Seriously, with jars of marinara sauce and a few of those pantry staples I mentioned, you can serve up healthy, cheap meals that are simple, easy and tasty. Just up the fresh basil and throw in whatever dried Italian spices you have in your spice cabinet. Some of the cheapest proteins are eggs, canned tuna, beans, lentils, peanut butter, and frozen chicken thighs. These ingredients are affordable, versatile, and easy to mix into a variety of meals. If you’re vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, pairing grains with legumes (like rice and beans or quinoa and lentils) creates a complete protein.
Greek-inspired potato salad
I love those foods and all but I’m looking to branch out, on a budget of course…a pretty tight budget. Meals that I’ll get leftovers out of are a big plus. This Sheet Pan Cajun Tofu and Vegetables is a one-pan, budget-friendly, low-stress, flavor-packed dream featuring crispy Cajun seasoned tofu and roasted veggies. Skip the bacon and sour cream and instead choose toppings like Greek yogurt and sesame seeds.
Pasta Fagioli Soup
These lovely, budget-friendly lunch ideas are guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and your tastebuds. Explore more budget lunch recipes for midday inspiration. And even though we do splurge for take-out pizza every now and then, we also make a fair share of homemade pizza for frugal weekend meals. And if budget isn’t your only criteria, check out our comprehensive list of delicious, easy breakfast ideas here. So I started keeping a running list of my favorite cheap meal ideas. The caveat here is that I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT MAKE BLAND MEALS… EVER.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
She lives in Chicago with her husband, two children and cat. Being frugal in the kitchen starts with how you fill your cart. If you can master a few smart grocery shopping habits, you’ll stretch your dollar further and avoid those midweek “what do I cook now? Meal prep is one of the easiest ways to eat cheap, healthy, and hassle-free all week long.
Easy family slow-cooker meals
You can cook fast, spend less, and still put a hearty meal in front of your family every night. You’d be surprised how much you can make with just $5. Some ideas include a veggie stir fry with rice, a can of black beans turned into burritos, or a dozen eggs stretched into several breakfast meals. Pasta with garlic and olive oil (aglio e olio) is a classic that costs pennies per serving. Stick to meals that rely on starches (like rice, pasta, potatoes) as the base and add whatever vegetables and protein you can afford.
Recipe #20: Chicken Pasta Bake with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping
You can make personal or small family-size pans of your favorite casseroles, enchiladas, and all manner of dishes. One of my biggest failures in cooking for two was food waste. I simply bought too much and didn’t use it up before it spoiled. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. I regularly make a big batch of taco meat for quick tacos, quesadillas, taco salads, or even just to eat with chips.
Or items that you can finish and leave on low heat or covered on the stove, like soups. Chop up salad ingredients ahead of time, and all you need to do is dress and toss right before serving. Need a landing pad for all those leftover toppings? A Baked Potato Bar using russet or sweet potatoes is a great way to use up leftover toppings.
Cheap Doesn’t Mean Bland
Back then, I partnered with a friend to cook up 4 to 6 weeks of meals for our two households. One recipe to feed four easily divided into two for our two couples. Plan meals that build on one another so that you don’t let any of your main ingredients go to waste.
Coconut Rice and Beans
For meal ideas when budget is less of a concern, take a look at our healthy recipes and healthy family faves. Pantry staples such as rice and beans form a great base for budget-friendly meals. Save by using whole chickens and larger cuts of meat that you find on sale. Double it up and freeze it, and when you’re ready, convert it to this delicious Roasted Red Pepper unimeal review and Tomato Soup! It’s true that grocery prices need to take a chill pill, but it’s equally true that anyone, no matter the size of their household, can eat well on a budget. You don’t need much time or spend a lot of money to enjoy a hearty meal with a friend, child, or partner.
- Some of the best meals are built with simple ingredients from the bottom shelf.
- Double it up and freeze it, and when you’re ready, convert it to this delicious Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup!
- And to make it even greater, it tastes better with time in the fridge (yay, leftovers!).
- Garlic, onions, spices, herbs, lemon juice, and sauces (like soy sauce or hot sauce) can totally transform basic ingredients.
- Explore our budget recipes for family and budget dinner ideas for more inspiration.
- If you’re vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, pairing grains with legumes (like rice and beans or quinoa and lentils) creates a complete protein.
While the rice is cooking, drain and rinse both cans of https://unimeal.reviews/ beans and pour them into another saucepan over medium heat. If you want a little liquid in the beans, add in some vegetable or chicken broth. Now, here are 10 of my favorite healthy budget meals to get you started—grouped together by cuisine (Mexican, Italian, protein entrées and vegetarian).
This Tomato Basil Soup and grilled cheese in the cast iron is a great twist on an old classic and the ultimate cheap dinner idea. Ground beef, onions, and a cheesy crust make this dish an all-time family favorite. Serve it up with ketchup, some pickles, or even burger sauce on the side. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget.
Recipe #1: Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Boats
I mixed in some meals with chicken as the base protein – as chicken prices haven’t nearly as sharply as the beef prices have. Eating healthy on a budget just takes a little planning and some pantry staples. You’ll feel better, spend less, and maybe even find some new go-to favorites. And again, if budget isn’t your only consideration, we’ve compiled this massive list of easy dinner ideas that taste amazing. With the right ingredients, you can whip up something hearty and satisfying without spending more than a few bucks per serving. When you’re pinching pennies, breakfast is the last place you should stress.
Loaded Slow Cooked Potatoes
It doesn’t matter if you’re on a tight budget, you can enjoy these delicious and cheap meals for breakfast. Consider doing a breakfast meal prep or freezing extras for later with these recipes for two on a budget. Freezer meal prep is a great way to make a large portion of your favorite dishes and then split them to enjoy later. The best part is that you’ll save both time and money when you cook in bulk. Also consider leftover ingredients, such as a pint of sour cream, a jar of roasted bell peppers, or a wedge of parmesan cheese.