Are you looking for cheap meal ideas to make when you are broke? Here are 27 frugal meal ideas when money is tight.
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As I sat down to make my grocery list the other day, I struggled to think of frugal recipes to add to my meal plan. With the rising costs of groceries, it’s become harder and harder to stay within budget every week.
Since we are on a mission to save as much money as we can this year, it’s become imperative to try and cut costs wherever we can. And as you may already be aware, groceries are one of the biggest expenses in the budget.
Luckily, despite the challenge, there are still ways you can save on groceries. It all comes down to research and planning.
Here are some easy ways you can still save at the grocery store
- Shop your pantry– instead of walking into a grocery store before a meal when you are probably starving and overspending because of all the impulse purchases you made. Take a few minutes to at least look in your cupboards to see what you have on hand that you can turn into a meal.
- Learn to meal plan-meal planning can save you hundreds every month because you know exactly what to make every night and you are only paying for the ingredients you need. To make this easier, I use a family favorite meal printable and theme night dinners.
- Make a grocery list– it will help you stay focused so you are avoiding all the sneaky spending traps that grocery stores use to try and get you to spend money.
- Keep it simple– if you are really on a mission to cut your grocery bill, then try not to overcomplicate your meals. Avoid recipes that require a lot of ingredients, and instead focus on your protein, starch, and vegetable when coming up with meal ideas.
Even more easy ways to stretch your budget:
There is no doubt that it’s definitely been a struggle and if you’ve been feeling the pinch like I have, trying to prepare hearty, family-friendly meals on a budget then hopefully these meal ideas will help you the next time you sit down to make your own meal plan.
27 Frugal Meal Ideas When Money is Tight
Breakfast
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are so budget-friendly and the perfect solution to busy mornings when you need something quick and easy to eat at home or take on the go. They are great for freezer meals or a quick 5-minute breakfast idea.
For single servings, I like to scramble one large egg in a bowl with shredded cheese and precooked bacon and microwave it for 1 minute on high. In the last 10 seconds, I lay a tortilla shell over the top of the bowl. Once it’s done, I simply scoop the egg mixture into the flour tortilla and roll it up. Then, serve with salsa.
Egg, Ham, and Cheese Crunchwrap
This egg, ham, and cheese crunch wrap was inspired by Taco Bell’s breakfast crunch wrap. We fell in love with the gooey cheese, smoky ham and fluffy eggs combined in a flour tortilla but wrapped into a square and cooked on a skillet until crunchy and golden brown.
You can serve it with salsa or enjoy it all on its own. Another frugal breakfast idea the whole family will enjoy.
Pancakes or Waffles and Sausage
Pancakes and Waffles are a great option for an inexpensive breakfast that will feed a lot. They are perfect to make- ahead and freeze to enjoy for breakfast throughout the week.
Instead of spending money on a box mix, use this simple pancake recipe( Julie’s Eats & Treats) with pantry staples you already have on hand.
Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich
You may have heard of grilled cheese or an egg sandwich. But, have you tried a grilled egg and cheese sandwich?
My son who loves to experiment in the kitchen came up with this recipe one morning while making breakfast and it’s now the only way my husband will eat his egg sandwiches.
It’s as simple as frying an egg and adding it to two slices of bread and a couple slices of cheese. He also adds whatever meat we have on hand, such as salami, ham, or bacon. Then, just cook it in a skillet as you would cook a grilled cheese sandwich. Such a yummy and frugal breakfast option.
Oatmeal
There is nothing like a warm bowl of oatmeal on a chilly morning. It’s my go-to breakfast not only because it’s delicious and filling but affordable when you are trying to save money.
I love this easy recipe for oatmeal (Cookie and Kate) because it doesn’t come out mushy. Plus, you can add any flavor or topping you like. My favorite toppings are blueberries and sliced bananas with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Breakfast Casserole
There are so many inexpensive and easy breakfast casserole options to try. But, this recipe (Tastes Better From Scratch) is the one we make time and time again. If you want to add potatoes to your breakfast casserole, this recipe from Gimme Some Oven is really good too.
