They are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese Additionally, bananas provide a decent amount of fiber, which may benefit digestive health, promote weight loss and protect against diabetes 20 , You can enjoy bananas as a quick snack food.

They also taste great combined with peanut butter or yogurt. They are prized for their vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, antioxidants and lots of other nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium and potassium Consuming oranges and other fruits on a regular basis has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, thus lowering the risk of several conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity 80 , It is simple to add oranges to your diet.

They are fairly convenient and can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or mixed with yogurt, salads and smoothies. Berries are nutrition superstars and reasonably priced when you purchase them frozen. Their incredible antioxidant content makes them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat.

In fact, berries are considered to be one of the best sources of natural antioxidants To reap the health benefits of berries, try to include them in your diet regularly. They make for a delicious snack or healthy dessert and can be added to smoothies and salads.

One medium apple contains two grams of fiber, which is mostly responsible for the positive effects that apples have been shown to have on serum cholesterol levels 89 , Moreover, apples provide some vitamin C, B vitamins and trace minerals, as well as several antioxidants.

Eating them regularly may help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases 85 , 89 , They are an easy, convenient food to add to your diet and commonly consumed as a snack or chopped into a salad. One of its notable characteristics is its low calorie content.

There are only 53 calories in one cup of cantaloupe, making it a weight loss friendly food 92 , Like other orange vegetables and fruits, cantaloupe contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which has powerful health benefits such as cancer and heart disease prevention They are also high in fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants, all of which work together to protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease Canned fish has many health benefits and is significantly cheaper than fresh seafood.

Additionally, fish provides a decent amount of the trace mineral selenium, which may boost immune system health and protect against cancer You can pair canned fish with salads, sandwiches, crackers and avocado or use it in several dishes, such as seafood cakes and stir-fries.

In only three ounces of ground pork, there are 22 grams of protein, in addition to a significant amount of B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, iron and selenium In half a chicken breast, there are 28 grams of high-quality protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs , Chicken breast also contains high amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium Including chicken breast in a healthy, balanced diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

It may also protect against the risk of cancer Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, providing In addition, it contains a variety of other nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are known for playing an important role in bone health You can enjoy cottage cheese as a delicious snack.

It tastes great when combined with fruit and is often added to salads. In only one cup grams of yogurt, there are 8. Furthermore, some yogurts are good sources of probiotics , which are healthy bacteria that may benefit digestive health , Yogurt tastes great when combined with fruit or nuts, or it can be added to smoothies.

It can also be made into a sauce and combined with cooked dishes. One cup grams of whole milk provides a significant amount of protein, calcium, B vitamins and phosphorus. Consuming milk and other dairy products on a regular basis may help prevent several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers , , , The 29 foods listed in this article are both cheap and healthy, making them a great addition to your diet.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Numerous foods are marketed as healthy but contain hidden ingredients. Here are 14 "health foods" that aren't as nutritious as you thought.

While some sources of protein are expensive, there are also many affordable high protein foods. Here is a list of 17 healthy protein sources that…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health.

Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —…. Carb counting is complicated.

Take the quiz and test your knowledge! Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food….

While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern. Let's look deeper:. Researchers have found that a daily multivitamin supplement was linked with slowed cognitive aging and improved memory.

Blueberries have been linked to improved cardiovascular health and can contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle. Strawberries are also high in vitamin C and fiber, as well as folate.

They are also rich in antioxidants. A review in Nutrients of studies done with strawberries and blueberries found they helped reduce inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity and helped keep blood pressure in check, among other benefits. Add frozen berries to your favorite smoothie recipe or make a yogurt parfait with them.

Frozen berries can be used to make jams, pies and other desserts. Tuna is a smart choice for those wanting to increase their fish intake while still keeping their groceries affordable.

Tuna is a great source of protein, and it also contains some omega-3 fatty acids , which are important for brain health and reducing inflammation. Tuna also provides a fair amount of the minerals selenium, phosphorus and potassium.

