“It makes my budget meal seem more decadent.”
“Chickpea curry is my go-to cheap meal.
“My mom used to make this.
Its a cheaper version of Hungarian goulash.
Instead of using expensive cuts of meat, we use hot dogs.
Basically, chop an onion, pan-fry until soft, then add paprika and garlic powder.
In the onions, pan-fry the sliced hot dogs until browned.
Then add diced potato and water.
Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender.”
Gillian
3.
“Boxed mac ‘n’ cheese with canned tuna or salmon and whatever frozen veg I have available.
If I have cheese, I’ll add some extra it makes my budget meal seem more decadent.”
torbielillies
5.
“I always make ‘leftover’ chili.
you’re free to make it spicy or mild.”
theshelbinicolelawrance
7.
“Definitely homemade chicken soup.
I take a rotisserie chicken and rip it apart with my bare hands like the animal I am!
“I make black beans or kidney beans with brown rice, chili powder, and coconut oil.
Lentil soup with carrots, onions, and celery.
Canned chickpeas for a simple salad with cucumber, edamame, salt, and pepper.
Instead of fresh pasta, dried pasta with spaghetti sauce.
Or veggie pasta with butter.
Buy thick rolled oats in bulk.
Im on disability and get food stamps.”
cheriek2
9.
When cooking the black beans, be generous with the onions, black pepper, and garlic.
It’s a cheap and filling meal and good for potlucks as well.”
you’ve got the option to also add toppings.”
cafebeltran
11.
“I use frozen burgers to make a pantry Bolognese pasta with tomato paste and frozen/canned veggies.
You take a tortilla and spread refried beans on it, and spread a layer of salsa on it.
Lastly, you fold it over, kind of like a quesadilla.
It’s really good!”
artichokeussy
13.
Serve over toast or biscuits and a side of veggies.
Bake a few egg rolls with a 90-second rice pouch and you have a good and cheap meal."
bethany890
15.
“Pantry-style chicken a la king.
You just need toast, frozen peas, chicken tenders/nuggets, and cream of chicken soup.
Heat the peas and soup and cook the chicken.
Mix the chicken and peas into the heated soup, pour over toast, or eat with a fork.
Also works well with black pepper or red pepper flakes sprinkled on top.”
“Curry bean soup.
Serve on rice.”
ramblingflowers
17.“Bowls.
“Creamed chipped beef on toast, probably more commonly referred to as ‘shit on a shingle.’
mattc43a58ece2
19.
When they are done and brown, I top them with chili, cheese, and some sour cream.
It is the perfect comfort meal.”
mindy14
21.
“Trypastina, people!!!!
Cheap, filling, and very yummy!
Just need a stock cube, milk, butter, and pasta!”
“My favorite broke-until-payday meal is ‘fancy’ ramen.
We have this at least once a week.
), cook up a protein or quick-fry to heat up a leftover.
I used the minced options in a jar because they are way most cost friendly.”
“I cook up my ramen noodles and stir everything together.
Sometimes I’ll have a fried egg on top.
It’s a great way to use up veggies that might go bad or leftovers.
planenacho07
23.
Simple, delicious, and inexpensive before inflation, LOL.”
“I love to make chicken and rice with my instant pot.
it’s simple and a complete meal, since it’s got protein, carbs, and veggies.
One pot makes enough for at least four meals, but usually closer to five or six.”
sweetcuppincakes
25.
Just dump it all together and you’re good.”
Sonia L
27.
“I love besan chilla (Indian gram flour pancakes).
You cook it like an omelet or pancake.
It’s sooooooo good.
I like to dip it into day-old vegetable madras.”
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
