When ever there’s a shortfall in either the food budget or even just when you haven’t made it to the grocery yet there area number of frugal meals you can make on the cheap or with limited ingredients. The wonderful thing about these recipes, aside from how delicious they are, is that they don’t use expensive ingredients or complicated techniques. Instead these are plain and good dishes that hit the spot every single time. In fact they are so yummy you might choose them over more expensive meals! So here are some of the best recipes frugal recipes for lean times.
10) Depression Era Goop
The name might not inspire confidence, but it’s got a wonderful flavor and it hits the main nutritional needs of a good meal: protein, veggies, and starch. This simple 1930s dish makes a tasty meal that doesn’t take a ton of money to make. Get the recipe here.
9) Frugal Fritters
These tasty fritters don’t get their name for no reason! Like other fritter recipes these can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit changing supplies or tastes. A little bit of meat in these fritters means they can be served as a side or as a main dish. Get the full recipe here.
8) Water Pie
The name is only a little misleading- there’s more than water in this pie. However, the fact that water is the main ingredient and yet a beautiful pie emerges is kind of magical. Perhaps that’s why this dessert has been a favorite of spendthrifts for the better part of a century. Get the recipe here.
7) Garden Fritters
Corn and zucchini are the main ingredients of these tasty fritters, making them an affordable and healthy basis for a cheap meal. Add some cheese or meat to the table and you’ve got dinner wrapped up. Get the recipe here.
6) American Chop Suey
This dish has gone by many, many names over the years. It was popular in the Depression, but is so tasty that it’s a treat even in times of more prosperity. This one-pot version also saves on doing dishes, too! Get the recipe here.
5) Buttermilk Biscuits
This classic can be made into just about any meal, from breakfast to high tea to dinner. If you start with a good biscuit you can add just about anything on top to make a tasty meal. Get the recipe here.
4) Tomato Gravy
To turn biscuits into a meal this tomato gravy adds the perfect topping! It’s wonderful for any time of day and perhaps this is why it’s such a beloved Southern staple. Get the recipe here.
3) Hamburger Gravy
This simple gravy can top biscuits or potatoes to make a hearty meal from only a few ingredients. Add some white pepper or a dash of hot sauce to liven up this gravy if you love a bit of spice. Get the recipe here.
2) Fried Apples
This is another Depression era classic, but truly it’s a classic in all eras. The simple dish is easy to make and yet never fails to please. It’s wonderful as a dessert or with ice cream, but can also be added to crepes or pancakes for a special breakfast. And, it only takes a few ingredients to make. Get the recipe here.
1) Budget Beef Bowls
By adding garbanzo beans and canned tomatoes to ground beef you stretch how far the beef can go while maintaining a high-protein meal that’s both filling and delicious. And, it couldn’t be easier to make. Get the recipe here.