Budget Cooking: Feed 4 for $10

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

Shrimp Fra Diavolo recipes are can often be very spicy, but you can add or take away the heat by adding more or less red pepper depending on your personal preference. Be sure to use inexpensive medium-size shrimp in this garlicky, spicy classic. 

Price: $2.47 per serving

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)

A new take on a familiar favorite pairs grilled cheese with a BLT for a luscious veggie-packed sandwich that feels like an indulgence. We use center-cut bacon to cut down on fat, and spinach gives this meal a boost of fiber, folate, and vitamins, C, E, and K. Serve with zesty dill pickle spears. If you have extra room in your budget, pair with a sweet-tart hard cider for adults or apple juice for kids.

Price: $2.14 per serving

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

A few simple ingredients simmered together become a truly tasty meal that's sure to become your new favorite comfort food dish. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can get dinner started and let it simmer while helping kids with homework. Serve with simple pantry-friendly corn muffins to complete the meal. Be sure to leave leftovers. Our readers agree it's even better the next day.

Price: $2.12 per serving

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

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

A small amount of dried porcini mushrooms goes a long way. Using the reconstituted mushrooms and their soaking liquid gives this one-dish meal a rich, earthy flavor. More affordable than chicken breasts, chicken thighs are also more moist and flavorful. However, it does take some time to prep and cook, so save this recipe for a night when you have some extra time.

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

Simply seasoned pork tenderloin becomes enticingly tender when roasted in the oven. Serve this pork recipe with stone-ground yellow grits to soak up the tangy, creamy sauce that's made with creme fraiche and Dijon mustard. Feel free to sub with Greek yogurt if you prefer. This dinner is so elegant you may consider saving it for the holidays.

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

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit. These tiny tarts boast 18.3g of protein thanks to its egg, bacon, and cheese combination making it a filling dinner or a savory brunch option. Best yet, this speedy dish lets you put dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes. Green onions add color and flavor, but they're optional. Omit them, if you prefer. With just six basic ingredients, it's an easy and affordable option for busy weeknights.

Price: $1.58 per serving

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

You won't be making this slow-cooked casserole when you're short on time, but the effort you put into this meal is worth it. Our version of the classic French stew is made with boneless leg of lamb and turkey kielbasa. Let it cook slowly to allow the flavors to harmonize.

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

This Tex-Mex nacho appetizer uses wheat cracker nachos as a healthy alternative to fried chips. The zesty combination of black beans, avocado, fresh corn kernels, cheddar cheese, and tomato will help tide folks over until the main course is ready. Packed with 18g of protein, our Wheat-Cracker "Nachos" also make a great after-school snack and are ready in just 20 minutes.

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

While our Blacked-Eyed Peas and Greens is a New Year's day favorite, this dish is great any time of year. With15.7g of protein and 11.3g of fiber, it's a nutritious low-fat side. Serve over hot cooked long-grain white or brown rice. Frozen black-eyed peas are economical and available year-round, but in the summer months, you can use fresh shelled peas, if you prefer.

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

This fresh citrus salad is both a light and filling main dish entrée, perfect for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Ripe avocado add heart-healthy fat to this meal, while a homemade dressing cuts down on added sugar. Our healthy Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad will become a regular in your dinner salad rotation. In the summertime, throw the shrimp on the grill and enjoy dinner al fresco.

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

Home fries meet casserole in this ultimate comfort food dish that's great for brunch or dinner. Turkey sausage, onions, red potatoes, and cremini mushrooms sautéed together and then baked in the oven create a super flavorful dish that will have your crew begging for seconds. It's most economical to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.

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

You'll be amazed at how easy it is to throw together this simple supper. Kids will love the pizza-turned-sandwich, and you can even enlist them to help. Spread 2 tablespoons sauce over each bread portion; divide Canadian bacon evenly among servings. Sprinkle bacon with cheese; top with pineapple. Broil 3 minutes or until golden. Garnish with green onions, if desired. Toss spinach and clementine segments with olive oil and juice from the fruit for a side.

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)

If you think eggplant is the only veggie that shines in Italian dishes, you may change your mind after you try this dish. Cauliflower gets tender in marinara sauce and blends into this Italian dish like a charm. An interesting array of ingredients come together in a magnificent way under a baked topping of crispy bread and pecorino Romano cheese.

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

These apples are stuffed with fall flavor that we know you will love. Savory, and a little sweet, this combination is bound to be a family favorite. Though pricier, Honeycrisp apples also hold their shape well when baked.

