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According to CNBC, the cost of groceries has risen by almost 20% since 2021. But if you’re the one in charge of shopping for your family, that won’t come as a surprise to you at all. It seems like every week, milk, produce and bread prices have increased, forcing many of us to cut back.
So if you’re looking for ways to stretch your spending without having to starve, Reddit users have recently been sharing their go-to affordable yet filling meals. These suggestions might not be gourmet by any means, but they should keep your stomach full until payday. Keep reading to also find a conversation with Caitlin Self, MS, CNS, LDN of Frugal Nutrition, and be sure to upvote the suggestions you’ll take advantage of to have a little more left in your savings at the end of the month!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is my f*****g jam.
Sans Serif (Sans) 2 years ago
There are (like many other things) degrees of broke. If you're flat (completed) broke then I concur! I think the premise here is, when funds are tight...
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Anouk Badwolf 2 years ago
yupp i like to put some beans or chickpeas to the soup so it contains more protein :)
Mia Black 2 years ago
Cheese is to expensive when I am broke (even when not I feel it's expensive... But not when I think about the cows, than it's too cheap....)
Krizzy Wilde 2 years ago (edited)
I don't know about the USA where they get 'cheese ' in aerosol cans and consider those orange squares in plastic for burgers but just a small block of real cheese is extortionate for the price these days here in the UK ! (I like that plastic wrapped cheese on burgers tho I have to confess!🍔
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Philly Bob Squires 2 years ago
Not poor and still my go to meal!!! LOVE grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches dipped in tomato soup! (Made with milk or cream of course!!!)
We all want to make meals that keep us happy, healthy and satiated without breaking the bank, but in recent years, that seems to have become harder than ever. So to get some tips on budget and health-friendly grocery shopping, we reached out to Caitlin Self, MS, CNS, LDN of Frugal Nutrition, who was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda about some of her favorite affordable meals.
"I love to cook a whole chicken and then turn it into soup with beans and veggies, which lasts several days," Caitlin shared. "I often make a large pot of my lemony lentil stew (actually making this one today!). Lentils are really affordable and are quite filling."
"One of my go-to budget friendly recipes is just canned chickpeas, canned coconut milk, canned tomatoes, frozen spinach, and whatever long noodles you've got," the nutritionist continued. "I love this one because it's budget-friendly, but it is also self-contained and pantry-friendly, so you can usually get everything you need for under $5!"
RELATED:
#2
Baked potato
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
I have this idea for a burger, but instead of a bun, it's two halves of a baked potato.
Patrick Whittington 2 years ago
Easiest thing ever. Covered in oil sprinkled with sea salt. Right on the rack in the oven. Mmmmmmmmmm
Agfox 2 years ago
Microwaved potato, split open then add grated cheese, ham or spicy salami. Microwave again until the cheese has melted, add tomato sauce & enjoy
David A Paterson 2 years ago
Easier than baked potato. PS, always use a waxy potato variety to microwave, not a starchy potato variety.
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Jane No Dough 2 years ago
Jacket potatoes are a terrific vehicle for leftovers too! Add some cooked greens and cheddar, a meatball and mozzarella, some condensed cream of mushroom soup and some broccoli, basically whatever you can forage in the fridge.
Pauly Donahue 2 years ago
If you win a couple bucks on a scratcher, try a chili-cheese baked potato with sour cream and Fritos. Rocked my world!
#3
Fried rice. You can use everything you have left in the fridge.
Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
Sometimes if I don't have any veggies, I just add onion, garlic and cumin seeds. It is still tasty and filling
Michelle K 2 years ago
I do that when I make frittatas. EMG = Everything must go...
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Barbara Kelly 2 years ago
You could make a pudding with leftover rice and chocolate yogurt, (no frying!)
Load More Replies... Philly Bob Squires 2 years ago
I adore rice! so many different ways to serve it! A true staple!
Fickle_Pickle 2 years ago
As an Asian I fully agree to this. Just add garlic and salt, fry an egg or dried fish and you have a whole meal.
When it comes to getting a healthy dose of veggies, Caitlin says that cabbage is super underrated. "I love to shred it and roast it just like brussels sprouts, turn it into a slaw, or stir-fry it with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce," she explained. "Cabbage is part of the brassica family - like kale - and is a great source of vitamin K and vitamin C. If you're not sure if you like cabbage, try it roasted or fry it up with a couple of pieces of bacon or ham, or try it in a stir fry!"
Lucky for us, Caitlin has done several meal plans and series featuring recipes for tight budgets, so you can find her latest budget-friendly meal plan with a free PDF right here!
#4
Peasant's pasta otherwise known as Agile e Olio- it's bloody delicious. Pasta, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese.
Xitxarel•lo Panda 2 years ago
Granna padano. Very close to parmeggiano and cheaper trust me ;)
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Lama 2 years ago
*aglio e olio (probably an autocorrect), try adding some fried onion, or chili for a kick!
