Cheap and Easy Meal Ideas for a Frugal Budget

ByNaamartey

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you’re looking for ways to save money while still enjoying tasty and filling meals, you’re in the right place!

In this post, I’ll share some cheap and easy meal ideas that are perfect for anyone on a budget. These recipes use simple ingredients and take little time to prepare. Let’s dive in!

Cheap and Easy Meal Ideas for a Frugal Budget

Here is a list of cheap and easy meal ideas you can try out if you are on a budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

Meal Ideas

Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

The first cheap and easy recipe to try out on a frugal budget is a vegetable stir-fry with rice. This is prepared by cooking a mix of fresh and crunchy veggies and a blend of spices in a wok and served with rice. It’s easy to make and will save you time—just stir-fry the veggies!

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

Serving Size:
4 servings
Time:
20 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to Make

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup snap peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 onions, chopped

Directions

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. (2 minutes)
  • Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. (30 seconds)
  • Toss in bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry until slightly tender but still crisp. (5 minutes)
  • Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes. Mix well. (1 minute)
  • Drizzle sesame oil for a rich aroma, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. (1 minute)
  • Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice and enjoy! (Immediately)

2. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Meal Ideas

Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry is also another delicious stir-fry dish that is cheap and easy to make. This dish is a mix of ramen noodles with fresh, colorful veggies and a blend of spices.

It’s a yummy combo of textures and flavors that you’ll enjoy, making your meal satisfying and tasty!

Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Serving Size:
1 serving
Time:
20 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to Make

Ingredients

  • 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup snap peas
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Directions

  • Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. (3 minutes)
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. (2 minutes)
  • Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. (30 seconds)
  • Toss in bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry until slightly tender but still crisp. (5 minutes)
  • Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well.
  • Add cooked ramen noodles to the pan, tossing everything together. (1 minute)
  • Drizzle sesame oil for a rich aroma, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. (1 minute)
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

3. Chicken Quesadilla

Meal Ideas

Image by timolina on Freepik

Chicken quesadilla is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and tasty spices inside a crispy tortilla. It is a great dish that has a mix of different textures and flavors you will enjoy and is also quick to make.

Chicken Quesadilla

Serving Size:
1 quesadilla per serving
Time:
30 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
  • Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (for serving)

Directions

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is coated evenly.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet, shred the chicken, and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft. (3 minute
  • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan. (1 minute)
  • Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the tortilla. (30 seconds)
  • Spread the seasoned chicken mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. (30 seconds)
  • Place the second tortilla on top and press gently. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip carefully and cook on the other side. (3-4 minutes per side)
  • Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then slice into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.

4. Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage Rolls with tomato sauce

Cabbage Rolls are an easy-to-make dish that is made by stuffing tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful meat and rice filling, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Cabbage Rolls

Serving Size:
4 rolls per serving
Time:
1 hour
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove cabbage leaves and blanch them until soft. (3-5 minutes)
  2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. (5 minutes)
  3. Lay out a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves. (10 minutes)
  4. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls. Cover and let simmer on low heat until tender. (45 minutes)
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

5. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Image by mrblmoreno on Freepik

Another delicious dish to try on a frugal budget is pasta with tomato sauce. This is a delicious and popular dish that is enjoyed by many people.

It consists of pasta cooked just right, covered in a tasty sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Every bite is full of delicious, tangy, and savory flavors, and the pasta and sauce go really well together.

Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Serving Size:
4 servings
Time:
25 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
  • Fresh basil and grated Parmesan for garnish

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water. (10 minutes)
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. (3 minutes)
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer on low. (10 minutes)
  • Add reserved pasta water to the sauce for a smooth consistency. Stir well. (1 minute)
  • Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, coating evenly. Let it soak up the flavors. (2 minutes)
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Enjoy!

6. Bean and Rice Burritos

Bean and rice burritos are also delicious and filling meals made with seasoned beans and fluffy rice wrapped in a soft tortilla. The burritos are also filled with fresh vegetables and salsa, which makes them taste even better.

These burritos are full of good nutrients like protein and fiber, which are great for your body.

Bean and Rice Burritos

Serving Size:
4 servings
Time:
20 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. (3 minutes)
  • Add black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook until heated through. (5 minutes)
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable. (30 seconds)
  • Spread a layer of rice onto each tortilla, followed by the bean mixture, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. (2 minutes)
  • Fold in the sides and roll the burritos tightly. (1 minute)
  • Heat the burritos in a dry pan until golden brown and slightly crispy. (2 minutes per side)
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy! (Immediately)

7. Egg Fried Rice

Image by mrsiraphol on Freepik

Egg Fried Rice is a delicious dish made with rice, fresh vegetables, tender egg pieces, and soy sauce. It has a perfect mix of textures and flavors, with the eggs adding an extra tasty touch. You can have it as a main course or as a side dish.

