31 budget recipes

Looking to cut down on waste? Check out our guide on how to use up leftovers.

31 budget recipes

Tuna pasta bake

Tuna pasta bake is an absolute classic which doesn't break the bank, and we've taken it up a notch with the simple addition of dried chilli flakes and rosemary. You can use the grill as an alternative to the oven, too.

Vegetable omelette

Try this quick and easy dinner for one – we've jazzed up this omelette with plenty of low-cost toppings, including grated courgette, kale, peas and chilli flakes.

Omelette Filled with Green Veg on a Plate with Tomatoes

Classic mac 'n' cheese

This warming comfort food classic only needs five ingredients, and hits the spot every time. Perfect when you're in the mood to cozy up with a bowl of cheesy carbs but don't want a pricey trip to the shops.

If you don't want to use an oven, grill for 20 minutes until golden and crisp on top.

Healthy turkey burgers

Try these herby burgers featuring turkey mince for a healthier, low-cost burger alternative – they're low in calories and packed with protein.

Two Turkey Burgers in Buns with Lettuce and Tomato on a Wooden Board

Singapore noodles

This speedy vegan dinner is flavoured with everyday cheap ingredients such as ginger, garlic, chilli and soy, while the frozen stir-fry veggies keep prep to a minimum.

Two bowls of noodles with sliced chilli, alongside two pairs of wooden chopsticks and two glasses of water with a white background

Spinach, chickpea and potato curry

Make the most of low-cost storecupboard ingredients such as potatoes, chickpeas and chopped tomatoes in this lightly spiced vegan curry. It makes a wholesome midweek meal for four.

Bread pudding

Use up stale bread to make this comforting old-school dessert – it's simple to whip up and most of the ingredients you'll already have at home.

Corned beef hash

This filling dish with crispy potatoes and corned beef will never go out of style, plus it's highly likely you'll already have most of the ingredients required.

Two white plates of golden fried potatoes topped with fried egg on a white wooden surface with a knife and fork and pot of brown sauce

Egg fried rice

This versatile dish means you can thrown in whatever frozen mixed veg you have, making it an inexpensive, yet wholesome and delicious one-dish meal.

Overnight oats

A hearty way of filling up, these simple and healthy overnight oats keep breakfast cheap and cheerful.

a bowl of oats next to plates of berries, yogurt and chopped nuts on a red napkin

Scrambled eggs

The perfect quick and easy breakfast – discover how to make the creamiest scrambled eggs with just two ingredients. Even more delicious when served over buttered toast.

Chicken souvlaki

Make this Greek fast food dish with whatever veg you have lying around, skewered with chicken and served with flatbread. We've made this dish lighter by using chicken breast, rather than thighs.

Golden onion and spring veg pilaf

This nourishing one-pot uses lots of storecupboard ingredients and can be easily adapted based on any ingredients you already have.

Tomato, spinach and mascarpone gnocchi

This veggie gnocchi uses just five low-cost ingredients and is ready in just 20 minutes. Instead of using the oven, grill until bubbling and golden.

Mascarpone Gnocchi with Spinach and Tomato

Sweet potato and lentil curry

Once you have your cumin, coriander and turmeric, this vibrant vegan curry becomes a brilliant budget dish.

Quinoa and black bean chilli

Leave out the avocado to keep costs down in this vegan chilli – once you have your spices, this is an inexpensive dinner to add to your repertoire.

Linguine with fresh puttanesca sauce

On the table in just 15 minutes, use up any linguine hidden at the back of the storecupboard to make this tangy, salty puttanesca. It's flavoured with easy-to-find staples such as capers, garlic and chilli.

Vegetarian lentil bolognese

A tin of Puy lentils is the hero ingredient in this bolognese – it's a great vegetarian alternative for when you don't want to use a meat substitute but still want a substantial meal. Plus, it's easy to make and healthy.