Choose canned tuna for salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. Eggs are a staple item in most homes. They're extremely nutritious and typically cost less than 20 cents per egg. A whole large egg contains 6 grams of protein and delivers some vitamin D as well.

Eggs also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. We often think of eggs for breakfast, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Look to eggs to make a savory dinner quiche, vegetable-packed fried rice or egg salad sandwiches.

Now that we've got a list of healthy, budget-friendly foods to keep on hand, let's explore a few more ways to help you save even more money on your grocery bill. Most people don't realize this, but the ingredients in store-brand products are usually similar to brand-name products.

So, instead of paying extra money for well-known brands, look for generic or store-brand products instead. Before you head to the grocery store, take inventory of everything that you have on hand.

You may be surprised to find a few extra cans of chickpeas, or some leftover broccoli that may be on the verge of going bad. To help avoid food waste and save a little money, try to make recipes with these items first.

Get creative with what you have. Nonperishable items, such as grains, rice, nuts and beans, are typically cheaper when purchased in bulk or larger containers. Even though a larger container of rice will be more expensive, look for the unit price when you shop.

That will tell you how much you're paying per pound or ounce so you can compare packages and get the best deal. When you bring bulk items home, distribute them into smaller portions to help with storage, then use them as needed.

Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season can help keep the price down. Sometimes, but not always, shopping for local produce at your farmers' market can be more affordable.

To help fresh produce last longer, some fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, peaches and onions, can be frozen. You can try washing and storing them in a freezer bag, and placing them in the freezer until you're ready to use them.

When fruits and veggies aren't in season, stock up on nutritious frozen produce. Meal prepping is a great way to save money. Planning your meals can help prevent those unnecessary grocery trips during the week.

Meal prepping doesn't have to be hard. It can be as simple as preparing a big batch of soup on the weekend, and portioning it out to last throughout the week.

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Measure content performance. Stuffed shells may sound like a project, but this version cuts down on the labor by turning it into a one-pan, stovetop-only version with mushrooms and spinach.

Not to be mistaken with the equally enjoyable grilled cheese , grilling cheese—such as Halloumi, bread cheese, or paneer—turns this black lentil salad into a super-satisfying meal.

If a New Orleans—style muffuletta and a Philadelphia-style pork and broccoli rabe sandwich had a baby, it would be this cheese and garlicky—and vegetarian—sandwich. This cream yet completely vegan sauce gets its oomph from a couple of pantry heroes: jarred roasted red peppers and canned white beans.

The old-school Italian classic is as satisfying as it is simple. This versatile dish can be served as a side or a main. Just combine roasted poblano chiles, cubed boiled potatoes, onions, and crema, and grab some tortillas for that carb-on-carb action.

In this economy, who has time to form perfectly round meatballs? These pan-seared beauties cut down on the cost by using just egg for the binding, while also by giving canned salmon center stage.

This garlicky Filipino classic is a great way to start your morning. This Dutch baby is dressed to impress—covered in baked apples and cheddar cheese.

These chicken meatballs get extra flavors from scallions, garlic, ginger, and hawaij, a Yemeni spice mixture. Chances are good you have a box of whole wheat pasta hiding somewhere in the back of the pantry.

This recipe was made for those forgotten noodles. Broccoli, capers, and anchovies are a great match for the wholesome pasta. The addition of potatoes turns this herby frittata into a filling meal.

But it doesn't end there. Go ahead and fill this frittata with two cups of any leftover cooked vegetables you have in the fridge. This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket for those times when you're just not ready to go to the store again.

These salmon burgers rely on canned salmon—an affordable pantry staple—and roasted red pepper mayo to keep cost low without compromising flavor. Thinking about dessert?

Check out our pastry chef's guide to low-cost baking. Bursting with juicy peaches and tomatoes, this summer salad becomes budget-dinner-worthy thanks to crisped bacon and bread charred in the rendered fat. These three-ingredient wings require little more than chicken, hot sauce, and butter—plus a few staples oil, salt, and pepper that are likely already in your pantry.