Mini grizzly 2 years ago
We have a version of this in hungary. Possibly an Italian person would go nuts if he/she would see it. It's simply macaroni pasta,cheese and sour cream.( yes we eat sour cream with everything) But hey! When I was a kid this was one of my favorite foods! Still love it. My little guilty pleasure.
Sergy Yeltsen 2 years ago
The BP stock image person is way off with some of them in this article...
Mila Preradović 2 years ago
This photo is from wikipedia article on aglio e olio🤔
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Angela DiCamillo 2 years ago
My grandmother made it with red pepper flakes, I didn’t like it with cheese. it was great with just garlic which she sautés smashed but not chopped, then took it out after she infused it in the oil w the red pepper flakes. it’s the only spicy dish i like, and tastes better cold the next day.
Michelle K 2 years ago
I also enjoy sauteeing pepperoncini in butter/EVOO, tossing spaghetti in it. Add salt and pepper. Doesn't even need parmesan.
#5
Buttered toast with cinnamon/sugar sprinkled on top
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
One of the first things I learned to cook when I was like 6yo.
Load More Replies... Weasel Wise 2 years ago
My childhood growing up broke easily revolved around eating a half loaf of toasted bread with cinnamon, sugar.
Philly Bob Squires 2 years ago
OMG!!! My Mom wold make this for us and since I'm a cinnamon whore, it was the greatest thing! I still make it today!!!
SonicAlchemy 2 years ago
Loving the paper plate to emphasize the "broke" factor 😆. In the long run it would be cheaper to buy a half decent set of plates from a department store to wash and reuse than it would to continually buy paper plates. Love cinnamon toast, though. One of the first things I learned to make for myself as a child.
#6
Beans on toast
Beans and sausage on toast if I'm feeling flush and have an extra 20p in my pocket
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 2 years ago
As a kid in the 60's in England, this was a regular meal for me. Mum & Dad were always doing their best and I never went hungry. Meals did get more interesting as I grew up though.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
I work in a sausage factory so I always have sausage for my beans on toast.
Elizabeth Butler 1 year ago
People are making fun of English breakfast of beans on toast, but I have found thar I love canned baked beans and buttered toast for lunch with a beer, and I am NOT English.
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Interesting combo in the pic: the beans look like the typical British baked bean, the bread looks German (not toast, more like a wheat and rye dough with sesame and poppy seeds).
When it comes to Caitlin's top tips for eating well on a tight budget, she wanted to remind readers that, "It is easier to make good decisions when we are well fed with balanced blood sugar, so while I would shy away from foods that are super high on the glycemic index (cakes, cookies, pastries etc.) on their own, always add protein, fat, and fiber. This way you'll have better emotional regulation and mental capacity to get through each day, and be less likely to impulse splurge on cookies and convenience foods that can easily blow your budget."
The expert explained that while packaged ramen with 1-2 eggs or some frozen vegetables might seem like an "unhealthy" choice, it is going to do wonders for your capacity to function. "Fed is always better than unfed," Caitlin says.
#7
Throwing leftover anything inside a warmed up flour tortilla. Now it’s a burrito.
SonicAlchemy 2 years ago
Happy to see the tortilla not being called a "burrito". I have an ex that used to say things like "I made some beans and rice and wrapped it in a burrito!' One of many reasons she's an ex.
Captain Awesome 2 years ago
I do that to avoid extra dishes. Need a plate? Nope, I got a burrito
#8
The good ole rice and beans
Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
If you ignore the overnight soaking, beans and rice can be prepared really quickly. Really hearty and comfort food.
Jods 2 years ago
Don’t poison yourself! Soak. Overnight. Cheaper and much nicer tasting than crappy tinned beans.
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Weasel Wise 2 years ago
Pinto Gallo for breakfast every morning in Nicaragua was amazing and a genuinely miss it. Can't make it at home cuz the sauce is only in Nicaragua. 🤦🏾♀️
#9
Spaghetti and tomato sauce.
.98 cents for a pack of spaghetti noodles and 1.18 for a can of hunts spaghetti sauce, feeds about 6. Add a loaf of bread for 1.48 and some butter for .98 cents and some 1.18 garlic powder and you're set for a meal for a family or easy dinner for a week.
Missy VanWinkle 2 years ago
These prices are about right in my neck of the woods if you shop at the dollar store and Aldi. (2023) You'd have to amortize the price of the butter from buying a pound, but that's easy enough.
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Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago (edited)
What my Mom called "poor people garlic bread": Put some bread in the toaster, toast it, put some butter spread on it, and then garlic powder. Edit: grammar and spelling.
Weasel Wise 2 years ago
Canned or bottled pasta sauce is not marinara, it's tomato puree and sugar. Get fancy and splurge, $1/per for decent sized packages of spices kept in the Hispanic food aisle.
Sandy Kavanaugh 2 years ago
It's cheaper and better to make your own sauce. Got home canned tomatoes? Or a can of tomato sauce? Chop up what's left of leftover onion and pepper pieces, fry it in a frying pan with a bit of olive oil. Boil any pasta shapes you have, drain, mix in a bit of olive oil and pour on a plate. Add as much sauce as you want, and finish with toasted light bread spread with butter and sprinkled with garlic. Ta da!
