Dirt-Cheap Meals You Can Make on a Tight Budget
Delicious, filling meals on a tiny budget! These super cheap recipes will help you stretch your grocery dollars without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
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Dirt-Cheap Meals on a Budget
There are times when we all need to stretch our grocery budget as far as possible. Whether you’re going through a tough financial patch, trying to make it to your next paycheck, or simply looking for ways to cut down on food costs, having a few go-to cheap meals can make a huge difference.
Even if money isn’t tight, incorporating budget-friendly meals once a week is a smart way to offset rising grocery prices and save for other expenses.
The good news? Eating on a budget doesn’t have to mean bland or boring meals.
With a little creativity and a few basic ingredients, you can whip up delicious, satisfying meals without spending much at all. Below, you’ll find a list of super cheap meal ideas that are not only easy to make but also filling and flavorful.
Let’s dive in!
Tips For Stretching Your Grocery Budget
Let’s have a quick chat about saving money at the grocery store. Having cheap meals is always helpful but there are ways to save even more money.
Use Meat Sparingly
Using meat sparingly is a smart way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Meat is often the most expensive part of a meal, so using smaller portions or swapping in beans, eggs, or vegetables can help you save money while still keeping meals hearty and satisfying.
Rotisserie Chicken
A rotisserie chicken is one of the best budget-friendly buys because it can stretch into multiple meals. Use some for a hearty soup, shred it for sandwiches or tacos, and save the bones for homemade broth.
While rotisserie chicken can be a great buy also look for other cheap cuts of chicken like legs or leg quarters. Today I got a 10 pound bag of chicken leg quarters for $6.72.
That’s 8 legs. I bake them all at once. We’ll each eat a leg for dinner with a side of roasted potatoes or salad. The rest will get shredded for another meal or two later this week.
Then I’ll use the bones for broth just like I would with a rotisserie chicken. It’s perfect for chicken noodle soup which, spoiler, is one of the cheap meals on his list.
Use Dried Beans
Use dried beans instead of canned. This will save you a surprising amount of money when done consistently.
Just last month I gave you 10 cheap meals you can make with a bag of black beans so if you need more budget friendly meals then definitely check that out.
One thing I do show you in that post is that one 2 lb bag of black beans makes the equivalent 6 cans for less than 3 dollars. That’s a lot of meals for little money.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead isn’t just about making a list and sticking to it—it’s about being flexible and making the most of your budget. Checking store sales, using coupons, and looking for discounts can help you save big, especially on staple ingredients.
Instead of planning single meals, think about ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes so nothing goes to waste. A bag of potatoes can be roasted for one meal, mashed for another, and turned into soup later in the week.
Again, a rotisserie chicken can stretch into several meals instead of just one. By being strategic with what you buy and how you use it, you can eat well while keeping grocery costs as low as possible!
Use Frozen Veggies
Frozen veggies are a budget-friendly, nutritious, and convenient option for any meal. They’re often cheaper than fresh produce, especially when certain vegetables are out of season.
Since they’re flash-frozen at peak ripeness, they retain their nutrients and last much longer than fresh veggies, reducing food waste. Plus, they’re already washed and chopped, making meal prep quicker and easier.
Chop Your Own Stuff
A head of lettuce costs less than a bag of chopped lettuce. A bag of carrots is less than a bag of baby carrots. Do your own prep work and you’ll save money every time.
Do the Math
Making your own stuff doesn’t just save you money when it comes to fruit and vegetables. In many cases, homemade meals stretch further and cost less per serving.
For example, I almost always make a big batch of turkey chili instead of buying canned chili because I can make multiple meals from it.
We’ll have a bowl of chili one night, use it for chili mac another night, and top baked potatoes with it for a third meal. By cooking in bulk and planning multiple ways to use what you make, you can save money while still enjoying hearty, delicious meals.
