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These recipes are based on shopping from Asda on 1st June 2023, feeding a family of 4. Remember, these meal plans are meant to provide inspiration and can be adjusted to suit your family's tastes and dietary preferences. Prices will vary, so it's always a good idea to check shops website or visit your local store to get the most accurate and up-to-date prices. 

With lots of these recipes, you'll probaby want to add a side of vegetables or salad, have a look for what's reduced, or for items with a yellow sticker on them, especially if you're planning to eat them in the next couple of days. (Olio is another great place to look for food going out of date soon). 

Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients 

• 500g beef mince (£3.75)
• 1 onion, chopped (£0.15)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (£0.10)
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes (£0.35)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (£0.10)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (£0.05)
• 200g spaghetti (£0.31
• Grated cheese for serving (£0.70)
   

Total Cost: £5.51

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat some oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the beef mince to the pan and cook until browned. Break up any clumps using a spoon.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
5. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Top with grated cheese.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• Mixed vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli (£1.50)
• 250g chicken breast, sliced (£2.50)
• 250g rice (£0.25)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (£0.10)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (£0.05)

Total Cost: £4.40

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breast slices and cook until they are no longer pink in the center.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
5. Drizzle soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables and continue cooking for a few more minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
6. Serve the vegetable stir-fry with chicken over the cooked rice.

Cheesy Bean Quesadillas

Ingredients 

• 400g tin of mixed beans, drained and rinsed (£0.70)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (£0.50)
• 1 onion, sliced (£0.15)
• 4 medium-sized tortilla wraps (£0.56)
• Grated cheese (£0.70)

Total Cost: £2.61

Instructions:

1. Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Lay one tortilla wrap flat on the pan. Sprinkle a handful of grated cheese over one-half of the tortilla.
3. Top the cheese with a portion of mixed beans, sliced bell pepper, and sliced onion.
4. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently with a spatula. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
5. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
6. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
7. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve.

Jacket Potatoes with Tuna Mayo

Ingredients 

• 4 medium-sized baking potatoes (£0.70)
• 2 tins of tuna in water, drained (£1.20)
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (£0.30)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Total Cost: £2.20

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them with a fork. Place them on a baking tray and bake for about 1 hour until they are tender.
3. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the tuna mayo by combining the drained tuna and mayonnaise in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
5. Spoon the tuna mayo mixture over the potatoes and serve.

Lentil Curry with Rice

Ingredients:

• 250g dried lentils (£0.70)
• 1 onion, chopped (£0.15)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (£0.10)
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes (£0.35)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (£0.15)
• 250g rice (£0.25)

Total Cost: £1.70

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the curry powder and cook for another minute to release the flavours.
4. Add the lentils, chopped tomatoes, and 400ml of water to the pan. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the curry has thickened.
6. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions.
7. Serve the lentil curry over the cooked rice.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Ingredients:

• 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (£0.45)
• 180g spinach (£1)
• 1 onion, chopped (£0.15)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (£0.10)
• 400ml coconut milk (£1)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (£0.15)
• 250g rice (£0.25)

Total Cost: £3.10

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the curry powder and cook for another minute to release the flavours.
3. Add the drained chickpeas and cook for a few minutes to coat them in the spices.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions.
8. Serve the chickpea and spinach curry over the cooked rice.

Veggie Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (£0.30)
• 1 onion, chopped (£0.15)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (£0.10)
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes (£0.35)
• 200g grated cheese (£1.00)
• Mixed vegetables, such as mushrooms and courgettes (£1.50)

Total Cost: £3.40

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
3. In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender.
5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Combine the cooked pasta and vegetable mixture in a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. Serve the veggie pasta bake as a hearty main dish.

Baked Beans on Toast with Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 tins of baked beans (£0.56)
• 4 slices of bread (£0.30)
• Mixed salad leaves (£1)
• Salad dressing of choice (£0.50)

Total Cost: £2.36

Instructions:

1. Heat the baked beans in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
2. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
3. Place the toasted bread on plates and spoon the baked beans on top.
4. Prepare a mixed salad with your choice of salad leaves.
5. Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad.
6. Serve the baked beans on toast alongside the mixed salad.