While traditional egg salad can be mayo-heavy and chalky, Japanese-style egg salad and the sandwiches that result from the recipe are light, silky, and full of flavor. The best part is that the leftovers keep exceptionally well so well, in fact, that I swear this dish tastes best on day two or three.

Other favorites: A comforting bowl of pastina when you want a comforting and cheap meal on the fly, or a piping hot skillet of eggs in purgatory made with your favorite jarred marinara to be served alongside a loaf of warm, crusty bread.

Sure, canned beans aren't exactly the most delicious food you could grab at the grocery store, but their wallet-friendly pricepoint and inherent versatility make them worthy of claiming a shelf or two in your pantry.

Crack open the can, rinse and drain them, and you've got an ingredient that plays well with others in every single capacity, whether you're using them as a topping or turning them into the main event.

On the other hand, dried beans require planning, prep, and some babysitting, while canned beans only require a can opener — and maybe a dollar or so per can. Though these tacos taste like they're deep-fried, I can assure you they're not; instead of frying the tacos, the store-bought corn tortillas are lightly coated in oil and then baked at a high temperature, which gives them an irresistible shattering texture.

They're exquisite on their own, but even better with a fresh batch of guacamole or your favorite jarred salsa and sour cream for dipping; or, for the best sauce ever, mix sour cream and a spoonful of mayo with a generous drizzle of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo.

Other favorites: An actually-tasty batch of black bean burgers that'll make you wonder why you don't eat black bean burgers more often, or these sweet potato and black bean enchiladas that are surprisingly meaty for a dish that's completely vegetarian.

Bone-in chicken can be scary, but I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be. One of the best cost-saving strategies I've implemented in my kitchen is to ensure that I always have a large pack of chicken thighs in my freezer.

I use chicken thighs as the base for homemade soups or even homemade stocks and roast them to use the meat in salads, and hardly a summer weekend goes by when I don't whip up a massive batch of BBQ chicken thighs on the grill.

IMO, the only way to cook bone-in chicken thighs is to slightly overcook them, as counter-intuitive as that sounds. Though they're technically safe to consume at ºF or higher, I cook them until they reach at least ª, if not º or even higher. Chicken thighs' higher fat content means that the meat will stay moist and juicy regardless, but the higher internal temperature ensures that the meat becomes tender and falls right off the bone.

Still, if bone-in chicken scares you, buy boneless skinless chicken thighs. While they're more expensive than bone-in, they're still much cheaper than chicken breast, and more flavorful, too.

While the recipe itself calls for whole chicken legs , I use bone-in, skin-on thighs for ease and find that the results come out even better. The more uniform shape of the chicken ensures that as much fat as possible is rendered out while it cooks, and since that fat joins the luscious sauce for the kale rice — which you should absolutely be prepared to make a double batch of, BTW — it's a very worthwhile swap.

Other favorites: My favorite herb-forward chicken noodle soup that's also loaded with veggies, or these air fryer chicken thighs that taste restaurant-quality every single time. I have nothing against sandwich bread, but if we're talking longevity and price point, tortillas win every single time.

I keep mine in the refrigerator so they stay fresh for as long as possible, usually at least two weeks, and they're a satisfying base for a variety of meals and snacks from air fryer tortilla chips to quesadillas.

In my most dire rent-week experiences, I've even been known to slather warm tortillas with butter and salt and munch on them as-is The relatively long ingredient list—kidney beans, bell peppers, celery , parsley, rice—might not read as a budget meal, but the most expensive item is the andouille sausage.

Plus, you can feed six people with this one dish. These veggie enchiladas feature a charred tomatillo salsa verde, Cotija cheese, and, yes, creamy pinto beans. That same filling would work well in burritos, too.

If there happen to be leftovers, that meat and mozzarella and marinara make for a great sandwich the next day.

Store-bought puff pastry and a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken are two very helpful shortcuts when it comes to this one-pot meal.

We also developed a soup version of chicken pot pie , just for fun. Giving chunky zucchini pieces a hard sear develops lots of texture and color while minimizing sogginess.

The dilly sour cream provides a garlicky counterpart. When you need a weeknight-friendly recipe that doubles as a cheap dinner idea, stir-fry is the answer. Is there ever a bad time for a quesadilla? This one is easy, cheesy, and a smart way to finish up that jar of kimchi hanging out in the fridge.

Although we and most of our readers love the mixture of nutritional yeast , garlic powder, and onion powder on these vegan nuggets, one commenter was less impressed. If you too crave something bolder, try the method with taco seasoning instead. The humble onion is given center stage in this cheap meal.

Seared, then gently roasted with paprika and tomato paste, these onions prove they have star quality. Transform a can of pumpkin purée into a near-instant pasta sauce—no slow cookers here— that delivers major fall feels. Bonus: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days.

With a generous layer of caramelized onions and plenty of sharp Gruyère cheese, this tart packs the depth of French onion soup into every bite.

