Cheap Meals You Can Make on a Budget

Groceries are one of the largest expenses that households face each month. When you’re struggling to make ends meet, food insecurity can cause massive anxiety and undue stress. If you have children to feed, the fear can only worsen, coupled with guilt over not being able to provide for them the way you want to or once could. It’s a good idea to stock up on staples that have multiple uses rather than one-time frozen dishes and quick fixes. (rockstarjackets.com) With a little finesse, you can find ways to feed your family even when money is tight. 

One of the most terrifying situations you can wind up in is being unable to afford food. While many turn to family or friends during hardship, this isn’t always an option. If you’re still employed but dealing with a financial emergency, payday loans can help give you enough money to cover bills and keep food on the table. When you need some extra money to stay afloat during a tough time, payday loans can help you buy groceries and other living expenses without overdrawing your bank account or overspending on credit cards. These cheap and easy recipes are all able to be made for $10 to $15 per meal.

Pasta and Peas/Beans

Fresh produce is difficult to afford when you’re struggling with the family budget. Luckily, peas and beans are always affordable, and they can be easily implemented into a pasta dish that’s tasty and nutritious. Play around with different noodle and vegetable combinations; penne and peas are great with a splash of extra virgin olive oil and garlic powder; rigatoni can be served with chickpeas and pepper; white beans and lightly buttered noodles is an easy dish to make in bulk, leaving you with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Cinnamon Oats and Berries

Rather than waste money on sugary, overpriced breakfast cereals, buy a canister of oats and serve it with warm milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of your favorite berries. The oats can also be soaked in milk, chilled and eaten as a dessert. Making your own oatmeal can help you feel fuller and decrease the carbs and sugar that characterize most breakfast foods.

Breakfast Scramble

For this dish, all you need are a couple of eggs, some potatoes, a green or red pepper and white onion. Chop all of the vegetables into small pieces, then cook on a light simmer with some olive oil. When they’re almost done, add your eggs and mix them around until they are finely scrambled. This meal can work well for dinner, too, and it can be made more filling by serving over toast.

Rice Bowl

Top white or brown rice with some roasted vegetables, crunchy red cabbage or even an egg to make a satisfying meal. Rice is one of the most versatile pantry staples you can buy, and it’s easy to afford on a budget. Although you shouldn’t rely solely on carbs or grains to fill up, they make good bases for meals that you can bulk up with a handful of greens or serving of vegetables.