Cooking delicious meals on a budget doesn’t have to be challenging. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can create flavorful dishes that are easy on the wallet. In this guide, we’ll share eight budget-friendly recipes that you’ll want to make over and over again. From hearty ramen to comforting chili, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
1. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup of cabbage, shredded
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to make:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, along with the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and coat the noodles and vegetables in the sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
- Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
About the main ingredients:
Ramen Noodles:
Ramen noodles are an inexpensive staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. They cook quickly and have a satisfying chewy texture that works well in stir-fries.
Vegetables:
The vegetables in this stir-fry add color, flavor, and nutrients. You can use any vegetables you have on hand or that are on sale at the store. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the dish. It’s a key ingredient in many Asian-inspired dishes and helps to season the noodles and vegetables.
Hoisin Sauce:
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce that adds depth of flavor to the stir-fry. It’s often used in Chinese cooking and can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
Sesame Oil:
Sesame oil has a rich, nutty flavor that adds a distinctive taste to the dish. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Green Onions:
Green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dish. They’re often used as a garnish in Asian cooking.
2. Budget-Friendly Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, mixed vegetables, cheddar cheese, and cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the main ingredients:
Chicken:
Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that works well in casseroles. You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time and money.
Cream of Chicken Soup:
Cream of chicken soup is a pantry staple that adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole. You can use canned soup or make your own with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk.
Mixed Vegetables:
Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and economical. They add color, texture, and nutrients to the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese:
Cheddar cheese adds richness and a cheesy flavor to the casserole. You can use any type of cheese you like or have on hand.
Rice:
Rice is a budget-friendly ingredient that helps to stretch the casserole and make it more filling. You can use white or brown rice, depending on your preference.
Breadcrumbs:
Breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture to the top of the casserole. You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by pulsing stale bread in a food processor.
These budget-friendly recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting casserole or a flavorful stir-fry, these recipes are sure to please. So next time you’re looking for