Egg Fried Rice

Serving Size:
4 servings
Time:
20 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

  • Heat ½ tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside. (2 minutes)
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté onion, garlic, peas, and carrots until softened. (3 minutes)
  • Add cooked rice and break it apart, stirring well to combine with vegetables. (2 minutes)
  • Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir fry everything together. (2 minutes)
  • Add the scrambled eggs back in and mix well. Cook for another minute. (1 minute)
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy! (Immediately)

8. Chickpea and Vegetable Curry

Meal Ideas

Chickpea and vegetable curry is another yummy dish that mixes chickpeas with veggies for a healthy and satisfying meal. The curry is seasoned perfectly, giving it a great balance of spiciness and flavor.

It’s a great option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for a nutritious and cheap meal. You can serve it with rice or naan bread to create a complete meal.

Chickpea and Vegetable Curry

Serving Size:
4 servings
Time:
30 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • ½ lemon juice and fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. (3 minutes)
  • Add bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. Cook until slightly tender. (5 minutes)
  • Stir in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and all the spices. Bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat and let the curry simmer until vegetables are soft. (10 minutes)
  • Add spinach or kale, stirring until wilted. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice. (2 minutes)
  • Serve hot with rice or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy! (Immediately)

9. Tuna Salad Wraps

Tuna Salad Wraps

These tuna salad wraps are a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner option. They are made with a combination of tuna, crunchy celery, tangy dill relish, creamy mayonnaise, and lemon juice. They’re a light and refreshing option for a speedy lunch or a cheap and healthy snack. These wraps are filled with fresh ingredients, creating a tasty blend that’ll make you feel full.

Remember, the wrap filling can be customized according to your dietary preferences. Also, refrigerating the prepared mixture for up to 24 hours is recommended to prevent it from becoming soggy. Enjoy these wraps as is, or add your favorite toppings for extra flavor!

Tuna Salad Wraps

Serving Size:
One wrap per serving
Time:
10 minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to make

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp. fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 4 large lettuce leaves (or 2 large tortillas for a wrap option)
  • ½ avocado, sliced (optional)

Directions

  • In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Stir well. (5 minutes)
  • Lay out lettuce leaves or tortillas. Divide the tuna salad evenly. (2 minutes)
  • Add avocado slices for extra creaminess, if using. (1 minute)
  • Roll up the wraps tightly and secure them with a toothpick if needed. (1 minute)
  • Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy! (Immediately)

10. Potato and Onion Frittata

Potato and Onion Frittata

Another cheap dish to cook on a frugal budget is potato and onion frittata! This dish is packed with yummy flavors and different textures that come from the yummy blend of potato and sweet onion flavors and other ingredients to create a delicious dish that you will love.

Potato and Onion Frittata

Serving Size:
6 servings
Time:
20 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to Make

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook until golden and tender. (7-8 minutes)
  • Add onions and cook until soft and caramelized. Stir occasionally. (5 minutes)
  • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour over the potatoes and onions. (2 minutes)
  • Cook on low heat until the edges start to set. (3 minutes)
  • Sprinkle cheese on top (if using) and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the frittata is fully set and golden. (10 minutes)
  • Let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm! (Immediately)

11. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Image by topntp26 on Freepik

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is another fantastic, cheap, and easy-to-make recipe that combines a rich, creamy sauce with the delicious flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. It makes a tasty and comforting meal that you’ll really enjoy.

The sauce is really smooth and goes great with the sweet and tangy taste of the ripe tomatoes. The creamy sauce covers the pasta perfectly, so you get a nice mix of smoothness and a little bit of firmness from the pasta.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Serving Size:
4 servings
Time:
15 to 25 minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to Make

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water. (10 minutes)
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. (3 minutes)
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer to develop flavors. (8 minutes)
  • Pour in heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and mix well. (2 minutes)
  • Toss in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, stirring to coat. Add butter for extra creaminess, if desired. (2 minutes)
  • Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy! (Immediately)

Read More: 15+ Easy Dump-and-Go Crockpot Dinner Recipes

Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping Tips

  1. Plan Your Meals: Before heading to the store, outline your weekly meals. This helps create a targeted shopping list, preventing impulse purchases.
  2. Check Sales and Coupons: Keep an eye on weekly store flyers and digital coupons. Take advantage of discounts on staple items and plan your meals around these deals.
  3. Buy in bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money in the long run. This is particularly beneficial for items like rice, pasta, and canned goods.
  4. Shop Seasonal Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more affordable and fresher. Tailor your recipes to include in-season produce for cost-effective and nutritious meals.
  5. Generic Brands: Opt for store or generic brands instead of name brands. These products are often comparable in quality but come with a lower price tag.
  6. Comparison Shop: Don’t settle for the first option you see. Compare prices across different brands and sizes to get the best value for your money.
  7. Limit Processed Foods: Focus on whole foods and ingredients. Processed and prepackaged items tend to be more expensive. Cooking from scratch not only saves money but is often healthier.
  8. Join Loyalty Programs: Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs with exclusive discounts and rewards. Take advantage of these programs to maximize your savings.
  9. Bring a shopping list: Stick to your planned list to avoid unnecessary purchases. This helps you stay on budget and reduces the likelihood of buying items you don’t need.

Conclusion

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or variety. With a little planning and creativity, you can make easy, tasty meals without spending too much.

Use what you have, keep things simple, and enjoy homemade food that saves you money.

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