You don’t need a big budget to cook great meals. With smart planning and a few simple strategies, you can eat well without breaking the bank. Check out these cooking-tips for saving money in the kitchen:

1. Cook from scratch – Pre-packaged meals are convenient but cost more. Homemade is cheaper and healthier.

2. Buy in bulk – Dry goods like rice, beans, and oats are much more affordable in bulk.

3. Plan meals around sales – Base your week’s meals on grocery store discounts.

4. Use every part – Turn veggie scraps into broth, stale bread into croutons, or leftover meat into soup.

5. Cook big batches – Make meals that stretch and freeze extras for future dinners.

6. Eat less meat – Try vegetarian meals a few nights a week to cut costs.

7. Grow your own herbs – A small windowsill garden can save money and add flavor to everything.

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition—it just takes a little creativity and planning.