10+ Delicious Cheap Meals for When You’re Broke

For the soup, sauté onions and garlic, add canned tomatoes and broth, simmer, then blend until smooth. For the sandwiches, butter the outside of bread slices, place cheese between them, and cook in a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.25

Sauté diced onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Stir in a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) and a can of coconut milk. Simmer for about 15 minutes, then add a handful of spinach if you have it. Serve over rice.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.50

In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until soft. Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Pour in a can of diced tomatoes and simmer until slightly thickened. Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Serve with bread for dipping.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.75

Rinse split peas and add them to your slow cooker with diced onions, carrots, and celery. Add a ham bone or diced ham if you have it (but it's optional). Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, add bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until peas are tender.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.25

Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions. While it's cooking, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant but not browned. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Toss the pasta with the garlic oil, adding pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan if you have it.

Estimated cost per serving: $0.80

Warm up canned refried beans in a pan, adding some cumin and chili powder for extra flavor. Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle. Spread beans on each tortilla, top with shredded cheese, and add any extras you might have (salsa, sour cream, lettuce). Roll up and enjoy.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.00

Start by scrambling eggs in a large pan or wok. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry diced onions and any vegetables you have (frozen mixed vegetables work great). Add cold, leftover rice and stir-fry until heated through. Add the scrambled eggs back in, along with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil if you have it. Mix well and serve.

Estimated cost per serving: $0.75

Place chicken thighs (bone-in for more flavor) in a slow cooker. Add rice, diced onions, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (thyme and rosemary work well). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The rice will absorb the flavorful broth and the chicken will be tender and juicy.

Estimated cost per serving: $2.00

Start by scrubbing large potatoes and pricking them with a fork. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about an hour or until tender. While they're baking, prepare toppings like grated cheese, crumbled bacon (if budget allows), chopped green onions, and sour cream. Split the potatoes, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your toppings.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.00

This hearty dish is packed with protein and fiber. To make it, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot. Add curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Stir in rinsed lentils, diced vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers work well), and vegetable broth. Simmer until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.50

More cheap meal ideas

Looking for even more ways to feed yourself or your family on a tight budget? Here are additional ideas for cheap and easy meals:

• Peanut butter and banana sandwiches

• Oatmeal with fruit and cinnamon

• Rice and beans with salsa

• Veggie stir-fry with rice

• Homemade pizza using flatbread as the base

• Tuna salad sandwiches

• Pancakes (breakfast for dinner!)

• Ramen noodles with added vegetables and egg

• Baked sweet potato with black beans and salsa

• Grilled vegetable skewers

Experimenting with different combinations of affordable ingredients is a great way to create your own cheap and tasty recipes!

Tips to save even more money when planning cheap meals

Before we wrap up, here are a few more tips to help you save money on groceries when you're on a tight food budget.

Get to know the cheapest foods to buy

A few inexpensive ingredients can be used to create a variety of cheap meals that taste great. Here are some budget-friendly staples to keep in your pantry:

• Rice

• Beans (canned or dried)

• Pasta

• Potatoes

• Eggs

• Canned tomatoes

• Frozen vegetables

• Oats

• Bananas

• Carrots

• Onions

• Peanut butter

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries and reduce stress in the kitchen.

If you're new to meal planning, it simply means deciding what you'll eat for the week or month ahead of time. This helps you avoid impulse purchases and reduce food waste.

If you're too busy to plan meals yourself, consider using a low-cost meal planning service like $5 Meal Plan. For just $5 a month, they'll send you a weekly meal plan with budget-friendly recipes.

Buy in bulk and freeze

When non-perishable items or freezer-friendly foods are on sale, buy in bulk and store them for later use. This can lead to significant savings over time.

Learn to love leftovers

Cook larger portions and use leftovers for lunch the next day or transform them into a new meal. This can help you save both money and time.

Grow your own herbs and vegetables

Even if you don't have a garden, you can grow herbs in small pots on your windowsill. Fresh herbs can add flavor to your meals without costing much.

Final thoughts: Cheap meals can save you a ton of money!

Eating on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. With a little creativity and planning, you can create delicious meals that won't break the bank. Remember, the goal is to nourish your body and your wallet at the same time.

Do you have any favorite cheap meals? Share your budget-friendly recipes in the comments below!