Cheap meals don’t have to taste, well cheap. You can make delicious, budget-friendly, home cooked meals that you’ll love to eat. I’ve collected 30 of my favorite cheap meal ideas for you; that you can feel good about serving your family.
How can I save money on food?
I think this is a topic many people are wondering about. We want to eat healthy, but inexpensive meals. Check out my article on 15 Ways to Save on Your Grocery Bill to get started. You may also want to consider shopping sale cycles. Never forgetting you can GROW your own food too!
Does eating at home save money?
Absolutely! Preparing your own food and eating at home will save you money every time. This is especially true if you want HEALTHY food! Sure you can eat off a dollar menu but it will cost you in the long run (at the doctor’s office). I am a big believer in cooking from scratch!
Cooking can be a breeze when you find affordable, easy and mouth-watering recipes. These 30 delicious meals can be made without breaking the bank! But cheap meals don’t need to tastes cheap; these recipes are full of rich flavors and spices! I think you’ll find these ideas will have your family wanting seconds for sure!
30 Cheap Meals
One-Pot Creamy Beef Stroganoff– by Pillsbury With only seven ingredients and ready to serve within 30 minutes, this easy to make stroganoff is perfect for families!
Simple Turkey Chili – by All Recipes A classic dinner to start things off! Easy to make and a hit with kids!
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese – by Taste of Home Nothing is better than southern comfort food! Try this classic recipe in your slow-cooker as a side or as the main entree!
Spinach and Egg Sandwiches – by Food Network Magazine Filled with vitamins and protein, you are sure to enjoy this simple breakfast-for-dinner meal!
Southern Ham & Beans with Cornbread – by ImperfectlyHappy An old family recipe that will fill your bellies and leave you feeling satisfied. Full of flavor!
Biscuits and Gravy – by Love Grows Wild Another classic southern treat! Chow down on biscuits and gravy any time of the day!
The Best Ever Slow-Cooker Pot Roast– by Tasty This pot roast practically cooks itself! Put your six ingredients into your slow-cooker, walk away for just a few hours and you’ll have a dinner you can sink your teeth into! Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Black Bean Soup – by Something New for Dinner Perfect for fall, this soup recipe is easy, healthy and inexpensive!
Chicken Pot Pie – by Spicy Southern Cooking This pot-pie recipe makes a filling meal for friends and family and provides leftovers for days!
Homemade Pizza – by Bon Appetit Better than anything you’ll order for delivery! Your homemade pizza doesn’t have to look pretty, but it will sure taste amazing!
Cilantro-Lime Chicken– by DelishYou won’t be able to get enough of these grilled chicken thighs topped with the iconic combination of cilantro and lime.
Ground Beef Recipes – By ImperfectlyHappy How to make a ton of inexpensive ground beef recipes you’ll truly enjoy.
Giant Slow-Cooker Meatballs – by Budget Bytes These giant slow-cooker meatballs are a great way to switch up from your classic spaghetti recipe. Try it, you won’t be disappointed!
Inside-Out Lasagna – by Eating Well Take your basic lasagna ingredients, skip the layering and baking to make a quick and easy recipe your family will love!
Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas – by My Recipes Simple and affordable way to feed a crowd! With a stack of warm corn tortillas and some simple toppings, everyone can indulge in this flavorful, rich pork recipe!
Burrito Bowl – by Forks Over Knives Enjoy warm or cold, this burrito bowl is a satisfying and delicious no-cook meal!
Taco Sloppy Joes – by Belle of the Kitchen A twist on two classic recipes! Load them up with toppings and you got yourself a crowd pleaser for parties or just for you and your family.
Coconut-Lime-Marinated Vegetable Noodles & Shrimp – by Woman’s Day These island-inspired flavors will make you feel like you are on an exotic getaway!
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – by Tablespoon Your kids will love this casserole based off classic chili cheese dogs. Easy weeknight dinner that you will grownups will love too!
The Best Black Bean Burger – by Tastes Better from Scratch Meatless burgers cut down the grocery cost! These delicious burgers are made simply with black beans, bell pepper, onion, egg, bread crumbs and spices!
Salami and Ham Stromboli – by Life with 4 Boys This recipe is filled with comforting spices and flavor. You no longer need to go to a restaurant to treat yourself to this combination of melted cheese and delicious Italian meats.
Pesto Zucchini Pasta – by Healing and Eating This amazing pesto sauce is perfect on top of zucchini noodles. Simple, but healthy and easy to make!
Easy Chicken Fried Rice – by Iowa Girl Eats Easy to make at home, healthier and way more filling than take out!
Root Beer Pulled-Pork Sandwiches – by Lauren’s Latest Simply the best! The mix of root beer and bbq sauce is one that you will forever love after trying these delicious pulled-pork sandwiches!
Fully Loaded Hasselback Potatoes – by Closet Cooking Bake your potatoes until their nice and crispy, then top with all of the classic baked potato toppings including melted cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream and butter.
Easy Parmesan-Crusted Fish Dinner – by My Food and Family This recipe will soon become a favorite in your household! Healthy, savory and simple fish pairs well with green beans and stuffing.
Chicken Taquitos – by Confessions of a Fit Foodie Healthy, quick and easy meal for the whole family. Use your crock pot or instant pot for the chicken and create taquitos using either your oven or air fryer. Delish!
One Dish Chicken and Rice Bake – by Campsbells This recipe only takes 5 minutes to put together! With three basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to customize and ready to be enjoyed in just one hour.
Pan-Fried Cottage Cheese Patties – by Springs Bargains It may sound odd, but these cottage cheese patties are crispy on the outside and filled with a velevety inside. You and your family are sure to love this $5 meal.
French Lentil Soup – by Simple Bites Perfect way to warm the kids up during fall or winter! This affordable soup is full of flavor and is a favorite for all ages.
I hope these cheap meal ideas show you that eating on a budget can still be delicious! These recipes are easy to make, delicious and most importantly, inexpensive! Next time you meal plan, make sure to include some of these recipes for an affordable trip to the grocery store! Enjoy!
More Cheap Meals – Check Out These Articles!
- Frugal Meals from the Great Depression
- 100 Low Budget Meals!
- 26 Dirt Cheap Meals
- Cheap Meals for a Tight Budget
