Budget Cooking: Feed 4 for $10

Cooking on a budget? Don't skimp on nutrition! You'll feel good about feeding your family these creatively delectable recipes.

Budget Recipes: Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Butternut Squash

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Butternut Squash

Price: $1.62 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Minced garlic
• Dried rubbed sage
• 1 (3½-pound) roasting chicken
• Red potatoes (12 ounces)
• Butternut squash
• Butter

View Recipe: Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Butternut Squash

Budget Recipes: Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Price: $2.47 per serving

Be sure to use inexpensive medium-size shrimp in this garlicky, spicy classic.

Pantry Checklist:
• Linguine
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Medium shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
• Diced onion
• Crushed red pepper
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Tomato paste
• Fresh lemon juice
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes (1 can)

View Recipe: Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Budget Recipes: Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Price: $2.14 per serving

A new take on a familiar favorite pairs grilled cheese with a BLT for a luscious veggie-packed sandwich that feels like an indulgence. Serve with zesty dill pickle spears. If you have extra room in your budget, pair with a sweet-tart hard cider.

Pantry Checklist:
• Red onion
• Garlic clove
• Shredded reduced-fat sharp white cheddar cheese
• White bread
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Tomato
• Center-cut bacon

View Recipe: Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Stewed Pork and Squash

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Stewed Pork and Squash

Price: $2.12 per serving

Serve with simple pantry-friendly corn muffins to complete the meal.

Pantry Checklist: 
• Onion
• Garlic clove
• Boneless pork shoulder (1 lb.)
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground red pepper
• Chicken broth (fat-free, less-sodium)
• Stewed tomatoes (15-oz. can)
• Butternut squash

View Recipe: Stewed Pork and Squash

Sausage Ragù over Creamy Polenta Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Johnny Autry

Sausage Ragù over Creamy Polenta

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

View Recipe: Sausage Ragù over Creamy Polenta

Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms

Price: $2.31 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Dried porcini mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• Sweet paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion
• Cremini mushrooms
• Brown basmati rice
• Frozen green peas
• Fresh thyme

View Recipe: Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms

Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Price: $2.45 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Pork tenderloin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Button mushrooms
• Garlic
• White wine vinegar
• Lower-sodium chicken broth
• Crème fraîche or sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley

View Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Mini Bacon and Egg Tarts Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Johnny Autry

Mini Bacon and Egg Tarts

Price: $1.58 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Eggs
• Green onions
• Smoked bacon
• Sharp cheddar cheese

View Recipe: Mini Bacon and Egg Tarts

Lamb and Sausage Cassoulet Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Johnny Autry

Lamb and Sausage Cassoulet

Price: $2.08 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Dried Great Northern beans
• Water
• Olive oil
• Boneless leg of lamb
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Turkey kielbasa
• Bacon
• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery
• Garlic
• No-salt-added tomato paste
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Brandy
• French bread baguette
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

View Recipe: Lamb and Sausage Cassoulet

Healthy Wheat-Cracker "Nachos" Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Johnny Autry

Healthy Wheat-Cracker "Nachos"

Price: $2.21 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Fresh corn kernels
• Reduced-fat wheat crackers (such as Triscuit)
• Shredded cheddar
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Lower-sodium mild green salsa
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• Organic black beans
• Kosher salt
• Romaine lettuce
• Plum tomato
• Avocado

View Recipe: Healthy Wheat-Cracker "Nachos"

Black-Eyed Peas and Greens Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Johnny Autry

Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Price: $1.65 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Smoked bacon
• Onion
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Water
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Frozen black-eyed peas
• Fresh turnip greens
• Pepper vinegar

View Recipe: Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Johnny Autry

Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad

Price: $2.48 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Grapefruit
• Tarragon
• Brown sugar
• Shallots
• Romaine lettuce
• Avocado

View Recipe: Shrimp, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad

Turkey Sausage, Mushroom, and Potato Gratin Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey Sausage, Mushroom, and Potato Gratin

Price: $2.27 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Hot turkey Italian sausage
• Butter
• Onion
• Cremini mushrooms
• Red potatoes
• Kosher salt
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Cooking spray
• Swiss cheese
• Fresh thyme

View Recipe: Turkey Sausage, Mushroom, and Potato Gratin

Ham and Pineapple Pizza Subs Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Ham and Pineapple Pizza Subs

Price: $2.39 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Refrigerated crusty French bread dough
• Lower-sodium marinara sauce
• Canadian bacon
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Cubed fresh pineapple
• Green onions (optional)

View Recipe: Ham and Pineapple Pizza Subs

Baked Italian-Style Cauliflower Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Baked Italian-Style Cauliflower

Price: $2.50 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Lean ground sirloin
• Kosher salt
• Crushed red pepper
• Black pepper
• Lower-sodium marinara sauce
• Kalamata olives
• Cauliflower
• Cooking spray
• French bread baguette
• Pecorino Romano cheese

View Recipe: Baked Italian-Style Cauliflower

Savory Baked Apples Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Savory Baked Apples

