Think Quick! 23 Budget Recipes for Busy Bees

Busy days call for quick and affordable meals. These 23 budget-friendly recipes make it easy to eat well without spending much time or money. Simple ingredients come together to create tasty meals fast.

Rasta Pasta

A vibrant pasta dish with creamy sauce. Rasta Pasta offers a burst of colorful veggies and hearty pasta. Perfect for a lively meal.
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Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cooked cabbage mixed with sliced sausage. A fork rests on the plate. A checkered cloth is partially visible underneath. — Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and cabbage cooked together for a hearty dish. Cabbage and Sausage is a comforting and easy meal. Perfect for a cold evening.
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Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Hearty chickpeas in a rich, flavorful broth. The Vegan White Chickpea Chili is great for a comforting meal. Ideal for cold days.
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Colombian Cheese Arepas

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings. — Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Traditional Colombian arepas with melted cheese in the middle. Colombian Cheese Arepas are crispy on the outside and gooey inside. A delicious snack or breakfast option.
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Best Roasted Potato Salad

Perfectly roasted potatoes combined with a flavorful dressing. The Best Roasted Potato Salad brings a new twist to a classic dish. Ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A picture of cabbage stir fry in cast iron skillet. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Simple stir-fry with ground beef and crisp cabbage. Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is both quick and flavorful. Great for a rapid dinner option.
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Zesty Butter Beans

Soft butter beans soaked in a tangy tomato-based sauce. Zesty Butter Beans are a great side dish or a light meal on their own. They pair well with crusty bread.
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Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and easy meal. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
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10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

Quick, spicy noodles ready in just minutes. 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles are perfect for a fast and satisfying meal. Great for busy weeknights.
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Lentil Soup

Thick and hearty soup made with nutritious lentils. Lentil Soup is great for warming up on a chilly day. Perfect with a slice of bread.
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Halloumi Salad

Grilled halloumi paired with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. Halloumi Salad is light yet satisfying. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
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Zucchini & Asparagus Frittata

Fluffy and light egg dish packed with veggies. The Zucchini & Asparagus Frittata makes a great breakfast or light lunch. Simple yet flavorful.
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Avocado Pesto Pasta

Silky pasta coated in creamy avocado pesto sauce. Avocado Pesto Pasta is both rich and refreshing. A fantastic choice for pasta lovers.
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Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and gooey gouda baked to perfection. The Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese takes comfort food to a new level. Ideal for any cheese lover.
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Vegan Ramen

Warm broth with noodles and fresh vegetables. The Vegan Ramen is an ideal meal for a cozy night in. Flavorful without being heavy.
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Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings wrapped in savory bacon make a mouth-watering combination. Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings are a simple yet incredibly tasty snack. Perfect for parties or game day.
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Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen

Butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness to this noodle dish. The Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen is comforting and hearty. Perfect for a nourishing meal.
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Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Tender cauliflower baked with lots of melted cheese. The Baked Cauliflower with Cheese is both creamy and satisfying. Makes a perfect side dish or light main.
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Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Crunchy cucumbers meet a spicy, tangy dressing that brings out great flavors. The Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is perfect for a refreshing appetizer or side dish. Easy to make and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Tender brussel sprouts baked to perfection with a creamy sauce. The Brussel Sprouts Casserole will make any meal special. A great way to enjoy your veggies.
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Thai Chicken Curry

Rich and aromatic curry with tender chicken pieces. The Thai Chicken Curry is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed with rice or noodles. Flavorful and comforting.
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Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes loaded with your favorite fillings. Stuffed Baked Potatoes are versatile and can be customized easily. Great for a cozy dinner.
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Beef Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese. Beef Quesadillas are perfect for lunch or a quick dinner idea. Serve with your favorite salsa.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas