Easy Meals to Make on a Budget: Simple, Affordable, and Delicious Recipes 

In today’s world, feeding yourself and your family without breaking the bank can seem like a challenge, but with a bit of creativity, you can whip up delicious and nutritious meals on a budget. Whether you’re looking to save money or just want easy recipes for busy nights, these meal ideas will help you cut costs while still serving up tasty dishes. 

One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables 

One-pan meals are a budget-friendly favorite because they’re easy to prepare and minimize cleanup. For this dish, all you need are bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (which are often more affordable than chicken breasts), a variety of vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and onions), olive oil, and simple spices. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 chicken thighs 

• 4-5 potatoes, chopped 

• 3 carrots, chopped 

• 1 onion, quartered 

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 

2. Toss the vegetables in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika. 

4. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. 

Lentil Soup 

Lentils are a budget staple, packed with protein, and they’re incredibly versatile. This simple lentil soup is hearty and nutritious, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. You can make a big batch and freeze leftovers for another day. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup dried lentils 

• 1 onion, chopped 

• 2 carrots, chopped 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 can diced tomatoes 

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 

• Salt, pepper, cumin, and thyme 

Instructions: 

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic in a large pot until softened. 

2. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil. 

3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. 

4. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and thyme to taste. 

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice 

Stir-fries are quick, customizable, and a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge. By combining a few simple ingredients, you can make a satisfying and affordable meal. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.) 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional) 

• 2 cups cooked rice 

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

Instructions: 

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. 

2. Sauté the garlic and vegetables until tender. 

3. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the vegetables. 

4. Serve over a bed of cooked rice. 

Baked Macaroni and Cheese 

Homemade mac and cheese is a comforting dish that’s much cheaper than buying store-bought or ordering takeout. This version uses simple ingredients and can easily be adapted by adding extras like vegetables or leftover chicken. 

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz elbow macaroni 

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 

• 2 tablespoons butter 

• 2 tablespoons flour 

• 2 cups milk 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain. 

2. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes. 

3. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens. 

4. Stir in the cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper. 

5. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and pour into a baking dish. 

6. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. 

Black Bean Tacos

Tacos are always a hit, and using black beans as the base makes this meal even more budget-friendly. You can keep it simple or dress them up with whatever toppings you have on hand. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 

• 1 teaspoon cumin 

• 1 teaspoon chili powder 

• 8 small tortillas 

• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream 

Instructions:

1. Heat the black beans in a pan with cumin and chili powder, stirring until warm. 

2. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of beans and add your favorite toppings.  

Egg Fried Rice

Eggs and rice are both inexpensive staples that can be turned into a delicious meal with a few added ingredients. This egg fried rice recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups cooked rice 

• 3 eggs, beaten 

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots 

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

Instructions: 

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and scramble the eggs. 

2. Add the frozen vegetables and cooked rice, stir-frying until everything is heated through. 

3. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for another minute before serving. 

Shepherd’s Pie 

Shepherd’s pie is a filling and affordable meal that can be made with ground beef, turkey, or even lentils as the base. Topped with mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting dish that stretches a few basic ingredients into a family-sized meal. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or 2 cups cooked lentils for a vegetarian option) 

• 1 onion, chopped 

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables 

• 4 potatoes, mashed 

• Salt, pepper, and paprika 

Instructions: 

1. Brown the ground meat with the chopped onion. 

2. Stir in the frozen vegetables and season with salt and pepper. 

3. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. 

4. Sprinkle with paprika and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden. 

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. These easy, affordable meals prove that you can create delicious home-cooked dishes without spending a fortune. By focusing on simple ingredients like beans, rice, vegetables, and budget-friendly cuts of meat, you can enjoy a variety of hearty meals while keeping costs low.