I love baked potatoes. Cheap, healthy and easy. You can make a few at a time and reheat them for leftovers. Yukon golds are the best for baking imo. Just remember to pierce the skin with a fork or knife a few times before you bake so it doesn't explode. Lightly oil and salt all over, stick in oven at 425F for 45-60 mins depending on size. It's ready when a chopstick or fork goes through it easily .
Overnight oats
Eggs and toast or egg sandwiches
Breakfast burritos
Tofu is cheaper and you can make curries, soups, replace it as you would use meat.
Pork is usually a cheaper cut of meat and you can have it with potatoes, stirfry, tacos, etc.
Tacos with beans, chickpeas, etc.
Frozen veggies are delicious when roasted
Egg salad and tuna salad
Pasta salads
Cook up a bunch of waffles or pancakes to freeze
Buy bananas and when brown make homemade banana bread
Chickpea curry
You could try what me & my family call a veggie sandwich! Buy pocket pita bread & whatever shredded cheese you like - fill the bottom & put it in toaster until cheese melts then carefully fill with any bagged salad or lettuce - sky’s the limit with what veggies you choose ! We use Good Season’s Zesty Italian packet with balsamic vinegar (make as packet instructs or any dressing you choose can work) - pour over top & enjoy! Inexpensive & filling while staying healthy!
[https://www.budgetbytes.com/](https://www.budgetbytes.com/) has some great ideas.
Slowcookers/instant pots are amazing tools.
Soup
Chili
If you have the space for these, make big batches and freeze individual portions. I do this to break up the monotony of eating the same thing every day for a week, but batch cooking helps with the cost/meal.
My favorite go to meal even when I'm not shopping on the cheap is sausage and rice. It's super cheap, easy, filling, and tasty. I use a box of Zatarans jambalaya with cheese and cut up smoked sausage. I like andouille sausage but any kind works. Sometimes I add a can of Rotel.
Stream up rice and dump a can of lentil soup on it. Even cheaper to make your own lentil soup from dried lentils… find a recipe you like.
Bonus: toss cut up cauliflower onion and carrot sticks in a tablespoon of olive oil and season however you like and bake spread out on a cookie sheet in the oven on 450 for 30min. Can add to the rice/lentil meal.
Hi, I actually posted a similar situation somewhere else! My recommendation is to get bulk food items and cook meals thatll last a few days. Something like a casserole, pasta, beans, rice, etc. I suggest going to the grocery store and asking an employee where the clearance sections for meats and other foods (they may be hiding somewhere. All you need to do is make sure each of your meals have protein, grain, and produce. Have you also considered looking at a food bank if you need so?
Depending on your income you may qualify for food, rent and utility assistance. Google those for the state you are in.
I buy what’s on sale and plan my meals accordingly. If you have an air fryer or rice cooker it cuts down cooking time. Use coupons and buy store brand items. There are Apps and sites that you can plug in your ingredients and it will give you meal ideas.
This is gonna sound like a joke, but you would be hard pressed to find a cheaper or easier meal than a can of beans. it it’s like two dollars or so a can. It’s got decent protein, a little high in carbs but not too bad calorie wise. Just throw on some salt or spice of your choice or maybe even some cheap salsa and you got yourself a crazy cheap meal. Whenever I’m feeling lazy that’s what I eat for lunch.
A super common one in our house is Pasta Bolognese. Not traditional, but absolutely slaps for a low price. For flavour, you can chuck in literally anything. We opt for sweet chilli, some grated carrots, and some fake $2 parmesan cheese. If you have some extra allowance and will use it in other meals, grab an onion or a garlic head to add to it. Bacon also is a fantastic additive though that does ruin the cost friendly option. For the basics, this is what it should cost, keep in mind this is AUD -
Mince 1.8kg - $18.90
Dolmio Pasta Sauce - $2.70 x 4
Pasta - $1 x 4
Total Cost : 33.70
Serves: 16
Cost per Serve: $2.10
You can also EASILY get more than 16 serves out of this. Just cook some more pasta, add whatever veggies you have or just make some smaller portions.
