The daily question of ‘What’s for dinner?’ can often feel more challenging than it used to. Not only does inspiration sometimes run dry, but the concerns about the cost of groceries have become increasingly prominent in our thoughts.
In today’s economy, where the cost of living is constantly on the rise and every penny counts, finding ways to stretch your grocery and food budget without compromising nutrition or taste is a top priority for many Australians.
The good news is that you can still whip up healthy, delicious meals for $10 or less with some creativity and savvy shopping. Here are six budget-friendly meals to keep your wallet and taste buds happy.
1. Tuna Bake: A Seafood Delight
The humble tuna bake is a classic that never goes out of style. By combining a large tin of tuna (under $5), a bottle of passata ($2), and a bag of frozen vegetables ($2 to 3), you can create a hearty meal that’s rich in protein and nutrients.
This dish is also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those watching their carb intake. Serve it hot out of the oven, and you’ll have a satisfying meal for at least two people.
2. Pasta: The Versatile Favourite
Pasta is a versatile and affordable base for a variety of meals. You can’t go wrong if you bake pasta with turkey or chicken mince and tinned fish or go vegetarian with kidney beans or lentils.
A large bag of pasta costs just $1 to 2 and can serve at least two people. Add your favourite sauce, some frozen veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese for a nutritionally balanced meal that can feed up to four people for about $10.
3. Chow Mein: Quick Asian Flavours
For a quick and flavourful Asian-inspired dish, try chow mein. You can use noodles or a mixed stir-fry bag of vegetables with lean turkey or chicken mince, or keep it simple with egg.
Season with your favourite Asian sauce, and you’ll have a high-protein, vegetable-packed meal in just a few minutes. Look for pre-cut vegetable stir-fry mixes for $4 to 5 per serving to keep costs down.
4. Soup: A Hearty Bowl of Comfort
Soup is a comforting option that can be surprisingly affordable. While some recipes can be costly due to the number of ingredients, using lentils or legumes as a base and opting for pre-cut soup vegetable kits can help you prepare a homemade soup for roughly $10.
This approach can yield four to six hearty servings, making it a cost-effective and nourishing choice.
5. Omelette or Frittata: A Protein Fix
Despite the rise in egg prices, they remain a cost-effective source of high-quality protein. An omelette or frittata can be nutritious, quick, and easy.
Add some vegetables like tomatoes or zucchini and a little cheese, and you’ll have a protein-rich dish ready in minutes. The cost per serve can be as low as $5 to 6, making it an egg-cellent choice for any meal.
6. Fried Rice: A One-Pan Wonder
Fried rice is a fantastic go-to meal that’s often overlooked. Whether you opt for lean chicken mince or a vegetarian version with egg, combining it with quick-cooked brown rice, peas, corn, and a dash of soy sauce results in a delicious and cost-effective one-pan meal. It’s a great alternative to takeaway and can be prepared in a snap.
We’d love to hear from you, our savvy YourLifeChoices readers! What are your go-to meals when you’re trying to save on groceries? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below.
Also read: Do food expiration dates matter? Here’s what the labels really mean
