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25 Deliciously Cheap Meals to Get You Through the Month Without Breaking the Bank

By Ashley Davis Wed, Aug 14, 2024
Sometimes, the month feels longer than the paycheck, and finding satisfying meals on a tight budget can be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank. Here’s a roundup of tried-and-true recipes and tips for keeping your belly full and your wallet happy until the next payday.
1. Greek-Style Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a versatile and hearty option. Combine pasta with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and kalamata olives. If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, feel free to skip them. For added protein, toss in some chicken or tofu. For the dressing, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. It’s also great with chickpeas and a sprinkle of parsley.
2. Pantry Chili
Canned beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and tomato paste form the base of this easy chili. Sauté onions with cumin and chili powder, add the canned ingredients, and let it simmer. It’s even better the next day! Serve it over rice for an extra filling meal, or use it as a base for a cornbread casserole. Simply layer the chili with cornbread mix in a baking dish and bake.
3. Mujadara
A Middle Eastern staple, mujadara consists of lentils, rice, and well-browned onions. It’s simple yet flavorful. For a refreshing side, try a cucumber and tomato salad with Greek yogurt, or mix it into a pita with fresh spinach.
4. Peanut Noodles
For a quick and satisfying dish, cook up some pasta and toss it with a sauce made from equal parts peanut butter, soy sauce, and water. Add red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and ground ginger for extra flavor. Serve with steamed frozen broccoli or any veggies you have on hand. For a variation, mix peanut butter with ramen noodles for a budget-friendly pad Thai.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is not just for breakfast. It’s filling and versatile. Add linseeds (flax seeds) for extra fiber and omega-3s, or mix in coconut milk and nut butter for a creamy and satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.
6. Savory Pancakes
Savory pancakes are incredibly versatile. You can include just about anything you have in your fridge or pantry. From cheese to vegetables, these pancakes are a delicious and economical meal.
7. White Rice and Black Beans
A classic and nutritious combination, white rice paired with black beans is a staple meal. Top with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. If avocados are within your budget, add them for extra creaminess.

8. Lentil and Carrot Soup
This simple soup is both nourishing and inexpensive. Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking for a subtle tangy twist.

9. Canned Tuna on Toast
For a quick and easy meal, mix canned tuna with mayo and spread it on toast. Add a pickle spear on the side for extra crunch. If you have rice but not bread, you can also make spicy tuna rice with some hot sauce and soy sauce.
10. Egg and Chips
A comforting classic, this dish involves frying eggs and serving them with English-style chips (or fries). It’s a simple, nostalgic, and affordable meal.

11. Chicken Thighs and Rice
Keep boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the freezer for an easy meal. Cook the chicken with onions and mix with rice and a can of mushroom soup. This dish is filling and can last several days.
12. Cottage Pie
Combine ground beef with mixed vegetables and top with mashed potatoes. For a vegetarian option, use lentils instead of beef. This dish is hearty and can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
13. Dumpling Stew
Make dumpling stew with flour, salt, pepper, and spices for the dumplings. Flavor the stew with chicken bouillon and add milk for creaminess. You can also add chicken if you have it.
14. Cheap Chicken Parm
Use chicken tenders, patties, or nuggets, top with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake. Serve with pasta and frozen veggies. For a treat, make garlic bread with butter and garlic powder.

15. Loaded Nachos
Use leftover chicken or beef, sprinkle over tortilla chips, add cheese, and bake. Top with whatever you have on hand, like sour cream, salsa, or canned corn.
16. Pasta Salad
Combine cooked pasta with canned green beans, corn, and fresh herbs. Add Italian dressing and garbanzo beans if you have them. This salad gets better as it sits, making it a great leftover option.

17. Creamy Mushroom Ramen
Mix ramen noodles with a can of Campbell’s Creamy Mushroom soup for a quick and comforting meal. You can also add pan-fried dumplings or a fried egg for extra protein.

18. Chickpea Salad
Mash a can of chickpeas with mayo, mustard, and seasoning. Add any green veggies if you have them. This is a quick, healthy, and filling option.
19. Frittata
Use any odds and ends from your fridge to make a frittata. If you have a pie crust, make a quiche instead. For a twist, use frozen hash browns as a crust.

20. Pasta with Sauce
Keep pasta and sauce in your pantry. For added protein, use bulk ground beef divided into portions and frozen. This makes for a simple and reliable meal.
21. Rice Bowls
Combine leftover meat and veggies with rice and sauce for a quick and versatile meal. You can also use beans and salsa to make burritos.

22. Black Bean Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with black beans cooked with onions and garlic, add cheese, and cook until melted. These quesadillas are high in fiber and protein and easy to customize.

23. Puttanesca Pasta
For a simple yet flavorful dish, use olives, capers, anchovies, and minced garlic with pasta and canned tomatoes. Add any leftover vegetables or beef broth to stretch the meal further.
24. Sardine Pasta
Heat tinned sardines in tomato sauce with garlic and mix with cooked spaghetti. It’s a unique, inexpensive meal that’s surprisingly satisfying.

25. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are cheap and versatile. Dress them up with whatever you have, like frozen veggies or chili. Top with cheese for extra comfort.


Whether you’re counting pennies or just looking for some tasty meal ideas, these budget-friendly options will help you get through until your next paycheck. What are your favorite cheap meals? Share your go-to recipes in the comments!
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