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Cheap Food Can Be Good Food! 17 Budget Dishes For Cash-Strapped Foodies

Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re watching your wallet but still want to enjoy good meals, there’s a collection of budget-friendly recipes waiting for you. These dishes are perfect for those who love food but are trying to spend less. You’ll find 17 fantastic meals that prove you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well. Have you ever thought that making delicious food at home could save you money? Well, it’s true! With this selection of recipes, you can cook up meals that are kind to your wallet and your stomach. These recipes are designed for people who need to keep an eye on their spending but still crave homemade meals. It’s about making the most of what you have and still enjoying your food.

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Budget-friendly meals don’t have to be boring, and our Pasta e Fagioli Soup is testiment to that. It’s a hearty option that warms you up without thinning the wallet, blending pasta, beans, and a rich tomato base. Amid all our cheap eats, this one stands out for its comforting embrace. Cap off a cold day with a bowl and feel the smile spread across your face.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew leftovers could be this good? Transform yesterday’s side into today’s star with our Chicken Fried Rice. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also perfect for using up whatever’s in the fridge. Sharing this dish is like sharing a secret to make eating well affordable and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Time is money, but with our Slow Cooker German Pot Roast, the slow cooking does wonders by amplifying flavors without amplifying costs. It simmers in its own goodness, and the result is a tender, juicy meal that proves frugal can still be indulgent. Invite friends over and watch as they savor the robust flavors, none being the wiser about your budget. Enjoy a relaxed evening knowing dinner took care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Baked Spanish Rice will whisk you away on a budget-friendly culinary excursion. It’s a simple, yet delicious, side that pairs well with countless main dishes. Put it on your table for an easy-going fiesta of flavor without passport or high price. Everyone will ask for seconds, and you’ll happily oblige knowing it’s light on the pocket.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Beef and Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you crave something warm and filling, look no further than our Beef and Barley Soup. It confirms that low-cost ingredients can create rich, soul-satisfying meals. A slow simmer brings out a depth of flavor that makes every spoonful taste like it costs a fortune. Yet, your budget stays as intact as your contentment.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Uncover the unexpected pleasure found in our Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. It’s a playful mix of tangy and sweet, with a hint of smokiness bringing it all together. This dish can gracefully sidle up to any main, proving that frugal choices can lead to fantastic flavors. Plus, it’s simple to make, turning any meal into an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When money’s tight but you want to eat right, our Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is a true hero. It offers a refreshing crunch, the heartiness of grain, and the protein power of tuna, all in one easy dish. Take it to work or enjoy it in the park; it’s versatility and affordability at its best. Think of it as your budget-smart ticket to a healthy, tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A piece of cornbread on a plate next to a few potatoes.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a touch of Southern charm to your table with our Sweet Potato Cornbread. It melds the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the traditional comfort of cornbread. This side dish is a conversation starter, perfect for gatherings and easy on your finances. Nothing says home like a slice of this baked goodness, so go ahead and share the warmth.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate.
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Morning meals on a shoestring get a makeover with our Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. It’s a filling and flavorful start to the day that doesn’t require a dozen eggs. Gather your family on a Sunday morning and watch as they eagerly dig in, no one guessing you’re saving pennies with every bite. Breakfast just became the smartest meal of the day.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, simplicity is the height of sophistication, and our Cream of Onion Soup embodies this principle. With each spoonful, you’ll experience the humble onion transformed into a creamy comfort classic. This soup shows that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create a meal that tastes rich. It’s an understated choice that subtly shows off your savvy spending skills.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let our Sweet Potato Casserole surprise you with its underappreciated potential. It’s a wallet-friendly dish that delivers big on flavor and comfort. As a side or a main, it’ll light up your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Holidays or any days, it’s proof that good eating doesn’t have to be costly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta can play the fancy card without the fancy price, and our Creamy Spinach Orzo is all the evidence you need. This dish showcases orzo in a velvety spinach sauce, an elegant twist to routine pastas. It’s a weeknight lifesaver that tastes like a weekend indulgence, all while keeping your budget in check. Not to mention, it’s a surefire way to get the greens in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover ham gets a delicious second act in our Ham Fried Rice. This dish turns simple ingredients into a savory meal that defies its cost. Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Eat well without breaking the bank, and let this meal be your clever, cost-cutting comfort.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Mexican Street Corn Soup brings street vendor flair straight to your kitchen without stretching your budget. It’s a lively soup that packs a punch with each spoonful, capturing the essence of a beloved snack. Perfect for those nights when you want a little zest without a big bill. You’ll spoon up every bit, eager for the next time your budget tells you to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why spend a fortune on dinner when our Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes can grace your table for less? It’s a testament to the wonders of simple ingredients coming together to create a filling and enjoyable meal. Tossed together in no time, it’s destined to become a go-to dish. It’s practical magic on a plate, and your wallet will appreciate the trick.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Greek Spaghetti puts an affordable twist on a Mediterranean classic. It’s proof that you can channel international flavors while keeping a close eye on expenses. This dish is effortlessly charming, a low-cost luxury anyone can achieve. Load up your fork and let this simple meal transport you to a seaside taverna without the cost of travel.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Don’t let the idea of budget eating limit your creativity because our Corned Beef Fritters are here to shake things up. These crispy, savory bites are a clever use of canned meat that will leave guests none the wiser. Serve them at your next gathering and watch as they disappear, your food-savvy shining as brightly as your thriftiness. With this dish, you’re not just saving money; you’re earning accolades.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

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