18 Easy-to-Make Meals That Helped Me Cut Down on Eating Out and Save a Fortune
Dining out every other day can be fun, but it can also seriously damage your finances. How about preparing your meals at home with the same taste and flavors? Preparing your meals at home is an excellent decision. It will save you a significant chunk of the money you have been spending on eating out. You can use this money to do other things lingering on your to-do list for so long. Here are 18 easy-to-make meals to save time and money while using what you have in your pantry staples. These prepped meals help quickly put food on the table.
Spaghetti
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox.
Spaghetti is one of those meals that we have regularly, and it is easy to make. All you do is heat your sauce and serve it over boiled noodles. Spaghetti is not just a finger-licking meal but is also quick and easy to prepare. You can have a meat sauce with it, but if you don’t have meat in your pantry, you can also serve it with a meatless sauce.
Egg sandwiches
If you are swamped with work, Egg sandwiches are there to rescue you. With the yummiest taste, egg sandwiches are quick to prepare and filling. They also meet the protein portion requirement in your diet.
Bean and cheese burritos
Bean-and-cheese burritos are such an easy-to-prepare meal. Heat the beans, spread them on a tortilla, and top with cheese, sliced onions, salsa, and sour cream. And your meal is ready in such simple steps. We all have tortillas and refined beans in our pantry all the time. So you don’t have to rush to the market to buy ingredients.
Baked potatoes
A baked potato bar is one of the favorite cheap, simple meals across the globe. Bake some potatoes, heat some canned chili, and top with cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh chives (oh, so delicious!). You can also easily prepare your chili at home with canned beans, canned tomatoes, and chili ingredients available.
Vegetable stir-fry
Colorful stirred vegetables served with boiled rice or noodles make another quick and healthy meal at home. Stir-fry your favorite veggies and serve them with proteins like tofu, shrimp, or baked chicken.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another excellent meal option that you can make quickly. You can bake them in the oven or prepare them in a skillet over medium heat. Quesadillas are your simple and quick Tex-Mex-inspired dinner, ideal for hectic weeknights.
White chicken chili
The white chicken chili is richer than your typical chicken noodle soup since it has an additional ingredient: white beans. Green chilies, jalapeno, and sour cream give just the right flavor and creaminess to jazz up classic chili. The best thing about this meal is that you can prepare it in less than an hour.
Chicken fajitas
With just three essential ingredients, the chicken fajita recipe requires little preparation or cooking time. It would definitely make a quick and tasty meal to help you cut down on eating out.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
These sheet pan sausages and veggies require little to zero effort. It is prepared with whatever vegetables you have. The best part about this recipe is that there are minimal dishes to clean when you are all done.
French Bread Pizza
Are you Craving pizza but don’t have time or are on a budget? French bread pizza is here to satisfy your cravings. Take a French bread loaf and unlock a delicious pizza hack for a lifetime.
Instant Pot Chicken & Rice
Chicken cooked in an Instant Pot is unbelievably delicious, and the rice has the ideal consistency. Instant pots are unique for cooking chicken and rice quickly and perfectly. It is one of the dishes we prepare most in the Instant Pot.
Egg-fried Rice
A tasty and effortless method to use the leftover rice is to sauté the rice with eggs, veggies, and a little soy sauce. In less time, a delicious meal is ready to serve your palates. It works especially well if the rice is plain white or boiled.
Homemade Sushi Rolls
Who doesn’t love sushi? But dining out sushi can get you a little overboard on your expenses. Make your sushi rolls at home with rice, nori, veggies, and your preferred protein. Homemade sushi rolls are much more accessible, economical, and enjoyable than dining out.
Egg Roll Bowls
Consider this unwrapped form of egg rolls your ideal lunch or dinner if you want salty, crunchy ones. Add lots of sriracha or chili oil, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy raw scallions. This veggie-packed lunch can be prepared in less than an hour without wrapping or frying.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a simple yet exquisite salad that bursts with flavor. Layer ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Vegetarian Chili
Warm, nourishing vegetarian chili, full of beans, veggies, and spices, is an excellent dish on cold nights. The best thing about vegetarian chili is that you can have it according to your spice tolerance and experiment with different types of beans. It’s perfect for busy weeknights as it’s easy and quick to make in large quantities.
Cabbage Parmesan
Are you trying to reduce meat consumption or save money but still craving chicken parmesan? You are surely going to love this recipe.
Cabbage parmesan is rich and comforting, as the melted cheese and flavorful tomato sauce in this dish are absorbed by the crunchy cabbage, which adds a nice texture. Try this delicious, budget-friendly recipe and let it serve your chicken parm craving.
One-pan Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi
With minimal preparation and active cooking time, this simple recipe makes the most delicious combination of store-bought marinara, fresh potato gnocchi, and seasoned sausage. It is the perfect combination of three C’s—comfort, carbohydrates, and cheese—on cozy and quiet evenings.
Conclusion
These 18 easy-to-make meals offer a delicious alternative to dining out while helping you save money. Whether you’re craving pasta, sandwiches, Mexican-inspired cuisine, or comforting classics, these recipes provide quick and convenient options for any occasion. By preparing meals at home with simple ingredients, you can enjoy many flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and budget-friendly.
18 Classic Movie Quotes That Would Spark Outrage If Said in Today’s Films
Whether or not you are a movie buff, you’re probably familiar with the famous classic movies that shaped generations. Classic movies often contain iconic lines that have become ingrained in popular culture. However, as we look back, we realize how some of these quotes were downright racist, sexist, or misogynistic and have not aged well with time. Here are 24 classic movie quotes that, if said in today’s films, would likely spark outrage and controversy.
