{"id":19600,"date":"2025-11-06T09:34:40","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T14:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/?p=19600"},"modified":"2025-11-10T16:18:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T21:18:58","slug":"3-dinners-under-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/2025\/11\/06\/3-dinners-under-15\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Dinners Under $15"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2014 By Alex Gayton<\/a>, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/em><\/p>\n

Visit University of Maine Cooperative Extension\u2019s recipe website for the Chickpea Pot Pie<\/a>, Fajitas<\/a>, and Ramen Noodle Skillet<\/a> recipes.<\/p>\n

Looking for a new family favorite recipe that is quick and affordable to make? I\u2019m glad you found this! Let\u2019s go through each recipe and why you should try it.<\/p>\n

Chickpea Pot Pie<\/h3>\n

Enjoy the delicious creamy taste of this childhood classic, but make it vegetarian-friendly! In this recipe, no vegetable chopping is required because it uses a combination of canned and frozen vegetables, so it can\u2019t get any quicker to prepare. A couple of weeks ago, I made this recipe using a can of no-salt-added cream of mushroom soup with a little broth to thin it out, and didn\u2019t even have to make the roux to thicken the broth. Another corner cut\u2014that was a win for me!<\/p>\n

Go to UMaine EFNEP\u2019s Instagram<\/a> and watch EFNEP\u2019s student employee, Ethan, shop for the recipe ingredients and only spend $10.97!<\/p>\n

Fajitas<\/h3>\n

A build-your-own fajita-themed meal is great because it can be modified for you and your family\u2019s needs. Choose your own protein, vegetables, spices, and favorite toppings. I don\u2019t love my fajitas with a lot of heat, so I reduce the chili powder and increase the garlic powder. My favorite combination is black beans, bell peppers, onions, cheese, and guacamole.<\/p>\n

Go to UMaine EFNEP\u2019s Instagram<\/a> and watch EFNEP\u2019s student employee, Grace, shop for the recipe ingredients and only spend $9.38!<\/p>\n

Ramen Noodle Skillet (aka Fancy Ramen)<\/h3>\n

The ultimate quick comfort food, a budget-friendly and surprisingly satisfying meal. This recipe elevates the basic ramen noodle soup by lowering the sodium, increasing the nutritional value, and stretching a single pack into a more substantial meal. I use any frozen vegetable stir-fry mix I have on hand, and I like to add sauteed or air-fried tofu to mine.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my go-to recipe to replace that seasoning packet:<\/p>\n