Save money and reduce food waste with these tasty meals built from a single smart shopping list.

As food inflation hits 2.8%—the highest in over a year—shoppers across the UK are feeling the pressure. With prices for fresh produce and red meat climbing, feeding the family affordably has become more challenging than ever. But with a little planning, it’s still possible to serve up flavour-packed dinners without blowing your budget.

In this month’s “Budget Bites” from The Independent, created in collaboration with Sorted Food, we’ve rounded up three delicious, budget-friendly recipes built around a single, streamlined shopping list. These meals maximise ingredients, reduce waste, and deliver big on taste.

1. Smoky Chicken Tahini Caesar Salad

Classic Caesar gets a smoky, punchy update in this hearty salad. Lettuce halves are charred to bring depth, while spiced chicken thighs deliver savoury satisfaction. A bold dressing made with anchovies, tahini and mustard ties it all together, finished off with lemony panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

You’ll sear the lettuce to unlock a smoky layer of flavour, while the paprika and cumin-seasoned chicken brings warmth. The creamy tahini-based dressing adds richness without relying on heavy dairy, and the anchovy-panko topping proves that pantry staples can pack a punch.

2. Pork Chops with Zesty Pesto Beans

A one-pan hero that’s as fuss-free as it is flavourful. Herb-coated pork chops are seared until golden, while spring onions, chilli flakes and butter beans form the base for a zesty, protein-rich side.

But it’s the homemade basil and caper pesto that steals the show here—whizzed together with lemon zest, almonds and cheese for a zingy finish. With only one pan used from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy nights and minimal washing-up.

3. Cheesy Bulgogi Smash Burgers with Crispy Potato Salad

Craving a takeaway fix without the expense? These fiery Korean-inspired burgers hit the spot. Beef mince is spiked with spring onion, garlic, ginger and chilli, then smashed and seared until crispy. Melting cheddar and a sticky gochujang glaze dial up the indulgence.

On the side, smashed new potatoes are crisped in the air fryer and paired with a tangy gochujang-mayo dressing. It’s the kind of satisfying dinner that feels like a treat—but comes at a fraction of the cost of ordering in.

The Clever Shopping List

To keep things cost-effective, each recipe draws from a shared ingredient list, making use of items like spring onions, lemons, anchovies, butter beans and hard cheese across multiple meals.

By using proteins like chicken thighs, pork chops and beef mince strategically, you keep variety in the week without overspending. And with clever use of long-lasting ingredients—like tinned anchovies, dried spices, and panko breadcrumbs—you avoid waste and stretch your pound further.

Why It Works

At the heart of this plan is simple but strategic cooking. Batch-buying ingredients for coordinated meals not only saves money but makes your week smoother. No more last-minute midweek dashes to the supermarket or throwing out unused herbs.

You’ll eat well, reduce your food waste, and most importantly, stay on budget—all while enjoying dinners that don’t compromise on flavour.

So whether you’re grilling lettuce for a smoky salad, searing pork in a single pan, or smashing potatoes for a crunchy side dish, these meals prove that cooking on a budget doesn’t mean cutting back on joy.