The struggle is real when it comes to eating on a budget, especially with grocery prices seemingly going up every day. But fear not, fellow food lovers! We’ve got you covered with a plethora of cheap and easy meal ideas, courtesy of the wise folks on Reddit. Get ready to add these delicious and budget-friendly recipes to your repertoire.
1. Frito Pie:
A classic Texas staple, this one is simple and satisfying. Just layer canned chili, Fritos, green chilis, and cheese in a buttered pie dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and cheesy. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa or sour cream. You can even use generic corn chips to save a few bucks. Estimated cost: $8-$13 for about five servings.2. Salsa Verde Chicken:
This slow-cooker wonder is perfect for a busy weeknight. Season chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, then cover them with salsa verde and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Shred the chicken and add some lime juice for extra zing. Serve in tortillas, bowls, or simply on a plate. Get creative with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. Estimated cost: $10.50-17 for about six servings.3. Mexican Cornbread:
This comforting dish is a great way to use up pantry staples. Combine cornmeal, corn, onions, chopped jalapenos, and cheese, then bake in a preheated cast iron skillet. Enjoy it warm with butter or your favorite toppings. Estimated cost: ~$6 for one loaf/cake.4. Noncheladas:
For those nights when you’re craving enchiladas but don’t have the time or energy, these are a lifesaver. Simply arrange taquitos in a casserole dish, pour on canned red sauce, and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce for a delicious and easy meal. Estimated cost: ~$12 for 16 enchiladas.5. Breakfast Burritos:
These are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Start with scrambled eggs and tater tots in a tortilla, then add your favorite fillings like beans, sausage, bacon, ham, salsa, onion, tomato, or cheese. Estimated cost: ~$8-$17 for up to 10 tacos/small burritos.6. Chili Without Meat:
A hearty and healthy option, this chili is made with beans, crushed tomatoes, a diced onion, and chili peppers. Add your favorite spices and enjoy! You can also easily make your own chili with chili beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and any other desired ingredients. Estimated cost: ~$2.16 for canned chili, or make your own for a more customized version.7. English Muffin Pizzas:
Quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious, these mini pizzas are perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal. Simply top English muffins with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the toppings are heated through. For an extra crispy treat, try baking them in an air fryer until the cheese is caramelized. Estimated cost: ~$4-6.50 for a serving of six.8. Chicken Thighs, Rice, and Zucchini:
This protein-packed meal is both budget-friendly and flavorful. Cook chicken thighs in an instant pot or slow cooker, then serve them with rice and roasted zucchini. For a fancier twist, try adding artichoke hearts and pesto. Estimated cost: $14 for around seven or eight servings.9. Tuna Pasta:
A classic comfort food that’s both affordable and filling. Combine tuna, mayonnaise, peas, black olives, and rotini pasta for a satisfying and easy meal. It’s great hot or cold and can be made in a large batch for meal prepping. Estimated cost: $9 for about eight servings.10. Velveeta Shells and Cheese with Tuna or Hamburger:
A childhood favorite that’s easy to elevate with a few simple additions. Add tuna or ground beef to your favorite boxed shells and cheese. You can even add some steamed broccoli and Tony Chachere’s seasoning for an extra kick. Estimated cost: $3.50-12 per three servings.11. Tuna Packet and Macaroni Cup:
For a quick and easy single-serving meal, try a tuna packet and a macaroni cup. This affordable option is surprisingly filling and packed with protein. Estimated cost: $1.75 per serving.12. Spaghetti with Garlic, Chili Flakes, Parsley, and Butter:
This simple and flavorful dish is a classic for a reason. Cook spaghetti, then toss it with garlic, chili flakes, parsley, and butter or olive oil for a satisfying and affordable meal. Estimated cost: under $6 for a serving of eight.13. Zatarain’s Dirty Rice with Ground Beef:
This Southern classic is both comforting and easy to make. Simply cook Zatarain’s Dirty Rice according to package instructions, then add ground beef or any leftover meat. Estimated cost: $7 for a serving of nine.14. Beans and Rice:
A simple yet satisfying combination, this dish is both affordable and versatile. Cook rice according to package instructions, then add drained and rinsed black beans. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. For an extra kick, add a splash of red wine vinegar. Estimated cost: ~$3.50 for 10 servings if you already have spices, ~$8.50 if not.15. Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot:
This is a great way to get a lot of meals out of one chicken. Cook a whole chicken in the crock pot until it’s tender and falls off the bone. You can eat it over rice with chicken gravy, then use the leftover chicken to make soup. Estimated cost: $7.64 for a raw whole chicken, or $4.97 for a rotisserie chicken.16. Philly Cheesesteaks:
This classic sandwich is surprisingly easy to make at home. Heat rolls in the oven, cook beef with onions, and add cheese towards the end. For a truly budget-friendly option, try using beef liver, which is often cheaper than steak. Estimated cost: ~$8.50 for six sandwiches.17. Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs:
A childhood favorite that’s both cheap and easy to make. Simply heat up a can of Spaghetti O’s and add your favorite meatballs. Estimated cost: $1.23 per can.18. Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crackers:
This classic comfort food is a great way to use up pantry staples. Heat up a can of cream of mushroom soup and serve it with crackers. Estimated cost: ~$2.50 for two and a half servings.19. Spaghetti and Meat Sauce:
This is a classic for a reason! Brown ground beef with garlic and onion, then add a jar of pasta sauce. Serve over spaghetti or other pasta. Estimated cost: ~$8-$14 for eight servings.20. Pork Chops with Shake ‘N Bake:
This nostalgic dish is surprisingly delicious and easy to make. Simply coat pork chops with Shake ‘N Bake and bake according to package instructions. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mac and cheese. Estimated cost: ~$14-16.50 for six to eight servings.21. Top Ramen:
Incredibly cheap and surprisingly versatile, top ramen is a student favorite for a reason. Get creative with your toppings and flavor combinations. Estimated cost: 30¢ per pack.22. Toast:
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple piece of toast! Spread it with your favorite leftovers, like lasagna, Chinese food, or mac and cheese, for a quick and satisfying meal. Estimated cost: As cheap as $1 for bread.23. Eggs:
Learning to make good eggs is a rewarding culinary journey. Experiment with different cooking techniques to find your perfect scrambled or fried eggs. Remember to keep the heat low and slow and use a fork to gently fluff the eggs. Estimated cost: ~$2.68 for a dozen eggs.So there you have it! 23 cheap and easy meals to help you eat well without breaking the bank. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings. Happy cooking!
