Are you tired of overspending on meal planning? With some creativity, it’s possible to put together a variety of meals for under $20. Here are five budget-friendly meal ideas:
1. Spaghetti with Meatless Marinara Sauce: A classic and easy recipe that can be prepared quickly. All you need is spaghetti, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. If you want to make it non-vegetarian, you could add some meatballs or browned ground beef to the sauce.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: A hearty and healthy recipe that simmers all day long. Start with canned beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, green pepper, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and chicken breasts. Mix all of the ingredients together in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Loaded Baked Potato Bar: This recipe is easy to customize based on your family’s preferences. Start with baked potatoes and add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese.
4. Homemade Pizza: Store-bought pizza can be expensive, but making your own pizza at home is an affordable and fun alternative. All you need is pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, toppings of your choice, and a hot oven. It’s even more affordable if you make your own dough and sauce from scratch!
5. Tuna and Vegetable Skillet Dinner: This is a simple, one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare. All you need is some canned tuna, frozen mixed vegetables, brown rice, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Sauté the vegetables in the vegetable oil before adding cooked rice and canned tuna. Drizzle soy sauce over the top and heat through.
There you have it – five meal ideas for $20 or less. With some creativity and smart planning, it’s possible to enjoy a variety of delicious meals without breaking the bank!
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