The key to great flavor here is that the chicken is marinated after grilling, not before. The bigger the beans the better in this saucy Greek-inspired dish. Sop up that tomatoey sauce with some crusty bread and call it a meal on the cheap. The secret to this smoky, melt-in-your-mouth eggplant is cooking it in the dying embers of a charcoal grill or charred on the grates of your grill.

Back away from the potato ricer. These gnocchi rely on instant potatoes to cut down the time and cost. Curly kale does double duty in this dish, both mixed in with the noodles and served over the top as crispy chips. The simple salad becomes much less basic when you add tuna, blanched green beans, and basil dressing.

Sure, pasta with a side salad makes for a well balanced dinner, but how about pasta in a salad?

Consuming beans and other legumes is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is likely due to their ability to lower cholesterol and promote blood sugar control 62 , 63 , Beans can be incorporated into just about any dish. They are commonly added to soups, salads and burritos.

They also contain an impressive amount of protein and fiber, which is why they are so filling and helpful for weight control This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer Research also suggests that eating lentils is associated with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important for preventing heart disease The use of lentils is similar to that of beans, and there are several ways that they can be incorporated into the diet, such as in salads and soups.

Edamame is a healthy food with a fairly low price. Studies show that edamame and other soy-based foods may help lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. This is often attributed to their content of isoflavones, which function as antioxidants in the body 70 , 71 , Most often, edamame is prepared as a steamed side dish.

You can increase its flavor by adding seasonings of your choice. Quinoa is a complete source of protein , which means it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs.

This sets it apart from other grains, which need to be paired with other foods to be considered complete protein sources. Also, quinoa contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, manganese, zinc and several other trace minerals, all of which protect your cells from damage that often leads to disease The health-promoting properties of quinoa have been shown to promote brain health and may help prevent the development of heart disease 74 , Quinoa is also a great nutrient-dense grain that is safe for people with celiac disease The use of quinoa in cooking is similar to that of rice.

With only 31 calories per cup 8 grams , you can eat a lot of it without gaining weight Furthermore, popcorn provides some filling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as a fair amount of B vitamins and magnesium To make air-popped popcorn, place one-fourth cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag and heat it in the microwave until it stops popping.

Add toppings of your choice, such as olive oil, sea salt or Parmesan cheese. They are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese Additionally, bananas provide a decent amount of fiber, which may benefit digestive health, promote weight loss and protect against diabetes 20 , You can enjoy bananas as a quick snack food.

They also taste great combined with peanut butter or yogurt. They are prized for their vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, antioxidants and lots of other nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium and potassium Consuming oranges and other fruits on a regular basis has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, thus lowering the risk of several conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity 80 , It is simple to add oranges to your diet.

They are fairly convenient and can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or mixed with yogurt, salads and smoothies. Berries are nutrition superstars and reasonably priced when you purchase them frozen.

Their incredible antioxidant content makes them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. In fact, berries are considered to be one of the best sources of natural antioxidants To reap the health benefits of berries, try to include them in your diet regularly.

They make for a delicious snack or healthy dessert and can be added to smoothies and salads. One medium apple contains two grams of fiber, which is mostly responsible for the positive effects that apples have been shown to have on serum cholesterol levels 89 , Moreover, apples provide some vitamin C, B vitamins and trace minerals, as well as several antioxidants.

Eating them regularly may help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases 85 , 89 , They are an easy, convenient food to add to your diet and commonly consumed as a snack or chopped into a salad.

One of its notable characteristics is its low calorie content. There are only 53 calories in one cup of cantaloupe, making it a weight loss friendly food 92 , Like other orange vegetables and fruits, cantaloupe contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which has powerful health benefits such as cancer and heart disease prevention They are also high in fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants, all of which work together to protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease Canned fish has many health benefits and is significantly cheaper than fresh seafood.

Additionally, fish provides a decent amount of the trace mineral selenium, which may boost immune system health and protect against cancer You can pair canned fish with salads, sandwiches, crackers and avocado or use it in several dishes, such as seafood cakes and stir-fries.