Are you looking for more frugal sweet and savory breakfast options, I share 35 Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas. Of course, these recipes are not only perfect for Christmas morning but any time of year.
Some other cheap breakfast ideas include:
- Cereal (generic usually tastes as good but you’re not paying for extra marketing costs like with brand-name)
- Yogurt
- English muffin with peanut butter
- French Toast
- Scrambled eggs and toast
Lunch
Quesadillas
It doesn’t get any simpler than quesadillas for lunch. The best part is they are completely customizable. You can make them with just cheese or add some chicken for protein and veggies.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are the perfect on-the-go lunch options. Anything from ham, turkey, peanut butter and jelly, egg salad, chicken salad, or a tuna sandwich are all great frugal and simple lunch ideas.
We also like to make grilled cheese, grilled ham, and cheese with a pickle slice, as well as BLT’s.
Looking for more easy make-ahead lunch options?
Wraps
Tired of sandwiches? How about making a wrap for lunch instead? They are not only inexpensive and a healthier option but they can be customized with anything you like. Fill it with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. We like to use ranch dressing, mayonnaise, or honey mustard in our wraps. As well as red pepper relish to add some spice.
Leftovers
When all else fails have leftovers from the night before. Turn last night’s dinner into a completely different meal by using the leftover ingredients for something else.
Did you have spaghetti and meatballs for dinner? Use the leftover meatballs for meatball subs for lunch. It’s one of the best lunch options to save you money.
Dinner
Goulash
When I was growing up, goulash was a staple for dinner in our home. It’s not only hearty but delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare. Simply brown some ground beef in a skillet, boil some elbow macaroni and combine with your favorite jarred or homemade sauce. Then, top with parmesan cheese. Of course, you can add any seasonings you’d like.
Goulash is also one of my favorite meals to cook in my instant pot. This is my go-to recipe (I Don’t Have Time For That) when I want a quick dinner after a hectic day.
You may like: 25 Beginner Instant Pot Recipes
Chicken Casserole
There is nothing more comforting than a chicken casserole. One of our favorite chicken casserole recipes is this chicken and stuffing casserole (The Seasoned Mom) It’s hearty and satisfying. A perfect frugal and cozy Sunday dinner idea.
Here are 10 more hearty chicken casserole recipes for those chilly fall or winter nights.
Breaded Chicken Tenders with Homemade Fries
Although not the healthiest meal on the list. It can be a cheap kid-friendly option when you don’t know what to add to your meal plan.
However, if you want to make it more healthy and have an air fryer. This is the one I have and love. You can simply pick up a frozen 3-5 lb. bag of chicken breasts or tenderloins (I’ve found that these are a cheaper option because I can use the package for many meals).
Then, defrost a few pieces of chicken in the microwave, coat with a breading of your choice, spray with some olive oil, and air fry at 390° for about 5 minutes on each side.
When making the french fries, I cut up russet potatoes about a 1/4 inch thick (leaving the skin on) and then I toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Then, I just air fry them at 390 degrees for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway.
Interested in learning more about air frying?
If you don’t have an air fryer, simply cook the chicken tenders in a preheated 400° oven for 20-25 minutes and use this easy-baked french fry recipe from Spend with Pennies. We love this recipe!
Crockpot Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Crockpot pulled chicken sandwiches are a super satisfying, hearty meal to enjoy any day of the week. Plus, meal prep is so easy as you can just throw dinner in the crockpot in the morning and have it waiting for you when you are ready to eat.
Simply add frozen chicken breasts or tenderloins to the crockpot with your choice of barbecue sauce. I like to add 3/4 of a bottle of barbecue sauce and save the rest to top the sandwiches with when adding them to the bun. Cook for 4 hours on high or about 6 hours on low.
