A good cook doesn’t need to spend money to eat well.

Here are 13 no-frills Southern meals we’ll never stop making.

Any good cook knows how to infuse those beans with major flavor using not too many ingredients.

Southern Living Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings in a bowl to serve

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Stewing down okra and tomatoes create a multifaceted dish that doesn’t even require meat.

It’s typically served over rice with cornbread.

Moreover, adding simple ground beef was a common addition, though not always needed.

Southern Living Pinto Beans in a bowl with a piece of cornbread to serve

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It cooks all day and makes for hearty leftoverswho doesn’t love that?

Soup Beans

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Classic Okra and Tomatoes in bowls overhead

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Southern Living Macaroni and Tomatoes in a bowl to serve

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creamed chipped beef on toast with knife and fork on plate

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Southern Living Homemade Vegetable Soup in the pot to serve with Cheesy Saltines beside

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New Orleans Red Beans And Rice

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Southern Living Tomato Gravy on biscuits

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Southern Living Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Salmon Cakes

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Southern Living Sausage and Gravy served on a plate

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Southern Living Easy Black Eyed Peas in a bowl to serve

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Southern Living Hamburger Steak plated serving with mashed potatoes and green beans

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