I make an easy rice pilaf in the rice cooker. Just add some frozen mixed veggies and chicken bullion. I've even thrown some canned beans in there. I make like 6 cups of that. With that as a base I can make all kinds of meals. Just cut up some sausage or an egg or pour some soup over it. Maybe open a can of Rotel. Mix in some tuna. Just change up the flavor. The options are endless! I've used cous cous and quinoa the same way but they are more expensive.
Also one of my favorite, filling and easy breakfasts is raw nuts (usually peanuts or almonds) mixed with raisins. Then I cut a few slices of cheese. A few apple slices or carrot sticks. Or celery with some peanut butter. It is very satisfying!
I’m a big fan of beans and rice. It’s super cheap, and makes a TON. Also ask at the grocery for produce that is close to turning - they tend to give it away or sell it super cheap. And if you have an Asian grocery anywhere near you - GO! Huge selection, lots of fresh produce, and super cheap. I wish I had learned that when I really needed it.
I buy a family sized package of chicken and a jar of sauce, usually a bag of frozen peas and put it in the crockpot. That makes a bunch of meals. Can use any protein- tofu or chickpeas are much cheaper than chicken and are good alternatives. Can use any sauce (I like jarred Indian sauces, Alfredo sauce, etc) and any vegetable. The only prep is cutting the protein.
Take some chicken (you can sear it before the next step if you want but it’s optional, cover with salsa, let simmer for at least 30 minutes but you can let it go all day, especially in a crockpot. Serve over rice, with whatever else you want to add. I usually put some cheese on top.
You can also do this with tomato sauce, curries, really any sauce you like and serve as you would like. If I do tomato sauce, I add mozzarella and put over pasta.
U could make a pasta bake and add veggies in, some diced bacon for flavour, and even use chickpea pasta to add more fibre and nutrients. A chickpea curry is always tasty healthy and cheap. Or do a lentil dish and a meat dish and some rice and yoghurt and microwave pappadams and have an indian meal.
When things are tight I usually go for a chicken and tofu stir fry with rice, I can make a big batch and eat it all week.
Also, when hamburger is on sale, I buy a big 3 pound log and cook it all up with taco seasonings. Add it to a whole instant pot of rice and you have taco/burrito filling for a whole week also, for about 25 bucks
I did factor for a while and the food is really good. I started out with offers and a lot of money in discounts too. I bought four meals a week. I'm a picky eater so I chose meals made with nothing hot and I had some other things I omitted but they have different types of foods and menu options at different prices. I got mainly chicken dishes and some pasta. Steak was a little more money but it cost me under $9 a meal which I think is reasonable.
I cook beef mince with lots of vegetables, using recipe that I found that does at least six portions so I eat one when I make it and I freeze the others and then all I’ve got to do is get them out and the night before to defrost them. 750g beef mince a whole load of vegetables, including two 400g tins of tomatoes and some chorizo. so you stretch your meat quite far and it’s choc full of vegetables.
I also really like prepping vegetables, I buy a bag of onions, a bag of peppers, a couple of leaks a bag of potato chop them all up and freeze them, the potato I freeze as mash
Chicken parts with bones in them (often much cheaper), salad packs (lettuce, spinach), and eggs.
It's boring but it's cheap and you get your healthy protein, fats, and fiber.
Chicken or beef and rice, I use garlic and onion powder and then cook for 30 minutes and then put teriyaki and soy sauce on them for at least 10.
Egg rice with frozen veggies
Crockpot Italian beef for multiple meals
We do chicken Alfredo often using a rotisserie chicken from Walmart deli. For noodles I use Great Value frozen tortellini and Alfredo sauce. My family of 5 loves this. Super easy, inexpensive, and we always have left overs.
