20 Extremely Cheap Meal Ideas to Try

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick and tasty meal that's perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables, making it both versatile and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes or until tender.
3. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until cooked through.
4. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan, mixing everything together thoroughly.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes. Serve hot.

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup is a hearty and nourishing dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, offering warmth and comfort on a budget.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent.
2. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
3. Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Chickpea Salad

This Chickpea Salad is a fresh, light, and satisfying dish that can be whipped up in minutes using pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed. Serve chilled.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple and comforting meal that pairs rich tomato flavors with a creamy sauce for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
3. Pour in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, simmering for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the sauce with the pasta, mixing well. Heat through and serve.

Black Bean Tacos

Black Bean Tacos are a flavorful and protein-rich meal that is both healthy and incredibly affordable, perfect for taco nights.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. In a skillet, heat black beans over medium heat. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until heated through.
2. Warm tortillas in a separate pan.
3. Fill each tortilla with black beans, lettuce, and tomato.
4. Top with sour cream and serve immediately.

Potato Curry

Potato Curry is an inexpensive yet richly flavored dish that offers a warm and satisfying meal with its blend of spices and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in curry powder and potatoes, mixing well.
3. Pour in coconut milk, bringing to a simmer.
4. Cook for 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Egg Fried Noodles

Egg Fried Noodles is a quick and easy dish that delivers on flavor, using simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

• 8 oz noodles of choice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Scramble eggs until cooked through and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add noodles and soy sauce. Stir well to coat.
4. Mix in scrambled eggs and green onions.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and colorful dish, combining the nutty taste of quinoa with fresh vegetables for a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Cook quinoa in a pot with water, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas

Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas are a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of day, combining melted cheese and spinach in a crispy tortilla.

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place a tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with cheese and spinach, and top with another tortilla.
3. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
4. Slice and serve hot.

Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic Butter Rice is a flavorful and fragrant side dish, making an ideal complement to any main course with its buttery garlic aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add rice and stir to coat grains with butter.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
5. Fluff rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and serve.