25 Cheap Meals to Make When You Are Broke

When your wallet’s running on empty but your stomach isn’t, cheap meals become more than just a necessity—they become a survival skill. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, someone between jobs, or simply saving for something bigger, knowing how to whip up low-cost recipes can make a world of difference.

The good news? Eating well on a small budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, nutrition, or variety. With some pantry staples, creativity, and a little planning, you can create filling and delicious meals without breaking the bank. If you need reliable guidance on stretching your food dollar, the USDA Food Resource Guide is a valuable tool to start meal planning with minimal cost.

And if you’re in immediate need of assistance, you can locate a nearby food pantry through Feeding America’s local food bank finder. Don’t hesitate to seek help when food insecurity becomes a real concern.

How to Build a Cheap Yet Nutritious Meal

Creating budget-friendly meals starts with choosing ingredients that are affordable, versatile, and shelf-stable.

• Staples: Rice, lentils, pasta, canned beans, and frozen vegetables
• Protein Sources: Eggs, canned tuna, peanut butter, black beans
• Flavor boosters: Garlic, onions, spices, bouillon cubes
• Smart equipment: Use slow cookers, rice cookers, or one-pot cooking to save energy and time

Buying in bulk, shopping at discount or ethnic grocery stores, and planning around store sales can significantly lower your weekly grocery bill.

25 Cheap Meals to Make When You’re Broke

Here are 25 tried-and-true meals that rely on pantry staples, are easy to make, and cost very little per serving.

• Salsa Chicken
  Cook chicken breasts with a jar of salsa in a slow cooker. Serve over rice or in tortillas.
• Tostadas with Black Beans
  Season canned beans, mash and spread over tostada shells, and top with cheese, salsa, and any veggies on hand.
• One-Pot White Bean Pasta
  Pasta, white beans, spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes simmered in a single pot. Cheap, easy, and protein-packed.
• Noodle Kugel
  Egg noodles, eggs, salt, and pepper baked until crispy on top. Comfort food at its finest.
• Quinoa Salad
  Mix cooked quinoa with cucumber, tomato, onion, and dressing. Add beans for extra protein.
• Rotisserie Chicken Soup
  Use the bones and meat from a rotisserie chicken to make a hearty soup with veggies and rice.
• Budget Meal Bowls
  Combine cooked rice, a protein (like eggs or beans), and frozen or fresh vegetables. Top with hot sauce or soy sauce.
• Eggs and Rice
  Fry an egg or two and serve over hot rice with soy sauce and chili flakes.
• Greek Pasta Salad
  Combine pasta with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil. Optional: add chickpeas.
• Pantry Chili
  Mix canned beans, tomatoes, corn, and seasoning for a hearty vegetarian chili.
• Mujadara
  Lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. Simple Middle Eastern comfort food.
• Peanut Butter Noodles
  Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and water for a quick noodle sauce. Serve with broccoli.
• Oatmeal with Nut Butter
  Oats, flaxseeds, nut butter, and a splash of coconut milk. Extremely filling and nutritious.
• Savory Pancakes
  Flour, eggs, water, and whatever vegetables you have. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Black Beans and Rice
  Add tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro for an easy and delicious Latin-inspired bowl.
• Lentil and Carrot Soup
  A basic soup made from lentils, carrots, garlic, and spices. Optionally finish with vinegar or lemon juice.
• Tuna Toast or Spicy Tuna Rice
  Mix canned tuna with mayo and serve on toast or over rice with soy sauce and chili oil.
• Egg and Chips (UK Style)
  Fried eggs served with French fries or oven-roasted potato wedges.
• Creamy Mushroom Rice Bake
  Rice, sautéed onion, chicken (optional), and canned mushroom soup mixed and baked.
• Cottage Pie
  Ground beef and veggies topped with mashed potatoes. Use leftovers where possible.
• Dumpling Stew
  A water-and-bouillon soup base with flour dumplings and milk to thicken.
• Budget Chicken Parm
  Breaded chicken patties or tenders with jarred marinara and cheese over pasta.
• Loaded Nachos
  Tortilla chips topped with seasoned leftovers, cheese, and canned goods like corn and beans.
• Creamy Mushroom Ramen
  Instant noodles mixed with a can of creamy mushroom soup for a satisfying twist.
• Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
  Mashed chickpeas with mayo, mustard, and spices on toast or in a wrap.

Bonus Cheap Meal Ideas

Stretch your creativity with these additional easy meals:

• Frittata or Hashbrown Quiche
  Use any leftover veggies, cheese, and eggs to make a customizable baked dish.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers
  Fill halved peppers with rice, beans, chopped veggies, and leftover meats.
• Rice Bowls or Burritos
  A great way to use leftovers. Rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and lettuce wrapped up or served in a bowl.
• Black Bean Quesadillas
  Canned beans, onions, garlic, cheese, and tortillas toasted on a skillet.
• Sardine or Puttanesca Pasta
  Use tinned sardines or pantry staples like olives and capers for a strong-flavored, cheap pasta dish.

Pantry & Fridge Staples You Should Always Have

To stay ready for budget cooking, keep these affordable items on hand:

• Dry goods: Rice, pasta, oats, lentils, flour, baking powder
• Canned goods: Beans, tomatoes, tuna, corn, chickpeas
• Frozen items: Mixed vegetables, spinach, fruit
• Condiments & spices: Soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, bouillon cubes

Smart Meal Planning on a Budget

Planning ahead is key to stretching your dollar. Try these tips:

• Cook meals in bulk and freeze portions
• Repurpose leftovers into new dishes
• Use a “fridge inventory” list before shopping
• Shop once a week with a detailed meal plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest meal to make?
Oatmeal, rice and beans, or peanut butter noodles are among the cheapest meals you can make, costing less than $1 per serving.

How do you eat when you’re extremely broke?
Focus on shelf-stable ingredients and canned goods. Buy in bulk, cook simple one-pot meals, and avoid eating out.

What should I cook when I have no money?
Use what you already have: pasta, frozen vegetables, lentils, and eggs can be combined in endless ways.

What meals can I make with just 5 ingredients?
Try fried rice, chili, ramen with egg, peanut noodles, or baked potatoes with toppings.

How to meal prep on a tight budget?
Stick to a weekly plan, reuse ingredients, and batch cook meals like soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.

Nutrition Tips for Cheap Meals

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing health. To stay balanced:

• Use beans and lentils for protein
• Choose whole grains when possible
• Spice things up with herbs and condiments
• Add frozen spinach or kale for fiber and nutrients

Where to Get Help If You’re Out of Options

If you’re facing food insecurity, don’t go it alone. Here are resources to help:

• Feeding America’s food bank locator
• 211.org offers local assistance across the U.S.
• Community fridges and kitchens may also be available nearby

Final Thoughts

Being broke doesn’t mean eating poorly. With a little planning and a stock of budget-friendly staples, you can enjoy delicious, filling meals for just a few dollars a day. Whether you’re in a pinch or just saving for the future, these 25 cheap meals—and the tips above—will help you eat smart without sacrificing satisfaction.

Let your kitchen be your comfort zone—even when your bank account isn’t.