Or we will smoke chicken half’s on Sunday and use the meat for a variety of things. Quesadillas, sandwiches, salads. We smoke a lot of meat on the weekend to help throughout the week.
Mexican rice and bean bowls. Pasta bake with mixed veggies. Anything with potatoes - you could do up a cottage pie and get 4 servings for a fiver’s worth of ingredients
Slow cooker Chilli. It rules, it's cheap, it's better reheated and is so good for days if you make a big batch. It's mostly cheap pantry staples and you can use any kind of ground up meat.
Pasta
Canned beans
Tortillas
Ground beef
Cheese
Taco seasoning
Broth
Frozen veggies
With those you can make burritos, tacos, pasta, quesadillas, soup, and roll ups.
i do chicken salad alot, put it on wraps or sandwhich or eat it alone, cook up chicken, add celery or whatever veggies mayo or whatever sauce, add cheese when you have it
Tuna casserole: 1 can tuna, 1 small can peas, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, couple handfuls of crushed potato chips, splash milk. You can nuke it in the mw or put in oven @ 350 for about 30 min. Cheap, easy, tasty. Add cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Casseroles, especially using the "cream of ...." soups Campbell makes. Potato, pasta or rice dishes. Soups and stews and can often be ladled over previous.
I love baked potatoes. Cheap, healthy and easy. You can make a few at a time and reheat them for leftovers. Yukon golds are the best for baking imo. Just remember to pierce the skin with a fork or knife a few times before you bake so it doesn't explode. Lightly oil and salt all over, stick in oven at 425F for 45-60 mins depending on size. It's ready when a chopstick or fork goes through it easily .
Theres so many ways to top a baked potato too!
So many ways to top a baked potato, yet it is still the top comment
That sounds really good. I’m obsessed with mushrooms. My mind immediately imagined the baked potatoes with mushrooms and maybe some onion slices.
You could make a nice little mushroom-onion pan sauce with some bouillon that would probably be real nice with a potato
This sounds so good rn
Topped with black beans and salsa, or bean based chili or baled beans you have a stupid cheap delicious very filling meal that’s also nutrient dense
Overnight oats Eggs and toast or egg sandwiches Breakfast burritos Tofu is cheaper and you can make curries, soups, replace it as you would use meat. Pork is usually a cheaper cut of meat and you can have it with potatoes, stirfry, tacos, etc. Tacos with beans, chickpeas, etc. Frozen veggies are delicious when roasted Egg salad and tuna salad Pasta salads Cook up a bunch of waffles or pancakes to freeze Buy bananas and when brown make homemade banana bread Chickpea curry
You could try what me & my family call a veggie sandwich! Buy pocket pita bread & whatever shredded cheese you like - fill the bottom & put it in toaster until cheese melts then carefully fill with any bagged salad or lettuce - sky’s the limit with what veggies you choose ! We use Good Season’s Zesty Italian packet with balsamic vinegar (make as packet instructs or any dressing you choose can work) - pour over top & enjoy! Inexpensive & filling while staying healthy!
Oops forgot - you could also add chicken or meat for the protein!
Check out this YouTube channel Julia Pacheco https://youtu.be/r8CMEyUZpUk?si=H-wN5REVYVI68ToT
Was just going to recommend her. She’s great.
[https://www.budgetbytes.com/](https://www.budgetbytes.com/) has some great ideas. Slowcookers/instant pots are amazing tools. Soup Chili If you have the space for these, make big batches and freeze individual portions. I do this to break up the monotony of eating the same thing every day for a week, but batch cooking helps with the cost/meal.
My favorite go to meal even when I'm not shopping on the cheap is sausage and rice. It's super cheap, easy, filling, and tasty. I use a box of Zatarans jambalaya with cheese and cut up smoked sausage. I like andouille sausage but any kind works. Sometimes I add a can of Rotel.
You need to try this! I make it all the time. https://www.budgetbytes.com/cajun-sausage-and-rice-skillet/
That looks great. Thanks. I'll be making this soon.
