33 Recipes Your Grocery Store Doesn’t Want You to Know

Ever feel like your grocery bill is a runaway train, hurtling towards financial ruin? You’re not alone! Grocery stores are masters of marketing, subtly nudging you towards pre-packaged meals and overpriced ingredients.
But fear not, budget-conscious friend! We’re here to arm you with the culinary secrets they’d rather you didn’t know – recipes so simple, so delicious, and so inexpensive, they’ll have the CEO of your local supermarket shaking in their perfectly polished boots.
Get ready to ditch the pre-made pesto and say hello to scratch-made goodness. These 33 recipes are designed to empower you, save you money, and impress your taste buds without breaking the bank. Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe

This is your weeknight savior! Cook up some spaghetti, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, a little honey, and some sriracha for a kick. Toss it all together, and boom! Dinner is served. Add some chopped scallions or cilantro if you’re feeling fancy (and have them on hand!).
Lentil Soup Recipe

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse and incredibly cheap. Sauté some carrots, celery, and onion, add your lentils, vegetable broth, and spices. Simmer until tender, and you’ve got a hearty and comforting soup that’s good for you and your wallet.
Black Bean Burgers Recipe

Forget those expensive veggie burgers! Mash up some black beans with breadcrumbs, spices, and your favorite veggies (corn, peppers, onions). Form into patties and bake, pan-fry, or grill. Top with your favorite burger fixings and enjoy!
Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe

A healthy and filling breakfast for pennies! Blend rolled oats with milk, an egg, and a little baking powder. Cook on a griddle like regular pancakes. Top with fruit, syrup, or a dollop of yogurt.
Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Got leftover rice? Don’t let it go to waste! Scramble some eggs, stir-fry some veggies, and toss it all together with the rice, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil. A quick, easy, and satisfying meal.
Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe

Garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and pasta. That’s it! This simple Italian classic is packed with flavor and takes minutes to make. Add some parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
Chickpea Curry Recipe

Another lentil-level powerhouse, chickpeas are so good and cheap. Sauté some onion and garlic, add curry powder, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until heated through. Serve with rice or naan.
Tomato Soup Recipe

Canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a little cream (optional) are the base for this comforting soup. Add some herbs and spices to taste. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Quesadillas Recipe

Tortillas and cheese. That’s the base! Add whatever fillings you have on hand – beans, veggies, leftover chicken, or salsa. Grill or pan-fry until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Potato and Onion Frittata Recipe

Dice some potatoes and onions and sauté them until tender. Whisk eggs with some milk and seasonings. Pour over the potatoes and onions and cook on the stovetop or in the oven until set. A simple and satisfying meal.
Rice and Beans Recipe

A classic for a reason! Cook rice and beans separately. Combine them in a pot with your favorite seasonings. A filling and nutritious meal that’s incredibly budget-friendly.
Garlic Bread Recipe

Bread, butter, garlic powder. Toast. Enough said!
Scrambled Eggs Recipe

Eggs and a dash of milk, seasoned to taste. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Grilled Cheese Recipe

Butter, bread and cheese.
Mac and Cheese Recipe

Pasta, milk, cheese and butter!
Ramen Upgrade Recipe

Plain Ramen? Add an egg, some frozen veggies and soy sauce!
Bean Burrito Recipe

Tortilla, beans, salsa. Delicious!
Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

Tuna, mayo, celery and bread.
Spaghetti with Marinara Recipe

Pasta, and Jar of Marinara!
Popcorn Recipe

Kernels, Oil and Salt.
Baked Potato Recipe

Potato, butter, cheese and/or sour cream.
Avocado Toast Recipe

Toast, Avocado and some seasoning. Yum!
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Broth, Chicken, Noodles and Veggies.
BLT Recipe

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Bread!
Fried Egg Sandwich Recipe

Bread, Fried Egg and your favorite toppings
Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Rice, Veggies and Soy Sauce.
Breakfast Burrito Recipe

Tortilla, Eggs, Cheese and Sausage or Bacon.
Banana Bread Recipe

Flour, Banana, Eggs and Sugar.
Pesto Pasta Recipe

Pasta and Store-bought Pesto
Chili Recipe

Beans, Ground Beef and Chili Seasoning.
Cornbread Recipe

Cornmeal, Flour, Eggs and Sugar.
Fruit Salad Recipe

Assorted fruit. Get creative!
Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Lettuce, Chicken, Dressing and Croutons.