Meal prepping can be a game changer for anyone looking to save money and still eat delicious food. With just a little planning, you can create 28 simple meals that fit your budget and keep you satisfied throughout the week. These ideas are not only easy to make but also use affordable ingredients, making them perfect for anyone trying to eat well without breaking the bank. 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.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
This creamy vegetarian pasta is packed with flavors from sun-dried tomato pesto, garlic, basil, and cheese. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your liking by adding any vegetables you enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can whip it up quickly and have a delicious meal ready in no time. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you tasty leftovers for 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.
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.
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.
Healthy Chicken Salad
This is a healthier take on a creamy salad that works great in a lunch sandwich. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeks. You can enjoy it on its own or as a filling for your favorite bread. This dish is not only tasty but also light, so it won't weigh you down. It's a simple way to add some variety to your lunch routine.
Slow Cooker Cottage Pie
This dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It's a filling and comforting meal that works well for any night of the week. Using a crock pot makes it easy to prepare without much effort. This is a great option to include in your meal prep for the week.
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This keto chicken bacon ranch casserole is a simple and tasty dinner option that you can prepare in a slow cooker. With just six ingredients, you can whip up a creamy chicken dish packed with the flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Each serving has only 4.3g of net carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas
Bell peppers, onions, and portobello mushrooms come together to create tasty vegan fajitas, paired with guacamole, salsa, black beans, and vegan sour cream. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick meal. It's a great option for busy weeks when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. These fajitas are not only delicious but also healthy and filling. Enjoy a flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting dish that works well for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It features a creamy and cheesy sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta. This meal is sure to please everyone at the table. It's simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner with this tasty recipe.
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is packed with flavor and is super simple to prepare. It's a light and healthy option that warms you up on chilly days. This soup is perfect for busy weeks when you want something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It's a great way to get your veggies in while keeping meals easy and satisfying.
Creamy Potato and Wild Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy taste that pairs perfectly with creamy potatoes. When you cook them together with broth and a blend of seasonings, the flavors really come alive. This dish is satisfying and comforting, making it a great choice for any meal. It's simple to prepare and can easily fit into a busy week. Enjoy this hearty meal that everyone will love.
Curried Chicken Salad
Curried Chicken Salad is a quick and healthy option that you can whip up in no time. Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeks when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal that doesn't break the bank. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite sides.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One Pot Ham and Potato Soup
This dish is packed with soft potatoes, chunks of ham, and a variety of vegetables all simmered in a creamy broth with herbs. It's a comforting meal that fits well into a hectic week. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. This is a great option when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm bowl that brings everyone together after a long day.
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.
Korean Beef Bowls
This Korean Beef Bowl is a tasty mix of ground beef, mushrooms, and rice, all brought together with a flavorful Asian sauce. It comes together quickly in just 30 minutes using a pressure cooker, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The dish is finished off with a crunchy topping of pickled carrots and cucumbers, adding a nice contrast to the warm ingredients. This meal is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare ahead of time. It's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce inspired by Asian flavors. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying dinner ready to serve. This recipe is a great way to plan your meals for the week.
Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans
This easy meal features filling ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. The combination of these ingredients creates a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. With the right seasonings, this meal becomes even more flavorful and enjoyable. It's a great option for busy weeks when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a perfect choice for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for days.
Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken
Tender chicken breasts are simmered for hours in a rich onion broth and then covered with Gruyere cheese. Enjoy comfort food at its best in this easy recipe!
Pesto Chicken
Pesto chicken is a simple dish that combines grilled chicken breast with a rich basil pesto sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep throughout the week. The creamy pesto adds a delicious flavor that pairs well with the juicy chicken. This dish is not only tasty but also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking to save money. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal any night of the week.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are packed with deliciousness and come with plenty of veggies, making it a great low-carb dinner option for everyone. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. You can throw everything on one pan, which means less cleanup afterward. It's a satisfying meal that won't break the bank. Enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.
French Onion Pasta
French onion pasta combines sweet caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and Gruyere cheese, all cooked together in one pot for a creamy dish. It has a rich flavor that feels special, yet it's simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for meal prep, making your week a little easier.
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.
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