Payday is nearly here: 5 budget winter recipes to last you this week
Winter calls for hearty, comforting meals that won’t break the bank. Discover five budget-friendly recipes using seasonal ingredients and storecupboard staples
Winter is the perfect time to embrace hearty, comforting meals that will warm you up without stretching your budget. We’ve rounded up five affordable recipes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, trusty storecupboard staples and cost-effective cooking methods – perfect for those chilly days and nights.
Looking for even more ways to cosy up this winter? Discover our guide to the best budget comfort food recipes, brimming with dishes designed to satisfy without breaking the bank. Or, simplify busy weeknights with our budget slow cooker recipes – ideal for coming home to something warm, wholesome and ready to enjoy.
For savvy advice on saving money while cooking, don’t miss our expert guide to budget cooking hacks, packed with tips from our talented cookery team.
Check out more comforting and affordable dishes in our budget winter recipes – your go-to for delicious, wallet-friendly meals this season.
1. Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole
This stew is a fantastic winter meal because it uses inexpensive root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and potatoes, which are at their peak during the colder months. Lentils provide a filling source of plant-based protein and fibre, making this dish both hearty and nutritious. Cooking in a slow cooker also reduces energy costs compared to using an oven.
Save time and cut costs with our collection of slow cooker recipes, full of effortless, budget-friendly meals.
2. Leek & potato soup
Leek and potato soup is a classic winter dish that combines two affordable seasonal ingredients. Potatoes serve as a hearty base, while leeks add flavour and depth. It’s no wonder that it's one of our most popular soup recipes, with over 400 five-star ratings. This soup can be made in large batches and frozen for future meals, making it a cost-effective option for meal prep.
Warm up with our winter soup recipes, packed with seasonal produce and comforting flavours.
3. Chicken & new potato traybake
This traybake is an excellent choice for winter, as it's made with chicken thighs – a cheaper meat cut – and seasonal new potatoes. Cooking everything in one tray reduces washing-up, and chicken thighs are quicker to cook than a whole bird, saving both time and energy. Adding simple herbs and garlic elevates the flavour without increasing the cost.
Discover more winter traybake recipes for easy weeknight dinners with minimal washing-up.
4. Vegan chickpea curry jacket potatoes
Jacket potatoes are a versatile, budget-friendly dinner that can be batch-cooked and topped with a variety of flavours to suit your taste. Try our easy air fryer method for a cost-effective twist – it’s quicker and keeps your energy bills down. For a hearty, high-protein vegan option, our chickpea curry jacket potatoes use storecupboard staples to create a filling gluten-free meal.
Discover more baked potato toppings.
5. Vegetarian cottage pie
This twist on a classic cottage pie swaps meat for a mix of lentils and vegetables like carrots, onions and mushrooms. Lentils are a budget-friendly source of protein and fibre, while the mashed potato topping makes this dish hearty and satisfying. It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have, reducing food waste while keeping costs low.
Check out our veggie suppers for the whole family for simple meals everyone will enjoy.
Find further inspiration:
Quick budget family meal plan
Budget storecupboard meals
Ideas for Sunday lunch on a budget
Budget supermarket swap recipes
Budget meals for large families
