Cheapest Meals For One

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And let’s be real, your wallet’s probably doing that sad deflated balloon sound right about now. Fear not, my friend! We’re diving headfirst into a culinary adventure that’s so cheap, so easy, and so ridiculously satisfying, you’ll wonder why you ever paid $15 for a sad salad again. Get ready for… The “I-Forgot-to-Grocery-Shop-Again” Bean & Egg Scramble!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Look, I get it. You’re a busy, discerning individual with exquisite taste (and maybe zero disposable income). This recipe is practically tailor-made for you. It’s:

• Ridiculously cheap: We’re talking pennies, folks. Seriously.
• Blazingly fast: From sad ingredients to glorious plate in under 10 minutes. Perfect for those “I’m hungry NOW” moments.
• Idiot-proof: I’ve messed up boiling water before, and even I didn’t mess this up. Success guaranteed!
• Single-serving perfection: No annoying leftovers, no pressure to eat the same thing for three days. It’s all for you, boo.
• Customizable AF: Got a random half a pepper in the fridge? Throw it in! A sad little spinach leaf? It belongs!

Basically, it’s the culinary equivalent of finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket. Pure joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, humble ingredients. We’re making magic!

• 1 can (15 oz) beans: Black beans, pinto, cannellini… whatever’s on sale and whispering your name. Drain and rinse ’em well unless you enjoy… foam.
• 2-3 large eggs: Depending on how protein-hungry you are.
• 1/4 small onion: Or a shallot if you’re feeling fancy. Chopped small, please!
• 1 clove garlic: (Optional, but why would you deny yourself this pleasure?) Minced.
• 1-2 teaspoons cooking oil: Olive, vegetable, canola – whatever’s in the bottle that isn’t expired.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, obviously. Don’t be shy!
• A pinch of spice: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika – whatever’s lurking in your spice cabinet from that one time you tried to be adventurous.
• Optional extras: A dash of hot sauce (highly recommended!), a sprinkle of shredded cheese (if you’re feeling bougie), a tablespoon of salsa.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to become a kitchen wizard? Let’s do this!

1. Prep Your Veggies: Get your onion and garlic chopped. Multitask and drain/rinse your beans while you’re at it. Efficiency is key!
2. Heat Things Up: Grab a small-to-medium non-stick skillet. Drizzle in your oil and set it over medium heat. Don’t go crazy with the heat, we’re not trying to start a fire.
3. Sauté Time: Once the oil shimmers, toss in your chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and smell amazing. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
4. Bean Party: Dump in your drained and rinsed beans. Stir them around with the onion and garlic. Let them heat through for about 2-3 minutes. If you like a slightly mashed texture, take the back of your spoon and gently mash about a quarter of the beans against the pan. This adds a lovely creaminess!
5. Eggcellent Addition: Now for the star! Make a little well in the middle of your bean mixture by pushing them to the sides. Crack your eggs directly into the well. Let them sit for 30 seconds to set a bit, then gently scramble them into the beans. Stir until they’re cooked to your liking – I like mine just set, not rubbery.
6. Season and Serve: Remove from heat. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen pinch of spice. Give it a final stir. Plate it up! Drizzle with hot sauce, sprinkle cheese, or add salsa if using.

Boom! You just made a meal. Go you!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can try to avoid these rookie blunders:

• Not Draining/Rinsing Beans: Trust me, you want to get rid of that can liquid. It’s often salty and… weird. Plus, rinsing reduces flatulence. You’re welcome.
• Overcooking the Eggs: Unless you love rubbery eggs (and who does?), pull them off the heat when they’re *just* set. They’ll continue to cook a tiny bit from the residual heat.
• Forgetting to Season: Bland food is a crime. Always taste and adjust your seasonings! Salt and pepper are your best friends.
• High Heat Heroics: Thinking higher heat equals faster cooking? Nope, it just equals burnt onions and crusty eggs. Stick to medium, patience, grasshopper.

Alternatives & Substitutions

This recipe is a chameleon! Adapt it to whatever sad scraps you have lurking:

• Bean Bonanza: No black beans? Pinto, kidney, cannellini, even chickpeas work great.
• Veggie Vortex: Got a stray bell pepper strip, some frozen spinach, or a handful of cherry tomatoes? Chop ’em up and throw ’em in with the onions!
• Spice it Up: Don’t have chili powder? A dash of paprika, a pinch of cayenne, or even just some extra black pepper can work. Hot sauce is your friend here too!
• Serve It How You Like It: This scramble is awesome on its own, but also fantastic over a slice of toast, wrapped in a tortilla for a quick taco, or even on top of a bed of rice if you’re feeling ambitious.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual) answers!

• Can I use pre-cooked beans from a carton? Absolutely! Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed. Less work for you!
• What if I don’t have fresh onion or garlic? No problem! Use about 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder and a tiny pinch of garlic powder when you add your beans. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be tasty.
• Can I make a bigger batch for meal prep? You totally can! Just multiply the ingredients. But honestly, it’s so quick fresh, you might not need to. It’s best served immediately, IMO.
• Is this actually healthy? For a cheap, fast meal? Yes! You’ve got protein from the eggs and beans, fiber from the beans, and a few veggies. It’s a pretty balanced plate, FYI.
• What if I hate beans? Oh, my sweet summer child. Then this specific recipe might not be your jam. Maybe try scrambling the eggs with some leftover rice or potatoes instead? But give beans a chance!
• How long does this keep in the fridge? While it’s best fresh, you could probably keep leftovers for a day, but eggs and beans together can get a bit… sad. Eat it all up!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A meal so easy, so cheap, and so satisfying, you might just feel a tiny spark of culinary genius ignite within you. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about making delicious food accessible and fun, even when you’re operating on a shoestring budget and minimal motivation.

Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Your stomach (and your wallet) will thank you. Happy scrambling!