In only three ounces of ground pork, there are 22 grams of protein, in addition to a significant amount of B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, iron and selenium In half a chicken breast, there are 28 grams of high-quality protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs , Chicken breast also contains high amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium Including chicken breast in a healthy, balanced diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

It may also protect against the risk of cancer Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, providing In addition, it contains a variety of other nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are known for playing an important role in bone health You can enjoy cottage cheese as a delicious snack.

It tastes great when combined with fruit and is often added to salads. In only one cup grams of yogurt, there are 8. Furthermore, some yogurts are good sources of probiotics , which are healthy bacteria that may benefit digestive health , Yogurt tastes great when combined with fruit or nuts, or it can be added to smoothies.

It can also be made into a sauce and combined with cooked dishes. One cup grams of whole milk provides a significant amount of protein, calcium, B vitamins and phosphorus.

Consuming milk and other dairy products on a regular basis may help prevent several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers , , , The 29 foods listed in this article are both cheap and healthy, making them a great addition to your diet.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Numerous foods are marketed as healthy but contain hidden ingredients.

Here are 14 "health foods" that aren't as nutritious as you thought. While some sources of protein are expensive, there are also many affordable high protein foods.

Here is a list of 17 healthy protein sources that…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health.

Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —…. Carb counting is complicated. Take the quiz and test your knowledge!

Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food…. While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern.

Let's look deeper:. Researchers have found that a daily multivitamin supplement was linked with slowed cognitive aging and improved memory. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 28 Healthy Foods That Are Incredibly Cheap.

Medically reviewed by Marie Lorraine Johnson MS, RD, CPT — By Brianna Elliott, RD — Updated on February 28, Sticking to a shopping list to help avoid impulse buys.

Plan on eating out less. But a meal for two at a fast-food restaurant in the U. Preparing a simple, healthy beef stew or roast chicken with vegetables, for example, can cost a fraction of that and leave you with leftovers as well.

Create your shopping list. As you prepare meals throughout the week, make a note of food and supplies you need. Check your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer to see what you already have and make a note of any upcoming expiration dates. Keep a supply of staples.

These include such ingredients as olive oil, flour, old-fashioned oats, nuts, seeds, frozen vegetables and fruit, dried herbs and spices, pasta, brown rice, stock cubes, and canned tomatoes, beans, and fish. Find cheap and healthy recipes. Try to think of foods that are versatile yet nutritious.

For example, combining foods in different bowls and creating different sauces and seasonings can add variety and interest to your meals.

Brown rice topped with black beans, corn, salsa, and chili-lime seasoning or sauce creates an inexpensive and easy Mexican dish. An easy switch-up could be to use the same rice, but with edamame, cubed chicken, and soy or stir-fry sauce for a balanced meal with an Asian flare.

Try to eliminate unhealthy foods from your list, such as soda, cookies, crackers, prepackaged meals, and processed foods. These foods are packed with unhealthy ingredients and offer little in the way of nutrition.

These junk foods can also often cost you much more than the price on the sticker. A poor diet can take a toll on your health and lead to increased medical and drug bills as well as reduced energy and productivity.

Choose whole foods. Convenience foods can save you time, but will cost you more. For example, buying a block of cheese and slicing or grating it yourself is cheaper than buying processed cheese slices or bags of grated cheese—and helps you avoid additives to prevent caking, etc.

Similarly, buying a head of lettuce and washing and chopping it yourself is cheaper than purchasing bagged salad—and will often stay fresher for longer. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts and still taste good, but are often less expensive.

They'll also last longer than fresh fruits and vegetables, preventing expensive food waste. If you have freezer room, the largest frozen bags tend to offer the best value.

When you shop at conventional grocery stores, the store or generic brand will often be cheaper than the name brand for the same quality product.

Look for simple ways to save money throughout the day. Instead of picking up a morning coffee on your way to work or school, for example, make your coffee at home.

Instead of buying breakfast or lunch, prepare your own using leftovers or home-made salads, sandwiches, or boiled eggs. Buy in bulk. Buying non-perishable items, such as dried beans and canned fish, in bulk can save you money as well as shopping time.

