r/Cheap_Meals

Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie

I only had half a pound of ground beef, so I supplemented the filling with lentils. Adding the lentils allows you to stretch a small amount of meat, and boost the protein and fiber content.

8 oz. of ground beef
1/2 cup of cooked lentils
1/2 cup of beef broth
1 can of carrots (I diced them since they were cut into coins)
1 can of peas
1 pack of instant mashed potatoes
1 medium onion
1 medium bell pepper
1 tbsp of flour
1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
Preferred seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, MSG)

  1. Brown onions and bell peppers until softened
  2. Add ground beef to pan and cook until browned and about 90% done
  3. Add the cooked lentils
  4. Add flour to the ground beef and lentils mix, and then stir until the flour is absorbed
  5. Add beef broth, carrots, and peas to pan and stir until the filling thickens and then remove from heat and let it cool slightly
  6. Cook the mashed potatoes per instructions and then let them cool slightly
  7. In a baking dish, spoon the beef/lentil filling on the bottom then layer the mashed potatoes on top
  8. Cook in the oven at 425 for about 15-20 minutes* to brown the potatoes

*Since the filling is already hot, it does not take long in the oven.

u/tjrich1988 — 11 hours ago

Cheap meal for 4

Hey everyone, I don't know why I haven't thought about posting this on here before but I have a go to meal that cost me less than 6$ and can feed my 3 kids plus myself. If you go to the dollar tree and pick up 2 bags of the knorr cheddar broccoli rice or their chicken flavored rice, and two packs of the John Morrell polish sausages or smoked sausages it creates quite a bit of food and I love the taste together. When our house is full there is 6 of us in here and one more pack of each would feed all of us. Just figured I'd share my struggle meal that I happen to love too lol

u/3rdanimal0ntheark — 1 day ago

Hey all need a suggestion please for chili.

Hey good afternoon I went to food bank and I got Roma tomatoes some green peppers jalapeños onions and big can of black beans I got a chili starter and 2 things vegetables stalk so I was thinking chili could anyone help me make a recipe with that thanks im new to cooking.

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u/Successstory066 — 3 days ago
▲ 211 r/Cheap_Meals+2 crossposts

Simple salmon dinner that always hits 🥔🥬

Baked salmon with roasted baby potatoes, green beans, lemon, black pepper, and herbs. Super simple, filling, and perfect for an easy dinner.

Recipe:

  • 1 salmon fillet
  • Baby potatoes
  • Green beans
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried herbs

How I made it:
Toss the potatoes with a little olive oil, pepper, and herbs, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. Add the salmon and cook for another 12–15 minutes. Steam or sauté the green beans, then finish everything with fresh lemon.

What would you add to this plate?

u/Aical_food — 7 days ago

What meals can I make with these ingredients for a week?

1 pack instant potatoes, 3 cans tuna in water, 1 mac and cheese cup, 2 mac and cheese boxes, 1 can of black beans. Curry powder just cause. All of this came from blessing boxes around my community cos after rent is paid I’ll have less than $100 and I need that for my water and electric. Fml

u/ethelcai — 13 days ago
▲ 46 r/Cheap_Meals+3 crossposts

My simple high-protein dinner: spicy salmon and broccoli 🥦

Made this quick dinner with pan-seared salmon and steamed broccoli. It was filling, easy to prepare, and didn’t leave me feeling heavy afterward.

I’ve been using FoodPilot to scan my meals and get a rough calorie and nutrition estimate—it makes staying aware of my portions much easier.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 2 cups broccoli
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: chili powder and lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Season the salmon with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Cook the salmon for about 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
  4. Steam or boil the broccoli until tender.
  5. Finish with fresh lemon juice and serve.

Simple, healthy, and delicious! What sauce would you add?

u/Aical_food — 13 days ago

Will cooking stew meat this way actually work? Advice needed.

My plan is to marinate a package of pork stew meat in some seasoning, oil, and a bit of vinegar and then cook the pork on low in just some broth. Will that probably work? How much broth do you recommend? I assume I need to cook on low for around 10 hours. Input appreciated because I'm not great at freestyling and don't want to waste food.

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u/JustJaneMays — 12 days ago