One of the biggest expenditure that many households deal with across the U.S. and I am sure the world is food! Am I right? I mean think about it there are so many quick options, all types of restaurants offering different cultural foods, and those fancy spots we love to splurge on during special occasions or just because.
Think how often you go out to eat in a week… Here is a quick math that applies to me and probably most of y’all. One lunch outing on average cost me $10-$12 bucks. Multiply that by five (for 5 days in a week) we are at $50-$60 bucks and that is just week one! Multiply that by four and in just one month you have spent whooping $200-$240 bucks. Let that sink in, it hurts!
Most of us are burning a hole through our budget and savings just on food. Put it this way, how many weeks of groceries did you just waste in that time frame. Oh yeah, speaking of groceries, you were still spending there too and lets not forget the dinner nights out. Ouch!
Below are 10 quick and cheap meals in 30 mins or less saving time and cash!
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Scrambled eggs and toast
Nothing flashy and the most important meal of the day. Wake up about 10 mins early and throw a couple of eggs on the fryer and couple of slices of bread in the toaster. You just made your morning sandwich in less then 10 mins. I know its a pain to get up in the morning to make breakfast, trust me. Remember the weekly cost aforementioned above, now add an occasional breakfast sandwich from D&D and the like. That is at least $5 plus dollars that you can add or save to your bottom line.
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Spaghetti with tomato sauce
You really want to be cheap and keep it simple this is go-to. A cooked box of spaghetti can last you most of the week depending on the size of your family.
I believe a box of the store brand uncooked spaghetti at your local grocery store will run you .99 cents to $1.50. Canned or a glass jar of tomato sauce depending on the size or weekly deals is about the same price. This easy meal can be expensive when you start adding poultry or seafood, like shrimp or mussels. So stay focus and for now always think of your budget first.
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Rice and Beans
Sounds boring but, rice is such a versatile dish, and for my household, it is typically the main dish dinner table and plate. Add some canned beans or even steam vegetables and hearty meal is set.
Although, rice sometimes can be tricky to cook. People tend to add too much water or not enough, which leads to overcooked/mushy rice or hard/uncooked rice. Balance is the key. Rice cooks in about 20-25 mins my rule of thumb, for every 1 cup of rice add 2 cups of water and “eyeball” it from there, whether you need to add a little bit of rice or a little more water.
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French Fries
Dice’em, curl’em, cut’em into chips. Whichever, way you prefer them french fries are just good and easy to make. Especially, if you already own a deep fryer you can make the perfect fries!
Great for a quick snack for the kids to hold them over until dinner time. A 5 LB bag of potatoes can cost $2.49 to $3.99 and can last for weeks. The only knock I have on this dish is that deep frying it in oil is the quickest way to cook them and the most unhealthy option. You use a canned oil spray and throw the fries in the oven, but that may take longer. So something to think about.
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Pizza
Homemade pizza is something of a new craze for my family and I. It’s so easy especially, if you buy the ready-made dough or flatbread. This one is fun for all the family! The kids can help with the dough or just topping the pizza. It’s that is the fun part you can top this bad boy with just about anything in your fridge. Highly recommended!
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Salads
For my health-conscious readers, I give you the salad. Surely, to protect your pocket while trimming down your waist size (not true for all salads). This actually can be a really fun dish where you can throw just about anything in the salad.
We really enjoy a good salad and something about eating one makes you feel good and refreshed afterward. Maybe it is just me, I have been called “weird” before lol.
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Burgers
The classic burger! Known as a summer staple for your backyard barbecues and throwdowns. For my household, it is an all year round meal and makes great lunch for the whole family. You can dress this up in multiples ways.
Four beef patties can run you a little over $5. A lot cheaper than even your fast-food spots like McDonald’s.
We love making ‘super-burgers’ which may contain two patties, bacon, pickles, onions, a fried egg, Doritos, you name it I might have put it into my burger. Enjoy.
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Mac&Cheese
Probably my favorite meal on this list and so easy to make. I do often find it a hit or miss when I order it from a restaurant or when others make it. But this comforting favorite is hardy and can serve plenty of hungry mouths.
There are options when it comes to making this dish that can be really budget friendly and super quick. For example, using the boxed Kraft Macaroni & Cheese you can whip up this dish literally in 10 mins in the microwave.
And then there is the other way, the way that makes you fall in love. With all your four kinds of cheese and different spices and styles. This will run you a bit more coins, but sooo good.
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Hot Dogs
“Easy, breeze”… lol. Hot Dogs are an easy go-to dinner. It’s quick and fun to make. You can dress it up or down. One of our favorites is taco dogs. Everything that comes in a taco, but, a hot dog as the meat. Anyone making them are bound to have a good time.
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Grilled Cheese
We absolutely love making and eating grilled cheeses. Quick and simple to make, yet delicious. It’s rather affordable to make for any family size. The kids will really enjoy this one as they can make themselves and go.
Would love to hear your list of quick and easy meals that you and your family enjoy. Please leave a comment below!
