5 Budget Friendly Meals

Being budget friendly around the holidays doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice flavor! Here are 5 of my go-to budget friendly meals that are balanced, but don’t break the bank.

1.      Lentil curry with frozen veggies

1 cup dry red lentils

1 onion (or frozen)

2–3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (I like using a blend of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can coconut milk

Curry powder, salt, pepper to taste

Sauté onion. Add curry powder.

Add lentils, tomatoes, veggies, and enough water to cover.

Simmer until lentils are soft.

Stir in coconut milk, adjust seasoning.

Serve with rice or naan bread.

2.      Burrito bowls

Cooked rice

1 can black beans or pinto beans (rinsed)

Frozen corn, tomatoes, greens, salsa

Optional: cheese, avocado

Warm beans and corn with cumin, garlic, and chili powder.

Layer bowl: rice → beans → veggies → salsa.

Add any other toppings if you have them.

3.      Tuna or chickpea salad

1 can chickpeas (rinsed) or tuna, mashed

2 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt

Celery or pickles

Lemon or vinegar

Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Mash chickpeas or tuna

Mix all other ingredients.

Serve on toast, wraps, salad, or crackers.

4.      Tofu fried rice

Leftover cooked rice

Frozen peas and carrots

2 eggs or tofu

Soy sauce, garlic, optional sesame oil

Scramble eggs (or cut tofu into squares and sauté).

Add rice + veggies.

Season with soy sauce.

5.      Overnight oats

½ cup oats

½ cup milk

1 tbsp chia/flax (optional)

1 scoop protein powder (optional)

Add-ins: frozen berries, cinnamon + peanut butter, banana + cocoa powder

Mix oats, milk, chia/flax, and protein powder in small jar or container.

Stir or shake to combine.

Refrigerate 6 hours, or overnight.

Add toppings and enjoy.