Yo. Let’s talk about groceries. Fact: they can really add up. And that’s coming from a family of two (just G and myself!)… so I can’t even imagine a bill in which we have kids!

When we were first married in our entry-level jobs and trying to pay off student loans, I frequented Pinterest to find cheap dinner recipes and the trend I found was things like homemade pizza bagels, flavorless chicken, just straight up beans, and other things that were boring and just overall SUCKED.

Over the years though, I’ve found tried and true recipes that are both easy to make on the fly, are delicious, and are also pretty inexpensive. The key I’ve found is making things that have minimal ingredients– which works out because that often times makes it a little healthier! (All of these are linked to their respective creators)

Normally I pair one of these entrees with steamed broccoli, roasted brussel sprouts/sweet potato chunks, a side salad, or a baked sweet potato.

Pro-tips:

• Meal planning is your friend– figure out how you can use ingredients you are buying for the week in multiple meals
• Buying in bulk can save you $$$. Sometimes, paying that upfront membership to Costco or Sam’s Club can save you a bit of money!
• Try shopping at Aldi or Lidl– they do non-name brand products that are often much cheaper than competition.
• Shop the deals and eat in season. Wait until there is a good deal to stock up on certain meats/veggies that you can also freeze for future meals.
• I’m not into couponing because I feel like there is so much of an emphasis on processed foods, so I could stick with coupons for household items and then buying produce and fresh meat on sale.

Pesto chicken

This is one of my favorite meals!! I love having it with roasted sweet potato chunks and brussel sprouts.

Salsa chicken

I normally will make homemade burrito bowls with this chicken. Just serve it with some rice, beans, cheese, and your choice of other toppings!

Fish and chips

Fish and chips are something I love to order at a restaurant, but its very easy to make at home and pretty inexpensive!

Barbecue chicken

This is a great crock-pot recipe! It is good over a baked potato, on a sandwich, or served with some steamed green beans and quinoa.

Sheet Pan Shrimp “Boil”

Who doesn’t love a good shrimp boil? A real shrimp boil is a lot of work, but you can get the same kind of flavors in an easy sheet pan meal!

Sheet-Pan Chili Lime Tilapia

Tilapia is a super mild fish and is relatively inexpensive. Which means it is a blank canvas for lots of fun flavors like chili-lime. And who doesn’t love a 1-pan meal?!

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

G and I aren’t big red meat eaters, but I do love steak tacos every so often. Not only is this an easy meal, but it can be really inexpensive if you can get steak when it’s on a good deal.

Chicken Fried Rice

Instead of ordering take-out, save yourself some $$$, and make it yourself!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

I’m not a huge pork fan. I HATED pork chops as a kid– something about all the fat and how tough they can be, but I do enjoy pork tenderloin! It’s much leaner and more tender, and this recipe is very flavorful!

 

What are your favorite inexpensive meal ideas?