If you have the space, you can store bulk-bought grains and cereals in airtight containers and freeze perishable items, such as meat and bread, in smaller portions to use as needed. Alternatively, you can split them with a friend—saving you both money. Shop for produce in season and buy by the bag.

When produce is in season it is at its cheapest, as well as its tastiest and most nutritious. Look for whole grains. Whole, unprocessed grains such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa are often less expensive than their processed alternatives sugar-laden cereals, white rice, and white bread and contain little to no harmful added sugar and refined flour.

Drink water instead of soda. While organically grown food reduces the potential health and environmental hazards posed by pesticides, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and additives, it can often cost more than conventionally grown food.

However, there can still be ways to enjoy the higher quality and stay within your budget:. Opt for locally grown food.

Some small local farmers use organic methods but aren't certified organic due to the cost involved. Be selective.

Some fruits and vegetables have more chemical residue than others. Generally, if you eat the skin such as apples, strawberries, cucumbers choose organic. For produce such as bananas, pineapple, or avocados, stick to cheaper, conventionally grown items.

Compare prices. Having an organic label on baked goods, desserts, and snacks might make them sound healthier, but even organic processed foods are still high in sugar, salt, fat, or calories.

Always read the labels carefully. The neighborhood grocery store is not the only place to shop. Sometimes other venues can offer significantly cheaper ways to purchase healthy food.

Discount stores. Warehouse or club stores like Costco offer great bargains for seasonal produce, and foods such as chicken and cheese. To avoid waste, freeze large portions in smaller, more manageable sizes. Search out Farmers' Markets. Many places host weekly farmers' markets where local farmers sell fresh food directly, often cheaper than the grocery store.

Towards the end of the market, some vendors sell remaining perishable items at a discount. Join a CSA community supported agriculture group. A CSA is a great way to have local, seasonal food delivered directly from a farmer.

Buying clubs can also help make grocery shopping a more social experience. Ethnic markets and corner stores are worth looking into. Many feature an impressive, affordable selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as other products.

Online retailers. There are plenty of websites available that offer grocery deliveries—which can save you plenty of time and in some cases also money.

Some online retailers offer discounted rates over traditional grocery stores while others such as Thrive Market in the U. also focus on healthy, non-processed foods. Always factor in any delivery charges or membership fees when comparing prices.

Shop the perimeter of the store first. Eat a healthy snack before shopping. Take advantage of sales. If you have the shelf or freezer space, stock up on staples or products that you use often when they go on sale.

Be smart about coupons. Your body relies on protein for many of its functions. Affording some meat and fish sources of protein, though, can put a real strain on your food budget. By making a few dietary adjustments, you can save money and still enjoy plenty of protein in your diet.

Purchase less expensive cuts of meat by comparing the price per pound on different options. Try using chicken thighs rather than breasts, or stewing beef rather than a prime cut of steak to make tasty casseroles, soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Bulk out meat dishes with other ingredients. Add rice, pasta, fresh or frozen vegetables, beans, or whole grains to meat to make delicious, filling meals. Combine ground meat with black beans in tacos, for example, add whole grains to meatloaf, or add lots of veggies to a chicken stir fry.

Experiment with vegetarian sources of protein. Unprocessed veggie proteins, such as soy, tofu, beans, and lentils, can be tasty, easy to prepare, and inexpensive.

Eggs are not just for breakfast. Veggie omelets and frittatas, for example, make quick and healthy meals that are high in protein and low in cost. Add a side of rice, beans, or salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Enjoy probiotics. Non-dairy probiotic foods include sauerkraut, vegetables that have been pickled in brine rather than vinegar, miso soup, and tempeh. Use canned fish or chicken as a healthy, inexpensive option for things like sandwiches, enchiladas, casseroles, and salads.

Preparing large portions of food to use over multiple meals can save you time and energy as well as money. Cook once and eat multiple times. Cook a large meal at the beginning of the week so that you have extra to use later in the week when you don't feel like cooking.

One-pot dishes , such as soups, stews, or casseroles, save on preparation time, money, and dishwashing. Freeze leftovers or re-use them for lunch. For a cheap and nutritious breakfast, cook one pot of oatmeal and heat up a serving each morning; vary it by adding fruit, nuts, or seeds.

