Eating well on a shoestring budget: 21 recipes for broke foodies!

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Welcome to a world where affordable ingredients become culinary masterpieces, where creativity and humor reign supreme in the kitchen. Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure that proves you don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy a delicious feast.

Whether you’re a college student surviving on instant noodles or a seasoned budget-conscious cook, these recipes will bring a smile to your face and flavor to your table. With a dash of resourcefulness and a sprinkle of ingenuity, you can whip up dishes that taste as though they’ve been prepared by a top chef, all while staying well within your budgetary boundaries.

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sausage and Peppers

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy with this cheap recipe that combines savory sausages and sweet peppers for a hearty meal. Simmered to perfection, it’s a family favorite that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings of all sizes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Dive into a Tex-Mex delight with this cheap recipe that lets your slow cooker do the work, creating tender and flavorful chicken enchiladas. With minimal effort, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, leaving you with plenty of time for relaxation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy Pea Pasta

Savor a creamy and budget-friendly pasta dish that’s both comforting and delicious, featuring the freshness of peas in every bite. The creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta beautifully, making it an irresistible choice for both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Tender and juicy pulled chicken is a breeze to make with this cheap recipe, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or a simple dinner. Let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day, and return to a flavorful meal that’s versatile and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Roasted herbes de provence chicken with thyme and lemon slices on a white plate.
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner with a touch of French flair, as this cheap recipe infuses roasted chicken with aromatic Herbes de Provence. The blend of herbs transports you to the Provencal countryside, creating a meal that feels both sophisticated and wallet-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Treat yourself to a delightful, yet affordable meal, as mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil come together to stuff this tender chicken breast. The combination of flavors is like a burst of summer on your plate, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Stuffed Chicken

A closeup of a sausage spinach quiche is shown with a red linen.
Sausage Spinach Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sausage Spinach Quiche

Start your day right with a slice of this budget-friendly quiche, packed with savory sausage, nutritious spinach, and cheesy goodness. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, this quiche is a wholesome and flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Spinach Quiche

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e Pepe

Satisfy your pasta cravings without breaking the bank with this Italian classic, featuring a simple yet flavorful combination of cheese and pepper. Just a few ingredients come together to create a dish that’s timeless and elegant in its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Neapolitan Pizza

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this cheap recipe that creates a crispy and delicious Neapolitan-style pizza right at home. The combination of fresh ingredients and a perfectly cooked crust will have you savoring every bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever ordered pizza delivery.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hearty Marinara Sauce

Whip up a hearty and wallet-friendly marinara sauce to accompany your favorite pasta, adding a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinners. This homemade sauce is not only cost-effective but also delivers a rich and comforting taste that store-bought versions can’t match.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate surrounded by a white linen, a glass of bear, soy ginger sauce, and cloves of garlic.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Soy Garlic Wings

Enjoy a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors with these affordable soy garlic wings, perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. Whether you’re watching the game or hosting a gathering, these wings are sure to be a hit, and they won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

A spoonful of soup is shown in the foreground over a bowl of Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Warm up on a budget with this comforting navy bean soup, easily prepared in your Instant Pot for a wholesome meal. In just a fraction of the time it takes for traditional stovetop cooking, you’ll have a satisfying soup that’s both nutritious and economical.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Spice up your sushi night without overspending with these cheap and delicious spicy tuna rolls, perfect for a homemade Japanese feast. The combination of fresh tuna and a fiery kick of spice creates a sushi experience that’s as satisfying as it is budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cook up a delicious and affordable dinner with crispy, flavorful chicken thighs seared to perfection in a trusty cast iron skillet. This cheap recipe ensures that you’ll enjoy tender and juicy chicken with a crispy skin, making it a family favorite for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Embrace the flavors of the season with this wallet-friendly sheet pan dinner, featuring a medley of roasted vegetables and protein. Not only is it an affordable option, but it also makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to savor the tastes of autumn without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Sliced Tajín Grilled Chicken sits on a white plate surrounded by Tajín seasoning, a sliced lime, a white linen, and a small glass of beer.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Get a taste of zesty and budget-friendly goodness with this grilled chicken recipe, infused with the vibrant flavors of chile and lime. The combination of heat and citrus creates a tantalizing dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey Smash Burgers

Indulge in a satisfying burger experience without breaking the bank, crafting juicy and flavorful turkey smash burgers. These budget-friendly burgers are easy to make and offer a leaner option for burger lovers, without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Two roasted chicken halves on a white platter with lemon and parsley.
Roasted Half Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted Half Chicken

Enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal with this roasted half chicken recipe, a budget-friendly option for dinner any night of the week. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a classic choice that’s both delicious and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Half Chicken

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Whip up a quick and affordable black bean burger that’s both nutritious and delicious, ready in just 25 minutes. These hearty burgers are a fantastic meatless option for a speedy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A bowl of tortellini soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a yellow linen and a bunch of parsley.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Warm your soul with a comforting bowl of tortellini soup, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot for a budget-friendly meal. With minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Start your day with a healthy and affordable breakfast, creating delightful egg and cucumber sandwiches that are both quick and easy to make. These sandwiches provide a satisfying and refreshing morning bite that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

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