17 Cheap Meals to Make When You’re Broke

Last Updated on October 25, 2018 by

Whatever your reasons for pinching pennies, these cheap meals will save you money and they just so happen to look and taste amazing.

17 Cheap Meals for Broke People

No big deal, it happens to the best of us at some point in our lives. Maybe it’s because you’re in college and on a budget, or perhaps you just had a new addition to the family.  If you want some additional money saving hacks, then have a look at my Ikea furniture DIYs that will save you bundles.

The important thing is getting delicious looking and tasting food into your belly without any extra costs. The cheap part is easy. The hardest part is actually finding food that doesn’t look like it was slopped together.

Here are some of the most beautiful dishes that turn out to be cheap meals I have found to date. Enjoy!

White Bean Soup

Budget White Bean Soup Recipe
Found From Hello Glow

Try making soups like this in large batches so that you are able to eat it throughout the week.

Baked Ziti

Cheap to Make Baked Ziti
Found From Created by Diane

This comfort meal will keep you going for quite a while and is easy to make for large groups.

Ham & Cheese Freezer Meal

Frozen Ham & Cheese Budget Meal Recipe
Found From Thriving Home Blog

If you’re looking for something that is easy to throw in a little baggy and bring to work, this fits the need.

Best Mac & Cheese Ever

Budget Mac and Cheese
Found From Domestic Super Hero

I’m pretty sure if you made this at a holiday gathering people would go nuts!

Grilled Avocados

Grilled Avocado Budget Food
Found From Love and Lemons

Okay, it’s time for the healthy. Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to eat poorly. Contrary to what some people believe, it is actually pretty easy to spend less on healthy foods! This meal has avocados, one of the more expensive veggies, and it’s still frugal!

Chicken & Spaghetti

Chicken & Spaghetti Budget Meal
Found From Thriving Home Blog

If you’re going to have an indulgent meal, then don’t forget to add protein! The chicken in this recipe will keep you full for a while.

Peaches & Cream Chia Pudding

Peaches & Cream Chia Seed Pudding for a Budget Breakfast
Found From Yummy Healthy Easy

Save even more money by taking out the protein powder. : )

Chipotle Sweet Potato Noodle Salad

Sweet Potato Chipotle Noodles
Found From Pinch of Yum

If you’re looking to impress someone, you’re going to want to try out a meal such as this one. It looks stunning!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup
Found From Love Grows Wild

Good ‘ol chicken noodle soup. It gets you full on the cheap AND it’s great for when you have a cold.

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Burgers

Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers
Found From Frugal Living Mom

No meat? No problem! This healthy sweet potato and chickpea burger will make you feel great about eating it.

Tomato & Macaroni Soup

Tomato Macaroni Soup on a Budget
Found From Inspiration Made Simple

I personally love tomato soup on a cold day.

Pasta with Herb Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Herb Roasted Grape Tomatoes on Pasta Recipe
Found From See Mom Click

If you love tomatoes as much as I do, you’re going to be all over this recipe.

Meatball Sandwiches

Meatball Sandwiches on a Budget
Found From Home Cooking Memories

if you have guests over to hang out, then try this sandwich recipe to easily portion out meals.

Baked Meatballs Freezer Meal

Meatball Budget Freezer Meal
Found From Thriving Home Blog

This freezer option is great because it ensures your food is fresh when prepped in batches.

Lemon Butter Cod

Lemon Butter Cod Frugal Recipe
Found From Primal Plate

I used to eat these kind of recipes all the time because they are so simple. Fish has so much natural flavor that you don’t need to do a whole ton with it. Plus, cod is one of the cheaper fish you can buy in bulk.

Pesto Chicken Bake

Pesto Chicken Bake Budget Recipe
Found From The Pinning Mamma

Gotta love pesto!

Tuna Casserole

Budget Tuna Casserole Recipe
Found From Gimme Some Oven

This list of cheap meals definitely wouldn’t be complete without a delicious casserole, so I had to include that!  In fact I have much more casserole recipes right here!


There you have it! Aren’t these cheap meals absolutely stunning to look at? So if you have a dinner party in the near future, there really is no excuse to go crazy with your money. Even if you have a picky family member who likes to complain (yes, we all have that person, it’s not just you!), they’ll surely be game for something on this list. Good luck!

Previous articleThe Essential DIY Mother’s Day Skincare Gift Basket
Next article8 Edible Herbs That You Can Grow in Your Home

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here