5 Recipes on a Budget

If you are on a tight budget, sometimes you want to eat more than just Ramen.  Not there is anything wrong with Ramen noodles; I myself have also tried the Ramen diet (not by choice).

If you are looking to spice things up without emptying your wallet, try one of these five recipes:

1. Chili

Chili is a go-to meal for many people, mostly because you can throw almost anything you want in it to make it your own. This is especialy helpful if you want to get rid of some extra ingredients laying around.  Try starting with this basic recipe:

1.  Brown some ground beef in a large pot, and drain the fat.
2.  Dump in tomato sauce,
3.  Add one chopped onion, one can of diced tomatoes, a chopped bell  pepper, a minced clove of garlic, and some salt and pepper.
4.  Add water and a package of chili seasoning, and bring it to a boil.
5.  Add two cans of black beans or kidney beans.
6. Add  any other ingredients you see fit.
7. Continue to simmer for 1-3 hours or until you’re ready to eat, then serve over rice, pasta, or tortilla chips.

To make an even cheaper vegetarian chili (don’t knock it until you try it), skip the meet and add an extra can of beans and 2 cups of frozen corn.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of ground beef: $4.99
• 2 cans beans: $1.98
• Large can diced tomatoes: $1.49
• 1 onion: 98 cents
• 1 bell pepper: $1.49
• Pasta or rice: $1.19
• Tomato sauce: $1.50

Total: $13.62 (makes 10 servings)

Per Serving: $1.36

 

2. BLT’s

BLT stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. If you didn’t already know that, then you should stop right here and go make one right now.

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy but not overdone.
2. Set the bacon on a paper towel to absorb most of the grease.
3. Slice a tomato in several thin slices.
4. Take apart a head of iceberg or romaine lettuce.
5. Toast bread.
6. Spread mayo on the toast and start building your BLTs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. bacon: $4.00
• Loaf of bread: $1.99
• 2 medium tomatoes: $1.60
• 1 heart of romaine lettuce: $1

Total: $8.58 (makes five servings)
Price per serving: $1.71

 

3.  Pizza Bagels

It doesn’t get much easier or cheaper than this.

1. Take a bagel and load it with sauce and pizza toppings.
2. Bake it in the oven or toaster oven for 7-8 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 6 bagels: $3.99
• Jar of pasta sauce: $1.50
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: $1.99
• Other toppings: $2

Total: $9.48 (makes six servings)
Price per serving: 63 cents

 

4. Pancakes with Fruit

Add some flair and nutrition to your breakfast (or dinner) with some fruit on your pancakes.

1. Follow directions on pancake mix
2. Add fruit

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix and milk: $2
• Fruit: $2

Total: $4 (Makes six servings)
Price per serving: 66 cents

 

5. Macaroni and Cheese

This is a classic go-to recipe for when you need some confort on a budget.

1. Boil a box of pasta and, in a separate pot, whisk together the milk and flour, adding about a teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir constantly until just boiling, then lower the heat and continue stirring for a few moments as it thickens.
3. Add the shredded cheese and mix until melted.
4. Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta.
5. Add any extra cheese or custom ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 12-oz. box of shells, elbows, or other pasta: $1.19
• 3 cups whole milk: $1.09
• 3 Tbsp flour and salt to taste: 25 cents
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 6 oz.): $2.24

Total: $4.77 (Makes six servings)
Price per person: 80 cents