10 Budget-Friendly Foods That Feel Like Fine Dining

Cooking up a storm doesn't have to drain your wallet. With a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create dishes that taste as though they come straight out of a gourmet kitchen. Here's a collection of 10 recipes that prove you can make budget-friendly meals so delicious, they'll leave everyone asking for seconds.

Table of Contents

1. Nachos
2. Pasta
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
5. Fried Rice
6. Tuna
7. Soup
8. Breakfast Sandwich
9. Potatoes
10. Quesadillas
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1. Nachos

Nachos are a straightforward thing to whip up, and you can do as much customizing as you want to them. You can add various beans, cheese, meats, chips, and vegetables to give them as much flavor and pop as you may want. This can also be a very nutritional-friendly food, based on what you may add. For a healthier version, skip the cheese, and double up on protein and veggies! Get the recipe

2. Pasta

Chicken Alfredo — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You can buy pasta in bulk for very cheap, and it is still incredibly delicious. Not only is pasta cost-efficient, but it is also very healthy and can fit into most people's diets. You can get creative with pasta, along with all the different options out there! Get the recipe

3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Peanut-butter-and-jelly-shutterstock-MSN — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This is one classic food many of us grew up on. Unless you have a peanut allergy, this can be a very quick and easy-to-put-together option. This is another food you can get creative with by trading out peanut butter for almond butter, or other spreads. There are plenty of different flavored jelly options available too, so have some fun with this one, and tantalize those taste buds!

4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Grilled Cheese Sandwich And Tomato Soup — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A familiar comfort food for most, this cheap meal is super delicious and very easy to prepare. To spice things up, add some seasonings and toppings to the soup or sandwich to make it even better. Try things such as bacon, crackers, or potato chips! Get the recipe

5. Fried Rice

chicken fried rice — Image Credit: Corrie Cooks

A traditional meal prep food, fried rice can taste delicious if you make it with the right ingredients. It may take time to find what you like, but you can add healthy things like eggs, vegetables, or other meats like bacon or beef. This meal goes great as a base or side to plenty of dishes! Get the recipe

6. Tuna

Tuna Salad — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Tuna is fantastic when it comes to convenience, taste, and price. You can add many things to tuna, like mayo and other vegetables, to create a fun and flavorful tuna salad! Toast some bread and make it into a sandwich, too! With extremely cost-efficient tuna, you can buy a lot at a time and store it away for a while.

7. Soup

Carrot Soup with sour cream on top and carrots on side — Image Credit: Corrie Cooks

Soup is a very traditional meal, with so many different options to choose from. You could make soup from scratch, which may cost more; however, you will have more to put away or freeze for later. Alternatively, you can buy it in a can, which is only a one-time use but is a lot cheaper. Get the recipe

8. Breakfast Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A breakfast sandwich is a great way to start your day, with many different ways to go about it. You can choose the type of bread, meat, cheese, egg, and overall toppings you prefer, making it precisely to your liking! Don't forget to finish it off with your favorite condiments or sauces!

9. Potatoes

While a potato by itself may not be a meal, it is definitely enough to fill us up. A potato is a super easy way to get in good nutrition. There are also plenty of ways to prepare this food staple, like microwaving, air frying, or mashing them up! If you're going for a simple baked potato, try adding different toppings that may already be in your fridge, like cheese, sour cream, or onions! Get the recipe

10. Quesadillas

black beans tomato corn quesadilla. the toning. selective focus — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With all of the ingredients needed to make a quesadilla, you could do so much with that alone. Quesadillas are great because they are cheap, and you can do whatever you want to. You can add meats, cheeses, or any vegetable you may wish to and dip it in things like salsa or sour cream.

Source: Reddit