Best Budget Cooking Books of 2025

Plantifully Lean is a cookbook that offers more than 125 plant-based, low-fat recipes and a four-week meal plan to help readers lose weight and improve their health. Written by Kiki Nelson, who lost seventy pounds and reversed her risk for diabetes and heart disease through a plant-based diet, this cookbook covers every meal and includes snack recipes such as Microwave Potato Chips and Mini Oat Bars. The book also features meal prep guidelines and tips, lists of high-volume foods, and charts for balancing your plate with grains. Overall, Plantifully Lean is an excellent resource for anyone looking to adopt a healthy, plant-based lifestyle.

The Super Shortcut Instant Pot cookbook by Jeffrey Eisner is the ultimate time-saving guide for Instant Pot enthusiasts. Eisner's recipes are incredibly delicious, with quick cooking times and short ingredient lists. The cookbook features 100 mouthwatering recipes, including French Onion Mac & Cheese, Shrimp Scampi, and Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie. The best part is that each recipe works for smaller households, with instructions to serve from 1 to 6 people. Eisner's foolproof step-by-step instructions and hundreds of photos make this cookbook perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Overall, Super Shortcut Instant Pot is a must-have cookbook for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.

The "Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users" is an excellent addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love quick and easy meals. With a wide variety of recipes for poultry, beef, pork, vegetables, and vegetarian dishes, there is something for everyone. The book also includes recipes for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and desserts. The most significant advantage of this cookbook is that it provides quick and hassle-free frying options. Overall, this independently published cookbook is a must-have for air fryer enthusiasts who want to explore new and exciting recipes.

The Modern Pioneer Cookbook is a must-have for anyone interested in traditional cooking techniques. Mary Bryant Shrader shares her knowledge and experience in creating nutrient-dense meals using seasonal ingredients and traditional methods like canning, fermenting, and drying. The cookbook contains over 85 recipes for bone broths, cultured dairy, fermented vegetables, sourdough bread, and more. The detailed instructions and cooking guidance make it easy for readers of all abilities to cook like a pioneer. The book also provides tips for sourcing ingredients and stocking a traditional foods kitchen. Overall, The Modern Pioneer Cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone looking to cook healthy and delicious meals using traditional techniques.

Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy by Toni Okamoto is a must-have for anyone looking to prepare healthy vegan meals on a budget. This cookbook offers 100 easy-to-follow recipes for meal prep, one-pot dishes, freezer-friendly meals, and more. The author provides creative ways to save time and money in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The recipes range from breakfast to dessert and include options for oil-free cooking, pressure cookers, and air fryers. With a shopping list, meal plan, and beautiful photos for every recipe, this book is a great resource for busy individuals who want to eat well without breaking the bank.

The Mexican Home Kitchen by Mely Martínez is a must-have cookbook for those seeking authentic home-style Mexican cooking. The book includes an array of traditional dishes enjoyed in Mexican households, from stews, soups, and side dishes to famous dishes like mole, enchiladas, and picadillo. The book is illustrated with stunning photography and includes recipes for salsas, drinks, and desserts. Mely Martínez shares her passion for Mexican cooking and her family's traditions, making this cookbook a go-to source for anyone looking to recreate these favorite comfort foods using inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredients. Overall, The Mexican Home Kitchen is a delightful addition to any cookbook collection, offering a unique glimpse into the flavors and memories of Mexico.

Cook Once, Eat All Week is a game-changing book for anyone looking for a healthy, affordable, and time-saving meal prep solution. Cassy Joy Garcia's approach of batch-cooking basic components like protein, starch, and vegetables to create diverse meals throughout the week is both efficient and tasty. With 26 weeks of recipes, including bonus 20-minute meals, and optional Instant Pot and slow cooker instructions, this book caters to various dietary approaches like gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo, low-carb, and more. The three-ingredient meal examples like Honey Mustard Pork Sheet Pan Dinner, Enchiladas Verde Casserole, and Sloppy Joe Stuffed Potatoes are easy to assemble and perfect for busy weeknights. Overall, Cook Once, Eat All Week is a must-have for anyone who wants to eat healthfully without sacrificing their time and sanity.

The "5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food" cookbook by Jamie Oliver is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook but is short on time. The book features 130 brand-new recipes that use just five ingredients, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal any day of the week. From salads to pasta, meat dishes to sweet treats, Jamie's got it all covered. The book is not only full of tasty recipes but also includes lots of nutritious options. Overall, this book is a great addition to any kitchen and perfect for those who want to cook flavorful meals with minimal effort.

The cookbook "Meals That Heal" by Carolyn Williams, a James Beard Award-winning registered dietician, offers over 100 anti-inflammatory recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious, all ready in 30 minutes or less. The book provides information on inflammation and its effects, a 4-step jumpstart program, and weekly menu plans covering common conditions. The recipes are marked with colorful graphics to make them easy to find, and nutritional information is provided for each recipe. The book also includes a complete list of anti-inflammatory foods and on-the-go eating guidelines. This cookbook is a valuable resource for those looking to prevent or manage conditions through diet, and the recipes are family-friendly and affordable.

The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition is a celebration of the beloved grocery store and the countless meals you can make with its products. This cookbook features 150 delicious recipes that include low-carb, keto-friendly options, vegetarian and vegan ideas, sweet treats, and party-ready appetizers. The author, Cherie Mercer Twohy, is a food writer and culinary tour leader who shares her love for Trader Joe's with creative and mouthwatering recipes. The book is both budget-friendly and tasty, making it a must-have for any Trader Joe's fan.