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
That's how much spaghetti costs at food lion and the generic sauce is $1.89. I add a bit of sugar and my family loves it. Hamburger meat is the most expensive at $3.99 a pound if you catch a good sale
Caitlin also recommends replacing half of the ground meat in your recipes with cooked beans, as beans are full of fiber and much more affordable. "They don't pack quite as much protein, but they do provide fiber and other nutrients such as folate," she explained.
"Stock up on frozen vegetables when they're on sale," the frugal nutritionist continued. "Many people don't realize that frozen vegetables have been shown in studies to be as nutrient-dense as fresh! I love keeping frozen spinach and frozen broccoli in my freezer for an affordable way to add nutrition and fiber to my meals."
"Buy bone-in meat when you can," Caitlin added. "This is often cheaper per pound, and you actually get a higher concentration of certain amino acids - glutamine and glycine - when you cook meat on the bone. You can then save the bones to make a flavorful and nutrient-rich broth!"
#10
ramen and a boiled egg. It's very japanese.
Tacet 2 years ago
6 minutes 20 seconds and then into a large bowl of cold water.
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Jake B 2 years ago
Ramen noodles drained except 2 tablespoons liquid, spice packet added, 1 tablespoon peanut butter and any veggies you have thrown in. Me it was some chopped cabbage (really cheap stuff). Taste great. Used with spaghetti as well. Added sesame seeds on top if I had them. No idea the cost today but in the early ‘90’s it was 20 cents for a pkg of Ramen and 75 cents to a dollar for the cabbage. It was lunch and dinner for me. Oatmeal plain for breakfast.
Alex Barnett 2 years ago
More Japanese is 1 cup of cooked hot rice, crack an egg into it and fold in. Season with soy sauce. Unbelievably good.
#11
Mujadara! It’s literally just crispy fried onions, lentils, and rice, but it’s so damn good! You can keep it simple if you want, but I really like it with some spices like ras el hanout, cumin, and cinnamon. I made a big batch a few days ago and froze most of it in single servings. It’s also a really delicious filling for stuffed flatbread, which I also make in large batches and then freeze.
Victoria 2 years ago
Make sure you cook them separately before putting it together. Onions need to be crispy, and whole lentils take longer than rice to cook. I usually cook the onions in a cast iron pan first, make the lentils with spices in a pressure cooker. Cook the rice with salt in rice cooker. Add the lentils and rice, mix well, and top with onions.
#12
A peanut butter sandwich with banana mixed in
Jane Hower 2 years ago
OMG, my grandad did this and I thought it was sooooo odd. But yes, it tastes great.
Pauly Donahue 2 years ago
If you are adventurous, I love peanut butter, jelly and candied jalapenos.
Steve Nelson 2 years ago
We eat grapes on peanut butter. I'll try raisins.
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Caitlin also warns that purchasing convenience foods can be one of the fastest ways to run out of money on your food budget. "What is cheaper in the moment ends up costing more in the long run," she explained. "If you only have $3 to spend, beans, a jar of salsa, and some corn tortillas from the dollar store will be more satisfying and more nutrient-dense than a $3 frozen meal."
"If possible, split the costs of larger portions of food with another family, or if you have the funds, buy larger packages and freeze some for later. This is especially great for meat and can work for spices as well," Caitlin continued.
She also recommends making your own bread and tortillas to cut costs. "Of course this requires some time, but you can make no-knead overnight bread with just flour, yeast, water, and salt. It's a delicious option! Corn tortillas can be made with just masa harina (a type of corn flour), salt, and water."
And if possible, Caitlin says a visit to your local international markets can help save money as well. "I have seen much better prices on many foods at large Asian stores, especially rice, seasonings, and green vegetables," she noted.
#13
Two fried eggs and toast. Awesome meal
Sergy Yeltsen 2 years ago
BP, I think your "author" misread the caption when searching for stock images.
Dilly Millandry 2 years ago
Toast should be cut into soldiers for the boiled eggs as well!
Load More Replies... Sans Serif (Sans) 2 years ago
I like mine well done but, this is gross overkill...
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Mini grizzly 2 years ago
Am I the only one who loves to dip my toast into the soft and little salted egg yolk?
Lynne Stankard 2 years ago
Eggs have to be softer than those shown, toast, not burnt to a cinder, well buttered and cut into soldiers - then it’s awesome!!
#14
One I love making is shepherd’s pie (but I think it’s technically cottage pie when you use ground beef). You cook the beef and onions in the same pot, turn it into a bit of a stew/gravy by adding tomato paste, beef broth, and flour. Add salt and pepper, rosemary, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce for flavor, add frozen peas and carrots. Put it all in a casserole dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake. Always creates a lot of servings, super comforting, inexpensive, and tastes better the next day.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
Curse any "Irish" pub/bar/restaurant that doesn't use lamb in their "Shepards Pie". Seen it too many times.
