Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeks, helping you save time and money while eating healthier. With 28 affordable meal prep ideas, you can easily plan your meals ahead and enjoy a variety of flavors without breaking the bank. These simple recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their weeknight dinners and make the most of their grocery budget. 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.
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.
Green Chili Soup
This vegan Green Chili Soup is simple to make and comes together in just 30 minutes. It features salsa verde, beans, and rice, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. You can add toppings like crushed tortilla chips, pickled onions, avocado, and sour cream for extra flavor. This soup is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and delicious. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings.
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.
Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos
Tacos are a great choice for a quick meal. Halloumi tacos are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can whip them up in no time and enjoy a tasty dinner. These tacos are a fun twist on a classic favorite.
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 Hot Dog Chili
Beefy slow cooker hot dog chili is a great way to enhance your hot dog experience. It pairs perfectly with grilled or heated hot dogs, adding a hearty touch. This chili is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. It’s a simple way to elevate a classic meal without much effort. Enjoy this tasty topping for a satisfying and filling dinner.
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.
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.
Beef Taco Skillet
This cheesy ground beef taco skillet is a simple meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It's great for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its hearty ingredients, it’s filling and satisfying. You can easily make it with items you probably already have on hand. This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep, giving you a delicious dinner ready in no time.
Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Skillet chicken with cream of mushroom soup turns simple chicken breast and a classic pantry item into a flavorful one-pan meal. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce that brings everything together nicely. You can easily whip this up without much effort, making it a great option for dinner. Enjoy a satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen.
Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup
This minestrone soup is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal at home, just like the one from Olive Garden. It's hearty and packed with vegetables, making it a satisfying choice. You can whip it up easily using either an Instant Pot or a big pot on the stove. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and filling. It's a simple and delicious option for meal prep 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.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is a great option for meal prep. Using a well-seasoned pork shoulder, it cooks slowly to become tender and flavorful. This dish is perfect for feeding a group or for enjoying throughout the week. It requires minimal work, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Enjoy this tasty and satisfying meal any night of the week.
One Pot Ravioli Soup
This homemade ravioli soup is perfect for a cozy meal. It’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. With soft, cheesy ravioli and flavorful Italian sausage in a hearty broth, it’s a satisfying dish. This soup is a simple one-pot meal that works well for busy weeknights. Enjoy a warm bowl that feels like a comforting hug.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This dish features tender chicken and creamy beans that create a comforting meal. The broth is rich and smooth, perfect for warming you up. A touch of spice adds just the right amount of flavor to keep things interesting. It's a simple yet satisfying option for busy nights. This is a great choice for meal prep, making your week a little easier.
Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
This dish offers a tasty take on traditional chicken curry, blending creamy coconut with rich peanut butter for a unique flavor. It's filled with warm spices that create a comforting meal. The best part is that it comes together in no time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. This is a great option for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.
5-Ingredient Chicken Soup
This 5-ingredient chicken soup recipe is perfect for cooler summer days, and you can modify it with any seasonal vegetable you have on hand. It’s almost embarrassingly easy to make, nice, light, and perfect for cozy summer nights. You’ll love its simplicity!
German Ham and Egg Pasta
Schinkennudeln is a straightforward German pasta dish that combines pan-fried noodles with ham and scrambled eggs. It's a quick meal that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is not only easy to make but also satisfying for everyone at the table. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for those looking to keep meal prep simple and affordable.
Nourishing Stracciatella Soup
Stracciatella soup is a comforting Italian egg drop soup that combines a hearty chicken broth with fresh vegetables. It features a tasty blend of Parmesan cheese, eggs, and parsley, creating a warm and satisfying dish. This soup is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. It's a great option for busy weeks when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this flavorful soup as a light dinner or a starter.
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 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.
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.
Crockpot Enchiladas
Crockpot enchiladas are a simple and tasty dish that brings together ground beef, veggies, enchilada sauce, spices, corn tortillas, and cheese. This meal is all made in the slow cooker, making it easy to prepare. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You can just throw everything in and let the slow cooker do the work. This dish is perfect for meal prep, giving you delicious leftovers for the week.
Juicy Turkey Burgers
These gluten-free stove-top turkey burgers are a great option for a low-carb dinner. They can also be served with your favorite hamburger buns and toppings if you prefer. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It's a tasty way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you keep it low-carb or go classic with buns, these burgers are sure to please.
Instant Pot White Bean and Bacon Soup
This recipe is a healthier take on a classic favorite, offering a tasty option that won't break the bank. It's quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s free from the top 8 food allergens, so it’s safe for many diets. Enjoy a comforting bowl of bean with bacon soup that brings back memories without the extra calories. This is a great meal prep idea for the week ahead.
Beer Cheese Potato Soup with Sausage
This filling and cozy beer cheese potato soup brings together the classic tastes of sausage and potatoes with the rich flavors of Wisconsin beer cheese. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank. Perfect for busy nights, this soup is easy to prepare and can be made in advance. The combination of ingredients creates a warm and inviting dish that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup any day of the week.
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.
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