Price: $1.87 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Brown rice
• Dried cranberries
• Apple cider
• Rome apples
• Butter
• Sweet Italian sausage
• Yellow onion
• Carrot
• Cinnamon
• Ground red pepper
• Garlic
• Walnuts
• Green onions
• Kosher salt
• Dried rubbed sage
• Swiss cheese

View Recipe: Savory Baked Apples

Garlicky Spinach-Sausage Gratin Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Garlicky Spinach-Sausage Gratin

Price: $2.42 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Pork sausage
• Kosher salt
• Ground red pepper
• All-purpose flour
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Eggs
• Spinach
• Cooking spray
• French bread baguette
• Parmesan cheese

View Recipe: Garlicky Spinach-Sausage Gratin

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears

Price: $2.41 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Boneless center-cut loin pork chops
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Ripe pear

View Recipe: Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears

Indian-Spiced Lentils and Lamb Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Indian-Spiced Lentils and Lamb

Price: $2.33 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Lean ground lamb
• Red curry powder
• Ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Red pepper
• Onion
• Carrot
• Jalapeño pepper
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Brown lentils
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Water
• Light coconut milk
• Whole peeled tomatoes
• 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
• Cilantro

View Recipe: Indian-Spiced Lentils and Lamb

Potato-Crusted Chicken Fingers Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: Randy Mayor

Potato-Crusted Chicken Fingers

Price: $2.42 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• 6 ounces baked potato chips
• All-purpose flour
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Egg
• Skinless, boneless chicken breast
• Salt
• Canola oil

View Recipe: Potato-Crusted Chicken Fingers

Buffalo Chicken Thighs Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Price: $2.22 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Ground red pepper
• Bone-in chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Hot sauce
• Butter

View Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Cheese Ravioli with Pesto Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Cheese Ravioli with Pesto

Price: $2.43 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Fresh 3-cheese ravioli
• Fresh baby spinach
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt
• Crushed red pepper
• Garlic
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Plum tomato
• Parmesan cheese
• Pine nuts
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

View Recipe: Cheese Ravioli with Pesto  

French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly

Price: $1.64 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Large egg
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• White whole-wheat sandwich bread
• Strawberry preserves
• Creamy peanut butter
• Canola oil
• Powdered sugar

View Recipe: French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly

Stir-Fried Chinese Egg Noodles Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Stir-Fried Chinese Egg Noodles

Price: $1.31 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Chinese egg noodles
• Canola oil
• Cremini mushrooms
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Lower-sodium soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Fresh lime juice
• Dark sesame oil
• Ketchup
• Chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
• Large eggs
• Spinach

View Recipe: Stir-Fried Chinese Egg Noodles

Summer Veggie Pizza Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Summer Veggie Pizza

Price: $2.49 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Store-bought pizza dough
• Cooking spray
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Asparagus
• Corn
• Cornmeal
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Kosher salt
• Crushed red pepper
• Basil

View Recipe: Summer Veggie Pizza

Linguine with Quick Lemon Ricotta Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Linguine with Quick Lemon Ricotta

Price: $2.20 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Cider vinegar
• Lemon rind
• Kosher salt
• Linguine
• Olive oil
• Yellow squash
• Zucchini
• Grape tomatoes
• Garlic
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Black pepper
• Mint leaves

View Recipe: Linguine with Quick Lemon Ricotta

Kid-tastic Pizzadillas Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Kid-tastic Pizzadillas

Price: $1.27 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Canola oil
• Flour tortillas
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Turkey pepperoni
• Marinara sauce (such as MuCutcheon's)

View Recipe: Kid-tastic Pizzadillas

Maple-Brined Pork Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Maple-Brined Pork

Price: $2.50 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Water
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Black peppercorns
• Whole allspice
• Garlic
• Bay leaf
• Kosher salt
• Maple syrup
• Boneless pork chops
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray
• Butter
• Plums
• Peaches
• Green onions

View Recipe: Maple-Brined Pork

Tomato Soup with Roasted Chickpeas Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Tomato Soup with Roasted Chickpeas

Price: $2.15 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Red bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Heavy whipping cream
• No-salt-added whole peeled tomatoes
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Ground red pepper
• Country ham
• Chickpeas
• Cumin
• Flat-leaf parsley
• Sliced almonds

View Recipe: Tomato Soup with Roasted Chickpeas

Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

Price: $2.39 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Bone-in center-cut pork chops
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking spray
• Uncooked couscous
• Water
• Cherries
• Green onions
• Dry-roasted almonds
• Lemon rind
• Lemon juice

View Recipe: Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

Chicken Satay Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Chicken Satay

Price: $2.45 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
• Toasted cumin seeds
• Fresh lime juice
• Dark sesame oil
• Toasted coriander seeds
• Garlic
• Shallot
• Light coconut milk
• Brown sugar
• Fresh ginger
• Ground turmeric
• Serrano chile
• Skinless, boneless chicken thighs

View Recipe: Chicken Satay

Grilled Steak with Onions and Scallions Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Steak with Onions and Scallions

Price: $1.96 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Boneless sirloin steak
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red onion
• Green onions
• Cooking spray
• Baking potato
• Reduced-fat sour cream
• Fat-free milk
• Butter

