21 Easy Cheap Meals On A Budget
Cheap Meals On A Budget – Discover 21 easy and cheap meals on a budget that are perfect for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy delicious, affordable meals that won’t break the bank.
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or simply looking to cut down on grocery bills, these 21 easy cheap meals on a budget are here to help.
Each recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and, most importantly, budget-friendly.
Let’s dive into these affordable meal ideas that will keep your taste buds and wallet happy.
21. Puerto Rican Vienna Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is incredibly flavorful! Add gandules for a perfect arroz con gandules or elevate Spanish rice by adding Vienna sausages for a unique Spanish coconut rice dish.
20. Herby Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce
Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce is incredibly simple, fast, and delicious. Made with fresh herbs and tossed with favorite long pasta, this sauce is ready by the time the pasta is cooked.
19. Instant Pot Rajma Masala
Instant pot rajma masala features red kidney beans cooked in a thick onion-tomato gravy. Served over white or brown rice, this popular North Indian dish, rajma chawal, is vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious.
18. One Pot American Goulash
American Goulash is an easy, one-pot comfort food made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. Enjoy this classic year-round and savor delicious leftovers. Even the pickiest eaters will love this irresistible Goulash Recipe!
17. Homemade Italian Vegetable Soup
Italian Vegetable Soup with Smoked Sausages is hearty and comforting, loaded with wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and beans. No pasta in this one, making it not only delicious but also budget-friendly.
16. Cheesy One Pot Pasta
Cheesy One Pot Pasta changes the game for one-pot meals. It’s incredibly easy to make—no draining needed—and loaded with cheese, marinara, and perfectly cooked penne pasta.
15. Crockpot Minestrone Soup
Crockpot Minestrone Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, cheese, paprika, potatoes, and tomatoes. It’s a bowl of comfort that’s budget-friendly and easy to make.
14. Mexican Street Corn and Black Bean Tacos
Mexican street corn & black bean tacos are stuffed with corn, black beans, avocado, and topped with jalapeño and shallot. A great vegetarian taco alternative that definitely won’t make you miss meat.
13. Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry
Cabbage Stir Fry brings new life to an old ingredient. Thinly sliced cabbage sautéed with ground chicken (or beef) and carrots in a light and flavorful Chinese-inspired sauce, making for a quick, healthy dinner.
12. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is a family favorite recipe loved by both children and adults. Combining cheeses layered in the dish and melted into a rich, creamy sauce, it’s perfect for a comforting dinner or holiday side dish.
11. Crockpot Baked Potato Soup
Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheese is a velvety, rich potato soup loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Perfect for a warm, cozy meal on a chilly evening.
10. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Sweet bell peppers stuffed with spicy rice and cheese, baked, then topped with hot sauce. Cheesy, hearty, and just the right amount of spicy. Easy to freeze for later.
9. Vegetarian Bean Chili
Homemade Vegetarian Chili With Beans and Cheese is packed with flavor, loaded with protein, and satisfying. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a delicious, nutritious meal.
8. Egg Fried Rice
With eggs and leftover rice, this easy 10-minute fried rice recipe is the perfect go-to meal! Made with only 6 ingredients, it’s a great main dish, side dish, or budget-friendly meal.
7. Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes are stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes, sour cream, cheese, green onions, bacon, and seasonings. Perfect for entertaining and holidays, and customizable with chicken, beef, or veggies. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
6. Thai Coconut Chickpea Curry
Thai coconut chickpea curry is bold, fragrant, and utterly delicious. Packed with nutrition, it comes together in just 30 minutes for a perfect fuss-free weeknight dinner.
5. Lentil Soup
Crockpot Lentil Soup is like a cozy hug on a cold day. With hearty lentils, colorful carrots, sweet onions, and tangy tomatoes, it’s a warm hug for the tummy.
4. Veggie Lo Mein
Veggie Lo Mein brings unbelievable food to the table in under 30 minutes. For those who love slurpy, noodle-y goodness, this quick and easy meal is sure to please.
3. Mexican Beans and Rice
Black Beans and Rice is the perfect budget-friendly meal for busy days! This Mexican-inspired one-pot recipe is easy and quick to make.
2. Spaghetti With Garlic And Olive Oil
Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil is a classic Italian pasta dish requiring a few cheap ingredients and little effort, ready in 10 minutes.
1. Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
Simple slow cooker creamy chicken and gravy is made with just a few ingredients, including chicken breasts, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Wonderful served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Even picky kids will clean their plates!
More Recipes to Try –
- 11 Best 5 Ingredient Meals in 15 Minutes
- 51 Quick and Healthy 3-ingredient Meals
- 11 Best 5-ingredient Chicken Salad Recipes
- 31 Simple Dump Meals for Busy Nights
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
These 21 easy cheap meals prove that you can enjoy delicious, wholesome food without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these recipes are sure to please both your taste buds and your wallet.
Give them a try and discover just how easy and affordable good eating can be!
Now comes the important question… Which cheap meals on a budget do you like the most? Please let me know in the comments.
Want to save this for later? Post these Cheap Meals On A Budget to the “Cheap Family Meals” OR “Budget Family Meals” Board!