The tofu in this cheap recipe absorbs all of the flavors in the sauce—and there are a lot of them: shallots, ginger, garlic, cumin, red chile, turmeric, coconut cream , and peanut butter.

It all becomes a sauce you have to make and see to believe. Crunchy fried onions transform a simple cabbage salad into a sensorial delight: hot and cold, crisp and soft, sweet and spicy.

Make sure to assemble it just before eating in order to capture those different textures. When the coffers are dry and so is the bread on the counter, this is the one. This cheap meal requires just a few other ingredients, most of which are already in your kitchen.

A garlicky mixture of ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and maple syrup cooks down until almost sticky in this riff on a Chinese-American classic sesame chicken.

An untraditional but logical addition to the sauce: tahini. You might be surprised by just how flavorful a combination of chicken stock, celery, and chickpeas can be.

Garlic, red chiles, lemon, and fresh cilantro contribute to making it so—while still keeping it feeling clean. If you can swing it, add a big pinch of asafetida for an extra savory note. Quick-cooking, budget-friendly, and pretty hard to screw up that dark meat is automatically juicier , chicken thighs are our default weeknight dinner—and this is our simplest way to prepare them.

These battered, oven-baked florets come out crackly before getting bathed in a sticky-sweet gochujang glaze. It means you have croutons. Ground turkey is a lean protein that, when simmered with white beans, seasonings, and chipotle chiles in adobo and topped with Greek yogurt, delivers major body and richness.

The key to stress-free stir-frying is in the prep work. 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. However, you can usually find small knobs of ginger in the produce section that weigh less than a pound and cost about a dollar.

Asian grocery stores usually offer good deals on fresh ginger as well. Because most recipes only call for a teaspoon or tablespoon of grated ginger, you can stretch a small piece across several meals to liven up your home cooking. Is it just me, or has cheese gotten insanely expensive?

Luckily there are ways to add some cheesy flavor to your meals without breaking the bank. Nutritional yeast is an affordable cheese substitute that has an intensely nutty, cheesy flavor. I only have to use a pinch or two to spice up my homemade popcorn and pasta dishes. Certain delicate herbs such as parsley, basil, dill, cilantro, thyme, and chives lose a lot of flavor when dried.

Usually, a big bunch of cilantro or parsley only costs a dollar or two and goes a long way. You only need a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of a dish to add a noticeable pop of flavor. To ensure that your herbs last as long as possible, wrap them in a moist paper towel and store them in a sealed container.

But if you want to save money and eliminate waste, consider growing some herbs in pots on your windowsill. That way you can pluck a few leaves from your herb plants as needed instead of buying a whole bundle at the grocery store.

But usually, you can find lemons or limes for under a dollar at most supermarkets. Just like fresh herbs, citrus juice, and peels go a long way. Lemon zest is extremely fragrant, so you only need to add a teaspoon or less to most dishes.

Use sweet potatoes to make a fall-inspired appetizer like this Granola Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Tahini Butter or turn them into a healthy version of French fries. Potatoes can be baked, chopped, roasted and grilled!

Eggs are a great way to stretch your dollar. Loaded with protein and nutrients, eggs can be bought in bulk and used to make some pretty flavorful meals. Use eggs to make Ham and Asparagus Quiche Cups or whip up a baked good like these Eggnog Blondies. Purchasing pre-cooked meat like a rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and money.

From sandwiches to savory omelettes, a rotisserie chicken can be used throughout the week to add protein and essential vitamins to your favorite meals. It's the ideal purchase when you require a quick dinner that is within budget.

Additionally, many stores offer sales on rotisserie chickens, shop around to get the best price. Looking for more plant-based ways to add protein to your diet?

Purchase tofu! Tofu is an excellent protein that's not hard to make. Plus, it's incredibly affordable. Use it to add substance to salads, mix it into stir fry, or use it as a meat alternative in your favorite tacos. For an efficient and budget-approved way to add more protein to your meals, purchase flavorful protein powder.

Protein powders can be used to make everything from smoothies to popcorn. Don't believe us? Check out this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Popcorn. When choosing your protein powder, search for one with whole food ingredients like our Chocolate Protein Powder Nutritional Booster.

Made with pea protein powder, chicory root fiber, chia seeds and beneficial probiotics, it's a great way to boost your nutrition without breaking the bank.

Seeds and nuts might be one of the tiniest superfoods on the planet. They have a tremendous shelf life, are reasonably priced and can be used in countless ways.

Use crushed walnuts to spice up your favorite dessert. Or, make a healthy pudding using chia seeds. This small superfood delivers tons of health benefits that will keep you healthy, happy and energized all day long. To maintain freshness, make sure seeds are kept in an airtight container.

Condiments and pickled vegetables can transform a bland meal into a flavorful one in seconds. Depending on the kind of meals you usually eat, you'll want to choose your condiments wisely. Do you enjoy making Italian food? If so, we suggest purchasing a jar of pesto or marinara sauce.

