If you’re cooking on a budget, be sure to not skimp on nutrition. You’ll feel good about feeding your family these creatively delectable recipes that won’t break the bank. By creating a repertoire of recipes featuring cost-effective ingredients, you’ll soon be able to whip out low-cost dinners without even thinking.
Don’t worry about repetition either, everything from salads to curries to pastas are shown here, all at $2.50 or less per serving. Fresh food doesn’t have to be pricey, and these recipes are proof. Here are four of our favorite budget-friendly recipes from Cooking Light Magazine.
Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Butternut Squash
A company-worthy meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Add a heart-healthy salad to accompany this delicious fall dish. Using a whole chicken is an incredibly frugal option that gives you a lot more chicken for less per pound compared to packaged chicken breasts. You can also use the typically discarded parts to make your own chicken stock. After all, the more parts you can reuse, the less expensive a meal becomes per day.
Price: $1.62 per serving
Pantry Checklist:
• Minced garlic
• Dried rubbed sage
• 1 (3½-pound) roasting chicken
• Red potatoes (12 ounces)
• Butternut squash
• Butter
Full recipe here:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roast-chicken-with-potatoes-butternut-squash
Sausage Ragu over Creamy Polenta
Turkey sausage and bottled marinara combine for a healthy, quick, and affordable twist on this Italian classic. Our readers gave it five stars and rave that this dish is creamy and delicious. Opting for turkey sausage over pork sausage cuts the fat and calories nearly in half. Serve with a romaine salad tossed with red wine vinegar and olive oil.
Price: $2.45 per serving
Pantry Checklist:
• Sweet turkey Italian sausage
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Lower-sodium marinara sauce
• Whole milk
• Instant polenta
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Black pepper
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley
Full recipe here:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sausage-ragu-creamy-polenta
Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms
This weeknight staple gets a makeover with the addition of cremini mushrooms and sliced carrots.
Price: $2.41 per serving
Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Bone-in chicken thighs (8)
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chopped onion
• Carrot
• Cremini mushrooms
• 4 garlic cloves
• Long-grain white rice
• Cooking spray
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Water
• Heavy whipping cream
• Grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
Full recipe here:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-rice
Pork and Herbed White Beans
Although this dish takes a while to cook, the majority is hands off. You can easily prepare it over the weekend and reheat during the week. Garnish with small sage leaves, if desired.
Price: $2.37 per serving
Pantry Checklist:
• Dried white beans
• Boiling water
• Olive oil
• Boneless pork picnic roast (1-pound)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Water
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Fresh sage sprig
• Onion
• Carrot
• Garlic
Full recipe here:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pork-herbed-white-beans
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