Real recipes, real prices. Most dinners on Farean cost about $2 per serving.
Budget Recipes

Big flavor, small grocery bill

Budget Recipes

Tested dinners that taste like a splurge but cost about $2 a serving. Every recipe shows the price of each ingredient, so you always know what you will spend.

8 recipes · average $1.68 per serving

Smoky Black Bean Chili
VegetarianSoup & ChiliOne Pot

Smoky Black Bean Chili

A thick, smoky pot of chili made with canned beans and pantry spices. Even better on day two.

$8.50 recipe$1.42 per serving
Prep
10 min
Cook
35 min
Total
45 min
Servings
6

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil$0.24
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced$0.89
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced$0.99
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced$0.32
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder$0.40
  • 2 tsp ground cumin$0.20
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika$0.15
  • 3 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed$2.67
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes$1.79
  • 1 cup frozen corn$0.50
  • 1 cup vegetable broth$0.33
  • 1 tsp salt$0.02

Total $8.50 · $1.42 per serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until soft.
  2. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, until the spices smell toasty.
  3. Add the black beans, crushed tomatoes, corn, broth, and salt. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  4. Lower the heat, cover with the lid slightly open, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring now and then.
  5. Mash about a cup of beans against the side of the pot to thicken the chili. Taste, adjust the salt, and serve.

Budget notes

  • Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
ChickenOne Pot

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Crispy-skinned chicken and golden potatoes on one pan, with almost no dishes to wash.

$8.75 recipe$2.19 per serving
Prep
10 min
Cook
40 min
Total
50 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs (about 6)$4.58
  • 1.5 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed$1.80
  • 1 red onion, cut in wedges$0.99
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil$0.36
  • 1 tsp garlic powder$0.10
  • 1 tsp dried oregano$0.10
  • 1 tsp paprika$0.10
  • 1 lemon$0.69
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper$0.03

Total $8.75 · $2.19 per serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil or parchment.
  2. Toss the potatoes and onion with 2 Tbsp oil and half of the spices and salt. Spread them on the pan.
  3. Pat the chicken dry, rub with the rest of the oil and spices, and set skin side up between the potatoes.
  4. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the potatoes are crisp at the edges.
  5. Squeeze the lemon over everything right before serving.

Budget notes

  • Thighs are usually cheaper per pound than breasts and stay juicy.
  • Swap potatoes for carrots or sweet potatoes, whatever is on sale.
Creamy Tomato Basil Penne
VegetarianPasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Penne

A silky tomato cream sauce that comes together while the pasta boils.

$5.74 recipe$1.44 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta$1.29
  • 2 Tbsp butter$0.30
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced$0.24
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce$0.89
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste$0.20
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream$0.85
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan$0.90
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes$0.05
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced$1.00
  • 1 tsp salt$0.02

Total $5.74 · $1.44 per serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne in salted water according to the package. Save 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in the cream and Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Add the pasta and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Top with basil and serve.

Budget notes

  • Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter, cheaper sauce.
  • Add a bag of spinach at the end for extra veggies.
Golden Red Lentil Soup
VegetarianSoup & ChiliOne Pot

Golden Red Lentil Soup

Cozy, filling, and about $1 a bowl. Red lentils cook down into a creamy soup with no blender needed.

$7.10 recipe$1.18 per serving
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Servings
6

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil$0.24
  • 1 yellow onion, diced$0.69
  • 2 carrots, diced$0.40
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced$0.24
  • 2 tsp ground cumin$0.20
  • 1 tsp turmeric$0.15
  • 1.5 cups dry red lentils$1.50
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes$0.99
  • 6 cups vegetable broth$1.98
  • 1 lemon$0.69
  • 1 tsp salt$0.02

Total $7.10 · $1.18 per serving

Instructions

  1. Warm the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and carrots for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, cumin, and turmeric and stir for 1 minute.
  3. Rinse the lentils and add them to the pot with the tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils fall apart.
  5. Stir in the juice of the lemon and the salt. Thin with water if needed and serve with bread.

Budget notes

  • Keeps for 5 days in the fridge and thickens as it sits.
  • A spoonful of yogurt on top makes it extra creamy.
Weeknight Ground Beef Tacos
Beef

Weeknight Ground Beef Tacos

Homemade taco seasoning stretches one pound of beef to feed four with a can of beans.

$9.97 recipe$2.49 per serving
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)$5.49
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and mashed$0.89
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder$0.20
  • 1 tsp cumin$0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder$0.05
  • 1/2 cup waterfree
  • 12 corn tortillas$1.29
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce$0.50
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar$0.75
  • 1/2 cup salsa$0.70

Total $9.97 · $2.49 per serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off extra fat.
  2. Add the spices and cook for 1 minute, then stir in the mashed beans and water.
  3. Simmer for 5 minutes, until thick and saucy.
  4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave.
  5. Fill the tortillas with the beef mixture and top with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Budget notes

  • Ground turkey works too, and is often cheaper.
  • Leftover filling makes great nachos or quesadillas.
Easy Coconut Chickpea Curry
VegetarianOne Pot

Easy Coconut Chickpea Curry

A mild, creamy coconut curry built on canned chickpeas. Serve it over rice for a filling meatless dinner.

$6.74 recipe$1.69 per serving
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil$0.08
  • 1 yellow onion, diced$0.69
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced$0.24
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated$0.25
  • 2 Tbsp curry powder$0.50
  • 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, drained$1.78
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes$0.99
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk$1.79
  • 2 cups cooked white rice$0.40
  • 1 tsp salt$0.02

Total $6.74 · $1.69 per serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and cook the onion for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Stir in the chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the sauce is thick. Mash a few chickpeas to make it creamier.
  5. Serve over hot rice.

Budget notes

  • Add a handful of spinach or frozen peas in the last 2 minutes.
  • Light coconut milk works but the sauce will be thinner.
Garlic Sesame Noodles
VegetarianPasta

Garlic Sesame Noodles

Spaghetti tossed in a salty-sweet garlic sesame sauce. A takeout-style dinner for under $1.50 a serving.

$2.86 recipe$0.71 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
12 min
Total
17 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti$0.97
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce$0.30
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil$0.35
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar$0.05
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar$0.10
  • 1 tsp sriracha$0.08
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced$0.32
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil$0.16
  • 3 green onions, sliced$0.33
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds$0.20

Total $2.86 · $0.71 per serving

Instructions

  1. Boil the spaghetti until just tender. Drain.
  2. Whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in the empty pot over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute without browning.
  4. Add the noodles and sauce and toss for 1 minute to coat.
  5. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Budget notes

  • Add a fried egg or leftover chicken to make it more filling.
  • Serve cold the next day as a noodle salad.
One-Skillet Shakshuka
VegetarianOne Pot

One-Skillet Shakshuka

Eggs gently poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Breakfast for dinner at its best.

$9.34 recipe$2.33 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
25 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil$0.24
  • 1 yellow onion, diced$0.69
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced$1.29
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced$0.24
  • 1 tsp cumin$0.10
  • 1 tsp paprika$0.10
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes$1.79
  • 6 large eggs$1.50
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta$0.90
  • 1 loaf crusty bread$2.49

Total $9.34 · $2.33 per serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and pepper for 6 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, cumin, and paprika and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the tomatoes, season with salt, and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thick.
  4. Make 6 wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the whites are set.
  5. Sprinkle with feta and serve straight from the pan with bread for dipping.

Budget notes

  • Check egg prices: when they are high, use 4 eggs and add a can of chickpeas.
  • Leftover sauce freezes well without the eggs.

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