John Carr 2 years ago (edited)
Yup - cottage pie is beef, shepherd's pie is lamb/mutton Oh, and Irelands national dish is boiled bacon and cabbage and not corned beef and cabbage as so many "Irish" bars is the US insist
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Paul Moore 2 years ago
...and you forgot to add a grated cheese topping that requires grilling at the end you filthy peasant 😂
Load More Replies... XenoMurph 2 years ago
Use plenty of veg, well browned, you hardly need any mince.
Load More Replies... MonsterMum 2 years ago
You can make it with lentils (green or brown) for a really cheap option
Philly Bob Squires 2 years ago
LAMB always in shepherd's pie! If you use beef, it's cattlemen's pie or it goes by another name but too hammered right now to remember. LOL!
Vera Diblikova 2 years ago
Real Shepherd´s pie was made only when young male sheeps was castrated.
Anna Drever 2 years ago
I make a veggie version with lentils (both brown and red. Brown for bite and red to thicken) and while I haven’t compared prices I would guess it would be cheaper.
Theora Fifty-five Johnson 2 years ago
I use leftover taco-seasoned ground beef, corn as the middle layer, usually instant mashed potatoes. so comforting.
Roxy Eastland 2 years ago
Beef = cottage pie; lamb = shepherd's pie; fish = trawlerman's pie I'm horrified to learn that people are serving something made with beef mince and calling it shepherd's pie. Where's the logic in that?
#15
Cheese sandwich. Many years this simple meal sustained me
Boop the Snoot. Pound the Paw. 2 years ago
I make cheese tortillas. Tortilla. Cheese. 1 minute in the micro
When it comes to what we should be prioritizing when grocery shopping without having much to spend, Caitlin recommends that we make protein, fat, and fiber the foundational pieces of our diets. "Of course foods like avocado, kale, and colorful berries are wonderfully healthy, but they're more expensive and may not leave you feeling as satiated and energized," she noted.
Caitlin says many of us also make the mistake of loading up on grains. "While grains do have nutrients, carbs, and sometimes fiber, they're not balanced on their own and need lots of fat, fiber, and protein to help you stay satiated and energized," the nutritionist says. "Instead, I would load up more on beans, which are one of the few foods that provide carbs, fiber, protein, and are super budget-friendly."
#16
Go to aldi and get a pack of hot dogs and buns, it's like $2 for a weeks worth of meals. Sure you're probably going to get scurvy but, you won't starve to death.
ƒιѕн 2 years ago (edited)
8 pack of hot dogs are $1.75, I just bought some.
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#17
Chili is great and filling. Really anything with beans or lentils. Vegetarian meals are generally cheaper since meat can be expensive.
Debby Keir 2 years ago
Vegetarian meals are only cheaper when you don't use pseudo-chicken, -burger or -bacon type abominations. Vegetables rool.
Barbara Kelly 2 years ago
The vegetarian burger substitute I tried was 50% fat content. The high fat content is how the manufacturer gets the satisfying "mouth feel" for this product.
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Steve Hall 2 years ago
There is nothing wrong with canned chili either, it is cheap and filling. It also lasts a long time in the cabinet.
unfilteredCigarette73 2 years ago
Not thinking vegetarian but I love me a bowl of chili with a fried egg on top
#18
When I was a kid in a family of nine, we had an oatmeal dinner once a week. It was served with brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. I loved it, and I'm sure it helped with the family budget. I'm sure there are other things that can be added to make it healthier, too. Nowadays, I add toasted nuts and maple syrup. Honey and dried fruit are other good options. Just try to buy on sale when you can.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I was one of seven. Once a week we had a "meatloaf". Its still my favorite meatloaf because of the nostalgia. It was 4 cups of quick oats, 1lb of ground meat, 2 eggs, onions, water, ketchup, and spices. It was drier than the Sahara but I loved it.
Roxy Eastland 2 years ago
I've never understood how meatloaf is supposed to be a cheap meal. A pound (half a kilo) of mince is not cheap!
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Weasel Wise 2 years ago
I got rice cereal...cold rice, some sugar, some milk...and some gut rot later cuz my mom didn't believe in lactose intolerance. Oddly enough, after I left, she suddenly believes lactose intolerance is real. I hate that woman, she's the worst.
Agfox 2 years ago
Coincidentally, I've premixed porridge tonight for our breakfast tomorrow. Equal mix of rolled oats for bulk & apple cinnamon instant porridge with some sultanas added to the mix. Refrigerate overnight & microwave on high with a small jug of milk for 4 minutes. Stir briskly & serve, I add some maple syrup to mine
Jane No Dough 2 years ago
Brinner is one of my family's favorites! Love oatmeal cooked on the stove rather than instant, Cream of Wheat is even tastier but costs more. We use light cream rather than sweetened condensed milk. A spoonful of pie filling or fruit preserves makes it special! Oatmeal is also a terrific binder for meatballs, meatloaf, haggis, etc.