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

This hearty side dish pairs perfectly with a light main, such as a soup or slice of quiche. When entertaining, consider baking the gratin in individual dishes for an elegant presentation. Be sure to drain the sausage well after sautéeing, so the dish doesn't end up too watery. The end result should be rich and creamy.

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

This quick-cooking dish offers a nice balance of savory and sweet tastes. With just three ingredients, it's a fast weeknight meal that requires little effort but looks and tastes like it's worthy of a special occasion. Serve with a side of simple roasted Brussels sprouts for a special meal that's full of fall flavors. And with less than 300 calories and 13g of fat per serving, it's a low calorie meal you'll want to make again and again.

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

Hearty, healthy lentils get saucy Indian treatment thanks to curry powder, coconut milk, and chopped jalapeño pepper. A touch of curry powder and jalapeño give the stew a warming flavor that’s not overwhelmingly hot from spice. A dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro leaves tames the heat.

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

Crunchy potato chips create a crisp crust when pan-fried in a small amount of canola oil and coated with a mixture of baked potato chips and flour. Don't skip a step in the breading process. The sticky egg and flour mixture makes a paste that helps the potato chips adhere to the chicken. Serve with broccoli and buttered penne for an easy weeknight meal. Low on ketchup? 

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

This is a classic, can't-go-wrong chicken thighs recipe that everyone will love. Salt, garlic powder, and red pepper impart an addictive flavor to chicken thighs. The skin gets delightfully moist when browned in a skillet, but the inside remains succulently moist after baking in the oven. Play up the buffalo theme with a side of celery sticks and light ranch dressing. Bone-in chicken thighs are a less expensive choice compared to chicken breasts, and keep this dish both tasty and affordable.

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

Our Cheese Ravioli with Pesto is a superfast vegetarian entrée that will please even the pickiest eaters. Fresh herbs are premium ingredients that can easily break a budget. Stretch the pesto by adding a little fresh baby spinach. Interested in gardening? See our 4 Reasons You Should Grow Your Own Food as well as our Guide to Basil.

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)

In a rush to get dinner on the table? Make a quick dinner your family will happily scarf down so you can get to soccer practice on time. What kid (or grown-up, for that matter) wouldn't love this ooey-gooey sandwich? Serve the souped-up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with fresh fruit for a meal the whole family will love. If you like this recipe, you'll want to try our how easy it is to make this morning meal.

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

Though the chewy texture of Chinese egg noodles is fantastic, you can substitute rice sticks or linguine. Omit or decrease the amount of chile paste if serving to kids. If you love these noodles as much as we do, you'll love these other Asian noodle recipes.

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

This pizza isn't just delicious—it's budget-friendly too! At just $2.49 per serving, your wallet (and your family) will thank you. Topped with red bell pepper, asparagus, and corn, this veggie pizza packs a nutritious punch, and it's ready in just 45 minutes. If you have dough left over, freeze it; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

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

Ditch that store-bought cheese! Our fresh ricotta is so easy to prepare, you'll want to use it all the time. It's cooked in the microwave and takes less than 15 minutes (and only 5 ingredients!). Our reviewers love how easy and economical it is for a weeknight supper.

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

Kids can't resist our quesadilla pizza combination. This 25-minute recipe couldn't be easier, so keep it in your back pocket for nights when you're tempted to head to the drive-through. Our weeknight dinner solution is healthier and more economical than pizza delivery or takeout. Complete the meal with steamed broccoli or carrot sticks with light ranch dressing. 

Price: $1.27 per serving

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

This budget-friendly meal (only $2.50 per serving) has delicious flavor thanks to an 8-hour brine made with chicken broth, peppercorns, allspice, garlic cloves, bay leaf, and maple syrup. Topped with grilled fruit, this is sure to be a new favorite. Be sure to start with a clean grill, so it doesn't ruin the flavor of the fruit.

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

For just $2.15 per serving you can put our highly-addictive tomato soup on the table for dinner tonight. Country ham and chickpeas give this hearty five-star meal 24.3g of protein, so you can dig into this one-dish meal and know you'll stay full. Roasting the garlic, ham, and chickpeas gives them a delicious crunch.

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

In-season, sweet red cherries are a bountiful bargain, and they lend a wonderfully fresh, fruity element that pairs well with simple seasoned pork. Bone-in center-cut pork chops remain moist when grilled and are a healthy, more economical option than boneless chops. The addition of a few ingredients—olive oil, cherries, green onions, almonds, and lemon juice—stirred into plain couscous lends fresh flavor to this simple side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.)

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

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

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.)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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