Frugal Flavors: 10 Delicious Recipes Under $1.50 Per Serving
In today’s economy, saving money without sacrificing flavor is a top priority for many households. With the rising cost of living and the increasing price of groceries, it’s becoming more and more challenging to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without breaking the bank. However, with a little creativity and some clever meal planning, it’s entirely possible to cook up a storm without spending a fortune. In this article, we’ll explore 10 delicious recipes that won’t break the bank, with each serving coming in under $1.50.
Recipe 1: Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.86
- Ingredients: spaghetti, canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
This classic Italian dish is a staple for a reason. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then combine with a simple tomato sauce made by sautéing garlic and canned tomatoes in olive oil. Add some salt and pepper to taste, and you’re done!
Recipe 2: Black Bean and Rice Bowl
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.96
- Ingredients: cooked black beans, cooked white rice, diced onions, canned tomatoes, cumin, salt, pepper
This flavorful and filling bowl is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Cook the black beans and white rice according to package directions, then combine with diced onions and canned tomatoes. Add some cumin and a pinch of salt and pepper, and you’re ready to dig in. This recipe is also easily customizable with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, or shredded cheese.
Recipe 3: Roasted Vegetable Soup
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $1.02
- Ingredients: assorted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, onions), chicken broth, olive oil, salt, pepper
This comforting soup is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have lying around. Simply chop the veggies and roast them in the oven with some olive oil and salt until they’re tender. Then, blend the mixture with some chicken broth and season with pepper to taste. Serve with a swirl of olive oil and some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Recipe 4: Tacos
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $1.14
- Ingredients: ground beef, taco seasoning, tortillas, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, beans (optional)
Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, and with this recipe, you can create a delicious and customizable meal that’s easy on the wallet. Brown the ground beef with some taco seasoning, then serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and lettuce. Add some beans for extra protein and fiber, and you’re good to go!
Recipe 5: Baked Potatoes with Toppings
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.85
- Ingredients: baking potatoes, cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chives, bacon bits (optional)
Who doesn’t love a good baked potato? With this recipe, you can create a filling and flavorful meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Bake the potatoes in the oven until they’re tender, then top with cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chives. Add some crumbled bacon for an extra burst of flavor, and you’re ready to devour.
Recipe 6: Fried Rice
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.92
- Ingredients: cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, salt, pepper
Fried rice is a staple of Chinese cuisine, and with this recipe, you can create a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Cook the rice and let it cool, then scramble in some eggs and frozen peas and carrots. Add some soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve.
Recipe 7: Lentil Soup
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.94
- Ingredients: cooked lentils, diced onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, pepper
This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening. Cook the lentils and combine them with diced onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes. Add some vegetable broth and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Recipe 8: Quesadillas
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $1.03
- Ingredients: tortillas, shredded cheese, diced onions, canned beans, sour cream (optional)
Quesadillas are a fun and easy meal to make, and with this recipe, you can create a delicious and customizable meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Simply place a tortilla in a pan with some shredded cheese, diced onions, and canned beans, and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Serve with sour cream and salsa for added flavor.
Recipe 9: Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.98
- Ingredients: chicken thighs, olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs (optional)
This simple and flavorful recipe is a great way to cook up some delicious chicken thighs without breaking the bank. Preheat the oven to 400°F, then season the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add some herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor, and roast in the oven until cooked through. Serve with some roasted vegetables and a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.
Recipe 10: Breakfast Burritos
- Servings: 4-6
- Cost per serving: $0.99
- Ingredients: scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, shredded cheese, tortillas, salsa (optional)
Breakfast burritos are a fun and easy meal to make, and with this recipe, you can create a delicious and customizable breakfast that’s perfect for a quick morning meal. Scramble the eggs and cook the sausage or bacon, then wrap with shredded cheese and tortillas. Add some salsa for added flavor, and you’re ready to roll.
In conclusion, these 10 delicious recipes prove that it’s possible to cook up a storm without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and some clever meal planning, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. So next time you’re planning a meal, try one of these recipes and see how easy it is to eat well on a budget!