Instead of throwing away leftovers or forgetting about them at the back of the fridge, get creative and use them to make new meals. Soups, stews, or stir-fries. Create a base with broth or a sauce, or by sautéing onion or garlic, then add any leftovers you have. A small amount of meat is perfect to add flavor and substance.

You can also experiment with herbs and spices to create unique flavors. Everything burritos. Most leftovers make very tasty burritos. Simply put everything into a tortilla shell try to get whole grain with a little cheese or salsa and enjoy. Experiment with combinations. You may be surprised how many foods with different flavors go well together.

For example, try making a large green salad and adding cooked whole grains and veggies on the top, as well as pieces of meat from another meal.

If you live in a dorm, bachelor apartment, hotel room, or other type of housing without a full kitchen, you may have limited space to store perishables and leftovers and minimal kitchen equipment for cooking your own meals.

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This recipe was made for those forgotten noodles. Broccoli, capers, and anchovies are a great match for the wholesome pasta. The addition of potatoes turns this herby frittata into a filling meal. But it doesn't end there. Go ahead and fill this frittata with two cups of any leftover cooked vegetables you have in the fridge.

This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket for those times when you're just not ready to go to the store again.

These salmon burgers rely on canned salmon—an affordable pantry staple—and roasted red pepper mayo to keep cost low without compromising flavor.

Thinking about dessert? Check out our pastry chef's guide to low-cost baking. Bursting with juicy peaches and tomatoes, this summer salad becomes budget-dinner-worthy thanks to crisped bacon and bread charred in the rendered fat. These three-ingredient wings require little more than chicken, hot sauce, and butter—plus a few staples oil, salt, and pepper that are likely already in your pantry.

The key to great flavor here is that the chicken is marinated after grilling, not before. The bigger the beans the better in this saucy Greek-inspired dish. Sop up that tomatoey sauce with some crusty bread and call it a meal on the cheap. The secret to this smoky, melt-in-your-mouth eggplant is cooking it in the dying embers of a charcoal grill or charred on the grates of your grill.

Back away from the potato ricer. These gnocchi rely on instant potatoes to cut down the time and cost. Curly kale does double duty in this dish, both mixed in with the noodles and served over the top as crispy chips.

The simple salad becomes much less basic when you add tuna, blanched green beans, and basil dressing. Sure, pasta with a side salad makes for a well balanced dinner, but how about pasta in a salad? Saucy butter beans swimming in caramelized red onions and piquillo peppers.

Consider making a big batch to have around for easy lunches. The baked macaroni and cheese you know and love gets a spicy upgrade with broccoli rabe and a whole tablespoon of crushed red pepper. Like a cozy blanket in meal form, these chicken thighs get tucked into a Caribbean-inspired sauce made with coconut milk simmered with onions, garlic, and chiles.

Like many great budget meals, this makes a terrific lunch or dinner. Looking for more budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips? Check out The Smart Cook , our section focused on making the most of every dollar in the kitchen.

Kendra Vaculin. Berna Anat. Anna Stockwell. Cheryl Day. Joe Sevier. The Smart Cook Linkbanner Make a Food Budget. Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova. Get This Recipe. Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich.

Photo and Food Styling by Anna Stockwell. Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich. Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell. Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Dana Bonagura. Photo by David Loftus. Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton. Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Heather Greene, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson. Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Liza Jernow. Photo and Styling by Joseph De Leo. Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne. Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou.

Photo by Kristin Teig. Be sure to chop, slice, and grate everything before even thinking about turning on the stove. Once you do, it comes together in 15 minutes. A little bit of flour and butter, garlic, lemon juice, and capers , and you've got a super savory supper.

Say that three times fast. This cheap recipe leaves out the smoked pork or turkey, which is typical in the American South, and goes heavy on garlic for flavor. This all-star easy dinner recipe will work long after corn has gone out of season. In the winter, just sub in shaved cauliflower or torn kale.

