I believe everyone should have access to nutritious and delicious meals, no matter what kind of budget you're on or how much time you have. My recipes are pretty quick to pull off, don't require a ton of kitchen skills, and stay within (or under!) the USDA’s low-cost food plan budget of about $9 per adult per day. Let's get cookin'!
New Year, New Food Budget
After the delicious excess of the holiday season, I like to do a "cleanse" of sorts by doing a No Spend Challenge in January. The idea is to eat through my pantry and freezer, saving me from my grocery addiction. (Don't worry—there are plenty of pantry meals you can make without much, like my childhood favorite linguini and white clam sauce or salmon sweet potato cakes!) For more ways to save money in the New Year, check out some of my favorite food budgeting tricks and tips:
- How To Reduce Food Waste At Home
- How to Combat Inflation at the Grocery Store
- Don't Buy It, DIY It! 12 Budget-Friendly Breakfast Hacks So You Can Save $$$ and Ditch the Packaging for Good
- Surprising Secrets Revealed: 13+ Unconventional Ways & Places to Slash Your Grocery Bill
- No-Spend January Challenge: Grocery Edition
- How to Build a Little Free Pantry & Feed Your Community
- How to Make Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth or Bone Broth for FREE
- How to Make Fancy Coffee Shop-Style Drinks at Home
Healthy, High-Protein Breakfast
Looking for easy, budget-friendly breakfasts that start your day on a healthy foot? I've got you covered!
See more budget-friendly breakfast recipes →
Good & Cheap Meals
Living as a bougie foodie on a shoestring budget is easier than you might think. Lean into grains, legumes, and scratch-cooking to extract major flavor without a big bill. These are some of my all-time favorite recipes that come in under $2 per serving:
Affordable Luxuries
Just because I like to start the year off with a no-spending month doesn't mean my life becomes any less delicious. Here are some of my favorite ways to add a little sparkle to my day—without breaking the bank.
New & Recently Updated Posts
A mix of old favorites that I've updated, easy tricks for keeping your food budget in check, and shiny new recipes I couldn't wait to share. Enjoy!
Game Day Favorites
Hosting your crew to root on your favorite team? Here are some excellent ways to keep everyone happily fed:
Takeout Fakeout
Craving your favorite takeout, but sticking to a No-Spend January challenge? Not to fret. You can make it yourself! Here are some fantastic copycat recipes to get you started:
Homemade Bread
Ever since I started baking yeasted bread 20 years ago, I haven't been able to quit. And while my sourdough starter, Breadna, has only been around for about 5 years, she and I have built quite a rapport. Come get some flour on your apron!
See more budget-friendly recipes →
Fast & Easy Recipes
Just because you're busy doesn't mean a homemade meal is out of the question. Here are some of my favorite simple dishes to get you fed without any fuss:
Check out more Fast & Easy Recipes→
Plant-Based Favorites
Whether you're looking for Meatless Monday inspiration or are just trying to eat more veggies, my collection of vegan and vegetarian meals is sure to leave you satisfied.
Check out more Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes→
Yummy Sides
Whether you need something tasty to bring to your next potluck, or just need a little something extra on the dinner table tonight, my favorite sides will give the main dish a run for its money:
Check out more yummy sides→
Trending Posts
Whether you're in need of a super fast pantry meal, show-stopping side, grab-and-go breakfast, or something sweet to help you chillax, these tried and true recipes have you covered. They're what readers currently can't get enough of!
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