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The New Budget Meals
Wallet-friendly food and modern, creative cooking don't have to be mutually exclusive. Need proof? Here's a week's worth of suppers you can make for less than $45 (not counting staples such as oil, salt and pepper). They call for raw ingredients, including fresh, frozen and canned vegetables; eggs; canned beans; pasta; rice; and meat. And while they're essentially classic American fare, there are hints of Italian, Chinese and Latin cuisines, with every dish featuring an unexpected ingredient or technique.

Shopping list
  • 2 white or yellow onions
  • 4 Idaho or russet potatoes
  • 1 large bunch of kale
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 3 carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 10-ounce package of frozen peas
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 1 15.5-ounce can of cannellini beans
  • 1 15.5-ounce can of black beans
  • 1 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 pound of small shell pasta
  • 1 pound of rice
  • 7 ounces Virginia ham, sliced
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.25 pounds)
  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck
  • Dried thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Small bottle of soy sauce
  • Small bottle of oyster sauce

    You'll also need (and may already have):
  • Vegetable oil
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Flour
  • Red wine vinegar (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Sesame oil (optional)

    Printable Shopping List