12 Budget-Friendly Recipes That are Actually Healthy

I don’t know about you but for many of us, we have to work hard to pay the monthly bills.

Working two shifts or jobs is not uncommon anymore and God knows even that is not enough sometimes.

It seems almost like a losing battle, struggling to keep ends meet. I feel you.

And with an expensive healthcare system, I know it’s not affordable for us to get sick nowadays.

Although I’m no doctor, I can nevertheless help you to stay healthy and at the same time save money by following my budget-friendly recipes.

In times where the only safe bet is to stay home, eating good, healthy and inexpensive food will help you during times of crisis.

I can’t tell you how many times these recipes helped me and my hubby stay sane during times of confinement and these little moments of joy will help us through these trying times.

These 12 budget-friendly recipes are easy, quick, healthy and will help you during the difficult times

#1 Mahi Mahi Tacos Recipe

I don’t know about you but I love tacos for their versatility and they can be eaten at any moment.

Courtesy of Sharon who loves tacos as much as I do, this recipe with Mahi-mahi fish looks amazing and putting greens in there makes it a great healthy meal. 

Perfect for meal prep and people with a busy lifestyle. Find the recipe here.

#2 Mushroom rice

If you want a vegan option, this mushroom rice is awesome!

Cooked along with the rice, the mushroom infuses its brown color and flavors the rice nicely.

Add in more mushrooms at the end and let the bits caramelize for a truly appetizing meal.

You can eat as-is or if you’re not vegan, you can add in some oven-roasted chicken or pork! via Nagi’s recipe.

#3 Creamy Chicken Piccata

Oh my god, I’m so happy to have found this creamy chicken Piccata, as it is creamy AF, with juicy chicken thighs and seasoned to perfection.

And it’s super easy to make under 30 mins! Thank you Chungah for sharing this amazing recipe!

#4 Honey-Basted Chicken with Chile-Roasted Potatoes

Sometimes, I can get tired of making complicated meals that require time and energy.

I’m sure it happens to you as well.

Maybe your hubby may be lying on the couch staring at the TV or the kids are running around nervously in the house.

So, let me share this easy budget-friendly Honey-Basted Chicken with roasted potatoes recipe, which will help you in these difficult times.

A healthy diet is a solution to many of our health-care problems. It’s the most important solution. – John Mackey

#5 Curried Sausages

If you have any leftover sausages from your previous meals, this is a brilliant idea to use your leftovers to prepare this quick and easy recipe.

Courtesy of Katrina, this recipe can also include boiled eggs or any other veggie you have in the house for a flavorful meal. Recipe here.

#6 Green beans with pine nuts

Julia shares with us this side dish recipe to add to any meal.

You can easily modify it to suit your taste buds, whether you replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or add in cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

Add it to the creamy chicken piccata recipe above for a wonderful meal. The recipe can be found here.

#7 Roasted Lamb 

I love the way Tatyana prepares lamb roast in such an easy way.

This lamb roast dinner is accompanied with baby potatoes and carrots and can be prepared in a short time, using optional cooking ways: traditional oven, slow-cooker or pressure cooker.

This is one of my favorite budget-friendly recipes and the most healthy one out there. The recipe can be found here.

#8 Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Rice

OMG! Normally, I would not pay attention to chicken rice but this easy recipe made me stop and stare.

Adding lemon with a pinch of rosemary here and there makes all the difference.

This recipe is easy, packed with flavor and will take only 30 minutes to delight your loved ones at home. The recipe can be found here.

#9 Sausage Tortellini Alfredo

In times where you need a quick meal at home, nothing beats using sausages.

And since my hubby loves sausage-based meals, this tortellini in thick creamy Alfredo sauce is wonderful for him.

This hearty comfort food can help during the cold weather or simply when you want to please your taste buds.

It is versatile in that you can change the pasta or opt for beef or chicken sausage. So loving this recipe here.

I don’t find it a struggle to maintain a healthy diet now as my palate has changed. I don’t crave rich food. – Jennifer Ellison

#10 Scalloped Potatoes

I love how Christy combined just 2 of my favorite ingredients, potatoes and cheese, to make a cheap and tasty dish: Scalloped Potatoes.

You can prepare as-is or add paprika spices or some meat or even ham to make this even more awesome! Recipe can be found here.

#11 Healthy Cheese Dip with Smoky Onion and Kale

I don’t know about you but I have been really into the vegan stuff recently.

I mean, I’m still eating meat but more and more, I see myself preparing vegan dishes and my hubs don’t mind either.

Well, he doesn’t mind as long as it tastes good and fills up his belly. LOL.

Now, this Cheese Dip with smoky onion and kale recipe makes for a great add-on to BBQs or parties.

You will love the cheese in combo with the delightful smoky onion and kale for a flavorful punch to make everyone happy!

The recipe can be found here.

#12 The 15-minute fried rice

If you ask me what is my preferred recipe for a quick, easy and customizable dish, I would say fried rice. Period.

And courtesy of Marzia, this recipe is best using leftover rice and adding onions, carrots, peas and peppers and cooking in 15 minutes.

You can customize the recipe with meatballs or roasted chicken.

This lovely recipe will surely be a family favorite and can be found here.

I hope you loved my healthy recipes for the budget-friendly. 

Please tell us which one you loved in the comments below.

Stay safe, everyone.

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