Find the Cheapest Stores in Your Area
My last tip can come in really handy for saving money. You need to find the stores with the lowest prices in your area. Sometimes it’s worth driving a little out of your way if you save enough on food.
Sometimes going to multiple stores might be worth it. I have a small amount of foods that I buy at Trader Joes but I make sure I don’t buy anything that’s not on my list.
Multiple stores only saves you money if you stick to a list. If you are going to buy multiple things that “catch your eye” then going to multiple stores is only going to have you buying way too many extras which will blow your budget. You decide what is better for you.
Let’s Get Onto The Cheap Meals
Beans and Rice – A classic budget-friendly meal that’s filling, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Cook a big batch of rice and mix it with canned or dried beans, seasoned to your liking.
Customize it by changing the type of beans. Use black or pinto beans with onions, garlic, or spices like cumin and chili powder for a Mexican twist. Or use kidney beans and cajun seasoning for some dirty rice and beans. Eat as is or add on some sliced sausage links for only a couple dollars more.
Simple, cheap, and endlessly adaptable!
Butter Pasta – One of the simplest and cheapest meals you can make with just pasta, butter, and a little salt. Cook your favorite pasta, toss it with melted butter, and season to taste. For extra flavor, add garlic, black pepper, chili flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan (if you have it).
Pasta and red sauce can also be a really cheap meal. A can of Hunts pasta sauce is less than $2 and actually tastes pretty good. I like to check out the “We Baked too Much Section” at the store to see if I can get a loaf of French bread for less than a dollar.
Chili Mac – A hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for stretching your grocery dollars. All you need is a box of store-brand mac & cheese and a can or two of chili beans.
Cook the macaroni, mix in the cheese sauce, then stir in the beans (with their sauce) for a filling, protein-packed dish. For extra flavor, add a dash of chili powder or hot sauce if you have it.
Scrambled Eggs and Rice – A simple, protein-packed meal that comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Cook up a batch of rice and scramble some eggs, then mix them together for a cheap and filling dish.
Add some spam for only a couple more dollars if you have it in budget.
Add soy sauce and top with sliced green onions for an easy fried rice twist. Or you can top it with hot sauce or cheese if you have it. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for stretching your grocery budget!
Ramen with Add-Ins – Instant ramen is one of the cheapest meals out there, but with a few simple extras, you can turn it into something more satisfying.
Crack in an egg while the noodles cook for added protein, toss in frozen or canned veggies for extra nutrients, or stir in peanut butter and soy sauce for a richer, more flavorful broth. Leftover chicken, canned tuna, or even a scoop of chili beans can also bulk it up.
With just a few tweaks, you can take basic ramen from a simple snack to a filling, budget-friendly meal!
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup – A classic comfort meal that’s budget-friendly and easy to make. Grab some store-brand bread, butter, and cheese for a simple grilled cheese sandwich, then pair it with a can of tomato soup for a warm, satisfying meal.
Potato Soup – A hearty, comforting meal made with just a few cheap ingredients. All you need are potatoes, water or broth, and a little milk or butter to create a creamy, filling soup.
For extra flavor, add garlic, onion, or a bouillon cube if you have one. You can also toss in shredded cheese, frozen veggies, or crumbled bacon bits if they’re available.
A very small amount of toppings goes a long way. I love to buy jalapeño crispies at the Dollar Store and put sprinkle of them on top of pretty much any soup for some extra spice.
Potatoes, Green Beans & Kielbasa – A simple, hearty one-pan meal that’s easy on the budget and big on flavor. Just bake diced potatoes, canned or frozen green beans, and sliced kielbasa together with a little butter and water/broth.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic for extra taste. It’s a warm, filling dish that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients!
Roasted Potatoes & Eggs – Roast diced potatoes with a little oil, salt, and pepper until crispy, then cook up some eggs—scrambled or fried—to go on top. For extra flavor and convenience, toss in a bag of frozen onions and peppers while roasting. It’s an easy, filling meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Baked Potatoes with Chili – A hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s both filling and easy to make. Simply bake a potato until soft, then top it with a can of chili for a warm, satisfying dish. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce or those jalapeño crispies for extra flavor.
