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Broke Before Payday? Try These 10 Cheap And Tasty Recipes

When you can't stomach another two-minute noodle.

If you're a student or simply broke before payday -- and checking your bank account before making a $10 purchase is a reality -- welcome. It's nice to have you here.

Yes, because there are times when buying that avocado just to put on toast isn't going to happen (unless you transfer from 'savings' which, let's be real, is a common occurrence).

But we can't live on two-minute noodles until each pay day.

Enter these 10 cheap, delicious meals that will guarantee happy, full stomachs. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes have got you sorted.

1. Overnight oats

If your favourite granola is $6 too expensive right now, check your cupboard for plain oats. If they're not there, don't worry. A big bag of own brand oats costs around $1.

Then all you need to do is soak the oats in milk, add flavours of your choice and top with fruit. Here are 10 seriously delicious overnight oats recipes.

Tips: for the fruit component, buy whatever is seasonal and on special. Bananas are always a cheap, safe option, and check out specials on frozen fruits.

Getty

2. Toast with cottage cheese and fruit

You know how delicious ricotta on toast is? Think of cottage cheese as the cheaper, more filling version of ricotta.

Really, though, toast with cottage cheese and seasonal fruit (or veggies if you prefer savoury) is a filling, protein-rich and tasty way to start the day.

Tip: opt for a wholemeal bread variety for extra nutrition and hunger satisfaction.

Try an assortment of toppings that are on special.
Lilechka75 via Getty Images
Try an assortment of toppings that are on special.

3. Pasta

Pasta, the ultimate comfort meal, is an incredibly easy dish to make on a budget. All you need is some cheap passata or pasta sauce and spaghetti. Simply cook the spaghetti to al dente and stir through the heated sauce.

Tip: to make the dish more filling, add a can of rinsed lentils and grate in some carrot and zucchini.

Want to make your own pasta sauce? Here are nine easy five-ingredient pasta sauce recipes.

The best.
ALLEKO via Getty Images
The best.

4. Black bean burgers

If a burger is your go-to order when you're out (and you'd rather not go into negative balance at this time), take it home and make some cheap veggie burgers.

Packed with black beans and sweet potato, these burger patties are not only filling but perfect for freezing and re-heating for another day.

You can pick up reduced-to-clear buns at the bakery or supermarket in the late afternoon or before closing.
Roxiller via Getty Images
You can pick up reduced-to-clear buns at the bakery or supermarket in the late afternoon or before closing.

5. Lentil curry

For an extra filling meal that's great for bulk cooking and freezing, try a simple curry with potatoes, grated veggies and tonnes of spices.

Dried red lentils are available at the supermarket in large bags for under $5 and are super quick to prepare.

Serve with rice or naan bread.
monicasarcina
Serve with rice or naan bread.

6. Chilli con carne

If you like the sound of a flavoursome, spicy stew that sticks to your ribs, cook up a big pot of chilli con carne.

Canned kidney beans and tomatoes are available for around $1 each, and then all you need is some veggies of choice, spices and rice to serve. Give this fail-proof recipe a go.

Tip: to make this extra budget-friendly, add another can of kidney beans in lieu of mince.

Top with cheese for extra deliciousness.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Top with cheese for extra deliciousness.

7. Pizza

You can still have pizza night on a budget. And it takes no time to make. Double win.

All you need are some ready-made flat breads, passata, cheese and your favourite pizza toppings. Try this cheap-as-chips veggie pizza recipe.

Tip: pimp up your pizza by adding garlicky sauteed veggies.

YUM.
Cultura/BRETT STEVENS
YUM.

8. Falafel wraps

While ready-made falafels are far from cheap, when you make them yourself they become affordable, delicious morsels that are perfect for wraps and pita pockets.

All you need is a can of chickpeas, some fresh (or dried) herbs and spices. Once your falafels are cooked, assemble your wrap with hummus, salad and pickles. Don't forget the pickles.

These make great leftovers, too.
violleta
These make great leftovers, too.

9. Loaded potato skins

Potatoes aren't just one of the cheapest veggies, but the best. Especially when they're roasted and filled with cheese, sour cream and bacon. Swoon.

Try this easy potato skins recipe as soon as possible. Prefer sweet potato? Try this recipe for loaded black bean sweet potato boats.

Grab a fork and tuck in.
peredniankina via Getty Images
Grab a fork and tuck in.

10. Toasties

Aaaand if you can't be bothered to cook (or want a delicious feed in under five minutes), toasties are here to the rescue. Always and forever.

Not that anyone needs a recipe to make a toastie, but here are some filling ideas:

  • Vegemite, cheese and tomato
  • Cheese, spinach, capsicum, onion and pickles
  • Falafel, tomato and hummus
  • Banana and peanut butter
  • Nutella and banana
The original and the best.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
The original and the best.

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