Budget cooking starts with overlap
The most useful inexpensive ingredients are the ones that can appear in breakfast, lunch and dinner without feeling repetitive.
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- Oats: breakfast, baking and savory oat bowls.
- Lentils: soup, tacos, pasta sauce and patties.
- Beans: chili, salads, dips and rice bowls.
- Rice: stir-fries, curries and bowls.
- Potatoes: soups, roasted sides and breakfast dishes.
- Cabbage: slaws, stir-fries and soups.
- Carrots: snacks, soups, roasting and sauces.
- Frozen vegetables: convenient additions with less spoilage risk.
- Peanut butter: toast, sauces and oatmeal.
- Bananas: breakfast, smoothies and simple baking.
Shop your kitchen first
Before buying more, plan meals around what is already open in the refrigerator and pantry. Reducing waste is one of the simplest ways to lower food costs.