Easy and Healthy Recipes on a Budget

Are you looking for easy, healthy, and budget-friendly recipes? Whether you're cooking in Ireland or elsewhere, there are plenty of delicious options that won't break the bank. In this article, we will explore some simple yet satisfying recipes that can help you stretch your budget while enjoying wholesome meals. Let's dive in!

Spag Bol Burgers

One of the easiest and most cost-effective recipes is Spag Bol Burgers. These are essentially a larger, more filling version of ground beef burgers, roundly covered in spaghetti sauce and cheese. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients: Minced beef, spaghetti sauce, cheese (any type will do), breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Instructions: Cook the minced beef in a pan until browned, then drain the excess fat. Add spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Form the mixture into patties and fry them until golden brown on both sides. Top with cheese and let it melt.

Rissoles and Chilli Con Carne

Rissoles and Chilli Con Carne are both flavorful and versatile options that can keep you full for longer. Here are two simple recipes:

Rissoles

Ingredients: Ground beef, chopped onions, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Instructions: Cook the beef and onion mixture in a pan until the meat is browned. Add seasoning and let it all simmer for a few minutes. Form the mixture into small balls, flatten them, and fry them until golden brown.

Chilli Con Carne

Ingredients: Ground beef, canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and any desired spices. Instructions: Cook the beef in a pan with herbs and spices until it's browned. Stir in the canned tomatoes and let the stew simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Season to taste and enjoy with rice or over tortillas.

Cheesy Parmesan Baked French Fries

A quick and satisfying dish that is always a hit is Cheesy Parmesan Baked French Fries. Follow these simple steps:

Ingredients: Frozen French fries, various cheeses (such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan), Old Bay Seasoning, red pepper flakes, ranch dressing. Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a layer of parchment paper. Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle the fries with a little olive oil and sprinkle them with Old Bay Seasoning and red pepper flakes. Top with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the fries are golden. Pour a generous amount of ranch dressing over the fries right before serving.

Freezer-Friendly Peas and Onions

Another simple and nutritious meal is Freezer-Friendly Peas and Onions. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner:

Ingredients: Frozen peas, fresh chopped onions, fresh chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), fresh herbs (such as basil), parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil. Instructions: Place the frozen peas in a microwave-safe bowl. Chop the onions and tomatoes finely and add to the peas. Season with fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything together and defrost in the microwave.

Chili with Beans and Cheese

Another indulgent and hearty dish is Chili with Beans and Cheese. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients: Ground beef, canned kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, cheese (cheddar or any type), salt, cumin, chili powder. Instructions: Cook the ground beef with chili powder and cumin in a pan until the meat is browned. Drain the canned beans and add them to the cooked meat along with diced tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes, until it thickens and flavors meld together. Top with cheese and let it melt before serving.

Pasta with Tuna Diced Tomatoes

Finally, for a simple meal that’s easy to make and very budget-friendly, try Pasta with Tuna and Diced Tomatoes :

Ingredients: Spaghetti or any pasta shape, canned diced tomatoes, canned tuna, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper. Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the diced tomatoes and tuna until the tuna is heated through. Drain the pasta and mix with the tomato and tuna mixture. Toss in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

These recipes are just a starting point to help you get creative with your own cooking. By using frozen ingredients and household staples, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank. Happy cooking!