Eating on the cheap may not be hard but eating healthy on the cheap? Not quite as easy. If you’re cooking on a budget, don’t skimp on nutrition!
Between school supplies and family activities, daily life has a way of making our wallets feel a little worse for the wear … so we rounded up 10 delicious and, most importantly, healthy meals that will keep you satisfied without draining your bank account. Each of these recipes is guaranteed to keep you fed and happy at less than $10 per serving (and often a whole lot less). With a pantry of staples and spices already on hand, it’s easy to throw together a delectable meal the whole family will enjoy – minimal spending needed.
You and your wallet will feel great about feeding your family these creatively delicious recipes:
1. Asian Beef Steaks & Noodles – Craving Chinese? Make your own version of lo mein using boneless beef steaks, bell peppers, cucumbers, water chestnuts, and peanuts. Make it your own by swapping in your favorite vegetables, and save even more by using whatever veggies you have leftover in the fridge. This recipe takes just five minutes to cook — and sauces like hoisin sauce (a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, vinegar and chili) add a ton of flavor.
2. Broccoli Frittata – Need a last-minute brunch solution? Sauté vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or zucchini with mushrooms and eggs (or egg substitute) until set in this delectable recipe from Birds Eye. Garnish with herbs like parsley for an easy dish everyone will love.
3. Asian Chicken & Rice Lettuce Wraps – This recipe from Uncle Ben’s will bring exotic flavor to the dinner table. These lettuce wraps are packed with flavor, easy to make and a great idea for entertaining or a family-style meal.
4. Sliced Sirloin Steak – Think you can’t eat steak on a budget? Think again! Melissa d’Arabian from Food Network’s “Ten Dollar Dinners” provides this great southwest steak supper recipe for juicy sirloin topped with a poblano pesto. Delicious!
5. Slow Cooker Moroccan Lentil Soup – Who doesn’t love soups – and especially slow cooker soups – this time of year? Lentils, veggies, and greens, and adding tons of spices you already have on hand makes this the perfect healthy and delicious meal for the family on a budget!
6. Zesty Chicken Chili – Canned tomatoes and salsa keeps this chili so affordable, you will want to whip this up every time the gang is over to watch the big game. Save even more by doubling or tripling the recipe and freeze the leftovers for quick tasty meals throughout the winter.
7. Tuscan Chicken and Bean Skillet – A delicious recipe from Walmart, the minimal ingredients and a flavorful combination of chicken, beans and zucchini provide the perfect combination for those hectic weeknight dinner dilemmas.
8. Turkey Reuben – Need an affordable lunch for the gang, or a low-key dinner? Then why not whip up a creative sandwich that no one will be able to resist. You’re likely to already have the salad dressing ready to go in the fridge, which makes this recipe a no brainer.
9. Bulgur Salad with Apricots, Radicchio, Herbs and Walnuts – Because lettuce tends to be low-cost, salads are the perfect meals on a budget. But what about a more hearty and filling option using grains? This bulgur salad is light, refreshing, satisfying, and easy on the wallet.
10. One Pot Roasted Dijon Chicken – The apple cider/Dijon mustard combination for your chicken will soon be a no-fail dinner staple in your house.
