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A vibrant close-up of a delicious bowl of cheap meal featuring rice, beans, and vegetables.
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How to Make Cheap Meals Without Sacrificing Flavor

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450
A simple, budget-friendly recipe that combines rice or pasta with beans and vegetables for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Main

  • 1 cup rice or pasta
  • 1 can beans (black, kidney, or chickpeas) (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cups frozen vegetables (mixed or your choice)
  • 1 piece onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or your favorite seasoning
  • optional hot sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite herbs (for extra flavor)

Instructions 

  • Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  • Add frozen vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  • Mix in beans and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Cook rice or pasta separately, then combine with the vegetable-bean mixture.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with optional sauces or herbs.

Notes

This meal is versatile, affordable, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: $10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Keyword: Beans, Budget, vegetables

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 900mg