View Recipe: Grilled Steak with Onions and Scallions

Black Beans and Yellow Rice Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Black Beans and Yellow Rice

Price: $1.86 per serving

Pantry Checklist:

• Dried black beans
• Cooking spray
• Spanish chorizo
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cumin
• Onion
• Orange bell pepper
• Jalapeño pepper
• Garlic
• Long-grain rice
• Ground turmeric
• Fresh tomato
• Fresh cilantro

View Recipe: Black Beans and Yellow Rice

Tuna Melts with Avocado Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Tuna Melts with Avocado

Price: $2.41 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Shallots
• Dijon mustard
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Solid white tuna in water (1 can)
• Lemon juice
• Avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Swiss cheese
• French bread

View Recipe: Tuna Melts with Avocado

Grilled Chicken Wraps Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Chicken Wraps

Price: $2.42 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Canola mayonnaise
• White wine vinegar
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Lemon juice
• Cabbage
• Bread-and-butter pickles
• Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Cooking spray
• Flatbread sandwich wraps

View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wraps

Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Veggies Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Veggies

Price: $2.42 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Salt
• Linguine
• Broccoli florets
• Butter
• Onion
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Medium shrimp
• Carrot
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• Ground black pepper

View Recipe: Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Veggies

Cold Chicken and Rice Salad Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Cold Chicken and Rice Salad

Price: $2.49 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray
• Long-grain rice
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Dried cranberries
• Celery
• Green onions
• Red bell pepper
• Pimiento-stuffed olives
• Green leaf lettuce leaves
• Green onion tops
• Lemon wedges

View Recipe: Cold Chicken and Rice Salad

Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Speed up prep by marinating only 30 minutes. Serve with cabbage-carrot slaw.

Price: $1.91 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Brown mustard
• Brown sugar
• Yellow mustard
• Maple syrup
• Onion
• Cider vinegar
• Lower-sodium soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Bone-in chicken thighs
• Kosher salt
• Cooking spray

View Recipe: Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Pasta Puttanesca Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Pasta Puttanesca

Serve with a salad of green leaf lettuce, red onion, and fresh parsley, dressed with 1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Price: $2.22 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Anchovy fillets
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Parsley
• Capers
• Crushed red pepper
• Fettuccine
• Parmesan

View Recipe: Pasta Puttanesca

Sausage and Egg Burrito Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Sausage and Egg Burrito

Serve with a salad of fresh spinach, sliced red onion, and cubed cantaloupe.

Price: $2.11 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Radish
• Red onion
• Avocado
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Butter
• Garlic
• Reduced-fat pork sausage
• Eggs
• Whole-wheat flour tortillas
• Organic pinto beans

View Recipe: Sausage and Egg Burrito

Pork Salad Provençal Budget Cooking Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Pork Salad Provençal

Serve this elegant salad with baguette slices toasted with feta cheese.

Price: $2.49 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Garlic
• Pork tenderloin
• Cooking spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon rind
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Dried thyme
• Romaine lettuce
• Flat-leaf parsley
• Celery
• Plum tomato

View Recipe: Pork Salad Provençal

Fettucine with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Red Pepper Budget Cooking

Photo: John Autry

Fettucine with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Red Pepper

Serve this simple pasta with zucchini sautéed in 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Price: $1.40 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Crushed red pepper
• Water
• Salt
• Fettucine
• Grated fresh Parmesan
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley

View Recipe: Fettucine with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Red Pepper

Spring Risotto Budget Cooking

Photo: John Autry

Spring Risotto

Fresh asparagus is most economical in the spring when it's in season.

Price: $2.40 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Asparagus
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Arborio rice
• Edamame
• Kosher salt
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• Ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme

View Recipe: Spring Risotto

Onion Tart Recipe Budget Cooking

Photo: John Autry

Onion Tart

The earthy flavor of this tart, with touches of feta tang, pairs beautifully with a peppery, nutty salad. With that in mind, we suggest serving with our Arugula and Walnut Salad.

Price: $2.45 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Thyme
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Refrigerated pie dough
• Crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
• Shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
• Large egg

View Recipe: Onion Tart

Smoky Potato Pancakes Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Smoky Potato Pancakes

Looking for the perfect accompaniment that won't overpower these delightfully delicious potato cakes? Try spinach salad with red onion and tangy vinaigrette.

Price: $1.85  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Hickory smoked bacon slices
• Onion
• Leek
• Garlic
• Baking potato
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Eggs
• Cooking Spray
• Reduced-fat sour cream

View Recipe: Smoky Potato Pancakes

Green Chile Chili Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Green Chile Chili

Serve this tangy chili with corn bread or corn muffins. Don't forget to garnish with sharp cheddar and sliced green onion for a winning presentation.

Price: $2.49  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Canola oil
• Ground sirloin
• Chili powder
• Hot paprika
• Garlic
• Dark beer
• Salsa verde
• Canned green chiles
• No-salt-added canned tomatoes
• Organic canned kidney beans
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Green onion

View Recipe: Green Chile Chili

Garbanzo Beans and Greens Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Garbanzo Beans and Greens

Substitute escarole or another hearty green like collards if you don't like kale. Serve with torn baguette bread to soak up all the tasty juices.

