Frugal meal planning is a great way to save money.
According to Nomad Wallet, food is in your top 3 household expenses after housing and transportation.
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With proper meal prep and budgeting we were able to reduce our grocery bill by several hundred dollars. This helped us get out of debt faster and work on our emergency fund.
Related posts on reducing your food costs:
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Ingredients that you should heavily consider buying when trying to cut down your food budget are:
-Grains, pasta
-Beans
-Lentils
-Vegetables that are in season (frozen, potatoes)
-Oats
-Chicken (Plating Pixels has a great baked chicken and grilled chicken recipe)
Protein (meat) can get expensive. For us, chicken tends to be the cheapest, though we do buy our meat in bulk (when we can) and freeze it. This has helped us save money too.
-Bread
-Spices (using a variety of spices is a great way to turn cheap ingredients into gourmet meals)
The majority of the meals on this list are budget-friendly, fast, and easy.
Incorporate some or all of these cheap recipes into your weekly meal rotation for more savings.
FRUGAL MEALS FOR THE WEEK
Instant Pot Lentils
Source: Piping Pot Curry
I love my Instant Pot. Definitely a must have kitchen item if you want to save time and money.
This rice and lentil dish is not only cheap, but it makes a good meal and/or side dish.
Chicken Drumstick Stew
Source: Rock Recipes
Soup and stews are also a great budget food item. They can be made in big batches and frozen in smaller portions for a few months
Broccoli & Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
Source: The Cozy Cook
Casseroles are great because they are versatile.
This recipe has been shared OVER 9,000 times. It can be frozen in big or small portions and saved for future use.
Overnight Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Source: The Cozy Cook
Spicy Peanut Chickpea Curry
Source: Carmyy
Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf
Source: What a Girl Eats
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe
Creamy Paprika Beef Goulash
Source: 5 Minutes for Mom
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
Source: The Rising Spoon
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Asparagus
Source: Easy Keto Dishes
30 Minute Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
Source: 5 Minutes for Mom
Instant Pot Italian Chicken Olive Garden
Source: This Old Gal
Easy Vegetable Lasagna With Alfredo Sauce
Source: Mighty Mrs.
Sausage and Squash Skillet
Source: The Gifted Gabber
Easy Pasta Arrabiata Recipe
Source: Neil’s Healthy Meals
Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Source: Life Should Cost Less
Skillet Chicken Rotini
Source: This Ole Mom
30-Minute Taco Spaghetti
Source: Sparkles of Yum
Flavorful Cabbage Sausage Soup
Source: Masala Herb
Chili Con Carne
Source: Chocolates and Chai
Instant Pot Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes
Source: Clean Eating Kitchen
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re working to cut down your food spending don’t be discouraged.
We still have some months where we struggle more than others especially since our kids are getting bigger and eating more.
Planning out your meals for the week, buying ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes, and going to the store less frequently will also help you save money.
Hope you enjoy these frugal meals and that your wallet will thank you too 😉
Have any delicious budget bites recipes you want to share? Comment below.
