In times when the budget is tighter than usual, it’s essential to stretch your dollars as far as they’ll go, especially when it comes to groceries. Luckily, with a bit of creativity and some strategic shopping, you can still enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
This guide is you’ll learn to save money on grocery while eating a healthy diet, providing tips on making a budget for the best cheap foods and how to maximize them in your kitchen.
Stretching Your Food Budget Further
- Plan Your Meals: Planning ahead can help you avoid impulse buys and make the most of the ingredients you already have.
- Buy in Bulk: Items like grains and dried beans are often cheaper in bulk. Just make sure you have enough storage space.
- Use Everything: Get creative with leftovers and use vegetable scraps to make stock. Minimizing waste is key to stretching your food budget.
Cheap Foods to Buy and Make
1. Beans and Legumes
Why They’re Great: Beans and legumes are not only affordable but are also a fantastic source of protein and fiber. They can be used in a multitude of dishes, from hearty chili to refreshing salads.
Recipes to Try
Chicken Bean Chili
A cozy, flavorful pot of chili that combines the heartiness of beans with tender chicken.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
A side dish that turns green beans into a succulent treat with a crispy bacon jacket.
Quinoa Black Bean Salad
A refreshing and nutritious salad, perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish.
Sautéed Green Beans
Simply sauté green beans in garlic and olive oil for a quick, flavorful side.
Kale and White Bean Salad with Shrimp
A light, protein-packed salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Baked Beans
A classic comfort food, perfect for any gathering or a warm, homely meal.
Crockpot Bean Chicken Chili
Set it and forget it with this slow-cooker chili that’s both easy and packed with flavor.
Stir-Fry Green Beans
A fast, flavorful way to enjoy green beans, perfect as a side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.
2. Rice and Grains
Why They’re Great: Grains like rice, barley, and oats are inexpensive budget friendly ingredients that can serve as the foundation for any meal. They’re versatile, filling, and can easily be flavored with whatever you have on hand.
Recipes to Try
Ground Turkey Rice Skillet
A one-pan wonder that’s both filling and flavorful, combining lean turkey, rice, and vegetables in a savory blend.
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
A fresh, vibrant salad that pairs the smokiness of grilled corn with the sweetness of tomatoes and a zesty dressing.
Chili Lime Chicken with Rice
Infuse your chicken and rice with a burst of zesty lime and the warmth of chili for a dish that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Mexican Cornbread Casserole
A hearty, layered delight combining the textures of cornbread with the rich flavors of a Mexican-inspired filling.
Ground Pork Rice Skillet
Similar to its turkey counterpart, this dish uses ground pork for a richer flavor profile, complemented by spices and herbs.
Rice and Ground Beef
A classic combination that can be spiced up or down, perfect for a quick dinner that satisfies every time.
Corn au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy dish that transforms corn into a comforting, indulgent side perfect for any meal.
Grilled Cheese with Ham
A timeless favorite, featuring melty cheese sandwiched between buttery, toasted bread. Perfect for a comforting meal with a side of tomato soup.
Caprese Sandwich
A fresh and flavorful option with slices of juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze, all nestled between crusty bread. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
3. Eggs
Why They’re Great: Eggs are an excellent low-cost source of high-quality protein. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be cooked in numerous ways.
Recipes to Try
Egg Wrap Burrito
A satisfying and portable meal, this burrito wraps fluffy scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of veggies or meats in a soft tortilla. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a light dinner.
Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes
This simple yet flavorful dish combines the juicy sweetness of tomatoes with the soft, comforting texture of scrambled eggs.
4. Frozen Vegetables
Why They’re Great: Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts but come at a fraction of the cost. They’re already chopped and ready to use, which saves time and reduces waste.
Recipes to Try
Honey Mustard Carrots
Glazed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, these carrots are a flavorful side that pairs well with any meal.
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
A medley of your favorite vegetables, seasoned and roasted to perfection, offering a simple, healthy, and versatile side dish.
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
These cruciferous cousins get a flavor boost and delightful texture from being roasted with a sprinkle of seasonings.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Quick and packed with flavor, this dish combines an assortment of veggies with soy sauce and garlic for a speedy and nutritious meal.
