Two things that don't always work well together: cooking for yourself and being on a budget. But as 20-somethings who try to cook at home as much as possible, our editors have learned a few tricks of the trade. We've curated our budget- and cravings-approved recipes that we actually look forward to making and that earn a place at our table on a regular basis. From filling breakfasts to our favorite pasta and chicken dishes, these are the meals we — and you — will come back to again and again.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Just as Gordon promises, these are the most luxurious-tasting eggs ever. It's an instant way to convince yourself you are fine dining in France. — Anna Monette Roberts, editor, Food
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Camilla Salem
Aka spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. That's it, and it's to die for (at least, if you're as obsessed with garlic as I am). I won't pretend like pasta isn't a weekly staple of mine, and this is what I make when I have nothing fresh in the fridge. — EC
Yes, I'm a food editor, and no, I'm not above making these quesadilla roll-ups for dinner multiple times a week. They're even better than regular quesadillas, and they're what I make when all I want is carbs and cheese (and gauc on the side). — EC
I make this puttanesca sauce at least once a week. The best part is all the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip up dinner when you really have nothing in the fridge. — AR
This is my go-to chicken breast recipe. The combination of lemon and thyme is one of my favorite flavors, and this chicken is quick, moist, and flavorful. — EC
I also consider this tomato sauce to be a weekly staple. I will sometimes add in a can of chickpeas in the last 10 minutes of cooking for some protein. — AR
My favorite way to cook vegetables is roasting them in the oven . . . with garlic and parmesan cheese. This method works well for almost any veggie, but especially broccoli. — EC
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
I often make miso soup but without the seaweed or bonito flakes. Instead I'll throw in kale or parsley and some sautéed mushrooms for a California miso soup. — AR
Bolognese sauce sounds fancy, but slow-cooker bolognese sauce truly couldn't be easier. It only calls for a few ingredients and it lasts me all week, so all I have to do is add it to cooked pasta. — EC
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Not the most intriguing of concepts, but this is the only way I eat kale, collards, or other green vegetables. I typically dress them with salted butter or ghee. — AR
Are you still buying bottled caesar dressing? Homemade will change your life. I love making enough for multiple servings so that all I have to do is throw together a salad for a quick dinner after work. — EC