This soup packs in all the ingredients that would make your doctor happy—lentils, sweet potatoes, leafy greens—but the fiery Thai green curry paste keeps things interesting. This Haitian meal consists of sos pwa nwa, black bean sauce enriched with coconut milk, served alongside mayi moulen, a creamy cornmeal porridge flavored with garlic and herbs.

Nothing is cozier. This family-friendly weeknight dinner takes a cue from Japanese grilled chicken meatballs called tsukune as well as the glossy, sweet-and-sour sauce that comes with them.

A classic Italian pesto , this is not. Spinach, cilantro, and miso come together for this uber-green sauce, which dresses, of course, springy ramen noodles. In this brothy beans recipe, caramelizing fennel, shallots, and lemon builds a base layer that is sweet, tangy, and bright.

Tinned sardines add protein and a briny flavor. A beloved Hong Kong dish with approximately one billion variations, this soup—which relies heavily on fridge and pantry staples—is meant to be a little sweet and a touch sharp.

Its silky texture comes from blended potatoes and broccoli stalks rather than heavy cream. Well, this is the salad version, with noodles in addition to pink radishes , orange carrots, purple cabbage, and green cucumbers. One head of cabbage goes a long way.

This recipe, where wedges are bathed in turmeric-accented coconut milk until meltingly tender and sweet, uses just half of one to feed four. The soul of this recipe comes from the ginger and tamari marinade that gives crispy tofu a sweet and savory glaze.

We like to turn leftover tofu into tacos, for some Japanese-Mexican fusion. Toss roasted sweet potato wedges in a sweet and nutty tahini dressing for this quick vegetarian weeknight dinner. And no, it will not break the bank. This budget meal is about turning leftover side dishes into something totally new.

Nearly any roasted vegetable or cooked grain could be worked into a frittata using this method. This looks like something that took hours in a crockpot to make, but in reality, the black-eyed peas soak up the flavors of an onion- and tomato-based gravy in under 30 minutes.

Tuna salad deserves to be considered a dinner dish, not just a sandwich filling. Let the pan-fried chickpeas and red endive in this recipe convince you. Pan-crisped and glazed sweet potatoes. With hearty, almost meaty lentils. And pistachios. Purchase lasagna noodles, mushrooms, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

The rest of the ingredients for this cheap dinner recipe are already in your fridge or pantry. One style of cheap meals: recipes chosen with their leftovers in mind , making two meals out of one.

For example, these ground beef meatballs and their tomato sauce make for a great hoagie filling the next day. If you've already got miso in your fridge and don't want to spend on something new, you could use that in this stew recipe instead of gochujang.

It will be a whole different vibe, but a vibe nonetheless. Serve it with a poached egg and a slice of bread for a good cheap meal. Easy homemade tomato soup is an upgrade to the canned stuff, but we don't judge. Try pouring the soup directly over the sliced sandwich for an irresistible comfort food.

Consider this roast chicken your Sunday dinner. And then your Monday lunch, too. You can turn the leftover meat into pulled chicken sandwiches or a chicken noodle salad. Do not underestimate the potential of the often underrated legume, the lentil, a key ingredient when it comes to filling but cheap meals.

Our creamy, almost Alfredo pasta -looking stovetop mac and cheese is about as easy as opening one of those little boxes of shells and powdered sauce —but a lot more delicious. Freeze half of these burgers to pull out during those times when you get the craving for fast food.

Just add heat; you already paid. Here are our favorite ways to prove that a cheap meal can also be the best meal. Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Emilie Fosnocht, prop styling by Emma Ringness. View Recipe. Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Spencer Richards, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua.

Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou. Photo by Emma Fishman. Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Sean Dooley, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua. Photo by Alex Lau, styling by Sean Dooley. Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Nicole Louie.

Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi. Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Pearl Jones and Thu Buser, prop styling by Sean Dooley. Photograph by Elizabeth Coetzee, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht. Photography by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Christina Allen.

Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by Emma Fishman. Photograph by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro, Food Styling Sean Dooley. Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Christina Allen.

Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Pearl Jones. Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Emily Eisen. Photograph by Julian Cousins, Food styling by Adriana Paschen.