We've got your back with a list of tasty, easy meals that won’t break the bank. We’ve got your back with a list of tasty, easy meals that won’t break the bank. Read on for some recipes that will keep both your stomach and wallet happy. 

Chickpea Pasta Bolognese

Chickpea pasta is a popular alternative to wheat pasta that utilizes chickpea flour. It’s an excellent option for those on a meal budget who need to be gluten-free. But with this quick and easy pasta meal, you’ll get a great bang for your buck. 

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Select the chickpea pasta brand of your choice and get a pot of water to boil.  Fun fact: most chickpea pasta includes 15 to 25 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent option for those looking to pack some more protein into their diet. A meal that supports your muscles as well as your wallet? We’re all in! Don’t forget to salt your pasta water for the best flavor. Once you’ve got your water to a boil, add your chickpea pasta to it and let it cook to your desired firmness (about 7 to 9 minutes). While your pasta is cooking, you’ll want to prepare your sauce and meat! Traditional bolognese sauce might take a little preparation beforehand: you’ll need to dice some onions, carrots, and celery, add your meat of choice (we like turkey, ground beef, or a vegan ground beef substitute), and simmer with tomato paste. But! There are also many affordable bolognese sauces available at your local grocery store that you can quickly heat in a saucepan. 

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Once your pasta is done cooking, strain your pasta and put your sauce on low heat. Next, transfer your pasta to a serving bowl, mix with your sauce, and voila! Finally, you’ve got an easy, affordable Italian meal on your plate. 

Leftover Pizza

No, we’re not talking about that one slice of takeout pizza left in the box at the end of a party. Instead, we’re talking about the kind of pizza you make from scratch using the leftover ingredients in your fridge at the end of the week! This recipe is easily customizable to utilize all the ingredients you have at home before your next shopping trip, so nothing goes to waste. All you’ve got to make sure you have beforehand is some pizza dough (if you’re a pro, you can make your own, but we’re fans of pre-made dough balls) and, of course, your sauce and cheese of choice!

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Here’s a sample of leftover pizza: take some leftover tomato slices, basil, squash, mushrooms, and spinach (or any veggies) you’ve used throughout the week as side salad ingredients and toss them on your pizza. For protein, you can use leftover sausage or ham you’ve been using for breakfast sides. Heck, if you’re feeling fancy, you can crack that one egg you’ve got in the back of your fridge over it – trust us, egg on pizza is an out-of-this-world combo. 

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Put your pizza in the oven and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious dinner that makes sure no groceries you’ve bought go to waste. Plus, is there any better way to wrap up the work week than pizza? 

Grilled Cheese & Homemade Tomato Soup

It’s safe to say grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup are the ultimate comfort meal. And luckily, it’s just as affordable as it is delicious. To make a grilled cheese, you’ll need two slices of your favorite bread, a few pieces of your go-to cheese, and some butter to fry. For the tomato soup, you’ll need a bit more prep, but it’s worth it: roast your produce (tomatoes (obvi), carrots, onions), let cool, and then blend in a blender adding a small amount of cream while you blend. You’ll simmer the mixture from there, adding olive oil and salt for the perfect flavor. Let it cool while you’re cooking up your grilled cheese. Within about an hour, you’ll have a meal that brings joy to your wallet and your stomach. 

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With grocery prices on the rise and restaurant costs that make eating out feel like a chore, it’s good to have some go-to meals on hand that won’t break your budget. Using simple staple ingredients like pasta, protein, and produce, you can come up with a variety of delicious and affordable meals. So what budget-friendly meals do you plan on making this month? 

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