Delicious Dinners & Desserts On A Budget

There are a few general items and ingredients you can leverage to make your dinner and dessert recipes go a whole lot farther. And it starts before you even go to the store.

• Start with What’s in Stock: When you’re trying to stretch your wallet, it’s important to remain aware of what you already have in your fridge and pantry. Start with any of the pricier ingredients (meats, dairy, produce) and choose a recipe that depends on them. If you choose just one single, high-ticket ingredient and get more than one meal out of it, that’s a win!
• Go for a Splurge-worthy Add-on: A fancy hot sauce, sriracha mayo, chili crisp, or herb garnish is not something you typically think about buying when you are trying to save money, but it can actually go a long way to making even the simplest home-cooked meals that much more crave-worthy. A condiment that costs a few extra dollars can make your meal taste like a million bucks.

Dinner time can be a major spot for spending in the kitchen, which makes it a prime place to save! Here are Betty’s top tips for creating a delicious and satisfying meal while keeping your budget in check, plus a few recipes to help you put them into action.

• Save the Small Stuff: A leftover green onion, a ¼ cup of shredded cheese or that last handful of nuts make great toppings to elevate your weeknight dishes.
• Pasta in a Pinch: Different recipes call for different pasta shapes, but they all taste the same. Try to always use what you have in your pantry first. You can even mix different shapes together to extend your meal.
• Top it Off: Add protein-rich beans, chickpeas, or tinned fish to pasta and casseroles. If appropriate, top your finished meal with an egg. It’s a great way to make a meal more interesting—and more filling. These ingredients are also great meat substitutes. For more ideas about how to work meatless options into your dishes, take a look at Betty’s How to Get Protein Without Eating Meat article.
• Powered by Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is an inexpensive ingredient and a great source of protein. It can also give you more volume out of sauces, dips, and more. For inspiration, check out Betty’s Slow-Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken and Peanut Butter Cookies.
• Cold, Hard Savings: When a recipe calls for veggies, substitute frozen or leftover chopped vegetables to save on cost.

Sticking to a budget doesn’t have to mean cutting back on life’s little treats. Here are a few easy ways to get the most out of your baking ingredients, along with a selection of simple, delicious recipes that can help you satisfy your sweet tooth while saving a little dough.

• Stock up on the Basics: Cookies especially have a range of ingredients that can be shared recipe to recipe. So if you know you’re going to be baking for the next month or two, get the value size pack of sugar, butter, flour, and baking soda.
• Double it Up: If you’re shopping for a recipe with specialized ingredients, you can make your purchase work harder by just baking a double batch. You’ll get through the whole quantity, and you’ll have leftovers you can freeze, share, or enjoy for days at a time.
• Work with What You Have: Lots of desserts are made with ingredients that work elsewhere in your kitchen. Having Rice Chex™ for breakfast? Make it into dessert with Brown Butter Peanut Chex Bars. Picked up a value size of instant oats? Bake a batch of Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies while you’re at it!

With a little planning and creativity, you can make the most of every meal while staying within your budget. From using what’s in stock to splurging strategically, Betty’s tips make it easy to save without sacrificing flavor on your daily meals and desserts. So, the next time you’re planning your menu, remember that great taste and smart spending go hand in hand with Betty by your side! And if you’re searching for more kitchen inspiration, don’t forget to follow @BettyCrocker on social.