If you're looking for meals that are easy on the wallet but still filling, these 17 frugal dishes are just what you need. They’re simple to prepare, use inexpensive ingredients, and provide plenty of flavor and satisfaction. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, these dishes will help stretch your budget without sacrificing taste. They’re perfect for anyone wanting to save money while still enjoying hearty, home-cooked meals.
Matzo Brei Pizza
Matzo Brei pizza combines crispy matzo with eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal. This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and filling option. The matzo adds a crunchy base, while the egg mixture keeps it soft and savory. It’s an affordable meal that’s easy to customize with ingredients you already have.
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Mujadara
Mujadara is a simple, hearty dish made with rice, lentils, and onions, offering a satisfying meal in under 45 minutes. The lentils provide protein, while the rice adds fullness, and the onions give it a savory crunch. This dish is often seasoned with cumin and coriander, adding depth to the flavor. It's a great budget-friendly option that's both filling and nutritious.
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Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco is a Colombian chicken soup made with potatoes, corn, and a mix of herbs. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and is a comforting, one-pot meal. The potatoes create a thick, hearty base while the chicken adds protein. This soup is both filling and flavorful without being expensive to make.
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Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant shakshuka is a variation of the traditional shakshuka, using eggplant instead of tomatoes as the base. This dish can be made in about 30 minutes and features eggs poached in a spicy, seasoned eggplant sauce. The dish is flavorful with a balance of heat and richness from the eggs. It’s a simple, affordable meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
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Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian endive soup is a light yet filling soup made with endives, potatoes, and onions. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is a great way to use inexpensive ingredients. The endives provide a mild bitterness that is balanced by the creaminess of the potatoes. It’s a comforting soup that’s both frugal and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup
Chicken Sancocho
Chicken sancocho is a traditional Colombian stew made with chicken, root vegetables, and corn on the cob. It takes about 1 hour to cook and provides a hearty, filling meal. The chicken is tender, and the vegetables absorb the rich flavors of the broth. It’s an affordable, one-pot dish perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Zucchini rolls with crab salad offer a light and refreshing meal with a satisfying bite. The recipe takes about 30 minutes and uses fresh zucchini, crab meat, and a simple dressing. The zucchini adds crunch, while the crab salad brings a creamy, savory flavor. It’s a quick, cost-effective dish for a filling lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Quinoa with kabocha squash and chickpeas in green tahini sauce is a filling, plant-based dish that’s both nutritious and affordable. This recipe takes about 40 minutes to prepare and uses quinoa, squash, and chickpeas as its main ingredients. The tahini sauce adds creaminess and richness to the dish. It’s a budget-friendly, healthy option for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Stuffed potato patties with a mushroom filling are a comforting dish that’s both filling and affordable. This recipe takes about 45 minutes and uses mashed potatoes and mushrooms as the main ingredients. The potatoes provide a creamy texture, while the mushrooms add a savory depth of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, frugal meal that’s satisfying and hearty.
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Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Instant pot fish soup is a quick and easy dish that’s both filling and budget-friendly. The recipe takes around 30 minutes and includes fish, vegetables, and seasonings. The fish is tender, and the broth is rich and flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting soup without spending much money.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Barley, kale, and romano beans soup is a hearty and healthy dish made with wholesome ingredients. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and combines barley, beans, and kale in a flavorful broth. The barley adds a chewy texture, while the beans and kale provide plenty of nutrients. It’s a filling and cost-effective soup for any season.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Borlotti beans in tomato sauce with eggs is a simple, hearty dish that’s quick to make in about 30 minutes. The borlotti beans provide protein, and the tomato sauce gives the dish a rich, tangy flavor. The eggs are poached right in the sauce, adding a creamy texture. It’s a frugal meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Spaghetti with mushroom marinara sauce is an easy, budget-friendly dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. The mushrooms add depth and texture to the classic marinara sauce, making it hearty without being heavy. The spaghetti offers a satisfying base that pairs perfectly with the sauce. This dish is a great option for a quick, filling meal.
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Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Roasted delicata squash salad is a light yet filling dish made with roasted squash, greens, and a simple vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 35 minutes to make and provides a fresh, earthy flavor. The squash adds natural sweetness, and the greens provide a crisp contrast. It’s an affordable, nutritious salad that can be served as a side or light main.
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Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a tangy beet soup that’s both hearty and affordable. The recipe takes about 1 hour to make and is made with beets, cabbage, and potatoes. The beets add a sweet, earthy flavor while the cabbage brings a slight bitterness. It’s a nutritious and satisfying soup that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom leek pasta kugel is a savory casserole made with noodles, mushrooms, and leeks. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and offers a comforting, filling meal. The mushrooms and leeks create a rich flavor base, while the noodles hold everything together. This dish is a budget-friendly, hearty option for dinner or a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Marinated tofu spring rolls are a light and fresh dish made with tofu, rice paper, and veggies. The recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a quick, healthy meal. The tofu is marinated for extra flavor, while the veggies add crunch and freshness. It’s a low-cost, tasty option for anyone craving a vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
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