Think You Need Expensive Ingredients? Not With These 17 Clever Eats

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Think You Need Expensive Ingredients? Not With These 17 Clever Eats

You don’t have to use expensive ingredients to cook delicious meals that are bursting with flavor. Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to eat bland and boring food; far from it! With these 17 recipes, we show you just how tasty food can be without breaking the bank, and what’s even better is that there is something for the whole family to enjoy!

Someone placing a tortilla on a stack of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says you cannot save money and still enjoy a hearty meal? Stuffed peppers are here to put an end to this myth. You’re combining budget-friendly bell peppers with some basic pantry staples to create a meal that’s nutritious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potato cubes are the epitome of smart eating without splurging on expensive ingredients. Simple yet delectable, they’re an excellent way to incorporate a good dose of fiber into your diet while protecting your purse strings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

An ideal snack for those sudden hunger pangs? Pizza rolls! They’re quick to make using cost-effective ingredients. Saving money on food doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself some pizza goodness!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

An inviting dish that’s friendly on the budget: Hashbrown casserole. What does it require? Inexpensive potatoes and pantry essentials. A meal that’s comforting and considerate of your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking to save money on food while still enjoying the comfort of pizza, then the easy flatbread pizza has got you covered. It’s essentially proving that tasty and budget-friendly can go hand in hand quite perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breakfast and budget-friendly: Two B’s that go well together in the form of breakfast potatoes. Crafted with inexpensive potatoes and some basic spices, these make for a fantastic start of a day on a dime.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

French bread is hard to resist. But did you know that baking one on your own can save you money? Indeed, with a few cheap ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread without blowing your budget.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hash Browns are another potato delight that’s easy on your pocket. Affordable and versatile, they can form the backbone of numerous meals without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: .

Spaghetti Marinara is a classic pasta dish that lets you save money on food. This staple meal made from budget-friendly pasta and tomatoes is both filling and economical.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potato fries can be an affordable and yummy side dish. They are as simple to make as they are delicious, showing how saving money on food doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up any salad without breaking the bank with homemade Italian dressing. Using just a handful of pantry ingredients, it’s the best choice for those seeking to save money on food.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked sweet potato is an affordable, nutritious meal option. A few cents can get you an impressive dose of vitamins and fiber without making a dent in your pocket.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Are you a fan of burgers? You can still save money on food by opting for veggie burgers. Made using affordable veggies and spices, they are as scrumptious as they are light on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked potato is the poster child for simple, inexpensive meals. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it goes to show you can enjoy a delicious meal and save money on food.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Flour Tortilla

Someone placing a tortilla on a stack of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade flour tortillas are budget-friendly and heartwarming. They are an excellent way to save money on food while adding a lovely accompaniment to any Mexican-themed meal.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla

Mashed Potato Fritters

A stack of mashed potato fritters.
Mashed Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mashed potato fritters are another budget-conscious dish that are comfortably filling. They are the proof that you can make a delightful recipe from something as basic and inexpensive as potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Penne Arrabiata

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Penne Arrabiata. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Penne Arrabiata is a classic Italian recipe prepared with budget-friendly ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and dried red chili peppers. It effortlessly saves you money on food and serves up a flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Penne Arrabiata

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