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    Home » Best Of

    21 Frugal Homemade Recipes for Budget-Friendly, Healthy Meals

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 9, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Good food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few simple ingredients, frugal homemade recipes make it easy to cook healthy meals without breaking the budget. These recipes help stretch ingredients while keeping meals wholesome and filling. Whether you're cutting costs or just making the most of what’s in the pantry, cooking from scratch is a smart way to save. A little planning goes a long way in keeping meals affordable and practical.

    Easy Egg Bites Recipe

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    Easy Egg Bites Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    These egg bites are simple to make and great for using up ingredients you already have. They’re a smart option for frugal homemade recipes since they can be made in bulk and stored for quick meals.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Bites Recipe

    Easy Honey Graham Cornbread Recipe

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    Easy Honey Graham Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This cornbread has just the right amount of sweetness without being expensive to make. It’s a great choice for frugal homemade recipes since it uses basic pantry staples and pairs well with any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Graham Cornbread Recipe

    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

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    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A homemade soup mix is a practical way to have quick meals ready without the extra cost of store-bought versions. This is an easy addition to frugal homemade recipes, making use of simple ingredients that last.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

    Stovetop Sourdough English Muffins Recipe

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    Stovetop Sourdough English Muffins Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making English muffins from scratch saves money and skips the preservatives found in store-bought options. They’re a great fit for frugal homemade recipes since they require just a few ingredients and cook right on the stovetop.
    Get the Recipe: Stovetop Sourdough English Muffins Recipe

    Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

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    Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This no-fuss peanut butter bread comes from a time when stretching ingredients was a necessity. It fits right in with frugal homemade recipes by using affordable pantry staples to make a hearty, filling loaf.
    Get the Recipe: Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

    Turmeric Lentil Soup Recipe

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    Turmeric Lentil Soup Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Lentil soup is a budget-friendly way to make a filling meal without a lot of effort. It’s an easy pick for frugal homemade recipes since lentils are affordable, packed with protein, and cook quickly.
    Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup Recipe

    Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

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    Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Making ravioli at home is simpler than it sounds and keeps you from paying extra for store-bought versions. This belongs on any list of frugal homemade recipes since it makes use of basic ingredients while still feeling special.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe Without Eggs

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    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe Without Eggs. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These muffins prove that you don’t need eggs to make something soft and flavorful. They’re a smart option for frugal homemade recipes because they rely on affordable pantry staples and seasonal ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe Without Eggs

    Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe

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    Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sourdough discard biscuits are a great way to use up extra starter instead of wasting it. This fits well with frugal homemade recipes by turning what would be leftovers into something useful and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe

    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

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    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making sandwich bread at home costs less than buying it, plus you control the ingredients. This recipe is a must-have for frugal homemade recipes since it’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for daily use.
    Get the Recipe: Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

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    Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Leftover ham gets a second life in this hearty potato soup. It’s an easy choice for frugal homemade recipes since it stretches ingredients and makes a filling meal with minimal cost.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

    Chicken Black Beans Salsa Corn Casserole

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    Chicken Black Beans Salsa Corn Casserole. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This casserole is packed with protein and flavor while using affordable ingredients. It’s a great fit for frugal homemade recipes since it’s easy to make in large batches and freezes well for later.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Black Beans Salsa Corn Casserole

    Chicken Jerky Recipe

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    Chicken Jerky Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making chicken jerky at home saves money and avoids the additives found in store-bought versions. It’s an ideal option for frugal homemade recipes since it requires just a few ingredients and lasts for weeks.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Jerky Recipe

    Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

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    Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Pickling watermelon rind is a smart way to use every part of the fruit instead of throwing it out. This fits perfectly with frugal homemade recipes by turning scraps into a flavorful, crunchy treat.
    Get the Recipe: Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

    Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe

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    Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This bread comes together with almost no effort and costs much less than fancy bakery loaves. It’s a solid choice for frugal homemade recipes, using simple ingredients to create something fresh and homemade.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe

    Making Traditional Hardtack: Survival Food Recipe

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    Making Traditional Hardtack: Survival Food Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Hardtack is a no-frills survival food that lasts for months, making it a practical addition to frugal homemade recipes. With just a few ingredients, this recipe creates a durable, long-lasting food supply.
    Get the Recipe: Making Traditional Hardtack: Survival Food Recipe

    Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe

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    Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Sweet potatoes and black beans make a rich, hearty soup that’s easy on the budget. It’s a great fit for frugal homemade recipes since it’s packed with nutrients and made with inexpensive ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe

    Dutch Oven Soup Recipes

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    Dutch Oven Soup Recipes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A Dutch oven makes soup-making simple, and these recipes use affordable ingredients to create filling meals. They’re a great option for frugal homemade recipes since they rely on pantry staples and slow cooking for deep flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Soup Recipes

    Almond Bark Cereal Recipe

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    Almond Bark Cereal Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This no-bake treat is quick to make and uses simple, inexpensive ingredients. It belongs in any list of frugal homemade recipes since it’s an easy way to create a homemade snack without spending much.
    Get the Recipe: Almond Bark Cereal Recipe

    Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

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    Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A pot of vegetable soup is a budget-friendly way to use up extra produce and make a filling meal. It’s an easy choice for frugal homemade recipes since it keeps food waste low while making something hearty and warm.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

    Big Batch Three Bean Chili Recipe

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    Big Batch Three Bean Chili Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Cooking chili in big batches stretches ingredients while making enough to feed a crowd. It’s a great addition to frugal homemade recipes since beans are affordable, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
    Get the Recipe: Big Batch Three Bean Chili Recipe

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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