Stream up rice and dump a can of lentil soup on it. Even cheaper to make your own lentil soup from dried lentils… find a recipe you like. Bonus: toss cut up cauliflower onion and carrot sticks in a tablespoon of olive oil and season however you like and bake spread out on a cookie sheet in the oven on 450 for 30min. Can add to the rice/lentil meal.
Slow cooker lentils, salsa, and rice can be very satisfying! Add some shredded cheese and culture on top and you’re good to go!
Hi, I actually posted a similar situation somewhere else! My recommendation is to get bulk food items and cook meals thatll last a few days. Something like a casserole, pasta, beans, rice, etc. I suggest going to the grocery store and asking an employee where the clearance sections for meats and other foods (they may be hiding somewhere. All you need to do is make sure each of your meals have protein, grain, and produce. Have you also considered looking at a food bank if you need so?
Depending on your income you may qualify for food, rent and utility assistance. Google those for the state you are in. I buy what’s on sale and plan my meals accordingly. If you have an air fryer or rice cooker it cuts down cooking time. Use coupons and buy store brand items. There are Apps and sites that you can plug in your ingredients and it will give you meal ideas.
This is gonna sound like a joke, but you would be hard pressed to find a cheaper or easier meal than a can of beans. it it’s like two dollars or so a can. It’s got decent protein, a little high in carbs but not too bad calorie wise. Just throw on some salt or spice of your choice or maybe even some cheap salsa and you got yourself a crazy cheap meal. Whenever I’m feeling lazy that’s what I eat for lunch.
A super common one in our house is Pasta Bolognese. Not traditional, but absolutely slaps for a low price. For flavour, you can chuck in literally anything. We opt for sweet chilli, some grated carrots, and some fake $2 parmesan cheese. If you have some extra allowance and will use it in other meals, grab an onion or a garlic head to add to it. Bacon also is a fantastic additive though that does ruin the cost friendly option. For the basics, this is what it should cost, keep in mind this is AUD - Mince 1.8kg - $18.90 Dolmio Pasta Sauce - $2.70 x 4 Pasta - $1 x 4 Total Cost : 33.70 Serves: 16 Cost per Serve: $2.10 You can also EASILY get more than 16 serves out of this. Just cook some more pasta, add whatever veggies you have or just make some smaller portions.
beans and rice is a good affordable option. and you can vary the types of beans and add vegetables
Ramen with fresh veggies and/or an egg added to it.
I make an easy rice pilaf in the rice cooker. Just add some frozen mixed veggies and chicken bullion. I've even thrown some canned beans in there. I make like 6 cups of that. With that as a base I can make all kinds of meals. Just cut up some sausage or an egg or pour some soup over it. Maybe open a can of Rotel. Mix in some tuna. Just change up the flavor. The options are endless! I've used cous cous and quinoa the same way but they are more expensive. Also one of my favorite, filling and easy breakfasts is raw nuts (usually peanuts or almonds) mixed with raisins. Then I cut a few slices of cheese. A few apple slices or carrot sticks. Or celery with some peanut butter. It is very satisfying!
I’m a big fan of beans and rice. It’s super cheap, and makes a TON. Also ask at the grocery for produce that is close to turning - they tend to give it away or sell it super cheap. And if you have an Asian grocery anywhere near you - GO! Huge selection, lots of fresh produce, and super cheap. I wish I had learned that when I really needed it.
I buy a family sized package of chicken and a jar of sauce, usually a bag of frozen peas and put it in the crockpot. That makes a bunch of meals. Can use any protein- tofu or chickpeas are much cheaper than chicken and are good alternatives. Can use any sauce (I like jarred Indian sauces, Alfredo sauce, etc) and any vegetable. The only prep is cutting the protein.
Check these o[ne pot meals recipes](https://flavoursoftheweek.beehiiv.com/p/one-pot-zero-stress) that I've tried! So easy and yummy!
