This four-ingredient red curry chicken is hassle-free and inexpensive to make, especially when compared to takeout prices. If desired, substitute white rice for the rice vermicelli noodles, or garnish with cilantro, green onions, or red chile peppers. This classic hot sandwich features piles of steaming thinly sliced corned beef and sauerkraut with a mixture of melted Swiss and creamy Thousand Island. Introducing your new favorite pasta sauce, made with nothing more than egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon.
Build a habit of sticking to your list, shopping with purpose, and stocking up when sales hit. Before you know it, your pantry will be prepped for greatness without blowing your budget. From cozy dinners to healthy lunches, these meals are proof that you can save money without sacrificing flavor. When grocery prices spiked a couple of years ago, I found myself getting more creative than ever in the kitchen. Dinner is ready in only 15 minutes and cleanup is a breeze with these easy broiled chicken tenders coated in everything bagel seasoning with fresh broccoli on the side.
Here’s a cheap, healthy vegetarian meal you’ll want to make again and again. With 13 grams of protein and a nice reviews of unimeal portion of hunger-taming broth and noodles, this soup will fill you up for hours. Soft cooked eggs join fresh veggies in this cozy, crowd-pleasing Asian noodle soup.
Creamy Tuna Pasta
But much of this Italian region’s cuisine is humble and healthy. Here the beans partner with other great Mediterranean diet-friendly ingredients for a true-to-Italy dish that won’t break the bank or your nutrition goals. Low in fat (6 grams per portion) yet high in protein (a strong 28 grams), this five-ingredient slow cooker pork recipe checks all the boxes. Indeed—it’s one of the lowest-cost options in this collection of cheap, healthy meals. There you have it, 31 dinners that prove budget cooking doesn’t have to mean boring or bland.
Can I eat vegetarian on a budget?
If you prefer more heat in these fish tacos, simply add a pinch or two of chipotle chile powder or cayenne with the chili powder. This tofu veggie stir-fry is quick and easy, making it a great go-to weeknight meal. Baked tofu has a firm, toothsome texture that crisps well in a hot pan. You can find it in flavors like teriyaki and sesame, both of which are delicious here. Or opt for a smoked version, which has the same texture with a more robust flavor.
- Swap fresh mozzarella for shredded to save a little extra money.
- Sheet-pan crispy ramen takes your favorite comforting noodle dish and gives it a genius, textural twist—all with minimal effort.
- Jazz up basic ramen noodles with toasted sesame oil, quick-cooked broccoli and a jammy soft-boiled egg.
- You can serve them with a side of fries or a salad if you want.
- Try roasting a whole chicken (or buying a rotisserie chicken), then utilizing it for everything from pizza to tacos all week long.
- Mix quinoa with black beans and top with salsa for a simple, high-protein dish.
One-Pot Japanese Curry Chicken and Rice
Cream of mushroom soup and condensed tomato soup are the secret to this easy dinner idea. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have a comforting bowl of pasta on the table that everyone will love. Your favorite Tuscan-inspired restaurant may not be the first place you’d head to get inspiration for healthy meals on the cheap.
Cheap Meal Ideas That Actually Taste Good (Budget-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal)
Chickpeas are cheap, and they’re packed with protein, making this a healthy option for tight budgets. Mix spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This simple Italian dish is made with pantry staples and takes only minutes to prepare. It’s one of my favorites when I’m short on time and groceries.
Bean and Rice Burritos
Hobo casserole layers ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce. Flavor is your best friend, and thankfully, it’s cheap. Garlic, onions, spices, herbs, lemon juice, and sauces (like soy sauce or hot sauce) can totally transform basic ingredients. Roasting your veggies instead of steaming them adds depth, and a splash of vinegar or a dollop of yogurt can brighten up any dish.
Cheap Meals for Large Families
Use leftover ham and potatoes to make a filling casserole. This dish stretches a little meat a long way and feeds a lot of people. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and make them into a full meal. Make a large batch of rice and beans, and wrap them in tortillas for an easy meal. I love making these for dinner because they’re filling, and everyone can add their own toppings.
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
It tastes like you spent all afternoon on it, but it’s weeknight-doable and freezer-friendly to boot. Marry me shrimp pasta features a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce loaded with shrimp, tender spinach, and fragrant herbs, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Taking inspiration from our beloved marry me chicken, this is a new spin on a classic that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Jesseca is the creator of One Sweet Appetite, sharing easy, family-friendly recipes.
Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Corn
With a few clever swaps and some seasonal ingredients, you can https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/healthy-recipes enjoy clean, nourishing meals without overspending. With a little planning, lunch can be one of your cheapest meals of the day. Bonus points if you prep extra for the rest of the week. We used quinoa to bump up the fiber and protein in this stir-fry-inspired dish. Rather than making an omelet or stirring in the eggs as you would for fried rice, we cook them in divots right in the veggie-filled quinoa for a fun presentation.
Cheap Meal Ideas: Budget-Friendly Dinners Your Family Will Love
When you’re pinching pennies, breakfast is the last place you should stress. It’s one of the easiest meals to keep cheap, thanks to simple staples like oats, eggs, and bananas. These ideas will keep you full and fueled without draining your wallet.
