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7 Insanely Easy & Quick Recipes for Busy People on a Budget

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Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, home-cooked meals. Forget expensive takeout and complicated cooking. We’ve compiled a list of 7 incredibly easy & quick recipes that are as easy on your wallet as they are on your schedule. Whether you need a 2-minute breakfast or a 15-minute dinner, these dishes have you covered.

1. Quick Banana Oatmeal

A warm and filling breakfast that’s ready in under 5 minutes. Using instant oats and a banana makes this incredibly cheap and easy.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup instant oats
  • 1 cup water or milk
  • 1/2 banana, sliced
  • 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Combine oats and water/milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir well, then top with sliced banana, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of cinnamon.

2. Simple Avocado Toast

The trendy breakfast that’s actually super simple and affordable to make at home. A healthy and satisfying way to start your day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 slice of bread
  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • Pinch of salt & pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

  1. Toast the slice of bread until golden.
  2. Mash the avocado with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the mashed avocado over the toast and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

3. Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich

A simple and satisfying lunch that never gets old. It’s budget-friendly and can be prepared in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of tuna, drained
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp chopped celery or onion (optional)
  • 2 slices of bread

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and optional chopped veggies.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the tuna salad on one slice of bread, top with the other, and serve.

4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A simple yet incredibly flavorful Italian pasta dish that uses just a few pantry staples. Dinner can be on the table in 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

  • 200g spaghetti
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt and chopped parsley

Directions:

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
  2. While it cooks, gently heat the olive oil, sliced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a large pan.
  3. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan, tossing to combine.
  4. Season with salt and parsley before serving.

5. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken

Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor! This one-pan meal roasts chicken and veggies together for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli or carrots
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme)
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  3. Arrange lemon slices on top.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

6. No-Bake Energy Bites

The perfect healthy snack to beat an afternoon slump. They are easy to make and require no oven time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
  3. Store in the refrigerator for a quick and easy snack.

7. 2-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

Craving something sweet? This single-serving chocolate cake is made in the microwave in just a couple of minutes!

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp milk & 3 tbsp oil

Directions:

  1. Mix all dry ingredients in a large mug.
  2. Add the egg, milk, and oil and mix until smooth.
  3. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
  4. Let it cool for a moment before enjoying.

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