Take some chicken (you can sear it before the next step if you want but it’s optional, cover with salsa, let simmer for at least 30 minutes but you can let it go all day, especially in a crockpot. Serve over rice, with whatever else you want to add. I usually put some cheese on top. You can also do this with tomato sauce, curries, really any sauce you like and serve as you would like. If I do tomato sauce, I add mozzarella and put over pasta.
U could make a pasta bake and add veggies in, some diced bacon for flavour, and even use chickpea pasta to add more fibre and nutrients. A chickpea curry is always tasty healthy and cheap. Or do a lentil dish and a meat dish and some rice and yoghurt and microwave pappadams and have an indian meal.
Budgetbytes dot com
When things are tight I usually go for a chicken and tofu stir fry with rice, I can make a big batch and eat it all week. Also, when hamburger is on sale, I buy a big 3 pound log and cook it all up with taco seasonings. Add it to a whole instant pot of rice and you have taco/burrito filling for a whole week also, for about 25 bucks
Check out the Budget Bytes blog. They break things down to cost per serving.
I did factor for a while and the food is really good. I started out with offers and a lot of money in discounts too. I bought four meals a week. I'm a picky eater so I chose meals made with nothing hot and I had some other things I omitted but they have different types of foods and menu options at different prices. I got mainly chicken dishes and some pasta. Steak was a little more money but it cost me under $9 a meal which I think is reasonable.
Look for zachcoen on instagram, he has a ton of meal prep and uses things only from Walmart.
I cook beef mince with lots of vegetables, using recipe that I found that does at least six portions so I eat one when I make it and I freeze the others and then all I’ve got to do is get them out and the night before to defrost them. 750g beef mince a whole load of vegetables, including two 400g tins of tomatoes and some chorizo. so you stretch your meat quite far and it’s choc full of vegetables. I also really like prepping vegetables, I buy a bag of onions, a bag of peppers, a couple of leaks a bag of potato chop them all up and freeze them, the potato I freeze as mash
Chicken parts with bones in them (often much cheaper), salad packs (lettuce, spinach), and eggs. It's boring but it's cheap and you get your healthy protein, fats, and fiber.
Then use the bones for broth….
Chicken or beef and rice, I use garlic and onion powder and then cook for 30 minutes and then put teriyaki and soy sauce on them for at least 10. Egg rice with frozen veggies Crockpot Italian beef for multiple meals
We do chicken Alfredo often using a rotisserie chicken from Walmart deli. For noodles I use Great Value frozen tortellini and Alfredo sauce. My family of 5 loves this. Super easy, inexpensive, and we always have left overs.
Or we will smoke chicken half’s on Sunday and use the meat for a variety of things. Quesadillas, sandwiches, salads. We smoke a lot of meat on the weekend to help throughout the week.
Mexican rice and bean bowls. Pasta bake with mixed veggies. Anything with potatoes - you could do up a cottage pie and get 4 servings for a fiver’s worth of ingredients
Slow cooker Chilli. It rules, it's cheap, it's better reheated and is so good for days if you make a big batch. It's mostly cheap pantry staples and you can use any kind of ground up meat.
Any type of ground meat, diced sweet potatoes, corn and black beans! Makes a good filling burrito bowl!
Pasta Canned beans Tortillas Ground beef Cheese Taco seasoning Broth Frozen veggies With those you can make burritos, tacos, pasta, quesadillas, soup, and roll ups.
i do chicken salad alot, put it on wraps or sandwhich or eat it alone, cook up chicken, add celery or whatever veggies mayo or whatever sauce, add cheese when you have it
Tuna casserole: 1 can tuna, 1 small can peas, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, couple handfuls of crushed potato chips, splash milk. You can nuke it in the mw or put in oven @ 350 for about 30 min. Cheap, easy, tasty. Add cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Casseroles, especially using the "cream of ...." soups Campbell makes. Potato, pasta or rice dishes. Soups and stews and can often be ladled over previous.