You can serve them with the homemade parmesan french fries from the above recipe (cooked in either the oven or air fryer).
Here are 27 More Dump and Go Crockpot Recipes for busy weeknights at home.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
If you are looking for an inexpensive meal idea that is not only tasty but simple to prepare then you need to try this hearty chicken alfredo bake.
Pick up a rotisserie chicken to make this recipe as quick and easy as possible. Boil penne in a pot until cooked, add alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade), and add shredded rotisserie chicken. Spread in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with an 8 oz. bag of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings over the top and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350°.
Find more easy ways to use up rotisserie chicken with these 28 Easy Shortcut Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Taco Bake
Taco bake is one of our favorite 20-minute meals. It’s basically like nachos but topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Simply brown some ground beef and add taco seasoning. Pour the meat mixture over tortilla chips that have been spread in a baking dish, add cheese and any other toppings you would like beans, corn, etc. Then, bake at 375 ° until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (about 10 minutes) Top with the veggies mentioned above and you have an easy frugal meal idea everyone will enjoy.
Breakfast for Dinner
My family loves breakfast but a lot of times we are all in such a hurry in the morning that it’s easier to grab something quick before we head out the door.
So, a couple of times a month we have a big breakfast for dinner. We usually make eggs, pancakes, bacon or sausage, and hash browns. It’s an inexpensive option for dinner that the whole family looks forward to.
You may like: 14 Crockpot Breakfast Recipes
Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potatoes
Meatloaf muffins are not only economical to make but take much less time to bake than traditional meatloaf.
You can use your favorite meatloaf recipe (I like to use my easy onion soup meatloaf recipe that you can find in this 35 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinner Ideas). Then, just preheat your oven to 350° and divide your meatloaf mixture into a 12-cup muffin tin, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
Serve with mashed or baked potatoes and a vegetable.
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
There is nothing like a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter night. And it doesn’t get any easier than homemade chicken soup. If you are trying to save money, then a hearty bowl of chicken soup will go far.
We love this recipe by Averie Cooks as it’s not only simple to make but budget-friendly.
Looking for more soup recipes?
Pork Tenderloin with Rice
Pork tenderloin is definitely one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights because it’s not only cheap but takes little prep and cook time.
We like to serve it with rice and broccoli for an easy and delicious meal. If you searching for more ways to cook pork, here are 26 Quick and Easy Pork Recipes to add to your meal plan.
Don’t know what to do with your leftover holiday ham?
- Try these 32 Easy Ham Recipes for delicious and budget-friendly meal ideas.
Smoked Sausage, Potatoes, and Zucchini
Have you ever tried a foil pack dinner? They are not only very affordable but they are hearty and delicious. We love cooking this smoked sausage, potatoes, and zucchini because it’s so flavorful and easy to make.
Simply add your smoked sausage, diced potatoes, and zucchini to a few pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil that have been coated with cooking spray so the vegetables don’t stick. Then, season with your favorite spices. I like to keep it simple with garlic powder, salt and pepper, and a little parmesan cheese.
Seal each packet tightly making sure to leave some room for the steam to circulate. Then, either bake (425°) or grill for about 35 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
Baked Penne with Pepperoni
I can definitely say without a doubt that pasta recipes are the most requested meals in our home. Which I am very happy about because they are one of the least expensive meals to make. So, they have really helped us stretch our budget when it comes to groceries.
This baked penne with pepperoni only consists of 5 ingredients not including spices. Boil a box of penne until done, add pasta sauce, and diced pepperoni. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes. Easy and Delicious!
Want more easy and frugal dinner ideas?
- 85 Easy Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas –that are kid-friendly and perfect for hectic weeknights.
- 28 Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas That Are $5 or Less– cheap and easy meal ideas for the whole family.
I hope these 27 frugal meal ideas have not only helped you save money but inspired you to add something new to your weekly meal plan this week.
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