From pesto pasta to speedy nachos: 5 budget friendly recipes using just 5 ingredients.

In Mamamia’s Parenting Hacks series, real women share their tips and tricks on everything from meal prep to organisation to nailing the morning routine.

This week, Katie Lolas shares five budget-friendly recipes.

Are you someone who has the tendency to overspend on groceries? Do you struggle to think of new dinner ideas? Well, I may have a solution for you. 

It’s hard work to make a meal plan week after week, especially one that you’ll actually want to stick to. It’s even more difficult when you’re trying to keep costs down. 

That’s why I decided I needed to come up with some simple, speedy, and inexpensive recipe ideas to feed the entire family without breaking the budget.

While you are here, watch Easy Kids Lunches: Turkey Hummus Pinwheels. Post continues below.

So, I'm introducing the Frugal 5 Recipe Series. These recipes only use five core ingredients, take less than 45 minutes to make, and will feed at least four people. 

Have more people in your family? Double batching will be your best friend and If you live on your own, I’ve included storage instructions to ensure there’s absolutely no waste.

1. Frugal 5 Chicken Pesto Pasta.

This recipe is delicious, takes no more than 15 minutes to make, and costs less than $20. It’s a big yes from me.

Ready in: 15 minutes

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients:

• 1 pesto jar 

• 1 roast chicken, shredded 

• 500g pasta of choice  

• 2 zucchinis, grated

• 100g Parmesan or tasty cheese

Method:

Step 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan and cook zucchini for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and then turn off heat.

Step 3. Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, grated zucchini, and pesto to the pan and mix in the cheese leaving some to garnish with. Enjoy hot.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

2. Frugal 5 Speedy Nachos.

A seriously simple yet flavourful recipe that won’t break the budget. If you don’t mind a sneaky sixth ingredient, I’d recommend going with sour cream.

Ready in: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 500g beef mince

• 1 x 400g nacho salsa

• 1 family-sized pack of tortilla chips

• 200g mozzarella or tasty cheese

• 2 avocados, diced

Method:

Step 1. Add a splash of olive oil to a medium-high heat pan and cook the mince, breaking it up with a spatula until browned.

Step 2. Add the nacho salsa and mix until heated through.

Step 3. Remove the mixture from the heat and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 4. Add tortilla chips, top with avocado, and enjoy!

Storage: Filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. 

3. Frugal 5 Green Tofu Curry.

This tofu green curry is spicy and creamy with a hint of sweetness. It’s so tasty, I’m confident it will become your next meat-free Monday go-to recipe and I promise it won’t break the budget. I’ve only used in-season and reasonably priced ingredients that taste fab together.

Ready in: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 300g firm tofu, diced into cubes 

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 

• 2.5 tbsp green curry paste 

• 1 can of coconut milk 

• ⅓ cup water

• 150g baby spinach 

• Extra virgin olive oil 

• Salt 

Method:

Step 1. Dab the tofu cubes with paper towels to remove any excess water. In a large medium-sized pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu, season with salt, and pan-fry for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, water, and curry paste to the pan. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Add baby spinach and tofu. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until baby spinach has wilted.

Step 3. Serve over a side of rice and enjoy!

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to six months. 

4. Frugal 5 One Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon & Veg. 

A nutrient-packed flavourful dinner or lunch option for you to enjoy.

Ready in: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 500g fillets of salmon

• 2 punnets of cherry tomatoes, halved

• Potatoes, diced into 1cm cubes 

• 2 bunches broccolini, chopped

• 1 lemon

• Olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 220C. In a small bowl combine a generous drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and lemon and mix together well.

Step 2. Place all ingredients onto a lined baking tray. Cover with the olive oil, garlic, and lemon mixture ensuring all ingredients are coated.

Step 3. Season with salt and pepper and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 4. Serve on its own or with a side of couscous or turmeric rice.

Storage: In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

5. Frugal 5 Creamy Carrot & Coconut Soup.

This is a flavour-packed soul-warming soup that everyone is guaranteed to enjoy

Ready in: 45 minutes

Serves: 4 

Ingredients:

• Olive oil

• 500g carrots, chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cups chicken broth, reduced salt 

• 1 x 400g can coconut milk

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Fresh parsley leaves (optional garnish)

• Bread of choice, toasted (optional side)

Method

Step 1. Add a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onion, season with salt, and cook, often stirring until carrots are softened, 15-20 minutes. 

Step 2. Add the broth, coconut milk, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and liquid is slightly reduced, 35-40 minutes.

Step 3. Let cool slightly then purée in a blender or food processor until smooth. Garnish with parsley and serve with a side of toasted bread.

Storage: In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months. 

Katie Lolas is a Sydney-based high school teacher and the brains behind the popular meal prepping Instagram account @lady.lolas. For more of Katie’s brilliant recipes, visit her  website or follow her on Instagram.

You can catch up on our previous Parenting Hacks articles here: 

• Just 7 healthy meal prep breakfast ideas you'll actually be excited to eat.
• 'I'm an organisation expert. These are my 5 hacks to make the school morning rush easier.'
• Alison is a lunchbox prep expert. Here are her 6 timesaving golden rules.
• 'I'm an organisation expert. Here's exactly how I organise my fridge.'
• 'I'm an organisation expert. Here's how I got my husband and kids to share the mental load.'

Feature Image: Instagram @lady.lolas.

TAKE SURVEY ➤