13 Absurdly Affordable Meals That Don’t Suck

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13 Absurdly Affordable Meals That Don’t Suck

Are you on the lookout for meals that are light on the pocket but heavy on flavor? We’d love to introduce you to this roster of 13 meals that score high on affordability and don’t fall short on the gratifying experience. These meals employ accessible ingredients and straightforward processes. Every meal from this selection acts as proof that with a little ingenuity, you can delight in stunning meals without straining your budget.

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort meets affordability in this classic meal. It nods to the wallet-friendly, homely meals found in Italian kitchens, creating a pleasing experience without being heavy on your pocket. Its goodness lies not in complicated components, but in its straightforward simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s encouraging to know that true enjoyment need not always be pricey. This meal is a testament to that, offering a soothing, luscious experience that adheres to a strict budget plan. Comfort food and affordability are wonderfully united in this dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This nicely strikes a balance between thrift and enjoyment. A meal that respects your wallet yet refuses to skimp on its allure. It’s a brilliant way to relish good food without worrying about the costs escalating.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A piece of cornbread on a plate next to a few potatoes.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Discover the pleasure of having a delicious meal that barely scratches your budget. This dish celebrates the beauty of simplicity and affordability. It’s proof that gratifying food can be found at friendlier prices.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s pleasing to find meals that are economical and far from underwhelming. This meal offers a slice of that joy, fitting right into a tight budget while offering a competent culinary experience. Delicious and affordable can indeed go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate.
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a dish that will fit perfectly into your budget meals, and yet, truly delight. A meal that is economical but still manages to provide an experience to look forward to. Just because it’s light on the pockets, doesn’t mean it forgets to be fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Affordability can still mean a significant meal. This classic soup is a testament to that notion, it fits snugly into a budget without cutting down on the pleasure of eating. It’s possible to find satisfaction without exhausting your resources.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says inexpensive meals have to be mundane? This meal shows you otherwise, balancing the scales between cost-effectiveness and food appeal. This dish is a comforting resolution that cost constraints need not automatically mean a diminished food experience.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This meal truly represents the concept of finding joy in simplicity. A dish that greets you with a substantial experience without incurring substantial costs. It makes a strong case for satisfying meals that don’t require deep pockets.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something heartwarming about finding food that’s comforting on the plate and comforting for the wallet. This dish is one such delight, offering a pleasant experience without straying beyond your budget. It’s a potent reminder that affordability and appeal can, in fact, harmoniously coexist.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here is a manifestation of the vision where meals are both budget-aligned and satisfying. It reiterates that inexpensive doesn’t automatically translate to disappointing on the taste front. A dish that offers value and comfort without digging deep into your pockets.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make way for a meal that aligns perfectly with your budget while still shining on taste. It demonstrates that satisfaction can come without hefty price tags. A delightfully affordable way to experience fulfilling food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Challenge your preconceived notions of budget meals with this dish. Here is an affordable meal that doesn’t compromise on providing a notable experience. A dish that is as conscientious of your budget as it is of the need for enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

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