25 Cheap Recipes is a collection of easy, practical alternatives to fast or prepared foods. Here you'll find dinner ideas that are budget-friendly, pantry-based and ideal for busy or budget-minded families and/or college students.
This collection of 25 Cheap Recipes is perfect for anyone who is short on time, budget-minded or just learning to cook! Once you have the kitchen essentials, these recipes can come together in no time!
Pantry essentials
Stock the pantry and fridge with essentials and worry about the budget no more! You'll have every ingredient you need to make quick, healthy pantry meals.
- Spice Rack: essential spices and dried herbs make everything taste better
- Canned Goods: tuna, beans, fruit, tomatoes, chiles
- Nuts/Grains/Beans: rice, quinoa, couscous, barley, pasta, crackers, bread, cereal, peanuts, dried beans
- Condiments: mustard, mayo, salsa, pickles, olives, peanut butter, oil and vinegars, sauces (soy, teriyaki)
Refrigerator essentials
Fresh or frozen, it always helps to have a quick back-up in the fridge:
- Fruits, berries, smoothies
- Juices
- Salad Dressings
- Jelly and Jams
- Lettuce
- Cheese
- Lunch meat
- Tortillas or flatbread
25 Cheap Recipes
Dinner on a budget doesn't mean you can't eat healthy. Here are 25 cheap recipes - no-cook and stove top- to help you get started.
Homemade Sloppy Joe
My grandmother's recipe from 100 years ago still holds strong. Simple ingredients from your pantry and some ground meat can create a meal!
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Southwestern Navy Bean Soup
Dress-up ordinary navy bean soup into a zesty, mouth-watering, heart-healthy bowl of goodness!
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Organic Broccoli Cheese Soup
Nothing beats homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup with no additives, preservatives or fake cheese! This is the Real Deal!
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Tortellini Pasta Salad
Light, flavorful and filling this Tortellini Pasta Salad has marinated artichoke hearts, black olives, red onion, red bell pepper tossed in a pesto vinaigrette.
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Pasta Carbonara with Ricotta Cheese
Italian pasta nestled in a creamy sauce of Ricotta and Parmesan cheese, eggs and black pepper, topped with fresh tomato and basil.
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Classic Egg Salad
Classic Egg Salad made in the traditional Southern manner...light, fluffy with a hint of tang!
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Pinto Beans and Rice
Pinto Beans and Rice is a one-dish Southern menu item you'll find in every restaurant and home south of the Mason-Dixon Line. It's a comfort dish that is delicious, healthy, and filling, usually served with cornbread, sweet onion and a glass of sweet tea.
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Deviled Ham Dip/Spread
Flavorful, all-natural ham dip/spread perfect as a sandwich or dip - a good way to use leftover ham!
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Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Tender seasoned beef strips with caramelized onions, bell peppers and provolone.
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Cowboy Skillet Supper
Sauteed onions, nestled in a smoky barbecue sauce with sausage and pinto beans. Perfect for a busy school or work week!
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True Texas Chili
Chili the right way! Flavorful, easy to make and never enough! Make a big batch of True Texas Chili for your family and friends!
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"No-Cream" Creamy White Bean Soup
Savory, silky white bean soup with accents of onion, celery, cayenne, lemon and capers
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Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken
Tender, seasoned braised chicken cooked in smoky Adobo sauce! Perfect for tacos, Carnitas or casseroles!
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Sweet Heat Country Ribs
Beefy ribs braised in a savory broth with hints of maple, barbecue and sriracha.
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Vermicelli Summer Salad
Light pasta dish that is over the top in flavor, texture and deliciousness! Great dish for a party or a big crowd!!
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Pimento Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese combined with pimentos, seasonings and spices.
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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Seasoned shrimp in a spicy tomato-based juice with fresh avocado, lime, cilantro, onions and jalapeno!
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Southern comfort at its finest! Savory chicken broth with tender no-make dumplings and chicken!
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Black Bean Soup
Healthy and flavorful black bean soup accompanied with Poblano peppers and hints of clove, jalapeno, lime and cumin.
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Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Puff Pastry
Chicken, carrots and peas nestled in a creamy, savory chicken soup with a puff pastry
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Smothered Okra and Tomatoes
A Southern Classic-stewed, smothered tomatoes and okra with a hint of garlic. Always a family favorite!
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Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish
Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing
Delicious, flavorful savory Southern Cornbread Dressing with a hint of sage! Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
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Organic Homemade Vegetable Soup
Hearty organic homemade vegetable soup with a low-sodium vegetable broth, carrots, lime and green beans, celery and more
Check out this recipe
Related topics:
Southern Cream Gravy
White cream gravy made with fat, flour and milk. A Southern favorite!
Print
Rate
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 832kcal
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Wire whisk
Ingredients
- ¼ cup oil , bacon or sausage grease, butter or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup flour , all-purpose
- 1½ cups milk , 2% or whole
- salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Heat skillet on medium
- Add oil and wait till it gets warm (about 1 minute)
- Sprinkle in flour; whisk for 30-seconds
- Add milk in ½ cup increments while continually whisking
- Taste for seasonings; add salt & pepper; serve
Notes
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
- You can substitute milk with half-n-half, light cream or heavy cream
- Cream will make the gravy slightly sweeter than milk
- Too salty - yes, this happens frequently; the best way to remedy over-salted gravy is to add more milk and flour. Do this by adding ½ cup milk first, whisk, then add ¼ cup flour; keep adding milk and flour until the flavor is balanced and the consistency is right
- Too thick - add more milk
- Too thin- add more flour
- Too bland - add more salt and pepper
- Clumpy - if your homemade gravy starts to look like glue, use a wire whisk and add milk - whisking constantly
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 832kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Calcium: 414mg | Iron: 1mg
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Remember, just because you're in a hurry or on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice good food! Start a Supper Club or host a Potluck dinner once a month!
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Got Comments or Questions? I'd Love to Hear from You!! See you in the kitchen!
Debi says
I love that you gathered all of these cheap and easy recipes in one place. Thanks for that! 🙂
Anecia says
Thanks, Debi! It's nice to have in a pinch...