Catherine Burgin 2 years ago
When I was very young, there was one time that I can remember. There was hardly any food in the house and my parents hadn't been paid yet, my mother was at her wits end trying to think she was going to feed our family of four. She every little leftover thing she could find in the cupboard and fridge. I talking a few pieces of pasta, rice, one or two frozen hotdogs, and rinsing out the tomato sauce bottle etc, threw it into a pot and prayed. We loved it! Begged her to make it again! Forty years later and I still remember that meal. I dream about it!
Abner_Mality 2 years ago
Try savory oatmeal! My favorite is huevos rancheros oatmeal: add salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, and dried herbs mix (Italian or other), garlic powder to oatmeal then cook normally. Serve topped with a scoop of salsa and a couple of fried or poached eggs - delicious!
Caitlin also recommends avoiding items with multiple layers of packaging. "Individually packaged applesauce is always going to be more expensive than buying the whole jar," she noted. "Individually packed snacks like chips and muffins are always going to be more expensive and relatively low in nutrition."
"Make more things at home - especially snacks, which tend to be a costly item on grocery receipts," Caitlin suggests. "Learn a couple of go-to recipes for cakes, muffins, or brownies that only have a few ingredients. Flour, butter, sugar, and eggs can go a long way in the kitchen! I also love using rolled oats to make muffins and peanut butter to make cookies. Not only will these be more affordable, but they'll also be much more nutritious!"
#19
Asian poor kid meal. Complete with white rice and choice of fried egg or fried spam.
Jane No Dough 2 years ago
I like to cook white rice with a smallish halved yellow onion in the salted water, then remove it when rice is done. Then I fry eggs sunny side up in butter, basting the yolks while the whites cook through, then slide them on top of bowls of rice. Yummy with ketchup or a side of molasses baked beans.
#20
Omlet
ROSESARERED 2 years ago
With diced bacon, frozen peas and corn and some spring onion/scallions. Drizzle with sweet soy sauce, perfection
#21
Boiled Potatoes with Seasoning
Jane No Dough 2 years ago
Baked or boiled potatoes with creamed corn, super inexpensive, fast, and filling. Not very nutritious though, more like a dessert potato!
Abner_Mality 2 years ago
Creamed corn is the vegetarian's gravy! Great on mash...
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Jennifer Gilmore 2 years ago
I prefer pan fried potatoes / home fries. My family eats them faster than I can make them. They take a while to cook and be crispy enough, but they're delicious!
KittyMommy 2 years ago
Try boiling them first or baking. They'll crisp up nicely for you in about half the time
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Huddo's sister 2 years ago
And jacket potatoes done in the microwave. Just pierce it with a fork in a few places and microwave for 3-6 minutes. Great with creamed corn, bacon, sour cream, tuna, baked beans or cheese.
"Always, always look at the unit cost for foods!" Caitlin says. "This is going to be a small number, usually represented as a 'per ounce' price. With inflation and changing packages, you can purchase a bigger box of something, only to find it's 50% air. The unit price will let you know how much that product is per unit of the food itself. You may find that your favorite brands are now twice the cost of the store brand."
Always remember to check the expiration date on discounted foods as well. "It is great to snag a deal, but only if you're actually going to use up the food within the timeline of safety," Caitlin pointed out. "This is especially true for meat. I recommend buying it on sale, cooking it the same day, and then freezing it in smaller portions, so you can safely enjoy it for the next 1-3 months."
#22
Chicken tortilla soup. Dump in one big can of kidney beans, one small can of black beans, one small can of corn, one large can of petite diced tomatoes, two packs of taco seasoning, four or five boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and chicken broth. Cook all day in the crockpot on low. Shred chicken when done and return to crockpot. We eat it for two days with tortilla chips and cheese. We are a family of four.
Jane No Dough 2 years ago
It sounds tasty! The problem with a group of people and pots of soup is that there is always that one person who picks the good stuff out and leaves the last person nothing but broth and a bean.
John L 2 years ago
Well, if you are eating it for dinner, one person should serve it.
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#23
I've been known to make what we call dirty mashed potatoes. Brown up some hamburger meat, crumble it up small, with some onions if ya have 'em, add salt and pepper or whatever spices you enjoy. Then, mix the meat in with some mashed potatoes, either instant or real, depending what you have on hand. The offspring love it and eat that up.
Patrick Whittington 2 years ago
Why did my mind go to the band Offspring before the actual meaning lmao...
Jane No Dough 2 years ago
Plain rice and a can of goya black bean soup instead of potatoes also very tasty!
Debby Keir 2 years ago
The only way to make instant mashed potatoes is to throw it in the bin....
XenoMurph 2 years ago
There is a good way to make instant mash. Make a batch yesterday, put some in the fridge, then today you can just warm it up in a pan with some butter.
Load More Replies... Kalon Suszko 2 years ago
My family did that and served it on toast, the remaining juice from the hamburger, mixed with some flour, was used as a gravy. AKA s**t on a shingle.
