When money is tight, finding meals that are both affordable and satisfying can be a challenge. These 27 budget recipes make it easier to put a good dinner on the table without spending much. Each recipe uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but still deliver solid flavor. They’re designed to help stretch your grocery budget while keeping meals tasty and filling.
Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant Shakshuka is a hearty dish featuring a rich tomato and eggplant sauce topped with poached eggs. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and eggs. The result is a savory, satisfying meal with a balance of tangy and earthy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Shakshuka
Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu)
Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu combines crispy tofu with a rich, sun-dried tomato and coconut milk sauce. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes. Key ingredients are tofu, sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, and miso paste. The dish offers a creamy, umami-packed flavor that's both comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu)
Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup made with chicken, three types of potatoes, and corn, flavored with guasca herb. It requires about 2 hours to cook. Main ingredients include chicken, potatoes, corn, and guasca. The soup is hearty and flavorful, often served with avocado, capers, and cream.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht is a beet-based soup filled with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. It takes around 1 hour to prepare. Key ingredients are beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and onions. The soup has a sweet and sour taste, offering a warm and comforting experience.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Matzo Brei Pizza
Matzo Brei Pizza is a creative twist combining matzo brei with pizza toppings like cheese and tomato sauce. Preparation time is about 20 minutes. Main ingredients include matzo, eggs, cheese, and tomato sauce. The dish is savory and crispy, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern flavors.
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Dill Carrot Zucchini Curry
Dill Carrot Zucchini Curry is a vegetable curry featuring carrots, zucchini, and dill in a spiced sauce. It takes approximately 45 minutes to cook. Key ingredients are carrots, zucchini, dill, and curry spices. The curry is light yet flavorful, with a fresh herbal note from the dill.
Get the Recipe: Dill Carrot Zucchini Curry
Mujadara
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern dish combining lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It requires about 1 hour to prepare. Main ingredients include lentils, rice, onions, and olive oil. The dish is hearty and earthy, with the sweetness of caramelized onions enhancing its flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then baked until tender. Preparation time is around 1 hour. Key ingredients are chicken drumsticks, garlic, cumin, and lime juice. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a hint of citrus and spice.
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Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Borlotti Beans in Tomato Sauce with Eggs features beans simmered in a tomato sauce, topped with poached eggs. It takes about 45 minutes to cook. Main ingredients include borlotti beans, tomatoes, eggs, and garlic. The dish is hearty and savory, perfect for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel is a baked noodle casserole with sautéed mushrooms and leeks. Preparation time is approximately 1 hour. Key ingredients are pasta, mushrooms, leeks, and eggs. The kugel is creamy and savory, offering a comforting and satisfying dish.
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Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls are fresh rolls filled with marinated tofu and assorted vegetables, wrapped in rice paper. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include tofu, rice paper, carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce. The rolls are light and refreshing, with a balance of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Instant Pot Fish Soup is a quick soup featuring white fish, vegetables, and herbs cooked in a flavorful broth. Preparation time is around 30 minutes. Key ingredients are white fish, potatoes, carrots, and dill. The soup is light yet hearty, with a clean and comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad combines roasted squash with greens, nuts, and a light dressing. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include delicata squash, arugula, almonds, and vinaigrette. The salad is sweet and nutty, offering a satisfying and healthy option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad features thin slices of zucchini rolled around a creamy crab filling. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes. Key ingredients are zucchini, crab meat, mayonnaise, and herbs. The dish is light and flavorful, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Stuffed Potato Patties with Mushroom Filling are mashed potato cakes filled with a savory mushroom mixture. It takes about 1 hour to cook. Main ingredients include potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and breadcrumbs. The patties are crispy on the outside and soft inside, offering a hearty and satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce is a pasta dish featuring spaghetti topped with a tomato and mushroom sauce. Preparation time is around 30 minutes. Key ingredients are spaghetti, tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic. The dish is savory and satisfying, with the mushrooms adding depth to the marinara.
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Chicken Sancocho
Chicken Sancocho is a traditional Latin American stew made with chicken, root vegetables, and corn. It requires about 2 hours to cook. Main ingredients include chicken, plantains, yucca, and corn. The stew is hearty and flavorful, offering a comforting and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Barley, Kale, and Romano Beans Soup is a wholesome soup combining grains, greens, and beans. Preparation time is approximately 1 hour. Key ingredients are barley, kale, romano beans, and carrots. The soup is hearty and nutritious, with a rich and earthy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Quinoa with Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas in Green Tahini Sauce is a grain bowl featuring roasted squash and chickpeas over quinoa, drizzled with tahini sauce. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include quinoa, kabocha squash, chickpeas, and tahini. The dish is hearty and flavorful, with a nutty and creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian Endive Soup is a creamy soup made with endive, potatoes, and onions. Preparation time is around 1 hour. Key ingredients are Belgian endive, potatoes, onions, and cream. The soup is smooth and slightly bitter, offering a unique and comforting flavor.
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Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes is a simple dish combining pasta with a creamy ricotta and tomato sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include pasta, ricotta cheese, tomatoes, and basil. The dish is creamy and tangy, offering a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a stir-fried dish combining rice with chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes. Key ingredients are rice, chicken, eggs, and mixed vegetables. The dish is savory and filling, perfect for a quick and hearty meal.
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Greek Spaghetti
Greek Spaghetti is a pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed with olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include spaghetti, olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes. The dish is tangy and savory, offering a Mediterranean twist on classic pasta.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Beef & Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli is a stir-fry dish combining tender beef slices with broccoli in a savory sauce. Preparation time is around 30 minutes. Key ingredients are beef, broccoli, soy sauce, and garlic. The dish is flavorful and satisfying, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Corned Beef Hash
Corned Beef Hash is a skillet dish combining corned beef with diced potatoes and onions. It takes about 30 minutes to cook. Main ingredients include corned beef, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. The hash is hearty and savory, ideal for breakfast or brunch.
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick dish featuring ground beef cooked with cabbage and seasonings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes. Key ingredients are ground beef, cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce. The stir fry is savory and satisfying, offering a low-carb meal option.
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Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
Sloppy Joe Quesadillas combine the flavors of sloppy joes with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include ground beef, tomato sauce, cheese, and tortillas. The quesadillas are savory and cheesy, offering a fun twist on a classic sandwich.
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