5 Cheap Meals on Budget Dinners You’ll Love (Even on a Tight Budget)

Hi there. I know how it feels when you look at your bank account and then at your empty stomach. We have all been there. Trying to feed yourself or a family on a tiny budget is kind of stressful.

The good news is that you do not need a lot of money to eat well. Honestly, some of the best meals are the simplest ones. I want to show you how to make delicious food without spending a fortune.

In this guide, we will explore five amazing recipes. These are perfect for busy weeknights. They use basic items you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they are very easy to make. I think you will really enjoy these ideas. They are healthy, filling, and very cheap.

1. Bean and Cheese Quesadilla

This is my go to meal when I am tired. It is fast and very cheap. You only need three main things. Those are tortillas, a can of beans, and some cheese. Personally, I love using black beans or pinto beans.

What You Will Need

• 2 large flour tortillas

• 1 can of black beans or pinto beans

• 1 cup of shredded cheese

• A little bit of oil or butter

• Optional: Salt and pepper

How to Make It

1. First, open your can of beans. Pour them into a colander and rinse them with cool water.

2. Now, place one tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle half of your cheese over the whole tortilla.

3. Spread your rinsed beans over the cheese. Then, add the rest of the cheese on top of the beans.

4. Place the second tortilla on top. It is like a bean and cheese sandwich.

5. Heat a pan on the stove over medium heat. Add a tiny bit of oil or butter.

6. Carefully put the quesadilla in the pan. Cook it for about three minutes until the bottom is brown.

7. Flip it over carefully. Cook the other side until the cheese is all melted and gooey.

8. Slide it onto a plate. Cut it into triangles and enjoy.

2. Veggie Fried Rice

Do you have leftover rice in the fridge. If so, you are halfway to a great dinner. Fried rice is actually better when the rice is a day old. It gets a better texture in the pan.

What You Will Need

• 2 cups of cooked rice

• 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• A pinch of garlic powder

How to Make It

1. Heat your oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat.

2. Add the frozen vegetables to the pan. Stir them for about three minutes until they are warm.

3. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan. This leaves an open space in the middle.

4. Crack your eggs into that middle space. Stir them quickly with a spoon to scramble them.

5. Once the eggs are cooked, mix them in with the vegetables.

6. Add your cooked rice to the pan. Break up any big clumps with your spoon.

7. Pour the soy sauce and garlic powder over everything.

8. Stir and cook for five more minutes. You want the rice to get a bit crispy.

3. Creamy Tomato Pasta

 

Pasta is the king of budget meals. You can buy a box for about a dollar. To make it special, we are going to make a simple sauce. You do not need expensive jars of marinara.

What You Will Need

• 1 box of your favorite pasta

• 1 can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or milk

• 1 tablespoon of butter

• A little salt and dried herbs

How to Make It

1. Fill a big pot with water and a bit of salt. Bring it to a boil.

2. Add your pasta to the boiling water. Cook it for about eight to ten minutes.

3. While the pasta cooks, put your tomato sauce in a different small pot.

4. Add the butter to the tomato sauce. Heat it up on low heat.

5. Stir in your cream cheese or milk. This makes the sauce look a bit pink and creamy.

6. Add your salt and dried herbs to the sauce. Give it a good stir.

7. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out a little bit of the pasta water and keep it.

8. Drain the pasta and mix it into your creamy sauce.

Tip for pasta

Make sure to save a little bit of the pasta water. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of that water. It helps the sauce stick to the noodles perfectly.

4. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Potatoes are incredibly cheap when you buy them in a big bag. They are also very healthy and full of energy. A baked potato can be a full meal if you top it right.

What You Will Need

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 1 cup of shredded cheese

• A bit of butter

• 1 can of broccoli or a small bag of frozen broccoli

• Salt and pepper

How to Make It

1. Start by washing your potatoes very well in the sink.

2. Use a fork to poke five or six holes in each potato. This keeps them from popping.

3. If you use a microwave, cook each potato for about five to seven minutes.

4. If you use an oven, bake them at 200 degrees Celsius for about one hour.

5. While the potatoes cook, heat up your broccoli in a pan or the microwave.

6. Once the potatoes are soft, carefully cut a line down the middle.

7. Push the ends toward the center to pop the potato open.

8. Add a pat of butter and some salt. Mash the inside a little with a fork.

9. Stuff the potato with your broccoli and cheese.

10. The heat from the potato will melt the cheese. It is ready to eat.

5. Hearty Lentil Soup

Lentils are like the quiet heroes of the pantry. They are very cheap and cook much faster than dried beans. You do not even need to soak them before you start.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup of dry lentils

• 4 cups of water or broth

• 1 onion

• 2 carrots

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• A pinch of salt and pepper

How to Make It

1. First, peel your onion and carrots. Chop them into small pieces.

2. Put your oil in a large pot over medium heat.

3. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook them for five minutes until they are soft.

4. Rinse your dry lentils in a bowl of water to make sure they are clean.

5. Add the lentils to the pot with the vegetables.

6. Pour in your water or broth. Turn the heat up to bring it to a boil.

7. Once it boils, turn the heat down to low. Put a lid on the pot.

8. Let it simmer for about twenty to thirty minutes.

9. Check a lentil to see if it is soft. If it is, the soup is done.

10. Add your salt and pepper at the very end. This keeps the lentils tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the cheapest proteins to buy?

A. Proteins like eggs, dried beans, lentils, and canned tuna are usually the most affordable. You can also find good deals on chicken thighs or drumsticks compared to chicken breasts.

2. How can I add flavor without spending much?

A. Use dried spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Also, salt and pepper are your best friends. A little bit of vinegar or lemon juice can also brighten up a dish.

3. Is it cheaper to buy canned or dried beans?

A. Dried beans are almost always cheaper per serving. However, they take longer to cook. Canned beans are still very affordable and are great for when you are in a rush.

4. Can I eat healthy on $50 a week?

A. Yes, it is totally possible. Focus on whole foods like grains, legumes, and seasonal vegetables. Avoid pre-packaged snacks and sugary drinks to keep costs down.

5. How do I stop throwing away food?

A. Try to use your leftovers for lunch the next day. You can also freeze things like bread or meat if you won’t use them in time. Planning your meals is the best way to prevent waste.

Final Thoughts

We have covered a lot today. I hope you feel more confident about cooking on a budget. Remember, these five meals are just the start. You can change them and make them your own. I believe you can do this. Just take it one meal at a time. Before you know it, you will be a pro at finding deals and making tasty food. It is a journey, so enjoy the process.

There you have it. Five easy and cheap dinners that anyone can make. Simple as that. Now, go look in your kitchen and see what you can create today.