15 Inexpensive Meals: Easy Options For Large Families, Families of Four, and Couples

 Inexpensive Meals Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without spending a fortune. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, these 15 inexpensive meal ideas are sure to please your taste buds and your wallet.

1. Rice and Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 can of black beans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet and season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve beans over rice and top with your favorite toppings.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different beans? Yes, you can use any type of beans you have on hand, such as pinto beans or kidney beans.
2. Can I add meat to this dish? Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, ground beef, or shredded pork for extra protein and flavor.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a wok or skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
4. Season with soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables work well in stir-fries and are often more budget-friendly than fresh ones.
2. Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! You can add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef to make it a complete meal.

3. Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Assorted vegetables (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add chopped vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender.
4. Toss cooked pasta with vegetables, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can use any vegetables you have on hand or whatever is in season.
2. Can I add protein to this dish? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

 

 

 

4. Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• Lentils
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Vegetable broth
• Cumin
• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Sauté diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in a pot until softened.
2. Add dried lentils, vegetable broth, and seasonings to the pot.
3. Simmer until lentils are tender, adding more broth if needed.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread.

FAQs:

1. Can I use canned lentils? Yes, canned lentils can be used for a quicker cooking time.
2. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, lentil soup freezes well and makes for an easy meal prep option.

5. Veggie Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• Cheese
• Salsa
• Avocado

Instructions:

1. Sauté chopped vegetables in a skillet until tender.
2. Place a tortilla in a skillet and top with sautéed vegetables and cheese.
3. Place another tortilla on top and cook until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden brown.
4. Serve with salsa and sliced avocado.

FAQs:

1. Can I add meat to these quesadillas? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for extra protein.
2. Can I make these quesadillas vegan? Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

6. Potato Hash

Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Dice potatoes, onion, and bell pepper.
2. Sauté diced vegetables in olive oil until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
3. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve hot with fried eggs on top.

FAQs:

1. Can I add other vegetables to this hash? Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
2. Can I make this hash ahead of time? Yes, you can make a large batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for a quick and easy breakfast or dinner option.

7. Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna
• Mayonnaise
• Celery
• Onion
• Pickles
• Bread
• Lettuce
• Tomato

Instructions:

1. Drain canned tuna and place in a bowl.
2. Add mayonnaise, diced celery, onion, and pickles to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Spread tuna salad on bread slices and top with lettuce and tomato.
4. Serve sandwiches with chips or fresh fruit.

FAQs:

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise? Yes, Greek yogurt makes for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
2. Can I add other ingredients to this tuna salad? Absolutely! You can add chopped apples, grapes, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

8. Egg Fried Rice

**Ingredients:

 

• Cooked rice
• Eggs
• Soy sauce
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Garlic
• Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Push garlic to one side of the skillet and crack eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
4. Add frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until heated through.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry until well combined with the vegetables and eggs.
6. Drizzle with soy sauce and continue to stir-fry until everything is evenly coated.
7. Serve hot as a standalone dish or as a side.

FAQs:

1. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe? Yes, leftover rice works best for egg fried rice as it tends to be drier and less sticky.
2. Can I add meat to this dish? Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or ham for extra protein and flavor.

9. Chickpea Curry

Ingredients:

• Canned chickpeas
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Tomato sauce
• Coconut milk
• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• Rice or naan bread (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a pot until softened.
2. Add canned chickpeas, tomato sauce, coconut milk, and spices to the pot.
3. Simmer until chickpeas are tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread, garnished with chopped cilantro.

FAQs:

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, but you’ll need to soak dried chickpeas overnight and then cook them before adding to the curry.
2. Can I customize the spice level of this curry? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of curry powder and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

10. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• Bread
• Cheese
• Butter
• Canned tomato soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place cheese between two bread slices, buttered sides facing out.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
4. In a pot, heat canned tomato soup with milk and garlic powder until heated through.
5. Serve grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, garnished with fresh basil.

FAQs:

1. Can I add other ingredients to my grilled cheese? Yes, you can add sliced tomatoes, avocado, or bacon for extra flavor.
2. Can I use homemade tomato soup instead of canned? Absolutely! Homemade tomato soup can be made in large batches and frozen for future use.

11. One-Pot Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Tomato sauce
• Onion
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add spaghetti, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Add enough water to cover the spaghetti and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until spaghetti is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I add meat to this dish? Absolutely! You can add ground beef, sausage, or chicken to make it a heartier meal.

12. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers
• Cooked rice
• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey with diced onion and minced garlic until browned.
4. Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet and mix well.
5. Stuff bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Top each bell pepper with grated cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage instead of beef.
2. Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables or cooked quinoa for filling.

13. Tacos

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Ground beef or turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef or turkey in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet according to package instructions.
3. Cook until heated through and sauce has thickened.
4. Serve meat mixture in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different toppings for my tacos? Yes, you can customize your tacos with any toppings you like, such as avocado, onions, or cilantro.
2. Can I make these tacos vegetarian? Absolutely! You can use seasoned black beans, tofu, or grilled vegetables as a meat alternative.

14. Vegetable Frittata

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Assorted vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• Cheese
• Milk
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté diced vegetables in an oven-safe skillet until tender.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour egg mixture over vegetables in the skillet and cook until edges begin to set.
5. Sprinkle with grated cheese and transfer skillet to the oven.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is melted and bubbly.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different vegetables for this frittata? Yes, you can use any vegetables you like or whatever is in season.
2. Can I make this frittata ahead of time? Absolutely! Frittatas are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

 

15. Bean and Cheese Burritos

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Canned refried beans
• Cheese
• Onion
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream

Instructions:

1. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
2. Spread a layer of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.
3. Top with grated cheese and diced onion.
4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly to form a burrito.
5. Heat the burritos in a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

FAQs:

1. