Affordable Meal Recipes

Spaghetti and Meatballs: made with ground beef or turkey, canned tomatoes, and spaghetti noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
3. In a large pot, bring the canned tomatoes to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add the meatballs to the pot and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
6. Drain the pasta and serve it with the meatballs and tomato sauce on top.

You can also add some grated cheese on top for added flavor.

Chili: made with ground beef, canned beans, and diced tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
• 1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions or avocado.

You can also add some vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to make it more nutritious.

Baked Chicken: made with chicken breasts, seasonings, and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 cups of vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush them with the seasoning mixture.
5. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken.
6. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

You can serve it with a side of rice, pasta or potatoes to make it a complete meal.

Tacos: made with ground beef or chicken, lettuce, cheese, and tortillas.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8-10 corn or flour tortillas
• Shredded lettuce, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream for toppings

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of the meat mixture on each tortilla, top it with shredded lettuce, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
6. Fold the tortilla in half and enjoy your tacos!

You can also add some salsa, avocado, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Fried Rice: made with cooked rice, eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the vegetable oil and crack in the eggs. Scramble the eggs until cooked through and set them aside.
3. Add the diced onion, diced vegetables, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and well combined with the vegetables.
5. Stir in the sesame oil and the scrambled eggs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired.

You can also add some protein such as chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu to make it a complete meal.

Macaroni and Cheese: made with macaroni noodles, cheese, and milk.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes a paste.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
9. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish.
10. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

You can also add some vegetables such as broccoli, peas or spinach to make it more nutritious.

Shepherd's Pie: made with ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, salt and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish.
7. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

You can also add some cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for an added flavor.

Chicken Stir Fry: made with chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the vegetable oil and chicken to the skillet, stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the garlic, onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the soy sauce mixture. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired.

You can also add some ginger or red pepper flakes for an added flavor or serve it over rice or noodles.

Meatloaf: made with ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated onion
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
4. Spread some ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

You can also add some cheese or bacon on top for added flavor. It can be served with mashed potatoes, gravy or vegetables.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: made with bread and cheese, and can be served with tomato soup.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, making a sandwich.
3. Spread butter on one side of the sandwich.
4. Place the sandwich in the skillet, butter side down. Spread butter on the other side.
5. Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
8. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and serve.

You can also add some vegetables such as tomato, lettuce, or avocado to make it more nutritious.

The sandwich can be served with tomato soup, which can be homemade or store-bought.