Cooking on a budget can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With a little creativity and some savvy shopping, you can prepare tasty meals that won’t break the bank. Here are seven delicious recipes that cost less than $10 to make.
1. Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce – You can never go wrong with a classic spaghetti dish. Boil spaghetti according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, cook diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add a can of diced tomatoes, seasoning it with salt, pepper and dried basil, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Mix in the cooked spaghetti and serve.
2. Beef and Bean Chili – Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add diced onions and bell peppers. When the vegetables are tender, add canned beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 20 minutes until it thickens. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
3. Vegetable Fried Rice – Cook rice according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, scramble two eggs and set them aside. In the same pan, cook diced onions, carrots and peas until tender. Add the cooked rice and eggs to the pan, along with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Fry until heated through. Serve hot.
4. Roasted Vegetable Pasta – Cut up zucchini, squash, and bell peppers into small pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven on 375 degrees for 20 minutes. In a separate pot, cook pasta according to instructions, then add roasted vegetables and Parmesan cheese.
5. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese– In a soup pot, sauté diced onions in a generous amount of butter. Add a can of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a pinch of sugar. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth, and then add half-and-half or heavy cream. Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
6. Baked Lemon Herb Chicken– Cut chicken breasts in half and season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and dried herbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
7. Black Bean and Corn Salad – Drain and rinse canned black beans and canned corn. Mix together with diced tomatoes, red onions, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve chilled as a side dish or as a light lunch.
These recipes are budget-friendly and easy to make. Try them out and see just how delicious cooking on a budget can be.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)