25 Cheap Recipes

25 Cheap Recipes is a collection of easy, practical alternatives to fast or prepared foods that won't break the bank!

These easy lunch and dinner ideas 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, some that require no cooking and others that are stove top. 

Cooking from scratch requires a little more time, but it's healthier and more affordable than processed foods. 

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!

Check out this recipe

Southwestern Navy Bean Soup

Dress-up ordinary navy bean soup into a zesty, mouth-watering, heart-healthy bowl of goodness!

Check out this recipe

Organic Broccoli Cheese Soup

Nothing beats homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup with no additives, preservatives or fake cheese! This is the Real Deal!

Check out this recipe

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.

Check out this recipe

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.

Check out this recipe

Classic Egg Salad

Classic Egg Salad made in the traditional Southern manner...light, fluffy with a hint of tang!

Check out this recipe

Southern 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. Here's how to season and cook the perfect pinto beans!

Check out this recipe

Deviled Ham Dip/Spread

Flavorful, all-natural ham dip/spread perfect as a sandwich or dip - a good way to use leftover ham!

Check out this recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Tender seasoned beef strips with caramelized onions, bell peppers and provolone.

Check out this recipe

Cowboy Skillet Supper

Sauteed onions, nestled in a smoky barbecue sauce with sausage and pinto beans. Perfect for a busy school or work week!

Check out this recipe

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!

Check out this recipe

"No-Cream" Creamy White Bean Soup

Savory, silky white bean soup with accents of onion, celery, cayenne, lemon and capers

Check out this recipe

Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken

Tender, seasoned braised chicken cooked in smoky Adobo sauce! Perfect for tacos, Carnitas or casseroles!

Check out this recipe

Sweet Heat Country Ribs

Meaty pork ribs braised in a savory broth with hints of sweet and spicy from maple syrup, barbecue sauce and sriracha.

Check out this recipe

Vermicelli Summer Salad - No MSG

Light Italian pasta dish that is over the top in flavor, texture and deliciousness! Great dish for a party or a big crowd!!

Check out this recipe

Pimento Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese combined with pimentos, seasonings and spices.

Check out this recipe

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Seasoned shrimp in a spicy tomato-based juice with fresh avocado, lime, cilantro, onions and jalapeno!

Check out this recipe

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Southern comfort at its finest! Savory chicken broth with tender no-make dumplings and chicken!

Check out this recipe

Salmon Croquettes

Light flavorful salmon cakes with hints of dill.

Check out this recipe

Black Bean Soup

Healthy and flavorful black bean soup accompanied with Poblano peppers and hints of clove, jalapeno, lime and cumin.

Check out this recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Puff Pastry

Chicken, carrots and peas nestled in a creamy, savory chicken soup with a puff pastry

Check out this recipe

Smothered Okra and Tomatoes

A Southern Classic-stewed, smothered tomatoes and okra with a hint of garlic. Always a family favorite!

Check out this recipe

Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish

Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce.

Check out this recipe

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Delicious, flavorful savory Southern Cornbread Dressing with a hint of sage! Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Check out this recipe

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

Most of these budget-friendly meals can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Related topics:

• • Kitchen 101 
  • How to make a roux
  • Cooking Basics for Beginners
  • How to Thaw Food Properly

Southern Cream Gravy

White cream gravy made with fat, flour and milk. A Southern favorite!

5 from 5 votes

Print Rate

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: Southern

Prep Time: 0 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Total Yield: 1 cup

Author: Anecia Hero

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Wire whisk

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• 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)
  ¼ cup oil
• Sprinkle in flour; whisk for 30-seconds
  ¼ cup flour
• Add milk in ½ cup increments while continually whisking
  1½ cups milk
• Taste for seasonings; add salt & pepper; serve
  salt and pepper

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

Troubleshooting homemade gravy:

• Too salty - yes, this happens frequently; the best way to remedy over-salted gravy is to add a little water or 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 Estimate

Serving: 1cupCalories: 832kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 15gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 483mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 593IUCalcium: 414mgIron: 1mg

Craving More? Pin it and Share!Mention @SmartyPantsKitchen or tag #smartypantskitchen!

Join the Facebook group!Mention @SmartyPantsKitchen or tag #smartypantskitchen!

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!

Craving more cheap, healthy recipes? Sign Up to receive the newsletter with more easy recipes!!

Got Comments or Questions? I'd Love to Hear from You!! See you in the kitchen!