Price: $1.79  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Center-cut bacon slices
• Carrot
• Onion
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Ground cumin
• Crushed red pepper
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Water
• Canned organic chickpeas
• Fresh kale
• Plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
• Lemon wedges (optional)

View Recipe: Garbanzo Beans and Greens

Roast Lamb with Pomegranate Sauce Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Roast Lamb with Pomegranate Sauce

Although it's budget-friendly, this dish is elegant enough for company. Serve with steamed fresh green beans.

Price: $2.44  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Boneless leg of lamb
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Red Wine
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Pomegranate juice
• Sugar
• All-purpose flour

View Recipe: Roast Lamb with Pomegranate Sauce

Mushroom and Barley Risotto Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Mushroom and Barley Risotto

Barley doesn't contain as much starch as rice, so this "risotto," although delicious, is not quite as creamy as traditional recipes.

Price: $2.27  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Dried porcini mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Cremini mushrooms
• Garlic
• Pearl barley (uncooked)
• Brandy
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Salt
• Flat-leaf parsley

View Recipe: Mushroom and Barley Risotto

Pork and Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Pork and Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potatoes and sliced mushrooms add an interesting twist to this familiar comfort food. Although the pork takes a while to cook, the simmering is hands off.

Price: $2.16  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Boneless pork shoulder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Sweet potato
• Onion
• Ground red pepper
• Cremini mushrooms
• Green onions

View Recipe: Pork and Sweet Potato Hash

Crab and Vegetable Gumbo Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Crab and Vegetable Gumbo

The gumbo-blend vegetables contain chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, corn, and okra. If you can't find this particular blend, substitute a mixture of frozen okra and corn.

Price: $2.49  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Butter
• Onion
• Carrot
• Salt
• Cumin
• Ground red pepper
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Celery
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Frozen gumbo-blend vegetables
• Water
• All-purpose flour
• Crab claw meat
• Long-grain white rice

View Recipe: Crab and Vegetable Gumbo

Bacon Pierogi Bake Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Bacon Pierogi Bake

Pierogies are yummy potato-filled dumplings you can purchase from the freezer section of most major supermarkets. Using this convenience item to jump-start dinner is not just economical, but it'll save you lots of time in the kitchen, as well. Bake in gratin dishes for fun individual "casseroles," and serve with a green salad.

Price: $1.84  per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Frozen potato and onion pierogies
• Cooking spray
• Bacon
• Garlic
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Green onions
• Plum tomato
• Black pepper

View Recipe: Bacon Pierogi Bake

Sausage and Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding

Sausage and Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding

Price: $1.60 per serving

If your supermarket offers turkey Italian sausage in the butcher case, purchase one or two links to equal 4 ounces. If starting with a package of several sausages, freeze leftover links up to two months for later use.

Pantry Checklist: 
• Low-fat milk
• Dry mustard
• Eggs (3)
• Day-old French bread
• Yellow onion
• Apple juice
• Turkey Italian sausage (4 ounces)
• Sharp cheddar cheese

View Recipe: Sausage and Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding

Sesame-Soy Meatballs

Photo: John Autry

Sesame-Soy Meatballs

Serve these garlicky, spicy meatballs with steamed sugar snap peas and two cups cooked rice tossed with 1 tablespoon chile paste—you'll find it on the ethnic aisle of most supermarkets or at Asian grocers.

Price: $2.50 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Green onions
• Brown sugar
• Lower-sodium soy sauce
• Dark sesame oil
• Chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
• Salt
• Garlic cloves
• Ground sirloin (1 lb.)

View Recipe: Sesame-Soy Meatballs

Pork-Potato Hash with Eggs

Pork-Potato Hash with Eggs

Price: $1.81 per serving

Pork sold as "country-style ribs" is not always from the rib section; it can be cut from a pork shoulder roast, too. Either way, it's economical and generally cut into individual "ribs," making it easy for you to ask your butcher for just the number you need.

Pantry Checklist:
• Pork country-style ribs (about 2 ribs)
• Garlic cloves, crushed (6)
• Olive oil
• (1/2-inch) cubed red potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• Chopped onion
• 4 large eggs
• Ground red pepper
• Thinly diagonally sliced green onions

View Recipe: Pork-Potato Hash with Eggs

Rotini and Cheese Recipes

Photo: John Autry

Rotini and Cheese

This hearty one-dish meal combines smoky bacon with tangy cheddar for a family-friendly midweek meal that comes together in a flash.

Price: $1.01 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Bacon
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• All-purpose flour
• Dijon mustard
• 1% low-fat milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cooked rotini
• Green peas

View Recipe: Rotini and Cheese

Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Homemade Applesauce

Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Homemade Applesauce

Price: $2.43 per serving

Granny Smith or Braeburn apples work well in the sauce. Or try a combination. Serve with green beans.

Pantry Checklist: 
• Apples (3)
• Butter
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• All-purpose flour
• Center-cut pork chops (4 5-oz.)

View Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Homemade Applesauce

Pork and Herbed White Beans Recipes

Photo: John Autry

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

View Recipe: Pork and Herbed White Beans

Quick Meat Loaf

Quick Meat Loaf

Preparing a free-form loaf and cooking it on a broiler pan cuts cook time, compared to standard recipes. Serve with smashed red-skinned potatoes and simple steamed broccoli.

Price: $2.36 per serving

Pantry Checklist: 
• Green onions
• Dried breadcrumbs
• Garlic
• Crushed red pepper
• Ground sirloin (1 lb.)
• Egg
• Ketchup

View Recipe: Quick Meat Loaf




 

Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops and Polenta Recipes

Photo: John Autry

Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops and Polenta

Reduce the vinegar while the polenta simmers so the entire meal is ready and hot at the same time.

Price: $2.34 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Whole milk
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Uncooked polenta
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh rosemary
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic
• Boneless center-cut pork chops (4, 4-ounce)

View Recipe: Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops and Polenta

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

Price: $2.08 per serving

Serve this creamy soup with a spinach salad and slices of French bread toasted with thinly sliced Swiss cheese.

Pantry Checklist: 
• Butternut squash
• Carrot
• Sweet onion
• Chicken broth (fat-free, less sodium)
• French bread
• Swiss cheese

View Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Curried Potatoes and SquashRecipes

Photo: John Autry

Curried Potatoes and Squash

This recipe can be made into a delicious vegetarian soup, if your family prefers. Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken. Serve with warm flatbread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Price: $2.42 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Butter
• Onion
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic cloves
• Baking potato (about 1½ pounds)
• Butternut squash (about 1¼ pounds)
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Ground red pepper
• Can whole tomatoes
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Light coconut milk
• Green peas
• Green onions

View Recipe: Curried Potatoes and Squash

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings

Price: $2.43 per serving

This generous serving of soup is chock-full of vegetables and is hearty enough to pass as a complete meal.

Pantry Checklist: 
• Chicken leg quarters (4)
• Whole black peppercorns
• Celery
• Carrots
• Bay leaves
• Onion
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Buttermilk
• Fresh chives

View Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Healthy Budget Recipes: Braised Short Ribs with Egg Noodles

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Braised Short Ribs with Egg Noodles

Price: $2.47 per serving

The key to getting incredibly rich flavor in a sauce made from water is to create tasty browned bits on the bottom of the pan. To ensure you create those bits, use a stainless steel skillet―not a nonstick pan.

Pantry Checklist:
• 1½ pounds beef short ribs, trimmed (4 ribs)
• All-purpose flour (½ cup)
• Olive oil
• Chopped carrot (about 1 large)
• Chopped onion
• 1 (8-ounce) package cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Tomato paste
• Uncooked medium egg noodles (8 ounces)

View Recipe: Braised Short Ribs with Egg Noodles

Healthy Budget Recipes: Roast Leg of Lamb with Chile-Garlic Sauce

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roast Leg of Lamb with Chile-Garlic Sauce

Price: $2.49 per serving

The base of the sauce, a simplified version of harissa, is sambal oelek―a fiery Asian condiment you’ll find on the ethnic aisle at major supermarkets or at Asian markets. The green bean and potato side dishes complete the meal and fall within budget.

Pantry Checklist:
• 1 (1 pound) boneless leg of lamb, trimmed
• Sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste)
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

View Recipe: Roast Leg of Lamb with Chile-Garlic Sauce

Healthy Budget Recipes: Bacon and Butternut Pasta

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bacon and Butternut Pasta

Price: $2.49 per serving

Try this spinach salad as a side dish: Combine 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1½ teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper; whisk. Toss with 5 cups fresh spinach. Top with 1 cored and thinly sliced Braeburn apple.

Pantry Checklist:
• 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
• 2 bacon slices
• Butter
• 3 cups (½-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
• ½ cup sliced green onions

View Recipe: Bacon and Butternut Pasta

Healthy Budget Recipes: Chicken Curry

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chicken Curry

Price: $2.39 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Canola oil
• 3 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 cups green bell pepper strips (about 1 large)
• Fresh lime juice
• Less-sodium soy sauce
• Red curry paste
• Sugar (1 teaspoon)
• 1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
• Hot cooked long-grain rice
• Lime wedges (optional)

View Recipe: Chicken Curry

Healthy Peppery Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp Recipe

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Peppery Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp

Price: $2.15 per serving

Splitting the shrimp in half helps a small amount stretch further. You can sub baby spinach for arugula, if you prefer.

Pantry Checklist:
• Minced fresh garlic
• 1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby arugula
• Linguine (uncooked)
• Olive oil
• ½ pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• Minced shallots
• Fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Butter
• Shaved fresh Romano cheese

View Recipe: Peppery Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp

Healthy Pork Tenderloin, Pear, and Cranberry Salad Recipe

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pork Tenderloin, Pear, and Cranberry Salad

Price: $2.38 per serving

Eating inexpensively doesn’t mean being deprived. Here crisp pears, ruby-hued cranberries, and pork top spinach in a pretty, filling salad.

