dense, low-cost ingredients. It’s a filling and balanced vegetarian meal.
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Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Spaghetti with mushroom marinara features tender pasta and a robust tomato sauce packed with savory mushrooms. The mushrooms add depth to the sauce, giving it a meaty flavor without the cost of meat. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly comfort food.
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Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant shakshuka combines soft, stewed eggplant with tomatoes, spices, and poached eggs for a flavorful, saucy meal. The tender eggplant absorbs the spices, while the eggs add richness. It’s ready in about 45 minutes and works perfectly as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s an affordable, versatile dish with bold flavors.
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Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
This pasta kugel features tender noodles baked with earthy mushrooms, sweet leeks, and a light custard base. The flavors are savory with subtle sweetness, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bakes into a hearty meal. It’s a frugal way to reinvent pasta and vegetables.
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Mujadara
Mujadara is a fragrant combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. The lentils add earthiness, while the onions bring sweet, crispy contrast. It comes together in under an hour using inexpensive pantry staples. This Middle Eastern classic stretches ingredients into a hearty, nutritious meal.
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Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
This soup combines tender barley, fresh kale, and romano beans in a savory, herb-infused broth. The barley adds a chewy texture, while the beans keep it filling and protein-packed. It takes about 50 minutes to make and uses low-cost ingredients to create a wholesome dish. Perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
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Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Zucchini rolls are light, bite-sized wraps filled with creamy, protein-rich crab salad. The zucchini adds freshness and crunch, balancing the rich filling. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish feels elegant while staying budget-friendly. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a refreshing light meal.
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Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
These potato patties are crispy on the outside with a savory mushroom filling tucked inside. The tender potatoes contrast beautifully with the earthy, seasoned mushrooms. This dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare and uses simple, inexpensive ingredients. It’s a hearty, satisfying option for vegetarians and budget-conscious cooks.
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Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Marinated tofu spring rolls combine fresh vegetables, soft tofu, and rice paper wraps for a light, flavorful dish. The tofu absorbs the marinade, adding savory depth to each bite. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re refreshing, portable, and budget-friendly. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
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