#24
Cauliflower can be added to pretty much any kind of dish to bulk it out. For example, with any recipe with ground meat, you can add riced cauliflower to stretch it out, and you will barely notice it if cooked right.
arthbach 2 years ago
Red lentils are a good substitute. Add in a handful, and double the volume of water/stock. They bulk up the dish without any major flavour changes.
XanthippeⓐWulf🇨🇦️️🇬🇧 2 years ago
Loooove adding lentils or black beans (turtle beans) to the meat when we're grilling burgers for family cookouts. My partner's side of the family aren't the healthiest of eaters. His parents are adventurous & like trying new things, but his brothers are stubborn and will turn their nose up at anything that isn't fried, mashed, or boiled to death. I'm always trying to sneak in better alternatives. The beans do add a wonderful flavor, but it's subtle & most people think it's a seasning we've used 😉
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Ripley 2 years ago
See, in Australia it's really cheap at the moment. It's very much a seasonal veg, but you can rice it and freeze it while it's in season to eke the season out for a couple of extra months.
Load More Replies... Weasel Wise 2 years ago
Cabbage too and I like the texture better. Sautéed cabbage with onions and garlic over rice. Nom!
Anna Drever 2 years ago
Here in NZ cauliflower isn’t cheap, unfortunately. A lot of our veg has doubled in prices due to bad weather conditions some months back. So I’d go for frozen veg rather than fresh. Still pretty good as it’s frozen at its freshest compared to the stuff that lingers in the fridge for goodness knows how long, and better than no veg at all.
Linda Lee 2 years ago
Did you know you can slice cauliflower into thin steaks, soak them in soy sauce for 20 minutes or so, then grill it or sear it in a hot pan with olive oil. Tastes great!
Load More Replies... Linda Lee 2 years ago
Raw green peppers are a great snack too. Put some cottage cheese in each half and eat it like a sandwich.
Load More Replies... Jennifer Gilmore 2 years ago
Right! My mom always said that about peas. She put canned peas in everything. I still won't eat them to this day.
Load More Replies... As far as where we should splurge in the kitchen, Caitlin recommends spending a little bit more on flavor boosters. "Plain chicken is boring, but tossing it with even just a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce, pesto, or mayonnaise can transform it into something much more enjoyable," she noted. "Don't be afraid to keep some budget-friendly flavor boosters on hand, and go for options that will last several weeks, rather than those that will go bad quickly."
#25
Random charcuterie: bits and pieces of this and that/whatever is in the fridge or cabinet.
gerard julien 2 years ago
""charcuterie is a French term for a branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork." NOT ONE PIECE OF MEAT IN THIS PICTURE ! lol
Weasel Wise 2 years ago
Hence, it's a BROKE Person Charcuterie cuz meat is expensive so it's being replaced by fridge scraps. 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ Reading and context are hard.
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Barbara Kelly 2 years ago
Elevate leftover items by making them into toppings for thinly sliced or toasted bread (baguette is nice) , halved biscuits, etc. and voila! + crostini/bruschette/canapes!! We "eat with the eyes" before the mouth, and presentation can make humble ingredients seem luxurious.
Krizzy Wilde 2 years ago
No, I think that's when all you can eat is beans
Load More Replies... Mila Preradović 2 years ago
I love those especially when unannounced guests swing by. Salami, deli, sausages, bacon, cheese, olives, veggies....🥳
#26
Beans on or in a tortilla. You can have it so many different ways that it doesn't feel like eating the same thing over and over again.
Krizzy Wilde 2 years ago
But I do appreciate the many ways that beans can be cooked, I'm just a bean hater 🙃
Nonbinary Reptile 2 years ago
You don't need to comment if you don't like something. You could always just keep your thumbs to yourself. This isn't about you.
Load More Replies... #27
Rice, runny egg, soy sauce, seaweed and whatever protein I have left over.
Weasel Wise 2 years ago
Sounds like what the Circle K's in Vietnam serve up all day, every day...and sounds pretty dàmn tasty.
To prevent food waste, Caitlin recommends planning to use up any perishable foods in the first 2-3 days of the week, then using frozen, pantry, and longer-lasting produce the rest of the week. "Cabbage, carrots, onions, and potatoes will last weeks in the fridge, while fresh spinach may start to wilt in 2-3 days," she noted.
"If you don't know how to cook, choose a free online resource and cook through their database of recipes," Caitlin says. "Start with recipes that have lots of ratings and comments, so you're likely to have a good result. Online blogs provide free recipes, and budget TikTokers have lots of tips, or you can check out a cookbook from the library. Start with simple dishes like homemade mac and cheese or bean and vegetable soups and chilis. As you get better at cooking and you learn to be more creative, you'll discover ways to recreate some of your favorite meals at home."
To get even more tips and mouthwatering recipes from Caitlin, be sure to visit her blog Frugal Nutrition, or find her on YouTube and Instagram!