Fish Stick Tacos – A fun, budget-friendly twist on tacos using crispy frozen fish sticks. Just bake the fish sticks and tuck them into tortillas with whatever toppings you have—shredded lettuce or cabbage, salsa, or a squeeze of lemon or lime. Use the rest of the bag of fish sticks for another meal.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches – A classic, super cheap meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Just grab store-brand bread, peanut butter, and jelly for a quick, filling bite that requires no cooking.
If you want variety, try other budget-friendly sandwiches like egg salad, bologna and mustard, or tuna with mayo. If you need a little something sweet, try brown sugar or banana and peanut butter.
Everyone needs a treat every now and then. Even when you’re on a budget.
Oatmeal – A warm, hearty, and ultra-cheap meal that can be customized in endless ways. Use store-brand oats and cook them with water or milk for a filling breakfast (or even a simple dinner).
Sweeten with sugar, honey, or cinnamon, and add whatever you have on hand—peanut butter, sliced bananas, or a handful of raisins. For a savory twist, try adding a fried egg and a sprinkle of salt.
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup – A comforting and budget-friendly meal that makes the most of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Use just some of the chicken for this soup and save the rest for another meal to stretch your budget further.
Simmer the picked-over bones with water to make a flavorful broth, then add cooked noodles, carrots, celery (if you have them), and shredded chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor. It’s a warm, hearty meal that makes the most of every dollar!
Lentil Soup – A hearty, protein-packed meal that’s incredibly cheap and easy to make. Simply simmer dried lentils with water or broth, add onions, carrots, and garlic if you have them, and season with salt, pepper, and spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
Add any leftover meat if you have it or dip some bread or rolls in it.
Pancakes – A super cheap and filling meal that works for breakfast, dinner, or anytime in between. Use a basic pancake mix or make your own with flour, eggs, milk, and a little baking powder. Top them with whatever you have—syrup, peanut butter, jelly, or even just a sprinkle of sugar.
Creamy Pasta with Tuna and Broccoli – A quick, affordable meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Cook your favorite pasta, then stir in canned tuna, frozen broccoli cuts (the most budget-friendly option), and a simple creamy sauce made with butter, milk, and a bit of flour. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor. It’s a filling dish that stretches your ingredients and keeps costs low!
Falafels – A crispy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal made from blended chickpeas, herbs, and spices. If you start with a bag of dried chickpeas, you’ll get even more bang for your buck, as one bag can make both falafels and homemade hummus.
Soak and cook the chickpeas, then use some for crispy falafel patties and blend the rest with garlic, lemon, and tahini for a creamy hummus. Serve falafels with the hummus and a side of rice, or a simple salad for a filling and affordable meal that stretches your ingredients even further!
A jar of tahini does cost a bit extra but if you can use it for many meals and even make a really cheap but delicious salad dressing with it.
Nachos – A quick and budget-friendly snack or meal that’s easy to throw together. Start with a bag of tortilla chips, then top with a can of nacho cheese and a can of beans (black, pinto, or chili beans work great). Pop it in the microwave or oven until everything is warm and melty, and add any extras you have like sour cream, salsa, or chopped onions. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a low-cost treat!
Fast, Easy and Affordable!
In times when money is tight, it’s easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed, but remember, you’re not alone. The meals we’ve shared here are simple, affordable, and delicious ways to make the most of what you have.
Sometimes, it’s not about spending less; it’s about making do with what’s available and getting creative in the kitchen. Each meal on this list is a reminder that you don’t need to break the bank to nourish yourself and your loved ones.
You can still enjoy satisfying, comforting food without the financial stress. Stay strong, keep finding joy in the little things, and know that even on a tight budget, you’re doing great.
What cheap meals to you make most when you are on a tight budget? Tell us in the comments below!
