For three dollars, you can get a cheeseburger and a large order of French fries at McDonald's. It will also buy a Gordita Supreme from Taco Bell, or an order of chicken nuggets and onion rings from Burger King. Easy on the wallet, sure—but you'll pay a steep premium in terms of calories, fat and lack of nutrition. What if we told you that for the same amount of money, you could prepare a healthier and far more satisfying meal at home? While it might cost a bit more to assemble all of the ingredients, when you break it down to the per-serving price, the creators of these budget-friendly recipes say they won't cost any more than a drive-thru value meal. Picadillo (Mexican Beef & Potato Stew): Perfect for the frugal meal planner, this hearty ground-beef staple uses only a few ingredients and costs just pennies per serving, says Steph from Cheapskate Cook.  Image courtesy of Cheapskate Cook Easy Homemade Chili: Chef Sandi of The Welcoming Table estimates that her hearty homemade chili costs around $20 to make and feeds 10–12 people.  Image courtesy of The Welcoming Table Avocado Taco Bowl: According to the chef, this flavorful, plant-based and nutrient-packed recipe is less than $3 per serving.  Image courtesy of Avocado Taco Bowl White Bean Chili: Comforting, inexpensive, simple and full of real food, this hot meal can be prepared via slow cooker, Instant Pot or stovetop.  Image courtesy of Cheapskate Cook Spicy Chicken Patties: Use these protein-packed cuties in wraps, salads, sliders, with a sauce or alongside some eggs with breakfast.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table The Original & Best Jambalaya: This is a great one to prepare in larger batches and freeze for easy, affordable weeknight meals.  Image courtesy of Home Faith Family Meatless Chickpea Wraps: Not only does this vegetarian meal pack a big nutritional bang for the buck, it's also easy enough for the kids to make.  Image courtesy of Kitchen Stewardship Honey Butter Chicken: Nothing fancy, but super flavorful, this easy, family-friendly recipe uses just a few simple ingredients.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table Chicken Nicolina: Chef Cindy named this recipe after her grandmother because she was great at making one-pot meals and utilizing what she had in the house. "Even if you serve this simple and affordable recipe with rice or pasta, you will not go over $3 per person," she says.  Image courtesy of Cindy's Table Cumin Beans and Cornbread: "One of the first ways my family learned to enjoy a bowl of beans was with cumin beans and cornbread," says chef Steph. "Easy to make on the stove top, in the slow cooker or with your Instant Pot, the recipe feeds six people with real food for around $3 and five minutes of work."  Image courtesy of Cheapskate Cook Veggie Burger Scramble: This quick-and-easy one-pan meal is ready in about 20 minutes—great for a light but filling weeknight dinner, says chef Kathryn.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table Hamburger Vegetable Soup: We're all about easy slow cooker and Instant Pot meals, especially when they're loaded with inexpensive but flavorful ingredients.  Image courtesy of Cheapskate Cook Hobo Stew: This budget-friendly, insanely easy recipe calls for only ground turkey (or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers), beans and veggies, and serves up plenty of flavor.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table Cajun Sausage Beans and Rice: This fast, simple dinner costs around $4 and feeds four to six people—and besides the kielbasa, you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry.  Image courtesy of Cheapskate Cook Easiest-Ever Chicken Stir Fry: Way cheaper than takeout, this effortless homemade chicken and veggie stir fry comes together in minutes.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table Amazing and Easy Sloppy Joes: Packed with protein and healthy veggies, this inexpensive meal fills up a lot of bellies on the cheap.  Image courtesy of Home Faith Family Low Histamine Sweet Potato Soup: This recipe is made from lots of delicious and filling veggies, and comes to a little over $2.00 per person (serves 4). Stir in a 12.5 ounce can of cubed chicken breast and it would still be under $3.00, says Chef Autumn.  Image courtesy of Lectin-Free Mama |
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