Pantry Checklist:
• Cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Brown sugar
• Minced fresh garlic
• Dried thyme
• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• All-purpose flour
• Olive oil
• Dried cranberries
• Sliced shallots
• Cranberry juice cocktail
• Baby spinach leaves
• 1 ripe red Anjou pear

View Recipe: Pork Tenderloin, Pear, and Cranberry Salad

Healthy Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken

Price: $2.49 per serving

Serve with 3 cups cooked egg noodles tossed with 2 tablespoons butter and green onions.

Pantry Checklist:
• 2 slices white bread
• Chopped green onions
• Presliced mushrooms
• Dried thyme
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• All-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Olive oil

View Recipe: Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken

Healthy Chicken with Lemon and Olives Recipe

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chicken with Lemon and Olives

Price: $2.39 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Fresh orange juice (¼ cup)
• Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup)
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Ground cumin
• 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 4 chicken leg quarters, skinned
• 16 pimiento-stuffed green olives, halved
• 1 lemon
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (¼ cup)

View Recipe: Chicken with Lemon and Olives

Healthy Zucchini, Cherry Tomato, and Fresh Ricotta Pasta Recipes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Zucchini, Cherry Tomato, and Fresh Ricotta Pasta

Price: $1.62 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Whole milk
• Buttermilk
• Olive oil
• Uncooked fettuccine
• 2 medium zucchini
• Minced garlic
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Small mint leaves

View Recipe: Zucchini, Cherry Tomato, and Fresh Ricotta Pasta

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas Recipes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chicken Enchiladas

Price: $2.46 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Chili powder
• Ground red pepper
• Ground cumin
• Fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 9 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions

View Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Healthy Spring Vegetable Carbonara Recipes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spring Vegetable Carbonara

Cavatappi, spiral-shaped pasta, adds an element of whimsy to this budget-friendly dish. If you can't find it, substitute fusilli.

Price: $1.93 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Frozen green peas
• Asparagus
• Uncooked cavatappi pasta
• Grated pecorino Romano cheese
• Kosher salt
• 3 large eggs
• 4 slices center-cut bacon
• Chopped seeded red bell pepper

View Recipe: Spring Vegetable Carbonara

Healthy Korean-Style Beef Skewers with Rice Noodles Recipes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Korean-Style Beef Skewers with Rice Noodles

Find the noodles and sambal on the ethnic aisle at the supermarket or in an Asian market.

Price: $2.49 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Less-sodium soy sauce
• Sugar
• Sambal oelek (chile paste, such as Huy Fong)
• Canola oil
• Fresh lime juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (1-pound) top sirloin steak
• Wide rice sticks (8 ounces)
• Thinly sliced green onions

View Recipe: Korean-Style Beef Skewers with Rice Noodles

Penne with Pistachio Pesto and White Beans

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Penne with Pistachio Pesto and White Beans

Pistachios make an interesting and tasty addition to this pesto. Look for roasted pistachios that are in the shell because they're more economical than shelled nuts.

Price: $1.85 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Penne pasta
• Fresh basil
• Shelled pistachios
• 6 garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Chopped seeded peeled tomato
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Cannellini beans (15-ounce can)
• Package arugula (5 ounces)
• Shredded fresh pecorino Romano cheese (1 ounce)

View Recipe: Penne with Pistachio Pesto and White Beans

Braised Chicken Thighs with Plums

Photo: Randy Mayor

Braised Chicken Thighs with Plums

Serve this dish over couscous tossed with grated lemon rind.

Price: $2.50 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Allspice
• Bone-in chicken thighs, skinned (8)
• Butter
• Onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• Brandy
• Fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• Dried rubbed sage
• 3 pitted plums
• Fresh lemon juice

View Recipe: Braised Chicken Thighs with Plums

Greek-Style Pork Chops

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Greek-Style Pork Chops

Cut two pita rounds in half, and cut each half into quarters and toast. Serve the pita wedges with the pork chops.

Price: $2.46 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 (4-ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops
• Plain fat-free Greek-style yogurt
• Fresh dill
• Salt
• Diced plum tomatoes (about 2 medium)
• Seeded cucumber
• Red onion
• Cooking spray

View Recipe: Greek-Style Pork Chops

Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

Price: $2.49 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Fresh lime juice
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 (4-ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic clove, minced
• Cooking spray
• Ear shucked corn
• Red bell pepper
• Nectarine
• Grated lime rind
• Jalapeño pepper
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• Cabbage

View Recipe: Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

Summer Barley Salad Recipes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Summer Barley Salad

Serve this colorful summer salad with buttery lemon green beans.

Price: $1.91 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Uncooked pearl barley
• Fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
• Plum tomato (about 2 small)
• Green onions
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 20 kalamata olives
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic clove
• Crumbled feta cheese

View Recipe: Summer Barley Salad

Edamame Succotash Recipes

Photo: John Autry

Edamame Succotash

If you can't find frozen, shelled edamame (green soybeans), substitute the more traditional lima beans. Serve with a baguette and Neufchâtel cheese.