#28
Cream of mushroom soup with crackers to thicken it up. YUM. Only costs like 50 cents.
OlmsteadKat 2 years ago (edited)
I can get a can of off brand cream of mushroom soup for $1. I'm in Cleveland.
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Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
Cream. Someone thinks they're fancy.
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#29
Sausage and sauerkraut. (Yes, my family is German). It's cheap, has plenty of protein, is very filling, and lasts quite a while. The trick to the sauerkraut is to rinse it well in cold water first, drain it, and cook it with the sausage. Start with around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar and a liberal dose of vinegar. I use red wine vinegar, but any type except balsamic should work. Also add a healthy amount of caraway seeds. Add a cup or so of water to the pot, stir, and let it cook on low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally
VioletHunter 2 years ago (edited)
I'm German and this person's idea to rinse sauerkraut in water before cooking needs to die the slow, horrible death it deserves. WTF!
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Why rinse the sauerkraut if you're going to add sugar AND vinegar? You flush all the nutrients and lose any aroma beyond the sweetened acid.
René Sauer 2 years ago
I am a blasphemer. I am german, but I loathe Sauerkraut. and asparagus!
Mila Preradović 2 years ago
I prefere raw sauerkraut. And the seasom is at the door any minute now😁
2 years ago
This with carrots, potatoes, whole pepper corn, some bay leaf and WITHOUT washing the sauerkraut is one of the best meals on earth
Anna Drever 2 years ago
That’s a lot of sugar. I like sugar, don’t get me wrong, but for dinner???
#30
Try cooking chicken/pork adobo. It’s a really easy Filipino recipe that requires only a few ingredients. This saved my ass in college whenever I felt like my monthly budget was starting to run dry. Some chicken/pork, soy sauce, vinegar, water, oil, garlic, onion, and peppercorn. Optional but wonderful: laurel or bay leaf, chicken/pork broth or bouillon cube, and potato. There are lots of recipes online and different variations. Pair it with rice, and you’re bound to be really full!
#31
Roasts on sale can be great for large batches of stews. With leftovers, I’ve put them into empanadas and have baked or fried them for a different meal with the same ingredients.
Agfox 2 years ago (edited)
We used to have a Sunday roast growing up, which meant I had cold roast beef & tomato sauce sandwiches in my school lunch more than once in the following week. The thought of eating that combo now is nauseating
Debby Keir 2 years ago
Ah, but with mustard or horseradish instead of 'tomato sauce' you'd have loved it.
Load More Replies... #32
Regardless of wealth...
Kraft blue box macaroni + 1/4 milk + butter is always good.
PlatinumThe8-BitCat 2 years ago (edited)
Mmm, i don’t care what anybody else says but I love Kraft macaroni
#33
Fajitas! Get a whole chicken and roast it. Use the dark meat for your fajitas and save the white meat for sandwiches or salad. Bell peppers, onions, and tortillas are pretty cheap. I also like using rice instead of tortillas. Just make sure you get some good fajita seasoning — it will last you a long time.
#34
Spaghetti carbonara. A pound of spaghetti, a half-pound of bacon, half an onion, four egg yolks, pepper, salt, and some Parmesan cheese with parsley for a garnish. Feeds a hungry group nicely. It takes a bit of work to get the egg to coat without cooking, but it's worth the try.
BewilderedBanana 2 years ago
If you want to call it Carbonara, remove the onion and the parsley though. Also, you should be using guanciale instead of bacon and Percorino instead of Parmesan. This is still tasty and something i would definitely eat, just technically not Carbonara :)
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
...and neither version is actually cheap. That would be aglio e olio, or maybe tomato sauce. But it IS delicious (again, both versions)
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Xitxarel•lo Panda 2 years ago
That's not carbonara. I mean may be it's good but real carbonara only have few ingredients and of course not onion,
Anony Mouse 2 years ago
This doesn't quite fit the bill for a budget meal. Budgets tend to not include garnishes.
#35
A packet of Maruchan noodles, sesame oil, an egg, a couple Kraft singles, some crushed red pepper, with chopped green onion and sesame seeds on top. I always have mine with saltine crackers as well. Peak poverty food that I continue to enjoy regardless of my tax bracket
#36
Thai-style basil pork is basically just a stir fry of ground pork, basil, and some peppers and sauces. Ground pork is probably the cheapest meat protein.
#37
Black bean soup with smoked sausage is in my crockpot right now. Pound of beans, six cups of broth, pound of smoked sausage, one tablespoon chili powder, one teaspoon each of cumin and garlic powder is the base. I then like to add canned tomatoes, then whatever fresh or canned veggie I have on hand. After all day on low, put it over rice and add a lot of hot sauce. It makes a ton, and I love it.
What do you think ?
Rose the Cook 2 years ago
Split pea soup made with dried split peas, a smoked hock (bacon bones are cheaper) diced potato and carrot. Serve with toast.