Or maybe, you're a huge taco Tuesday fan. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure you're stocked up on taco condiments like sour cream, salsa and guacamole. Having a wide array of dressings to choose from is an excellent way to discover new flavors. Plus, when it comes to condiments, a little goes a long way.

You won't have to worry about your mayo, ketchup or ranch running out in one use. Don't have a fresh herb garden at home?

Don't worry. While fresh herbs are delicious, dried herbs do an incredible job when used to flavor dishes. They are also pretty cheap. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Spread the tomato halves out on the tray, ensuring that they are well apart from each other.

Place a few smashed garlic cloves on top and finish with a sprinkle of dried mint. Bake at C for 2 hours, turning the tomatoes halfway through the cooking.

Serve on bruschetta bread or scattered atop a colourful salad and store any leftovers in a sterilized jar, covered with extra virgin olive oil. I think there can be a lot of spice snobbery out there, which scares people into throwing older spices away, but it all depends on how you store them.

Also, if people were less afraid of using them in abundance as I do then they would use them all the time and not have to worry too much about freshness.

I buy my spices from the Tesco Asian import section where you get big bags for £1-£2. I have massive Kilner jars of my basic house spices, which I use a lot of turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, cumin , and then smaller jars of things like sumac and cardamom.

I like to save special honey for special dishes, where it can really shine, and you can really indulge in the taste: honeycomb on buttery toast always holds a special place in my heart. Serves 2 eggs 8 egg yolks g runny honey ml double cream 75g Chinese stem ginger in syrup 75g salted almonds 3 tbsp honey, a handful of crystallised ginger, a few whole almonds and a small bunch of fresh thyme, to decorate.

Pour the cream into a mixing bowl and whip until thick and stiff. Roughly chop the stem ginger and the almonds and mix them in. Pour the mixture into the cake tin, cover with clingfilm and set in the freezer for hours until solid. I think fish and meat lightly cooked in it tastes wonderful.

Instead I prefer to go for a less prestigious wine with similar qualities; in this case, a nebbiolo from the same region. Go for a cheaper German or new world bottle instead.

I use chicken thighs as the base for homemade soups or even homemade stocks and roast them to use the meat in salads, and hardly a summer weekend goes by when I don't whip up a massive batch of BBQ chicken thighs on the grill.

IMO, the only way to cook bone-in chicken thighs is to slightly overcook them, as counter-intuitive as that sounds. Though they're technically safe to consume at ºF or higher, I cook them until they reach at least ª, if not º or even higher.

Chicken thighs' higher fat content means that the meat will stay moist and juicy regardless, but the higher internal temperature ensures that the meat becomes tender and falls right off the bone.

Still, if bone-in chicken scares you, buy boneless skinless chicken thighs. While they're more expensive than bone-in, they're still much cheaper than chicken breast, and more flavorful, too.

While the recipe itself calls for whole chicken legs , I use bone-in, skin-on thighs for ease and find that the results come out even better.

The more uniform shape of the chicken ensures that as much fat as possible is rendered out while it cooks, and since that fat joins the luscious sauce for the kale rice — which you should absolutely be prepared to make a double batch of, BTW — it's a very worthwhile swap.

Other favorites: My favorite herb-forward chicken noodle soup that's also loaded with veggies, or these air fryer chicken thighs that taste restaurant-quality every single time. I have nothing against sandwich bread, but if we're talking longevity and price point, tortillas win every single time.

I keep mine in the refrigerator so they stay fresh for as long as possible, usually at least two weeks, and they're a satisfying base for a variety of meals and snacks from air fryer tortilla chips to quesadillas.

In my most dire rent-week experiences, I've even been known to slather warm tortillas with butter and salt and munch on them as-is don't knock it 'til you've tried it. If you have a gas stovetop, my favorite hack for getting store-bought tortillas to taste decidedly fresh is to briefly run them under cool water, pat any excess dry, then toast directly over the flame.

You'll end up with an interior that's warm and tender with a crisp, slightly charred exterior, and it's heavenly. You can do this with electric or induction stovetops, too; just toast the tortillas directly in a hot skillet until warmed through and gently crisped. Think of this recipe as a baseline, then customize it as you see fit.

To cut down on costs even further, I've occasionally reduced the amount of chicken I use by half and supplemented it with black beans or cooked rice. Importantly, flour tortillas and corn tortillas yield drastically different results; the former produces a dish that's more filling and suuuper comforting, while corn tortillas make for a meal that's lighter and more meat-forward.

The choice is all yours! Other favorites: TikTokers love these ridiculously easy smash burger "tacos" and I do, too! Though I eat plenty of meat, one of my proudest accomplishments is converting my partner, who previously couldn't stand tofu, into a person who now requests tofu-based dishes when we go through our weekly meal plans.

The fact of the matter is that tofu will never replace the texture or flavor of meat, but like meat, it plays nicely with just about every flavor profile. Tofu is the greatest blank canvas out there, which means that the one or two packs you keep in your refrigerator could become just one of the thousands of different tofu recipes out there.