Price: $2.47 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Center-cut bacon
• Butter
• Sweet onion
• Fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears)
• Frozen, shelled edamame, thawed (16-ounce bag)
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar
• Plum tomatoes
• Red bell pepper
• Basil

View Recipe: Edamame Succotash

Spicy Corn and Crab Chowder

Photo: John Autry

Spicy Corn and Crab Chowder

Claw meat tends to be slightly darker than pristine lump crab, but it lends a robust flavor. Serve with corn muffins. Purchase a boxed corn muffin mix for maximum efficiency.

Price: $2.41 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Poblano chile
• Butter
• Onion
• Salt
• Sugar
• Ground red pepper
• Frozen corn kernels, thawed (16-ounce package)
• Half-and-half
• Russet potato
• Water
• Flour
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Crab claw meat (8-ounce container)

View Recipe: Spicy Corn and Crab Chowder

Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

Photo: John Autry

Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

Serve this main-dish salad over fresh spinach. Regular spinach is the least expensive option, but you'll have to remove the stems. If time is your main concern, buy baby spinach.

Price: $2.28 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 4 (6-ounce)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Cooking spray
• Celery
• Sweetened dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans, toasted
• Green onions
• Light sour cream
• Canola mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice

View Recipe: Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

Fettuccine with Mussels

Photo: John Autry

Fettuccine with Mussels

Look for the small airline-sized bottles of wine that are packaged in 4-packs—they're the most economical way to buy wine when you just need a small amount for cooking.

Price: $2.46 per serving

Pantry Checklist:

• Uncooked fettuccine
• Butter
• Onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• Dry white wine
• 3 plum tomatoes
• Bottled clam juice
• 1½ pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley

View Recipe: Fettuccine with Mussels

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Photo: John Autry

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Although the yellow and green squash give this one-dish meal a colorful appearance, you can use one or the other, if you prefer.

Price: $2.16 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Cooking spray
• Onion
• Bone-in chicken breast half, skinned (8-ounce)
• Black pepper, divided
• Fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth (14-ounce can)
• Butter
• Zucchini
• Yellow squash
• Long-grain white rice
• Fresh rosemary
• All-purpose flour
• 2% reduced-fat milk
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Salt

View Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Warm Pasta Salad with Shrimp

Photo: John Autry

Warm Pasta Salad with Shrimp

If you prefer to serve this salad chilled, make it up to a day ahead, toss, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Price: $2.07 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh garlic
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking spray
• Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (12 ounces)
• Fresh spinach
• Canned cannellini beans
• Red onion
• Capers

View Recipe: Warm Pasta Salad with Shrimp

Gingery Pork Meatballs with Noodles

Photo: John Autry

Gingery Pork Meatballs with Noodles

Wide rice noodles are available on the ethnic-foods aisle at most major supermarkets and at Asian grocers. If you can't find them, any rice noodle or even spaghetti will work in this dish. You can also use ground sirloin, if you can't find pork.

Price: $2.06 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Fresh cilantro
• Dry breadcrumbs
• Red onion
• Lower-sodium soy sauce
• Fresh ginger
• 3 garlic cloves
• Lean ground pork (1 pound)
• Large egg
• Uncooked wide rice noodles
• Dark sesame oil
• Red bell pepper
• Julienne-cut snow peas
• Salt
• Crushed red pepper
• Green onions

View Recipe: Gingery Pork Meatballs with Noodles

Minty Tomato Soup

Photo: John Autry

Minty Tomato Soup

Look for large tomatoes, as they're easier to work with. If you make the soup ahead, the flavors will meld with time, but give the soup a quick stir before serving. Cheesy toasts add a bit of extra protein to this end-of-summer soup.

Price: $2.42 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Plum tomatoes
• Fresh mint
• Kosher salt
• Red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves
• Mint leaves
• Olive oil
• French bread baguette
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened

View Recipe: Minty Tomato Soup

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Photo: John Autry

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Dark green poblano chiles have mild to moderate heat. The darker the chile, the more fiery it will be. Serve with Grilled Corn.

Price: $2.44 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Poblano chiles
• French bread baguette
• 1% low-fat milk
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground red pepper
• Ground turkey breast
• Cooking spray
• Canola mayonnaise
• Hamburger buns
• Tomato
• Green leaf lettuce leaves

View Recipe: Southwest Turkey Burgers

Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Potatoes

Photo: John Autry

Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Potatoes

This classic meal is economical and easy to prepare. Although we call for thyme, you can use any fresh herbs you have on hand—tarragon, chives, rosemary, or a mix of any of them will work in the potatoes.

Price: $2.33 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Lemons
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves
• Whole chicken (3½-pound)
• 6 garlic cloves
• Red potatoes
• Butter, softened
• Fresh thyme leaves

View Recipe: Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Potatoes

Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Photo: John Autry

Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Fruity, briny olives add meaty flavor to this meatless one-dish meal.

Price: $1.84 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Shallots
• Head cauliflower
• Sliced Spanish olives
• Salt
• Crushed red pepper
• 5 garlic cloves
• Uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
• Fresh parsley
• Pecorino Romano cheese, shaved

View Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Mushroom and Sausage Ragù with Polenta

Photo: John Autry

Mushroom and Sausage Ragù with Polenta

Cook the polenta while the ragù simmers so everything will be ready and hot at the same time. Use mild sausage, if you prefer.

