18 Budget-Friendly Meal Recipes

Byarlo Jack
18 Budget-Friendly Meal Recipes

Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. With some creativity, pantry staples, and affordable ingredients, you can make delicious meals that keep everyone satisfied while staying on budget. Here are 18 extremely cheap meals that are loved by families, students, and anyone who enjoys comfort food without the hefty price tag.

1. Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

Simple yet satisfying, this Italian classic (known as aglio e olio) requires only pasta, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It’s flavorful, filling, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 200g spaghetti
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, sliced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt, parsley (optional)

Directions:
Cook spaghetti in salted water. In a pan, heat olive oil, sauté garlic until golden, then add pepper flakes. Toss pasta with oil mixture, garnish with parsley, and serve.

2. Vegetable Fried Rice

Use leftover rice, frozen vegetables, soy sauce, and an egg for a quick stir-fry. It’s customizable and a great way to use up fridge scraps.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp oil

Directions:
Heat oil in a pan, scramble the egg, then add vegetables and rice. Stir-fry with soy sauce until heated through.

3. Lentil Soup

Lentils are cheap, protein-packed, and cook quickly. Simmer them with onions, carrots, celery, and spices for a hearty, comforting soup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups broth or water

Directions:
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in a pot. Add lentils, cumin, and broth. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.

4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

A childhood favorite that never gets old. Pair a crispy grilled cheese sandwich with warm tomato soup (homemade or canned) for a cozy, affordable meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bread
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 slices cheese
  • 1 can tomato soup

Directions:
Butter bread, add cheese slices, and grill until golden. Heat soup according to package directions. Serve together.

5. Bean and Cheese Burritos

Refried beans, cheese, and tortillas come together for a satisfying dish. Add rice, salsa, or veggies if you have them.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tortillas
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salsa (optional)

Directions:
Spread beans on tortillas, sprinkle cheese, and roll. Heat in a skillet until cheese melts. Serve with salsa.

6. Egg Fried Noodles

Instant noodles, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs make a fast and budget-friendly meal. Toss in cabbage, carrots, or any leftover vegetables for extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

  • 2 packs instant noodles
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 cup shredded vegetables

Directions:
Cook noodles without seasoning packet. In a pan, scramble eggs, add veggies, noodles, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.

7. Potato Hash with Eggs

Potatoes are inexpensive and versatile. Fry them with onions and peppers, then top with eggs for a filling breakfast-for-dinner option.

Ingredients:

  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp oil

Directions:
Fry potatoes and onion in oil until golden and crisp. Make two spaces, crack eggs in, cover, and cook until eggs are done.

8. Chili with Beans

Skip the meat and make a vegetarian chili with canned beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for batch cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans beans (mixed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin

Directions:
Sauté onion, add beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Homemade Pizza with Flatbread

Use store-bought flatbread or pita as the base, add tomato sauce and cheese, then top with veggies or leftover meats. Bake until crispy for a fun, customizable meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 flatbreads or pita
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Veggie or meat toppings

Directions:
Spread sauce on flatbread, add toppings and cheese. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

10. Ramen with Vegetables

Upgrade instant ramen by adding frozen vegetables, an egg, or leftover chicken. A little soy sauce or sesame oil makes it taste homemade.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack instant ramen
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup frozen vegetables
  • Soy sauce or sesame oil

Directions:
Cook ramen with vegetables. Crack an egg in during the last 2 minutes. Add soy sauce or sesame oil to taste.

11. Tuna Pasta Salad

Canned tuna, pasta, mayonnaise, and peas create a creamy, protein-packed dish that works for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 can tuna
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup peas (frozen or canned)

Directions:
Cook pasta, drain, and cool. Mix with tuna, peas, and mayonnaise. Chill before serving.

12. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage is one of the cheapest vegetables available. Stir-fry it with garlic, soy sauce, and rice for a simple, filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • ½ head cabbage, shredded
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil

Directions:
Heat oil, sauté garlic, add cabbage, and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes. Add soy sauce and serve with rice.

13. Sloppy Joes

Ground beef or turkey stretched with beans or lentils makes an inexpensive filling for sandwiches. Serve with pickles or fries for a diner-style treat.

Ingredients:

  • ½ lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns

Directions:
Brown meat in a pan, drain fat, then add sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire. Simmer 10 minutes. Spoon onto buns.

14. Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

This Middle Eastern dish uses poached eggs simmered in spiced tomato sauce. Serve with bread for dipping, it’s hearty and inexpensive.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tbsp oil

Directions:
Sauté onion, add tomatoes and paprika, simmer 10 minutes. Make wells, crack eggs in, cover, and cook until set.

15. Baked Ziti

Pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese baked together create a comforting, filling meal that can easily feed a family on a budget.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Directions:
Boil pasta, mix with sauce, place in baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.

16. Vegetable Curry with Rice

Curry is flexible and inexpensive when made with potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, and curry powder. Serve with rice or naan for a full meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk or 1 cup broth

Directions:
Cook potatoes and carrots until soft, add chickpeas, curry powder, and coconut milk. Simmer 10 minutes. Serve with rice.

17. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with rice, beans, and tomato sauce, then bake until tender. It’s healthy, colorful, and affordable.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can beans
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Directions:
Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds. Mix rice, beans, and half the sauce, then stuff peppers. Top with remaining sauce and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

18. Pancakes or Waffles for Dinner

Breakfast-for-dinner is always a hit. With flour, eggs, and milk, you can whip up pancakes or waffles and serve with fruit or syrup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk

Directions:
Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine into a batter. Cook pancakes on a greased skillet or pour into waffle maker. Serve with syrup or fruit.

Final Thoughts

Cheap meals don’t have to be boring or repetitive. With a little planning and creativity, you can turn affordable ingredients into meals that everyone looks forward to. These 18 dishes are budget-friendly, simple to make, and guaranteed to keep both your stomach and your wallet happy.