It’s filling, cheap to make, and can easily be doubled if you need more. One of the easiest ways I’ve found to stretch meals is by making large pots of soups, casseroles, or pasta dishes that can be portioned out for multiple meals. Scramble eggs with spinach for a protein-packed, low-cost meal. It’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies in the fridge. I often serve it with a slice of whole grain toast for an extra boost. Serve a bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit for a light and healthy meal.
Sweet Potatoes With Maple Tahini
We believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Canned salmon is a valuable pantry staple and a practical way to include heart-healthy, omega-3-rich fish in your diet. Here, we combine it with avocados in an easy no-cook meal. If you are looking for weekly meal plans with cheap and easy recipes, I recommend the $5 Meal Plan.
BBQ Chicken Bowls
Comforting chili flavors, pasta, and cheese make this meal a family favorite. If you’re looking for cheap, healthy meals, these ideas are guaranteed to satisfy any of your cravings. A stir fry is our go-to weeknight dinner when we just don’t have the energy to spend a long time in the kitchen or hit the grocery store—this recipe is no exception. Make it as is for our best-ever version, then use it as a jumping-off point to create unimeal review techbullion your perfect chicken stir-fry.
You only need 20 minutes and $12.60 worth of groceries to pull off our chicken and pasta dinner for six. To maximize your cheap, healthy dinner recipes, never let any ingredients go to waste. Instead, use any leftover pesto in these quick and easy pesto recipes. Meatloaf secures a top spot on the list of easy, cheap, healthy meals when you use lean ground beef and boost the filling factor with inexpensive spuds. And don’t you love how sheet-pan dinners like this one require so little cleanup time? Cooking everything on one foil-lined pan speeds it up.
Creamy White Bean and Spinach Quesadillas
We swear, you’ll barely miss the pasta (and can enjoy multiple servings, no problem). Toasting the breadcrumbs before adding them on top gives a crispier texture. Swap fresh mozzarella for shredded to save a little extra money. If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil works in a pinch. Use leftover grilled chicken or steak to save time and money.
Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili
You can, and should, make burrito bowls at home, especially if they’re as easy as these from Ali Slagle. Spicy rice and beans, cooked together in one pot, gets spooned into bowls and topped with avocado and a quick corn salsa. Make the dish as gentle or spicy as you’d like, and throw in a can of cannellini beans as some of our commenters have. Just don’t forget the squeeze of fresh lemon at the end — it brightens the whole thing.
Spinach Quesadillas
- Egg muffins, cooked rice, and shredded chicken also hold up well in the freezer and are super versatile.
- Toss chicken, peppers, and onions with spices, spread it on a sheet pan, and let the oven do its thing.
- Use microwave mashed potatoes for a faster prep, or make homemade if you have extra time.
- Transform canned chicken noodle soup by adding fresh ginger, crunchy vegetables, herbs and a jammy soft-boiled egg.
- I love how versatile this meal is because you can use up all the leftover veggies in your fridge.
- Boil potatoes and corn in broth to make a big pot of chowder for the family.
This tuna salad recipe gets an upgrade with olives, feta and a tahini dressing. Served over baby spinach, this is the perfect easy and light lunch or dinner https://recipes.heart.org/en/ salad. Take the stress out of budgeting with our smart meal plans, useful tools and masses of recipe inspiration! We’re here to make your life a little more organised, from ideas for using up leftover ingredients to tips on slow-cooking and batch-cooking.
Healthy Meals to Make on a Budget
One of the easiest ways to cut down on dinner costs is to go for cheaper cuts of meat, or utilizing more expensive ones in creative ways. Try adding ground beef, turkey, or chicken to help bulk out old standbys. Try roasting a whole chicken (or buying a rotisserie chicken), then utilizing it for everything from pizza to tacos all week long.
Top 20 Affordable Foods to Buy on a Low Budget
Chickpeas deliver protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes offer more fiber and health-supportive antioxidants. This pasta recipe is filled with all the must-have ingredients to make a great martini. Toss spaghetti in our quick vodka sauce that’s flavored with lemon, butter, blue cheese, and olives. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are one of our go-to proteins when we’re meal planning on a budget. Chicken thighs are usually less expensive than chicken breasts and we find they cook up juicier and more flavorful.
Alfredo Pasta- $11.04 ($2.85 per person)
This recipe is basically the vegan version of our favorite fish tacos. A quick and easy pickled slaw for a bite of freshness and a spicy mayo for a touch of heat. We have no shortage of creative salmon recipes, but there’s a reason this simple version is one of our most popular recipes. Whether you’re looking for the easiest way to feed a crowd or a simple, hands-off weeknight dinner, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep up your sleeve.
Black-Eyed Pea Masala With Kale
Toast the bread with butter for an extra flavorful crunch. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep, and mix in a little ranch to balance the spice. Cook on medium heat to prevent burning while keeping the tortilla crispy. Baked instead of frying for a healthier version with less mess.
Baked ziti is what happens when pasta night decides to go all in. Layers of noodles, sauce, and melty cheese come together in one big pan of crowd-pleasing magic. Bright, fresh, and just fancy enough to feel like you tried.
