14 Easy Meals For 2 On A Budget
I have a habit of going for the quickest meal option available in my fridge, which usually isn’t the healthiest. I also tend to grocery shop without meals in mind, so when I open my fridge I have a load of ingredients, but no idea what to do with them. Inevitably, things go to waste, especially with fresh produce. My budget just does not have the wiggle room, but nor do I have the time to make a three-course-meal. My solution? These easy, budget-friendly meals.
French bread pizza
Credit: The Pioneer Woman
There seems to be no end to the varieties of mini pizzas you can make. If you’ve got a jar of marinara sauce and some mozzarella cheese, some bread and any number of ingredients, cook ‘em up and pile ‘em high. Quick, easy, and filling. Who doesn’t love pizza?
Chicken and Lemon Foil Packet
Credit: Damn Delicious
Foil packets are a great way to cook a bunch of ingredients together, seal in the flavor, and avoid a super messy clean up. They are so versatile, so keep experimenting!
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Credit: Mending The Piggy Bank
From the title, you might think this is a really involved, lengthy recipe. But once you get the meat cooked, everything actually follows into the same pot, and you can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for later. Perfect!
One Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies
Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron
I love meals that I can just throw together and be done with, and this is definitely one of those. Pre-heat the over, chop the ingredients, sling on a pan, and voila. Perfect for fall, or cold nights, where you just want a bowl of warmth.
Homemade Vegetable Soup
Credit: Thriving Home Blog
The author even writes in the recipe “It’s hard to mess this one up.” And you can see why; it’s literally a bowl of delicious vegetables combine with pasta. But even with the heaping pile of veggies, it only takes 20 minutes of prep time. Make a huge batch, and freeze some for later!
Artisanal Grilled Cheese
Credit: Skinny Ms.
Don’t settle for an average grilled cheese when you can go one step further towards taste heaven with artisanal grilled cheeses (basically anything that looks and tastes amazing and isn’t just cheese between two slices of bread). You can stick with the basics – basil, tomatoes, cheese – or you can really push the letter with any of these 22 grilled cheese recipes (the pictures alone will have you drooling). Either way, these grilled cheeses are quick, easy, and won’t break the bank.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Credit: Sally’s Baking Addiction
Until I read the recipe, I didn’t realize how quick seafood was to cook. In particular, this shrimp recipe will only take you about twenty minutes of prep time, and five of that is the shrimp on the stove. Pair with some rice and a plateful of veggies and you’ve got a flavorful, filling meal.
Chicken Avocado Burritos
Credit: Omg Chocolate Desserts
How do these surpass your average burritos? Not only do they combine fried chicken, avocado, mozzarella cheese and cilantro, but the recipe calls for you to coat the tortilla in sour cream and then fry it in a pan for a few minutes. If that doesn’t sound like a delicious combination, you’re doing burritos all wrong.
Triple Veggie Pasta
Credit: Better Homes and Gardens
Have you ever tried zucchini or squash spaghetti? The recipe combines both, along with a small handful of other veggies, to make this a healthy, hearty meal. And little to no guilt, because, it’s not real spaghetti!
Miso Glazed Salmon With Snap Peas
Credit: Daily Burn / Photography: Perry Santanachote
Salmon is a great protein because it’s light, easy to cook, and inexpensive to buy. The glaze is made with savory miso and sweet maple syrup, which caramelizes nicely and pairs well with the crunchy snap peas.
Egg Salad Spinach Wraps
Credit: Kleinworth & Co
To be honest, I’m in love with anything I can pick up and eat on the go. And these egg salad spinach wraps are so versatile, one could argue they could serve as breakfast, lunch, or dinner quite easily.
One Pan Mexican Quinoa
Credit: Damn Delicious
I also love to cut down on the amount of mess I make in the kitchen, so one pan or one pot meals are my favorite. Even the quinoa is cooked in the pan, so you can just throw everything in and indulge in this colorful, flavorful, healthy meal.
Mexican Three Bean and Three Pepper Salad
Credit: The Wanderlust Kitchen
This salad is so easy to make, with little to no prep time involved. It’s colorful, packed with protein, and taste delicious all by itself as a filling salad or can be combined with burgers or pretty much any main as a side dish. The recipe calls for dried beans, but I’ve used canned beans and the taste is the same. So just throw everything in a bowl and marvel and your colorful creation!
Grilled Zucchini & Corn Tostadas with Spicy Hummus
Credit: Noming Thru Life
This is a healthier alternative to a stacked pizza, or even most pizza substitutes. These crunchy tostadas are so satisfying, plus the mix of grilled zucchini, spicy hummus and smoky corn is the perfect combination of flavors.
Need more inspiration? The Busy Budgeter Blog has a list of over three-weeks worth of cheap dinner ready in 15 minutes.
Fully stocked fridge but stuck on what to make? Check out these 101 cheap and easy dinner ideas that will jog your memory and kick-start your evening meal prep.
