Last month, I told you how I purchased my first house, but saving up for the down payment was only the beginning. With mortgage payments on my mind, I’m sharing my favorite budget friendly cooking secrets. Check out 4 of my favorite cheap and easy meals:

Sausage, Peppers and Onions

I like this one because it’s super easy! Chop up (½)of a  yellow onion, (1) green and (1) red peppers and put them in the crock pot. Add ½ of water and ¼ cup of olive oil and then add 5 links of sausage. Cover it and let it cook on low while you’re at work. When you come home, the house will smell delicious and the meal you’re about to eat will taste even more delightful. You can serve it on rolls or just by itself—either way it’s an appetizing dinner that will cost you roughly $9 and will make enough for 3 people (or tomorrow’s lunch and dinner too).

Easy Peazy Tortellini

Purchase a package of your favorite tortellini~ there will be many to choose from; spinach, cheese, sausage, etc. They range in price from $4 and up depending on the size and quality of your selection. Instead of adding sauce to these bad boys, just melt some butter, add some olive oil and your favorite spices. Spend the money saved on sauce on some crunchy Italian bread to accompany this delicious quick meal.  You’re bound to have some leftovers with this one, so you’ll have lunch or dinner for the next day too.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

I have to admit that due to a very unique tomato allergy, I opt to swap the tomato soup for chicken noodle, but for those of you not allergic to tomatoes, I’m told this is a pretty good match up. Not to mention, it’s easy on the wallet too. Most of us stock up on things like bread and cheese, so the only new purchase here would be the can of soup. WARNING: there will be no leftovers!  The good news is that you can make more and there’s never any waste.

Breakfast for Dinner

It’s not only the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the cheapest. Two eggs over easy, French toast, pork roll with hash browns or very simply a bagel with cream cheese, breakfast for dinner offers a lot of variety. Breakfast for dinner also has another positive—more time. Most of us don’t have the time to make French Toast or bacon and eggs in the morning, but for dinner we can give it a few more minutes, and those leftovers are great to find in the fridge the next morning.