Coleslaw
A classic side, coleslaw brings a crunchy, creamy contrast to any meal, combining shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing.
Spinach Gratin
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this spinach gratin is a decadent way to enjoy your greens.
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
Cubed butternut squash roasted with honey and spices until caramelized and tender, perfect for a sweet and savory side.
5. Pasta
Why They’re Great: Pasta is not only cheap but also has a long shelf life, making it a perfect pantry staple. Pasta dishes are a go-to for quick, satisfying meals that don’t cost a fortune.
Recipes to Try
Ground Turkey Pasta
A lean, healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, combining ground turkey with your favorite sauce for a light yet filling meal.
Lemon Butter Pasta
Simple and elegant, this dish features pasta tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce, perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
Mac and Cheese
The classic comfort dish, creamy and cheesy, always a hit with both kids and adults.
Beefaroni
A hearty, beefy pasta dish that’s a step up from the canned version, packed with flavor and easy to make.
Baked Spaghetti
A comforting casserole version of spaghetti, layered with cheese and sauce, then baked until bubbly.
Skillet Hamburger Mac and Cheese
A one-pan wonder that combines the best of hamburgers and mac and cheese into a savory, comforting dish.
Chicken Tomato Pasta
A light and flavorful option, featuring tender chicken and fresh tomatoes tossed with pasta.
Chili Mac
A spicy, hearty fusion of chili and macaroni, perfect for those looking for a little heat with their comfort food.
6. Potatoes
Why They’re Great: Potatoes are not only inexpensive but also highly satiating. They can be prepared in countless ways and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Recipes to Try
Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole
A hearty and flavorful dish, blending the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory spice of sausage.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
A decadent side dish featuring potatoes smothered in cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing, perfect for indulging.
Potato Salad
A classic cold side dish, combining boiled potatoes with a creamy dressing and crisp vegetables for a refreshing bite.
Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food, creamy and smooth, easily flavored with butter, garlic, or cheese.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet and savory casserole, topped with a crunchy pecan and marshmallow layer, ideal for special occasions.
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
A filling casserole that combines ground beef and hash browns in a cheesy, savory mix.
7. Chicken
Why They’re Great: Chicken is ideal for affordable, simple family dinners. Its versatility ensures endless meal possibilities, offering both nutrition and flavor without breaking the bank.
Recipes to Try
Peach Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sweet and tangy, these thighs are a juicy delight with a peachy twist.
Chicken Stroganoff
Creamy and comforting, with tender chicken strips in a rich mushroom sauce.
Paprika Baked Chicken
A simple, smoky dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Chicken Tacos
Fast and customizable, filled with flavorful chicken and your favorite toppings.
Grilled Chicken
Perfectly charred and seasoned for a smoky, satisfying main dish.
Thai Sticky Chicken Thighs
Marinated in a blend of Thai spices and grilled or baked to perfection.
Crack Chicken
Irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and seasoned, great for sandwiches or dips.
Baked Garlic Chicken
Roasted with a generous amount of garlic to create a fragrant, tender meal.
8. Flour
Why is Great: Flour is a magical ingredient for whipping up budget-friendly, easy family dinners and breakfasts.
Recipes to Try
Peach Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes filled with slices of juicy peaches, perfect for a sweet start to your day.
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
Crispy, buttery puff pastry enveloping a savory ham and cheese filling, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Lemon Ricotta Crepes
Thin, tender crepes with a creamy lemon ricotta filling, offering a light and zesty flavor.
Sausage Crescent Roll Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole combining savory sausage with the flaky layers of crescent rolls.
Buttermilk Pancakes
Classic, fluffy pancakes made with buttermilk for a rich taste and tender texture, a staple for breakfast feasts.
How to Get Food When You Have no Money
I have been in situations where I had no money to buy food.
I will share what I did and what you can do if you want to know how to get food when you have no money. There are a number of options available to you for finding free food resources.
If you have no money for food, food banks are a great resource for finding food. They are not open every day. Usually, the operate about two times a week.
You can find your local food bank here, by doing this you can see and locate where your closest food bank is.
