10 Tasty Meals: You Can Make Cheap
10 Tasty Meals: You Can Make Cheap
🍳 10 Tasty Meals You Can Make Cheap
Eating well doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet, 10 Tasty Meals You Can Make Cheap. With a little creativity, some pantry staples, and fresh touches, you can whip up meals that are both satisfying and affordable. Here are delicious budget-friendly dishes to add to your table.
1. One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic & Olive Oil – 10 Tasty Meals
Simple yet full of flavor, this dish uses pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Add a side of frozen veggies or a can of diced tomatoes for extra nutrition.
💡 Why it works: Pasta stretches far and cooks fast, making it a go-to budget meal.
💲 Cost: $4–$6 (feeds 4).
2. Hearty Vegetable Soup – You Can Make Cheap
Using seasonal vegetables or frozen mixes, simmer everything with broth, beans, or lentils for protein. Serve with crusty bread for a filling dinner.
💡 Budget tip: Save veggie scraps in the freezer to make your own broth.
💲 Cost: $6–$8.
3. Rice & Beans with Fresh Salsa – You Can Make Cheap
A classic combo that’s cheap, filling, and endlessly customizable. Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime for a fresh punch.
💡 Bonus: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s both healthy and hearty.
💲 Cost: $5–$7.
4. Homemade Chili –10 Tasty Meals
Using ground turkey, beef, or even just beans, chili is a dish that gets better the next day. Toss in tomatoes, peppers, and spices — serve over rice or cornbread.
💡 Stretch it: Freeze half for quick weeknight meals later.
💲 Cost: $8–$12.
5. Egg Fried Rice
Day-old rice, eggs, soy sauce, and whatever veggies you have lying around make this a fast, cheap, and delicious meal.
💡 Upgrade: Add sriracha or sesame oil for extra flavor without much cost.
💲 Cost: $4–$6.
6. Baked Potato Bar
Big russet potatoes are cheap and filling. Bake them and set out toppings like cheese, sour cream, broccoli, or leftover chili.
💡 Family favorite: Everyone gets to customize their own.
💲 Cost: $6–$9.
7. Homemade Pizza on Flatbread
Skip takeout! Use pita, tortillas, or store-bought flatbread as your crust. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings from your fridge.
💡 Budget tip: Use leftover veggies or cooked meats as toppings.
💲 Cost: $7–$10.
8. Slow Cooker Lentil Stew
Lentils are one of the cheapest proteins out there. Combine with carrots, onions, potatoes, and spices for a rich stew that feeds a crowd.
💡 Time saver: Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it cook while you work.
💲 Cost: $5–$7.
9. Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)
A Middle Eastern classic made with canned tomatoes, onions, and eggs poached right in the sauce. Serve with bread to scoop it up.
💡 Elegant but cheap: Feels gourmet, but uses everyday pantry items.
💲 Cost: $5–$8.
10. Tuna or Chickpea Salad Wraps
Canned tuna or mashed chickpeas mixed with mayo, celery, and spices make a protein-packed wrap. Add lettuce for crunch.
💡 Perfect lunch: Fast, portable, and affordable.
💲 Cost: $6–$9.
Our Take
Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. With smart shopping and simple recipes, you can serve meals that are comforting, flavorful, and wallet-friendly. Whether it’s beans and rice or homemade pizza, these dishes prove delicious food doesn’t have to cost much.
