Cheap Meal Ideas

How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Boxed Mac & Cheese

We like to amp up the tangy factor with a couple of spoonfuls of mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg if there's some on hand. Crumble some crackers or breadcrumbs over top and call it a "macaroni gratin." And if you're caught short on milk, don't fret. Sub in half the quantity of milk with water, or just use extra butter.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Rice

Bring a bit of pizzaz to plain white rice by subbing in fruit juice or broth for some or all of the water. Or, add a little texture to the mix with basmati, jasmine, Arborio or different mixes of wild rice. You don't have commit to a mega-sized sack of it. Just head over to your local health or international food store; they usually sells grains in bulk, so you can mix, match, and buy as much or as little as you'd like, often for just pennies.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Dried Pasta

Doll up your pasta with this easy cheese sauce. Just melt one tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over low heat and gradually whisk in one tablespoon of flour and a small pinch of salt. Stir this paste together for 2-3 minutes, and slowly pour in cup of milk, stirring constantly until it's thickened. Then stir in two grated tablespoons of your favorite cheese. Or skip the cheese and whisk in handful of chopped herbs, a sprinkle of nutmeg, seasoned salt, sauteed garlic, or even chunks of fresh tomato to make it a "pink" sauce. You can also skip sauce entirely and go with a drizzle of butter or olive oil, a pinch of kosher salt and a pinch of snipped herbs.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Canned Tuna

Tuna is packed with lean protein and omega-3, and all that goodness doesn't have to be undone by a tidal wave of mayo. Opt for the water-packed variety, and toss it with tomatoes, a vinaigrette dressing and wild rice or over lettuce for a fresh, flavored-packed salad. Mix it with a dash of olive oil, olive slices and hard boiled eggs for a nicoise-like sandwich filling, or sub it in for the beef or other meats in pot pies and pasta recipes.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Canned Soup

Bulk up canned soup with a handful of quick-cooking rice, or pre-cooked pasta. Veggies may cost a pretty penny at the grocery store these days, so seek out your local farmers market or food co-op and pick a few sweet peppers, local tomatoes, squash or eggplant and roast the slices with a little bit of olive oil in your oven. They'll make even plain old tomato soup taste like a million bucks.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Frozen Pizza

Speaking of home-roasted veggies, they're perfect for making a store-bought frozen cheese pizza taste like take-out. You can also sprinkle on a bit of grated cheese and diced, sautéed or roasted garlic. Fresh herbs can also deepen the flavor. Pick up a few pots at your local nursery or grow them from seed on a sunny windowsill. Both options are quite inexpensive, and you'll always have the very freshest herbs on hand.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Whole Chicken

Learn how to cut up a whole bird, and you'll never shell out for chicken breasts again. Get serious bang for your buck by using the bones to make rich, delicious chicken stock to use as a base for soups and stews. It tastes much better than the canned stuff, and it can be frozen in an ice cube tray for use whenever you need it.

Our celebrity chef Curtis Stone demonstrates how to cut up a whole bird

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Eggs

Break out of your culinary shell and learn to make quiche or a savory tortilla espanola. They're simple to make, filling, and elegant at any meal. And while you're at it, expand your repertoire of egg techniques. Have you ever coddled, shirred or pickled eggs? Time to get cracking!

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Potatoes

Is there anything these tubers can't do? We love 'em whipped, mashed, baked and boiled, but we're especially fond of rosti potatoes, the aforementioned tortilla espanola, and most of all a big, bubbling pot of potato soup. Bring on the cold weather!

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine

Beans

Dried or canned, beans are a classically simple source of protein. Beans and rice are an inexpensive and delicious staple dish in cultures the world over. They're also a surefire way to stretch a soup, stew or chili, and a great addition to almost any cold salad.

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How to Make the Most of Cheap Cuisine