Mediterranean chicken wraps set the mood for easy eating—juicy grilled chicken meets crisp cucumber, plump cherry tomatoes, and briny feta, all tucked in a toasty wheat wrap with a swipe of spice-laced yogurt or cool tzatziki. The colors pop, the tastes collide, and every bite feels like summer on a city street. No prep marathons, no inflated grocery totals, just bold flavors and real texture in minutes. Wrap up your lunch or dinner in something fresh and stylish, and let weekday meals finally catch up with your appetite.
Category: Cheap & Easy
Find simple, cheap, and easy recipes on The Frugal Ones. Get tips for affordable meals that fit your busy life and your budget without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Frugal Southern Lima Beans and Ham in Your Slow Cooker [Step-by-Step Guide]
Slow cooker Southern lima beans and ham bring together simple ingredients for a down-home, budget-friendly meal. Toss lima beans, diced ham, and chopped onion into your slow cooker (just add a bit of salt, black pepper, and maybe some garlic powder), then let it cook low and slow about seven hours until the beans are tender and the flavors blend together. Serve it over warm cornbread—the soft beans and smoky ham pair well with sweet, crumbly bread—then round out the meal with a crisp green salad. You can make this on the stove, but the slow cooker method is low-effort and always fills the house with a cozy, inviting smell.
Black-Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker [Affordable Southern Comfort]
Southern black-eyed peas in the slow cooker bring comfort with every spoonful, blending creamy beans with bold, smoky notes from ham or sausage. Each bite is soft but never mushy, layered with a mellow earthiness and hints of garlic and herbs. Cook them low and slow, and you get a classic Southern centerpiece—simple, nourishing, and rich with tradition. Pair with crusty cornbread, and you won’t miss a single crumb.
Frugal Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet [Kid’s Love]
During busy weeknights, one-skillet meals become our dinner saviors. This family-friendly, quick recipe is one of our go-to when we need a satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour. Featuring ground beef, flavorful rice, hearty beans, and lots of cheese, this Mexican beef and rice skillet all comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep. It’s a total weeknight dinner win—we won’t blame you if it becomes a staple on your weeknight rotation. Tip: We cook rice at least twice a week, so I always fill the rice cooker and freeze the extra.
The Best Money-Saving Chili Recipe Using Your Slow Cooker
Chili powder and Rotel tomatoes add most of the flavor here, doing what decades of chili recipes get right: building comfort with heat and tang. Slow-cooked dry beans pick up beefy richness and, when you toss in a few fresh tomatoes at the end, you get a bright lift that keeps things fresh and balanced. Ready to try this money-saving chili recipe with dried beans?
How to Make Authentic Red Beans and Rice [Step-by-Step]
This authentic Cajun red beans and rice recipe packs rich Louisiana flavor into every bite, using dried red beans, smoky sausage, and simple pantry spices (soak or no-soak both work here). I’ll walk you through creamy results from scratch, with advice on seasoning, cook time, and the best ways to store leftovers—just like locals do it.
Simple Mexican Rice to Save Time After Work [Updated]
This Simple Mexican Rice cooks up soft and fluffy, with rich tomato flavor and just the right amount of seasoning. You only need a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes on the stove (hands off, no peeking) for a side that pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas or even simple grilled chicken.
How to Make a 30-Minute Cheesy Taco Casserole [Step-by-Step Guide]
This 30 Minute Taco Casserole skips extra fat by using brown rice and fat-free beans, but the flavor stays bold enough to satisfy any taco fan. It’s quick to throw together, delivers a hearty bite, and honestly, no one at my table guessed it was the healthier option (which says a lot in my house).
Simple Vegan Chili in the Crockpot [Gluten-Free, No Allergens]
This cheap & easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a dump-and-go crockpot meal you can set and forget! This healthy three bean chili is vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of plant-based protein, veggies, and bold Southwest flavors! A comforting dinner for a crowd or meatless make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal you can meal prep!