Budget recipes

On a budget? Whether you’re after cheap family meals, no frills or simply good value, we’ve got ideas for you. Yes, jacket potatoes and pasta feature, but also ways to stretch those more expensive ingredients that bit further to give you bags of flavour for your buck. Step forward chorizo, smoked fish and bacon. We’ve also included some fakeaways, to help you save money when the takeaway urge bites.

If you’re looking for budget meals that are filling and comforting too, check out all our budget pasta recipes, and also find ways to use up leftover chicken.

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Cock-a-leekie soup

Chicken soup recipes

Cock-a-leekie soup

This soul-warming Scottish soup includes chicken, leeks, prunes for burst of rich fruitiness and rice (or barley, if you prefer).

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Smoked sausage, mushroom and bean stew

Stews, casseroles, pot-roasts and slow-roasts

Smoked sausage, mushroom and bean stew

Smoked sausage and earthy mushrooms give a depth of flavour that makes this stew taste like it’s been cooked for hours instead of minutes.

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Pasta pomodoro

Tomato pasta recipes

Pasta pomodoro

Pasta pomodoro is the original – and best – tomato pasta. This recipe is quick and easy but uses a few tricks to really amp up the flavour.

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Classic pasta puttanesca

Italian pasta recipes

Classic pasta puttanesca

One of the most famous classic pasta dishes of all time, pasta puttanesca includes anchovies, garlic, capers, olives and tomatoes.

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Frico (Alpine cheese and potato cake)

Potato recipes

Frico (Alpine cheese and potato cake)

Frico is a delicious cheese and potato cake from the Italian Alps. The soft, indulgently savoury cake is ike a very, very cheesy hash brown.

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Coda alla vaccinara (Roman braised oxtail)

Beef stew recipes

Coda alla vaccinara (Roman braised oxtail)

Coda alla vaccinara is an iconic Roman dish made with oxtail. The meat is slow-cooked with celery, while cocoa gives the stew earthy depth.

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Risi e bisi (classic Venetian rice and peas)

Italian vegetarian recipes

Risi e bisi (classic Venetian rice and peas)

Ursula Ferrigno shares her recipe for risi e bisi. This classic Venetian dish of rice and the sweetest fresh peas is served in a rich stock.

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Bigoli in salsa (caramelised onion and anchovy pasta)

Budget pasta recipes

Bigoli in salsa (caramelised onion and anchovy pasta)

Bigoli in salsa is a classic Venetian dish: thick pasta strands with a rich sauce of caramelised onions and anchovies. Simple yet luxurious.

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Umami bomb spaghetti

30-minute meal recipes

Umami bomb spaghetti

Ready in the time it takes to boil the pasta, this speedy umami bomb spaghetti is packed with olives, anchovies, capers, parmesan and parsley for a joyful tapenade-like flavour.

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Creamy sweetcorn and Tajín pasta

Weekly pasta recipes

Creamy sweetcorn and Tajín pasta

Tajín is a Mexican seasoning that combines lime and chilli, and when paired with sweetcorn it makes a wonderful sauce for pasta.

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Sausage casserole with braised celery and chickpeas

Weeknight recipes

Sausage casserole with braised celery and chickpeas

Braising celery is something you need to try. This easy, hands-off sausage stew combines it with sausages, creamy chickpeas and chilli.

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Leftover pasta frittata

Leftover lunch recipes

Leftover pasta frittata

Leftover spaghetti is the carb hero of this robust omelette. This versatile frittata is the perfect vehicle for any leftover pasta and veg.

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Paneer, tomato and pea curry

Paneer recipes

Paneer, tomato and pea curry

This speedy vegetarian curry combines tinned tomatoes and frozen peas with plenty of spices and sticks of paneer cheese.

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Honey flapjacks

Baking recipes

Honey flapjacks

These simple honey flapjacks are the perfect vehicle for showcasing the complex floral flavours of a good-quality honey.

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Fermented hot sauce

Fermented food recipes

Fermented hot sauce

Learn how to make fermented hot sauce with James Read's easy recipe. All you need are chillies, salt, a sterlised jar... and time.

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Braised sausages, lentils and fennel

One-pot recipes

Braised sausages, lentils and fennel

Georgina Hayden's braised sausages with fennel and lentils is a weeknight winner. A one-pot family dinner that doesn't skimp on flavour.

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