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10 Budget-Friendly Meals

Published 6 days ago • 2 min read

10 Delicious Dinners That Won’t Break the Bank

Hello Reader

Keeping everyone fed and happy shouldn't require a small mortgage. The best family meals aren't about fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. They're about making something delicious with what you've got, and maybe even having a bit of money left over at the end of the week.

I've learned that budget-friendly doesn't mean boring. In fact, some of my most-loved dinners are the ones built from simple, everyday staples.

This week, I'm sharing the meals that have saved me time and again. They're quick enough for those chaotic weeknights when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do, hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest family members, and they won't leave your wallet weeping.

👉 Tuna Noodle Casserole - This Tuna Noodle Casserole from scratch delivers a modern twist on the retro classic while staying true to its humble roots! A crowd pleaser based on cheap ingredients!

👉 Sardinian Minestrone - This Sardinian minestrone soup is bursting with greens, grains, pasta and beans in a tomato-rich broth and a long life elixir. And so frugal too!

👉 Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes - Chicken thighs are a cheap meat! Juicy thighs are smothered in a sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze and baked with baby potatoes until crisp and golden.

👉 Chickpea Butternut Squash Curry - This frugal curry is loaded with vegetables like butternut squash, spinach and green peas simmered in creamy coconut milk.

👉 Greek Butter Bean Stew - Infused with classic Greek flavours, this is a simple and lean main dish packed with protein and easy enough that anyone can make it.

👉 Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese - This recipe for traditional spaghetti Bolognese is a tasty and economical way to feed your family!

👉 Chicken Noodle Soup - Homemade chicken noodle soup is one of the most comforting dishes out there! Making it entirely from scratch is so easy. The taste is definitely in the broth.

👉 Bacon Cheeseburger Soup - This quick, low-prep, hands-off recipe will have everyone at the table quicker than you can say “golden arches” A little beef and bacon go really far here!

👉 Chicken Fried Rice - One chicken breast goes a long way in this fried rice recipe! It comes together in 15 minutes and will become a new favourite!

👉 Beef Cabbage Soup - This ground beef and cabbage soup is heartwarming and supremely nourishing. It’s a super cheap recipe and a thrifty use of what’s already in your fridge.

Wishing you a flavourful week ahead!
​
Love,
Julia x

cast iron dish with spiral noodles and vegetables cooked with tuna A wide bowl with Sardinian minestrone against a wooden background.
a sheet pan with golden chicken and potatoes with rosemary a skillet with a curry made with squash, chickpeas and greens.
A stew in a Dutch oven, with beans in a tomato sauce with herbs. A bowl with spaghetti in a bolognese sauce on a light background.
a pot of soup with long pasta strands, chicken pieces and vegetables A bowl of bacon cheeseburger soup topped with shredded cheese, and a hand dipping a piece of bread.
A pot of fried rice with chicken pieces and peas with sliced green onions bowl of hearty soup showing beef, cabbage and other vegetables

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Vikalinka

Julia Frey, a London-based recipe developer and photographer

I am Julia Frey, a London based recipe developer and photographer, and Vikalinka is my space to share my food with the world. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get tried-and-true recipes delivered to your inbox!

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