Easy Budget Frugal Recipes

➡ Savory Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Swaps:

Swap spaghetti with any pasta you have on hand.

Add leftover veggies or cooked chicken for extra protein.

Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.

➡ Budget-Friendly Veggie Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed veggies (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)

1 cup cooked rice

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil (or any cooking oil)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ginger powder

Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add veggies and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Mix soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a bowl. Add the sauce and cooked rice to the pan. Stir until well combined and heated through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Swaps:

Use frozen veggies for convenience.

Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Add an egg for extra protein by scrambling it before adding the veggies.

➡ Simple Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, thinly sliced

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

1 cup milk

2 tbsp flour

2 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Layer potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkling cheese between layers. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the potatoes. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle more cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.