Price: $2.49 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Hot turkey Italian sausage
• Onion
• Cremini mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves
• Kosher salt
• No-salt-added diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce can)
• Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• Water
• Uncooked polenta
• 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• Butter

View Recipe: Mushroom and Sausage Ragù with Polenta

Lamb Tagine

Photo: John Autry

Lamb Tagine

Serve this Moroccan-style lamb stew with two cups hot cooked couscous.

Price: $2.45 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Cooking spray
• Boneless leg of lamb roast (1-pound)
• Kosher salt
• Chopped onion
• Ground cumin
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground red pepper
• 6 garlic cloves
• Honey
• Tomato paste
• Dried apricots
• Fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth (14-ounce can)

View Recipe: Lamb Tagine

Chicken and Rice

Photo: John Autry

Chicken and Rice

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

View Recipe: Chicken and Rice

Risotto Primavera

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Risotto Primavera

This risotto is studded with the color and vibrant flavor of fresh veggies. Although inexpensive, this dish is attractive and tasty enough to serve guests.

Price: $2.48 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Cherry tomatoes
• Water
• Fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• Onion
• Arborio rice
• White wine vinegar
• Frozen green peas
• Asparagus
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper

View Recipe: Risotto Primavera

Linguine with Spicy Shrimp

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Linguine with Spicy Shrimp

The combo of Cajun seasoning and ground red pepper really packs a punch of heat in this dish, but the creamy sauce takes the edge off. Decrease the ground red pepper or simply omit it for a milder version of the dish. Serve with sliced French bread.

Price: $2.46 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Uncooked linguine
• Butter
• Onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• Plum tomatoes
• Peeled and deveined medium shrimp (1 pound)
• Cajun seasoning
• Ground red pepper
• Salt
• Half-and-half
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley

View Recipe: Linguine with Spicy Shrimp

BLT Bread Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

BLT Bread Salad

Think of this hearty tossed salad as a deconstructed BLT sandwich, where the bread appears in the form of croutons. Round out the plate with fresh cantaloupe.

Price: $2.32 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• French bread baguette
• Cooking spray
• Hickory-smoked bacon
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt
• Romaine lettuce
• Plum tomatoes
• Green onions
• Crumbled feta cheese

View Recipe: BLT Bread Salad

Root Beer-Can Chicken

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Root Beer-Can Chicken

This is a family-friendly take on beer-can chicken in which we use an opened root beer can to support a whole bird on the grill. The liquid inside the can adds moisture, resulting in succulent, tender meat. Complete the meal with roasted red potatoes and a sweettart broccoli slaw.

Price: $2.48 per serving

Pantry Checklist:
• Hungarian sweet paprika
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ground red pepper
• Chili powder
• Ground allspice
• Kosher salt
• Root beer
• Chilled unsalted butter
• Cider vinegar
• Whole chicken (3½-pound)

View Recipe: Root Beer-Can Chicken

Beef-Barley Soup

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Beef-Barley Soup

Price: $2.41 per serving

If chuck roast is on sale, buy a large one and freeze the rest for later. (Or ask your butcher to cut off only the amount you need.)

Pantry Checklist: 
• Boneless chuck roast (3/4 lb.)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Mushrooms
• Beef broth (4 cups fat-free, less sodium)
• Pearl barley
• Bay leaf

View Recipe: Beef-Barley Soup

Dan Dan Noodles

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Dan Dan Noodles

Price: $2.32 per serving

Frozen egg noodles are worth seeking as a budget-friendly yet tastier version of dried.

Pantry Checklist:
• Frozen fresh wide Chinese egg noodles
• Peanuts
• Soy sauce (low-sodium)
• Sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste)
• Sugar
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Lean ground pork (8 oz.)
• Lime juice
• Green onions
• Cucumber
• Cilantro

View Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Bistro Braised Chicken

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bistro Braised Chicken

Price: $2.10 per serving

Pantry Checklist: 
• Butter
• Bone-in chicken thighs (8)
• Carrots
• Onion
• Celery
• Dried pitted plums
• Thyme
• Sage
• Dijon mustard
• Chicken broth (1 can fat-free, less-sodium)
• Egg noodles

View Recipe: Bistro Braised Chicken

Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips

Price: $2.32 per serving

Ask your butcher to cut a 1-pound roast for you, or buy a larger one (especially if it’s on sale) and freeze the rest for later.

Pantry Checklist: 
• All-purpose flour
• Boneless chuck roast (1 lb.)
• Beef broth (less-sodium)
• Garlic
• Dark beer
• Bay leaf
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Onion
• Flat-leaf parsley

View Recipe: Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips

Adobo Chicken

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Adobo Chicken

Price: $2.50 per serving

Serve this tangy Philippine dish with two large navel oranges cut into wedges.

Pantry Checklist: 
• Canola oil
• Chicken thighs (8)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Soy sauce (low-sodium)
• White vinegar
• Honey
• Bay leaf
• Long-grain rice

View Recipe: Adobo Chicken

Printed from:
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/everyday-menus/healthy-budget-recipes-00400000056656/

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