Budget Friendly Meals

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry is a comforting, hearty meal you can feel good about that is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and still high in protein.The best Chickpea Curry recipe and it’s made in one-pot, with tons of flavor from hearty chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. How to make Chickpea Curry: Caramelize Onions: Cook onions in oil over medium-high heat until softened. Lower heat, add a pinch of baking soda, and cook stirring occasionally until deeply caramelized, about 10…

Instant Pot Spaghetti

The best Instant Pot Spaghetti has a homemade meat sauce and cooks the noodles perfectly! It's the easiest weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes!This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is the easiest one-pot meal ready in less than 30 minutes! Add everything to the pot and the pasta cooks right in the homemade flavorful meat sauce. How to make Instant Pot Spaghetti: Cook Meat & Assemble: Brown the meat in the Instant Pot on sauté, drain grease, and stir…

Tex Mex Migas

Migas is a popular Tex Mex breakfast dish made with corn tortillas, cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, and onions. I serve it plated with tortillas on the side, but they can also be wrapped up taco style. Either way, they make for a satisfying meal…

Banana Oat Muffins

A plate of healthy Banana Oat Muffins ready to be enjoyed.This easy Banana Oat Muffins recipe is a wholesome, kid‑approved breakfast or snack made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, applesauce, and Greek yogurt. How to make Banana Oat Muffins: Combine: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray or liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar,…

Gazpacho

A classic Gazpacho recipe is the most refreshing drink or soup of Summer! The flavorful vegetables really shine and it's so easy to make in the blender in just a few minutes!This refreshing Gazpacho recipe is made from ripe summer vegetables blended into a chilled, smooth soup that’s perfect for hot days. It’s easy to make and packed with fresh flavor! How to make Gazpacho: Prep Ingredients: Break the bread into small pieces, drizzle with ¼ cup water plus a splash of olive oil and let…

Bruschetta Recipe

One of my favorite ways to use up summer tomatoes is with this easy tomato bruschetta recipe—perfect as a simple appetizer or side dish. Tomato Bruschetta If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, this easy tomato brus…

Baked Tacos

Baked Tacos lined on a baking tray, topped with salsa, sour cream and lettuce.Our easy Baked Tacos recipe is perfect for dinner any night, or for feeding a crowd, with crispy ready in under 30 minutes, that you can prep ahead of time. How to make Baked Tacos: Cook Taco Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Drain…

Peanut Noodles

A bowl of saucy Peanut Noodles is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight since it's ready in just 15 minutes!This Peanut Noodles recipe is a weeknight lifesaver that only takes 15 minutes! The udon noodles are tossed in the easiest homemade peanut sauce that can be made mild or spicy. How to make Peanut Noodles: Cook Pasta: Follow package directions to cook pasta then drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Make Sauce and Serve:…

Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is my go-to, easy summer side salad made with crunchy cucumbers, juicy in-season tomatoes, and marinated red onions. It’s fresh and light, making it perfect for hot weather. Cucumber Tomato Salad This Cucumber Tomato Salad is…

Swedish Meatballs

A bowl of homemade Swedish Meatballs made from pantry ingredients and tastes better than Ikea or any restaurant!The best Swedish Meatballs are made from scratch with a savory beef and pork blend, simmered in a creamy homemade gravy. This is a classic comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavor to the kitchen! How to make Swedish Meatballs: Form and Cook Meatballs: Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, sautéed onion, allspice, nutmeg,…

Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad in a large serving bowl, ready to serve.I’m obsessed with this fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe; it tastes even better than it looks and is my favorite for summer dinner, side dish or a backyard BBQ. How to make Orzo Pasta Salad: Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl. Cook pasta according to package instructions then drain well and let cool.…

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with juicy chicken, creamy charred corn, and topped with avocado and a slice of lime with a creamy sauce drizzled on top.These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, featuring juicy seasoned chicken, charred corn, and a creamy tajín-lime sauce. They’re quick to make, customizable, and perfect for a fresh and satisfying weeknight dinner. How to make Street Corn Chicken Bowls: Make Sauce and Cook Chicken: Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.…

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

The best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches golden and crunchy and cut in half to show the melted center.This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe makes the BEST grilled cheese with the perfect texture, and it only takes 10 minutes to make. How to make Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer: Assemble Sandwiches: Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees. Butter one side of a slice of bread and top inside with cheese. Top…

California Roll Sushi

A homemade California Roll served in a group of 8 on a rectangle blue serving plate.Let me show you how to make California Roll sushi recipe from home, with simple ingredients, the most authentic way! This is the easiest sushi recipe, made with sushi rice, crab, avocado, and cucumber. How to make a California Roll: Make Sushi Rice and prep sushi Mat: Follow my recipe for the best sushi rice,…

Mongolian Noodles

Beef Mongolian Noodles served in a bowl with chopsticks grabbing some noodles.This easy Mongolian Noodles recipe is a quick, 30-minute meal that’s better than takeout! It has ground beef, fresh veggies, and ramen noodles tossed in a bold, flavorful sauce. How to make Mongolian Noodles: Cook Noodles and Make Sauce: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. For the sauce, stir together soy…

Fire Up the Grill (Without Burning Your Budget)🔥

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, baked beans, potato salad, cowboy caviar, and caprese salad on a picnic table next to a grill.There’s nothing better than the sizzle of the grill on a sunny summer day—especially when you can throw an awesome BBQ without blowing your budget. This menu is all about keeping things easy, affordable, and still super tasty. Think: BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, a few simple summer sides like Baked Beans, Corn Salad, and good ol’…

Chocolate Overnight Oats

A Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe in a half pint jar with a wooden spoon, topped with cacao nibs and fresh rasberries.This peanut butter Chocolate Overnight Oats recipe is my favorite meal prep breakfast or lunch! It’s packed with protein, takes 10 minutes, and literally tastes like dessert. I originally shared this recipe June 2023. Updated June 2025.

Homemade Ketchup

Nothing is better than homemade ketchup and it’s so EASY to make. Not only is it tastier than store-bought, it’s also healthier because you control what goes in it. Lightly Sweetened Homemade Ketchup This healthy recipe for homemade ketchup is made wit…

Red Potato Salad

This easy Baby Red Potato Salad is light on the mayo and big on flavor—a delicious BBQ side dish you’ll make all summer long! Baby Red Potato Salad I love a good homemade potato salad, and this one is a favorite—especially if you’re not into the heavy,…

Tuna Melt

Tuna Melt Recipe – a healthy twist on the classic, made open-face and veggie-loaded for extra crunch, melty cheese, and feel-good flavor. Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe This tuna melt recipe is everything you love about the classic—melty cheese, savory tuna…

Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata over cooked spaghetti, on a plate.The best Chicken Piccata recipe is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with a creamy lemon sauce. It’s restaurant worthy and impressive while still being a 30-minute meal! How to make Lemon Chicken Piccata: Prep Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast, slicing horizontally for 4 thin chicken breast fillets. Season with salt and pepper.…

Quinoa Burger

An easy homemade Quinoa Burger recipe served on a bun with melted provolone, arugula, and tomato.I’m convinced this is the best Quinoa Burger recipe; it’s so flavorful, packed with protein, and so easy to make. You won’t miss the meat! How to make Quinoa Burgers: Combine and Shape: Mix quinoa, brown rice, chopped spinach, red bell peppers, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate…

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