Mia Black 2 years ago
Most of the dishes on the lists I couldn't have financed in my poor time. Meat and cheese where so expensive for example, I only bought a small amount to live through the week. I lived years on bread with a thin layer of herb cream cheese and a slice of cheese for lunch and mostly fried rice with some sprinkles of bacon (one average package for many days). Sometimes with a slice of cheese. Basically bread, rice, Raw carrots, oats and potatoes where my basics with just very little to pimp.
Megan Curl 2 years ago
Why has no one mentioned pork shoulder aka Boston Butt? Here in the U.S., it goes on sale for .79¢-.99¢ a pound which is cheaper than most vegetables including dried beans (now). Cook low and slow and it’s delicious and has so many uses - burritos, tacos, fajitas, BBQ pork sandwiches, fried rice. It’s a no brainer for me.
Paddling Panda 2 years ago
That same roast costs about $7/lb North of the border.
Load More Replies... SonicAlchemy 2 years ago
I can't speak for those outside of the states but here there are, in fact, many grocery stores that have "98 cent" spaghetti noodles, cans of soup less than $2 and a lot of other items that many commented on not being "cheap" and aren't as expensive as they could be other places and that are not cheaply produced, off brand and horrible. One particular chain is called Groecery Outlet, and their products are most always name brand and familiar at great prices. It's all about shopping smart and making the right choices.
JJ 2 years ago
Some sort of "French-Toast-but-with-bread-rolls". My mother made these with leftover Brötchen (German bread rolls), cut them in three parts, dipped them in scrambled eggs and fried it. We just added salt then. Until today I can't stand any sweet French toasts but I love "Arme Ritter" the way my mum made them. Easy, savory, cheap, works best with old bread rolls.
Hokuloa 2 years ago (edited)
Poor man’s burritos for the week: can of chili beans, can of roasted tomatoes, can of corn kernels, a packet of chili seasoning. If you’re feeling flush, a can of mushrooms and a bag of cheddar. Daily dose gets wrapped in a tortilla and heated. Prevents starvation and tastes good. When needs must
Poison Ivy/Boo 2 years ago
Some meals I make: "stuffed" cabbage, homemade veg soup, fried cabbage and pasta, chilli and meatloaf. Mind you, I'm diabetic so have to watch the carbs and sugar, but I've adapted my mom's meals to suit my needs.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Pizza subs (roll with tomato paste/sauce and cheese on top, placed under grill until cheese is melted), miso soup with noodles, burritos, nachos
Rose the Cook 2 years ago
Split pea soup made with dried split peas, a smoked hock (bacon bones are cheaper) diced potato and carrot. Serve with toast.
Mia Black 2 years ago
Most of the dishes on the lists I couldn't have financed in my poor time. Meat and cheese where so expensive for example, I only bought a small amount to live through the week. I lived years on bread with a thin layer of herb cream cheese and a slice of cheese for lunch and mostly fried rice with some sprinkles of bacon (one average package for many days). Sometimes with a slice of cheese. Basically bread, rice, Raw carrots, oats and potatoes where my basics with just very little to pimp.
Megan Curl 2 years ago
Why has no one mentioned pork shoulder aka Boston Butt? Here in the U.S., it goes on sale for .79¢-.99¢ a pound which is cheaper than most vegetables including dried beans (now). Cook low and slow and it’s delicious and has so many uses - burritos, tacos, fajitas, BBQ pork sandwiches, fried rice. It’s a no brainer for me.
Paddling Panda 2 years ago
That same roast costs about $7/lb North of the border.
Load More Replies... SonicAlchemy 2 years ago
I can't speak for those outside of the states but here there are, in fact, many grocery stores that have "98 cent" spaghetti noodles, cans of soup less than $2 and a lot of other items that many commented on not being "cheap" and aren't as expensive as they could be other places and that are not cheaply produced, off brand and horrible. One particular chain is called Groecery Outlet, and their products are most always name brand and familiar at great prices. It's all about shopping smart and making the right choices.
JJ 2 years ago
Some sort of "French-Toast-but-with-bread-rolls". My mother made these with leftover Brötchen (German bread rolls), cut them in three parts, dipped them in scrambled eggs and fried it. We just added salt then. Until today I can't stand any sweet French toasts but I love "Arme Ritter" the way my mum made them. Easy, savory, cheap, works best with old bread rolls.
Hokuloa 2 years ago (edited)
Poor man’s burritos for the week: can of chili beans, can of roasted tomatoes, can of corn kernels, a packet of chili seasoning. If you’re feeling flush, a can of mushrooms and a bag of cheddar. Daily dose gets wrapped in a tortilla and heated. Prevents starvation and tastes good. When needs must
Poison Ivy/Boo 2 years ago
Some meals I make: "stuffed" cabbage, homemade veg soup, fried cabbage and pasta, chilli and meatloaf. Mind you, I'm diabetic so have to watch the carbs and sugar, but I've adapted my mom's meals to suit my needs.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Pizza subs (roll with tomato paste/sauce and cheese on top, placed under grill until cheese is melted), miso soup with noodles, burritos, nachos
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