Meal prepping can save you time and money while keeping your meals delicious and satisfying. With these 27 cheap and easy recipes, you can whip up a week’s worth of delicious dishes without breaking the bank. From hearty grain bowls to simple stir-fries, these ideas will make your meal prep 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.
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.
Miso-Sesame Chickpeas
Miso-sesame chickpeas are a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up quickly. With just five ingredients, this meal is both easy to prepare and satisfying. It's a great option for busy weeks when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. These chickpeas are packed with flavor and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it a smart choice for your weekly cooking.
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
These slow cooker shredded chicken tacos are super simple to prepare, needing just three ingredients and five minutes of your time. Just throw everything into the crock pot and let it cook while you go about your day. A few hours later, you can shred the chicken and have a delicious meal ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying. Enjoy a tasty dinner with minimal effort!
Spicy Colorful Vegetable Sour Soup
Spicy Colorful Vegetable Sour Soup is simple to prepare, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various toppings to elevate the meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeks when you want something quick and satisfying. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without much effort. Give it a go and see how it can brighten up your weeknight dinners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are super tender and packed with flavor. They’re really simple to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights. If you can’t grill outside, the Instant Pot is a perfect alternative for cooking chicken. This dish is a great choice for meal prep, giving you delicious leftovers for the week. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Lentil Rice Soup
This soup is filled with protein and veggies, making it both filling and tasty. It uses basic ingredients that you likely have on hand. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This dish is easy to prepare and great for busy weeks. It’s a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
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.
Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes
Sheet pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The blend of spices and zesty lemon garlic seasoning creates tender chicken that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick. Just toss everything on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. It's a satisfying meal that won't take up much of your time.
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.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup
Alphabet soup packed with vegetables is a great option for a healthy meal. Everyone in the family will love this fun and tasty vegetarian dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. This meal is not only nutritious but also enjoyable for kids and adults alike. You can easily make it ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner.
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.
Creamy Chicken and Barley Soup
This soup is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It features tender, shredded chicken and chewy pearl barley, creating a hearty base. Packed with a variety of vegetables, it offers a nice balance of flavors. The creamy broth ties everything together, making it comforting and satisfying. This is a great option for meal prep during 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.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is a simple way to prepare a complete meal that's both healthy and satisfying. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and delicious.
15 Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta
A creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around perfectly cooked noodles and seasoned chickpeas, providing a satisfying meal. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a great choice for the whole family. It's simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights. Enjoy a comforting bowl that brings everyone together at the table. This is a great option for meal prep, ensuring you have tasty meals ready to go.
Slow Cooker Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches are a great option for meal prep. The chicken breasts become super tender as they cook with a mix of Tabasco, brown sugar, and spices. Once they're ready, you can pile them onto sandwiches with some cool ranch dressing and pickles. This dish is perfect for busy weeks when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy these sandwiches for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
This chicken scampi is a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner. The chicken is cooked with garlic, butter, lemon, and a splash of white wine, creating a flavorful dish. Toss it all together with pasta and some fresh herbs for a nice finish. It's an easy meal that looks great on the table. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something good without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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.
Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken
Chicken becomes tender while simmering in a flavorful enchilada sauce in the slow cooker. Layer in some corn tortillas, cheese, and olives to create a delicious casserole. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love. Enjoy this comforting dinner any day of the week.
One Pan Chicken and Noodles
This chicken noodles dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s simple to prepare and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Everything cooks in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. Your family will enjoy this hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. It’s a great option for those looking to save time while still enjoying a delicious dinner.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
A Philly Cheesesteak can be a great meal, but it can also be pricey and time-consuming to make. This ground beef version is a simple and budget-friendly alternative that still delivers on flavor. It combines all the classic elements of a cheesesteak, like savory meat, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, all served on a soft bun. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal that won’t break the bank!
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.
Costco Chicken Meatballs
Costco Chicken Meatballs are a great choice for any meal, offering a good amount of protein. They’re made with ground chicken, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and garlic, giving them a nice texture and a tasty flavor. Baked instead of fried, they provide a healthier option compared to traditional meatballs. These meatballs can be enjoyed on their own, with marinara sauce, or tossed into salads and wraps. They’re versatile and easy to include in your weekly meal prep.
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