As we all know, cooking on a budget can be tricky. With the average cost of a meal for one person being around $10, it can be hard to make smart choices and still have a delicious meal. Luckily, Journalist Lily Morgan is here to help!
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Tips for Healthy, Affordable Eating
The first step to eating delicious food on a budget is to plan ahead. Taking the time to plan out meals for the week and create a grocery list will save time and money in the long run. It’s also important to shop at stores with low prices, such as Aldi or Trader Joe’s, and to look for sales and coupons. And don’t forget to stock up on pantry staples like beans, rice, and pasta, as these can help to stretch a meal and make it go further.
Yummy Meals for Under $10
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to get cooking! Here are some of my favorite recipes for meals that cost less than $10.
Taco Soup
This simple taco soup is a favorite in my house. It’s easy to make, and it only costs around $8. All you need is a can of black beans, a can of corn, a can of diced tomatoes, a packet of taco seasoning, and a pound of ground beef. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve with chips, sour cream, and cheese.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable fried rice is another great budget meal. All you need is a head of cauliflower, a can of peas, a can of carrots, a cup of frozen corn, a cup of cooked brown rice, a tablespoon of soy sauce, and a tablespoon of sesame oil. Start by breaking up the cauliflower into small pieces and sautéing it in a pan. Add the peas, carrots, and corn, then stir in the cooked rice and seasonings. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, then serve.
Beef and Bean Burritos
These burritos are a great option for a quick and easy meal. All you need is a pound of ground beef, a can of refried beans, a can of diced tomatoes, a packet of taco seasoning, a package of tortillas, and a bag of shredded cheese. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add the refried beans and tomatoes and stir in the taco seasoning. Heat the tortillas in the oven or microwave, then fill with the beef and bean mixture and top with cheese. Serve with salsa and guacamole.
Chicken Stir-Fry
This delicious stir-fry comes together in no time and only costs around $7. All you need is a pound of chicken, a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables, a cup of cooked brown rice, a tablespoon of soy sauce, and a tablespoon of sesame oil. Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces and sautéing it in a pan. Add the stir-fry vegetables and cook for a few minutes, then stir in the cooked rice and seasonings. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, then serve.
Conclusion
Eating delicious meals on a budget doesn’t have to be hard. With a little bit of planning, and some smart shopping, you can create delicious meals for less than $10. So go ahead and get cooking! As the old song says, “It only takes a little bit of money, to have a good time!”