Meal prepping can save you time and money, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are 22 budget-friendly recipes that are easy to make and perfect for preparing in advance. These dishes are not only simple but also satisfying, making your weekly meals a breeze. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.
Chicken Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower Chicken Soup is a delicious and simple dish that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It's packed with vegetables, making it a healthy choice for the whole family. This soup is also mild enough that even kids will enjoy it. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a warm and comforting meal without a lot of work. You'll love how easy it is to prepare and how satisfying it is to eat.
Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with chili flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy week. The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to go. This is a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week.
Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
Vegetarian tacos can be a delicious and satisfying meal option. These tacos are packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, giving them a great flavor and texture. Topped with fresh homemade pico de gallo, they add a nice burst of freshness. This is a simple and quick recipe that anyone can whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Walking Taco Casserole
This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a potluck or a simple dinner during a busy week. You can throw it together without much effort, and everyone will love it. This is a great way to enjoy taco night without the fuss.
Chili Rubbed Chicken Thighs
Broiled chili-rubbed chicken thighs are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Using just a few common ingredients from your pantry, you can create a delicious meal. This dish is juicy and satisfying, perfect for any night of the week. It's a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy tasty chicken throughout the week. With minimal effort, you can have a hearty dinner ready in no time.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This pulled pork is simple to prepare and always turns out tender and tasty. Using a well-marbled pork shoulder and some basic seasonings, along with a bit of Dr. Pepper, makes all the difference. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop beautifully. You can serve it with your favorite BBQ sauce or enjoy it plain on sandwiches, nachos, or tacos. It's a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
Thin Basil Chicken Breasts
Thin chicken breasts can be prepared in the air fryer for a simple and tasty dinner. In just 6 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Seasoned with garlic and basil, this dish brings a nice kick to your weeknight dinner. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something quick. This is a good dinner choice that won't take much time to make.
The Best Chicken Street Tacos
These chicken street tacos are simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Using less than 10 ingredients, they come together in no time. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful homemade taco seasoning, giving it a nice kick. After grilling the chicken, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.
Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It’s a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the classic dish, but you can whip it up in no time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe is perfect for busy weeks. Enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a delicious option for dinner that everyone will love.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are simple to prepare in your air fryer and can be on the table in less than half an hour. They are packed with flavor and are sure to please everyone. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With juicy chicken and colorful veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of work. Enjoy a quick and delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Shredded Chile Chicken
This shredded chicken is packed with flavor and is super tender. It's seasoned with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and garlic, giving it a nice kick. This dish is great for preparing meals ahead of time. You can easily use it for lunches throughout the week. It's a simple and tasty option that won't take much work.
20 Minute Mini Baked Chicken Tacos
Mini baked chicken tacos are quick and easy to make, taking only about 20 minutes with just a few basic ingredients. They’re great for serving a group and are simple enough for a weeknight meal. Using street taco corn tortillas, you fill them with chicken seasoned for tacos and some shredded cheese. After baking, you get a crispy chicken taco that everyone in the family will enjoy. This is a fun and tasty option for busy nights.
Air Fryer Meatballs
These air fryer meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. Made without eggs or breadcrumbs, they offer a lighter take on the classic recipe. With their juicy and tender texture, they stand out from any meatballs you've made before. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy these Swedish-style meatballs as a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a simple and satisfying dish. It features tender chicken along with carrots and peas, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. Once everything is done, it's combined with noodles for a filling meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone in the family will enjoy this comforting classic.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Slow cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are an easy meal option that everyone will enjoy. The chicken is cooked slowly in barbecue sauce until it's tender and flavorful. Each slider is topped with a creamy coleslaw that adds a nice crunch. These sandwiches are great for casual gatherings or just a simple dinner at home. They offer a tasty way to enjoy a classic barbecue flavor without much effort.
Crème Fraîche Carbonara
This version of carbonara is packed with flavor and is a great twist on the classic dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using affordable ingredients, this meal is budget-friendly and satisfying. It's a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy tasty leftovers throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels special without breaking the bank.
Instant Pot Chicken Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that you can whip up in just over an hour. It's creamy and has a nice little kick to it, making it a comforting choice for any night. With its rich flavors, this soup is sure to warm you up. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you a hearty dish to enjoy throughout the week. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup anytime you need a satisfying meal.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies
This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. It requires minimal effort, just some chopping at the beginning. Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll enjoy a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and flavorful sauce all in one dish. It's a simple way to get a satisfying meal on the table.
Homemade Hamburgers
This dish is simple and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal during the week. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up something delicious. It's great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite burger toppings for a fun twist. This is a great option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple and satisfying dinner option that even picky eaters will enjoy. It combines the classic flavors of ham, cheese, and chicken in a way that’s hard to resist. This dish is one of the easiest chicken casseroles you can prepare in a crock pot. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. You’ll love how effortless it is to make this meal.
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This is a simple pasta dish that combines everyday ingredients like pasta and kielbasa for a quick dinner during the week. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The cheesy flavor adds a nice touch, making it enjoyable for everyone. With just a few steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. This recipe is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Eggplant Moussaka
Eggplant Moussaka is a simple and satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both filling and comforting. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make meal.
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