Eating healthy and delicious meals on a tight budget can be daunting.
But worry not, as there are plenty of delicious and nutritious recipes that won’t break the bank. With a little planning and smart grocery shopping, you can enjoy some mouth-watering meals on a shoestring budget.
In this blog post, we’ll share 35 cheap meal ideas that are not only tasty but also budget-friendly. So, let’s get started!
35 Cheap Meals Ideas
1. Spicy Vegetable Stir-Fry
This tasty stir fry includes fresh vegetables like broccoli, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all cooked in a spicy sauce. Serve it with rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
2. Rice and Beans
A classic and budget-friendly meal that is a complete source of nutrition. You can add your favorite vegetables, spices, and herbs to enhance the flavors and make it more interesting.
3. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a versatile and satisfying meal that can be customized to your liking. Top them with cheese, veggies, or sour cream for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Vegetable Soup
A hearty soup made with vegetables, herbs, and spices can be an excellent and budget-friendly meal option.
You can make a big batch and store it for quick meals throughout the week.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are delectable meals that can be filled with a variety of ingredients like rice, beans, vegetables, and meats, depending on your preference.
6. Shakshuka
This Middle Eastern dish is tomato-based and is cooked with eggs and spices. It is satisfying, easy to make, and budget-friendly.
7. Tuna Salad
A simple and delicious salad made with canned tuna, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. You can add other ingredients such as pasta, nuts, and herbs for variety.
8. Lentil Soup
A savory and hearty soup made with lentils, vegetables, and spices. Lentils are an affordable and protein-packed ingredient that can be used in various ways.
9. Zucchini Fritters
These delicious fritters are made with grated zucchini, flour, and spices. They make an excellent and cheap meal option that can be served with a side of salad or bread.
10. Veggie Omelet
An excellent breakfast or dinner option that can be made with eggs, veggies, and cheese. You can customize your omelet with your favorite ingredients and flavors.
11. Chili Con Carne
A spicy and flavorful dish made with ground beef, beans, and spices. It can be served with rice, bread, or chips for a filling and satisfying meal.
12. Spinach and Feta Pie
A delicious and affordable savory pie made with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
13. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A classic and filling meal made with spaghetti and a savory meat sauce. You can customize your sauce with your preferred ingredients and flavor profiles.
14. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A simple and affordable sandwich made with bread, cheese, and butter. You can add other ingredients like tomato, bacon, or ham for added flavor and nutrition.
15. Chicken Quesadilla
A delicious and economical dish made with chicken, vegetables, cheese, and tortillas. You can add other ingredients like beans, rice, or salsa for variety.
16. Vegetable Frittata
An easy and healthy dish made with eggs, vegetables, and cheese. It can be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven for a quick and filling meal.
17. Greek Salad
An easy and refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives. It can be served as a side dish or a light and flavorful main course.
18. Rice Noodle Soup
An economical and comforting soup made with rice noodles, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. You can add other ingredients like chicken, tofu, or shrimp for added protein.
19. Veggie Burgers
A tasty and affordable alternative to meat burgers made with vegetables, grains, and beans. They can be grilled or pan-fried and served with your favorite toppings.
20. Caprese Salad
The Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and delicious. It is a refreshing and healthy appetizer or light meal. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and protein.
21. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A filling and delicious meal made with sweet potatoes stuffed with veggies, beans, and spices. It can be cooked in the oven or the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
22. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
A quick and affordable sandwich made with peanut butter and sliced bananas. It’s a great option for breakfast or a snack.
23. Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Cook pasta and serve it with a simple homemade tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
24. Tuna Pasta Salad
Combine canned tuna, cooked pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
25. Bean Burritos
Make burritos using canned beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings. These are easy to customize and can be made in minutes.
26. Cabbage Stir-Fry
Sauté cabbage with garlic, soy sauce, and your choice of protein (like tofu or ground pork) for a simple and economical stir-fry.
27. Tomato and Rice Soup
Cook rice in a tomato-based broth with herbs and spices for a comforting and low-cost soup.
28. Vegetable and Rice Casserole
Combine cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, then bake for a hearty and budget-friendly casserole.
29. Quesadilla with Leftovers
Use leftover ingredients like chicken, beans, or veggies to create a tasty quesadilla with cheese in a tortilla.
30. Egg Fried Rice
Whip up a quick and budget-friendly fried rice with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce.
31. Lentil Curry
Cook lentils in a flavorful curry sauce with spices and serve over rice for a nutritious and low-cost meal.
32. Spinach and Chickpea Curry
Make a simple and economical curry with spinach, canned chickpeas, and spices. Serve with rice or flatbread.
33. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Toss cooked spaghetti with sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil for a flavorful and affordable pasta dish.
34. Black Bean Tacos
Create tacos using canned black beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a quick and low-cost meal.
35. Potato and Sausage Skillet
Sauté sliced potatoes and sliced sausage in a skillet with onions and peppers for a hearty and budget-friendly one-pan meal.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it – 35 delicious, affordable, and nutritious meals that won’t break the bank.
With a little creativity, planning, and grocery shopping, you can enjoy tasty and filling meals even on a tight budget. So, go ahead, try some of these recipes, and let us know your favorites!
