The best budget dinner meals

Are you on a shoestring budget? Are hubby and the kids complaining about the same old dinner fare served up every night? It's not always easy being imaginative when it seems like everything in the supermarket is so expensive. Experimenting seems impossible and as for complicated recipes - a definite no-go. Here is a selection of our favourite no fuss, budget meals for dinner. 

Soups

If you're looking for budget meals that stretch a long way, look no further than soup. Use up your leftovers, cook in bulk or simply buy one of those soup-packs found in the supermarket. You can also add meat, pasta or frozen veggies to bulk it up a bit, and pair with slices of toast. Some great soup recipes include this one for Minestrone Soup, Pumpkin Soup - which is so cheap and so good for you - and this ingenious reader submitted recipe for the Easiest Soup recipe ever. 

Pasta

Pasta, paired with various toppings, is one of the easiest things to make in the evenings. A Tuna Pasta Bake will stretch to feed many hungry mouths, and can be reheated the next day as leftovers. Avoid fancy additions to your pasta to save money - use regular tomatoes (or tinned) instead of sun-dried, and mayonnaise instead of a fancy dressing. This vegetarian recipe for Tomato and Mushroom Pasta is a good option. 

Meat

Meat is often the most expensive part of the shopping bill. Buying bulk mince and chicken is a great option - these are also so versatile. Pair the meat with inexpensive veggies to add bulk - such as this recipe for Chicken Broccoli Bake or this Beef Brisket Potjiekos. Spice up side dishes, such as potato salads, with herbs, spices and leftover bacon/veggies/salad ingredients. 

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