March Recipe Roundup: Budget-Friendly Meals
Hey friends!
I’m excited to kick off a new monthly feature here on the blog – Recipe Roundup! Each month, I’ll highlight a few recipes I’m loving, along with what I enjoy about them and any tweaks I’ve made. With the cost of groceries rising, I’m committed to including budget-friendly meals in every roundup so you can enjoy great food without breaking the bank. I’d also love to hear what you’re cooking right now, so please drop a comment and share your favorites with me!
Let’s be honest – figuring out what to make for dinner every day is so much work! With so many recipe ideas floating around, it can be tough to narrow it down. And remembering which version of a recipe you tried, or how you tweaked it, just adds to the stress. That’s exactly why I’m starting this roundup. It’s my way of keeping track of the new recipes I’m trying, and sharing them with you along the way. I hope this makes meal planning a little easier for you and inspires you to try new recipes!
Here’s a peek at what’s been on my plate lately and what I’m excited to try this month:
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This one is simple, comforting, and perfect for when you need something soothing. I turned to this recipe when I caught a cold, and it did the trick! It’s so easy to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you rest. Plus, Budget Bytes is a favorite of mine because they highlight budget-friendly meals and the ingredients are easy to find. This soup keeps well, freezes like a dream, and the topping options are endless (think: cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro… yum)!
Why I love it: It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and super customizable with all those tasty toppings. Bonus: leftovers make for awesome lunches!
Salmon Patties
I’ve been trying to eat more fish, but with the cost of fresh salmon, it’s not always in the budget. Enter: canned salmon! I make these easy salmon patties and serve them with roasted veggies and a side of dill potatoes. I tweak the recipe a bit by adding Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor. I love to eat these salmon patties with a little more Dijon on the side (I’m obsessed), but that’s totally optional!
Why I love it: It’s an affordable way to get in those omega-3 fats, and canned salmon is a great pantry staple. Bonus: if the canned salmon has bones, you get a good dose of calcium too (but don’t worry, they’re soft and totally edible, or you can find it without bones).
Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew
This stew is a nutrient-packed bowl of goodness! It has protein, fiber, greens, and best of all – it’s made in the slow cooker. I love how this meal is hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly, making it a perfect weeknight option. Plus, it’s one-pot, which means less cleanup!
Why I love it: It’s a vegan, nutrient-dense, one-pot wonder that’s so tasty! The smoky flavor makes it feel extra cozy.
Crispy Skin Salmon with Miso-Honey Sauce
Ok, I admit it – I’m on a fish kick right now. I try to cook salmon every week, and this recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s all about that crispy skin! The miso-honey sauce takes it to the next level, and when paired with some rice and sautéed bok choy, you’ve got yourself a comforting, flavorful meal. By pairing it with potatoes and bok choy, I keep the cost of the rest of the meal lower while still enjoying fresh salmon.
Why I love it: This recipe is a sensory delight for me, it has crunch and exciting flavors! I love the crispy skin, richness of the miso-honey flavor, and how comforting the whole dish is.
Let’s Plan Meals Together
I know how overwhelming meal planning can be, so I hope these recipes help spark some inspiration in your kitchen! If you ever feel stuck in a recipe rut, I’ll be back next month with a fresh batch of ideas. I’d love to hear what your go-to meals are right now, so don’t forget to share them in the comments!
Until next time, happy cooking!
Talk soon,
Ana