You’re also given other great information such as when they are open and what zip codes they cover as well as what pieces of information you may need to bring.
Food banks do have a few requirements. Usually, they require 2 letters addressed to you at your mailing address for proof that you live within their zones.
Most food banks don’t require any proof of income and only ask that you run on the honor system.
Low Carb and Keto Meal Ideas on a Budget
If you are doing a low carb diet or a ketogenic diet take a look at these 21 Best Frugal Keto Dinners to Lose Weight – Fast and Easy to Make.
They are delicious, fast to make.
Especially on busy weekday nights and low cost, good for your budget.
Now without further ado lets present you with recipes for delicious frugal foods.
Keto Beef and Broccoli
Zucchini Casserole
Cheap Dinner Ideas and Best Frugal Recipes
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes and Apples Maple Cinnamon
Scalloped Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Marry Me Chicken
Twice Baked Potatoes
Crispy Fried Chicken
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Honey Fried Chicken
Other Cheap Dinners
Bump and Bake MeatBall Casserole
Our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a comfort food classic, reimagined for the busy home cook.
No boiling pasta or complicated steps—just dump, bake, and enjoy a hearty meal!
Skillet Sausage with Onions and Peppers
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal in just minutes you will love this perfectly seasoned Skillet sausage with Onions & Peppers
A mixture of Italian sausage, onions, and peppers.
Whole30 compliant, gluten-free and dairy-free, keto friendly and Low carb approved.
Find it here
Baked Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Discover our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a fan favorite inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings!
An easy crockpot dish perfect for busy weeknights, this kid-friendly recipe combines creamy pasta with a hearty buffalo creamy sauce.
Ideal for family dinner, potluck, or a meal prep idea.
Luscious baked spaghetti, a perfect fusion of classic spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and layers of melt-in-your-mouth cheese.
Ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners or a potluck.
The best past? ready in under one hour.
Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls
These pepperoni pizza crescent rolls are the perfect appetizer or main dish.
Ready in 30 minutes and the perfect kid-friendly snack.
Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls Recipe
Crescent Hot Dogs
Crescent rolls envelop hot dogs in a savory, flaky crust.
This easy 3 ingredient recipe is a family favorite, ready in under 30 minutes
This chili mac recipe is the ultimate one-pot comfort food.
The perfect weeknight dinner for busy nights, this dish only requires one pot and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
With easy preparation, minimal ingredients and delicious taste, Chili Macaroni and cheese is sure to become a favorite for the entire family.
The Best Chili (Classic Homemade Chili Recipe)
This traditional recipe for chili is the best classic chili ever! Perfect for weeknight meals, this chili is packed with ground beef, beans and a homemade blend of spices.
This easy to make chili will quickly become a family favorite!
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits! Sautéed shallots and thyme, a splash of white wine, creamy chicken, peas, and carrots all baked under a homemade biscuit topping.
How Can You Pay Less for Groceries Every Single Month?
There are a few strategies that I use to lower my grocery bill every month.
Start by creating a cheap grocery list of foods you and your family like.
I always follow these 22 simple ways to save money on groceries.
Stick to your cheap grocery list and the cheap food.
It really is possible to eat healthy even if you are short of money, all you need to do is a little bit of frugal meal planning and meal budgeting.
Start saving money now and build your savings up.
Just saving a small amount will add up. This is how I started saving $200 a month and created my emergency savings fund.
More Cheap Recipes
Easy and Frugal Recipes
Easy and Frugal Recipes
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- Best Cookies Recipe Collection
- 22 Simple Ways to Save Money on Groceries
- Best Frugal KETO Dinners – Fast and Easy to Make
- Easy Ways To Spend Less and Save More Money in 2020
Related Posts
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- 15+ Meal Prep Ideas for the Week You Need to Try
- 15 Best Cheap and Easy Pantry Meals
- Best Frozen Meals for Busy Nights
I hope you’re inspired by this list to keep your meals simple and save some money in the process.
What meal ideas would you add? Do you have a cheap recipe that you would like to share?
What would you plan on your budget grocery list? Please let me know in the comments!
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