11 Fabulously Frugal Meals to Keep You Satisfied Any Time of Day
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
You've got to eat to live, but sometimes we'd rather save our pennies for a relaxing vacation or a night out, which is where these cheap meals come in. They're simple but craveable recipes that'll carry you from breakfast to dinner without breaking the bank. If you're used to eating out a lot or tend to not pay attention to prices when you're at the store, your weekly grocery bill can pile up. Luckily, inexpensive pantry items like beans and couscous can always be jazzed up a little to make something tasty. As long as you're willing to get a little creative sometimes (breakfast for dinner is always a great value, folks!), you'll find yourself spending less on food in no time. Get ready to cook these fabulously frugal dishes.
Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Some meals are classic for a reason, and this truly simple beef stroganoff has stood the test of time. Just add beef and cream of mushroom soup to your Crock-Pot, slow cook until tender, mix with Greek yogurt, and serve over egg noodles.
Cheesy Amaranth Porridge: Simmer this savory porridge for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's creamy, full of whole-grain goodness, and pairs well with any veggies you have on hand.
Chicken Finger Subs: Assemble your sub shop favorite at home to save a few bucks. Homemade crispy chicken tenders are the star of this dish. Feel free to use regular chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs to lower the cost even more.
Couscous: A box of couscous can go a long way toward mollifying your hunger pangs. Eat it simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil, or dress it up with a spritz of lemon, white beans for protein, and fresh parsley.
Egg-In-A-Hole Breakfast Sandwich: Jazz up a simple fried egg with this presentation. It's part breakfast sandwich, part toast, all delicious.
Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken: Roasted with whatever inexpensive veggies you can find at the store, honey mustard chicken is a flavorful meal. Best of all, it's made on a single sheet pan for quick cleanup.
Microwaved Poached Eggs: Skip the pricey brunch, and treat yourself to a luxe meal at home with this easy microwaved egg trick.
Slow-Cooker Baked Beans: Eaten on their own, topped with a fried egg, or served on toast, baked beans are a satisfying anytime meal. Make a big batch in your slow cooker, then feast all week.
Teff Porridge: Teff is a gluten-free pseudo-grain that cooks up into a thick, nutty porridge. Top it with maple syrup or honey and fresh fruit for a nourishing breakfast.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boats: Sweet potato egg boats start your day with tons of essential nutrients that'll keep you going until lunchtime, without putting a hole in your wallet.
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Follow us on Pinterest for more budget dining ideas.
(Photos via Brit + Co)
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.