Potatoes and onions are two of the most affordable and versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. They’re the backbone of many satisfying meals that don’t break the bank. Whether you’re trying to whip up a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dynamic duo can be combined in countless ways to create hearty, delicious, and budget-friendly dishes.
Below, we explore nine fantastic dishes where potatoes and onions are the stars, providing you with creative, cheap, and simple meal ideas.
1. Scrambled Eggs with Potatoes and Onions
Scrambled eggs with potatoes and onions is a filling and nutritious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients. Start by sautéing diced potatoes and onions until golden and tender, then mix in scrambled eggs. The combination of creamy eggs with crispy potatoes and sweet onions makes for a tasty meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.
Why It’s Great:
This dish is incredibly customizable. You can add ingredients like cheese, bell peppers, or herbs to enhance the flavor. Plus, it’s affordable, quick to make, and packed with protein.
2. Potato and Onion Frittata
Frittatas are a simple yet elegant way to use up leftover vegetables, including potatoes and onions. Start by cooking thinly sliced potatoes and onions in a skillet, then pour beaten eggs over the top. Bake it in the oven until the eggs are fully cooked, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
Why It’s Great:
Frittatas are versatile. You can throw in any other inexpensive ingredients you have on hand, like spinach, cheese, or leftover meat. Plus, it makes for great leftovers the next day.
3. Roasted Potatoes and Onions with Herbs
Roasting potatoes and onions together brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized, crispy texture. Simply toss sliced potatoes and onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme, and roast in the oven until golden brown. It’s a simple dish that works as a side for almost any meal.
Why It’s Great:
Roasted potatoes and onions are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are incredibly versatile. They pair well with meat, fish, or can be eaten on their own as a satisfying vegetarian option.
4. Beef and Potato Stew with Onions
A hearty beef and potato stew with onions is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for cold days when you need something warm and filling. The tender beef, combined with soft potatoes and sweet onions, creates a flavorful, rich stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s an affordable dish since you can use cheaper cuts of beef that become tender when slow-cooked.
Why It’s Great:
This stew can be made in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It’s a cost-effective dish that can stretch over several meals.
5. Potato and Onion Hash
Potato and onion hash is a classic breakfast dish that’s quick, simple, and budget-friendly. Dice potatoes and onions, and fry them together in a skillet until crispy. The golden-brown edges and soft centers make for a comforting and hearty dish. You can enjoy it as a standalone breakfast or serve it alongside eggs or sausages.
Why It’s Great:
Hash is highly adaptable—you can add bell peppers, bacon, or even leftover vegetables. It’s a great way to use up ingredients you already have and turn them into something delicious.
6. Cheesy Potato and Onion Casserole
Who can resist the combination of creamy potatoes, sweet onions, and melted cheese? A cheesy potato and onion casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This budget-friendly dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of cheese, creamy potatoes, and savory onions creates a satisfying and hearty meal.
Why It’s Great:
You can easily customize this casserole by adding bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli. It’s an inexpensive dish that feels indulgent but won’t cost much to make.
7. Potato and Onion Soup
Potato and onion soup is a warm, comforting, and budget-friendly option. Potatoes and onions are cooked until tender, then blended into a smooth, creamy soup. You can add broth or cream, depending on your preference. This simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for a quick meal, and you can easily make a large batch to store in the fridge or freezer.
Why It’s Great:
Potato and onion soup is rich in vitamins and nutrients while being affordable and easy to prepare. You can also add carrots, celery, or herbs to increase the flavor and nutritional value.
8. Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions
Skillet-fried potatoes and onions are a classic, comforting dish. All you need is a hot pan, some oil, and thinly sliced potatoes and onions. Fry them until they are crispy and golden, and you’ll have a simple but flavorful dish that pairs well with nearly anything. This dish is great for breakfast with eggs or as a side for dinner.
Why It’s Great:
This dish is incredibly cheap to make and only requires a few basic ingredients. You can also easily customize it by adding garlic, bell peppers, or even leftover meat.
9. Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Garlic-roasted potatoes and onions are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Simply toss diced potatoes and onions with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until crispy and golden. The garlic adds a bold, savory flavor, while the onions caramelize and sweeten as they cook.
Why It’s Great:
This dish is versatile and can be served as a side or even as a main course with the addition of grilled chicken or sausage. It’s an inexpensive way to create a filling and delicious meal.
Conclusion
Potatoes and onions are humble ingredients, but when combined, they create endless possibilities for delicious, affordable meals. From breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs with potatoes and onions to hearty dinners like beef and potato stew, these two ingredients are the backbone of many budget-friendly recipes. Whether you’re looking for something simple like skillet-fried potatoes and onions or a more indulgent cheesy potato casserole, you can always count on these ingredients to deliver satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
These nine dishes are just the beginning—there are countless other ways to experiment with potatoes and onions in your cooking. Keep them on hand, and you’ll never be short of an inexpensive, delicious meal idea.
