Lentil and vegetable curry

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!