Just because you can't splurge on expensive meals, doesn't mean that you should compromise and sink to the levels of fast food. Oh, no, you are so much better than that.

Luckily for y'all, Spoon University has created a recipe series that is fast, easy, cheap, and takes the guess work out of cooking to give you a week's worth of awesome dinners.

With just $25 and a trip to Trader Joe's, you can make these 5 ridiculously easy gourmet meals. Yes, this is for real.

The best part? You'll use all of the ingredients in their entirety.

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

What you will need for a week of amaze dinners:

  • Fresh mozzarella
  • Canned corn
  • Black beans
  • Red bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Roma tomatoes
  • Yellow onion
  • Russet potato
  • Tomato paste
  • Garlic
  • Salad mix
  • Basil
  • Brown rice medley
  • Chicken
  • Focaccia bread

… for a total of $24.49.

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

Of course, there are a few ingredients we expect you to have on hand – including olive oil, salt and pepper.

Check out these awesome, delicious recipes below, all for cheeeeeeap.

Monday: Black Bean Burger and Oven Fries

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

Start the week off right. This black bean burger is crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, and the fries are cooked in peanut oil – so yah they taste freakin' awesome. Feel free to kick up the spiciness of the burger by throwing in some extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper. 

Get the recipe from Spoon University.

Tuesday: Chicken Fajita Salad

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

How do you make a salad taste better than grass? Top it with chicken, peppers, corn, blacks beans and more. This salad comes together with minimal effort and will leave you very full (and happy). 

Get the recipe from Spoon University.

Wednesday: Focaccia Pizza

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

This is the simplest, tastiest and prettiest dinner out there – seriously just look at that dank #pizza. And you don't have to limit yourself to cheese – got some leftover peppers or chicken? Throw 'em on there for a new version of this simple dish. 

Get the recipe from Spoon University.

Thursday: Caprese Chicken

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

Melted mozzarella on top of juicy tomatoes, perfectly cooked chicken, a bed of salty rice and fresh greens. Ohmagah, get in my belly. This dish is a heartier version of a caprese salad. 

Get the recipe from Spoon University.

Friday: Stuffed Red Peppers

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Courtesy of Megan Prendergast

Everything is better stuffed, right? These red peppers are full of flavor and hardly take any time to bake. If you're not a fan of red peppers, sub them out for green or yellow. 

Get the recipe from Spoon University.

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