How you can turn one bag of potatoes into 5 easy meals
A 2kg bag of potatoes can stretch surprisingly far — these quick and thrifty recipes make the most of the humble spud
Potatoes are one of the most affordable, filling and versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. A 2kg bag of potatoes can stretch surprisingly far, and with a little planning, it can become the base for a week’s worth of satisfying, waste-free meals. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, potatoes offer brilliant value, store well, and can be transformed into everything from hearty bakes to light salads.
Beyond their budget-friendly appeal, potatoes are packed with nutrition. They’re a good source of fibre (especially if you leave the skins on), contain vitamin C, potassium and B6, and provide slow-release carbohydrates to keep you fuller for longer. And because they’re naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt, they suit a wide range of diets.
Below we’ve shared five easy meals using roughly 400g of potatoes each, plus a bonus recipe for the peels — so nothing goes to waste. All recipes use the same variety of potato (such as Maris Piper), and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs. Whether you're looking for a comforting supper or a speedy lunch, these dishes will help you make the most of every spud.
With a bit of creativity, a single bag of potatoes can become the foundation of several nourishing, delicious meals — all while helping you save money and reduce waste.
Take a browse through our quick potato recipes, baked potato recipes and healthy potato recipes for more useful ideas.
5 meals from one bag of potatoes
1. Corned beef hash
Comforting, crisp-edged and deeply satisfying, classic beef hash is a brilliant way to use up leftover cooked potatoes. Fry chopped onion in vegetable oil, then add chopped potatoes and a tin of corned beef. Press it all down in the pan to crisp up, then flip and finish with Worcestershire sauce. It’s a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat — hearty and filling, with minimal ingredients. You could also add a fried egg on top or stir through chopped parsley for freshness.
Check out our collection of hash recipes.
2. Potato, pea & egg curry rotis
Cook this meat-free potato curry for a budget-friendly midweek family meal. It comes together surprisingly quickly — it's ready on the table in just 30 minutes — plus it's super-simple to make: fry the curry paste, tip in the tomatoes and half a can of water and bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, then stir in the peas and cook for 3 minutes. Halve the eggs and place them on top of the curry, then warm everything through. Serve your warm bowlfuls with rotis and yogurt on the side for a filling meal which will help the purse strings.
Discover more potato curry recipes.
3. Vegan three-bean chilli with potato jackets
Jacket potatoes are the ultimate low-effort meal, and this wholesome, plant-based dinner packs in the flavour. Bake your spuds until crisp outside and fluffy inside, then load with a spicy three-bean chilli. The topping is packed with fibre and protein, and the whole dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free. You could also add avocado slices, vegan cheese or a dollop of plant-based yogurt, if you like.
Search more budget vegan recipes.
4. Lemon & herb chicken traybake with butter beans & potato wedges
Our herby chicken traybake is budget-friendly food at its best: filling and packed full of fuss-free, flavourful ingredients. It combines chicken thighs, which is an inexpensive cut of meat, with storecupboard staples such as butter beans and canned tomatoes. Another great thing about this recipe is that you can adapt it with different ways of seasoning the chicken, bringing variety to your meals. Some alternatives are tandoori spice, pesto or sundried tomato & harissa chicken. Try it for a versatile and hearty family meal which will please everyone at the table.
Take a browse through our chicken traybake collection.
5. Chorizo & kale hash with a fried egg
A speedy one-pan wonder for brunch or supper, this colourful hash is full of flavour and makes great use of leftovers. Start by frying the chorizo and onions until the chorizo is golden, then tip in the kale, potatoes, paprika and some seasoning. Fry everything together until the potatoes are hot through and the kale is tender, scraping the bottom of the pan now and again for those all-important crispy bits. Serve the fried eggs on top of the hash, and you’ve got a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
See our ultimate collection of brunch recipes as well as the best 30-minute meals.
Bonus recipe: potato peel crisps
Don't throw away those potato skins! With a little oil and seasoning, they can be transformed into crispy, flavourful crisps. This is a great way to reduce waste and enjoy a tasty snack.
Simply toss the peels in olive oil, sprinkle with your favourite seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder), and bake until crispy. A quick zero-waste snack that's crispy, salty and totally addictive.
Why potatoes deserve a place in your basket
- Potatoes are naturally gluten-free and low in fat
- They're a good source of vitamin C and potassium
- They're high in fibre (especially with skins on)
- Potatoes are budget-friendly and long-lasting
- They're also adaptable to any meal of the day
Tips to make your spuds go further
- Batch cooking dishes like hash or mash can save time later in the week, and freezing cooked potatoes is a great way to make them last even longer.
- Meal planning: Plan your meals in advance to ensure you use the potatoes efficiently and reduce waste.
- Storage: Store potatoes in a cool, dark and dry place to prolong their shelf life.
- Versatility: Potatoes can be boiled, mashed, roasted, fried or added to soups and stews. Get creative and experiment with our potato recipes.
- Cooking with potatoes doesn’t need to be perfect. Embrace shortcuts — use leftover mash, freeze extra portions and don’t worry if your spuds have sprouted (just cut off the green bits before cooking).
By following these tips and trying out the recipes above, you'll be able to transform a single bag of potatoes into a week of delicious, budget-friendly meals.
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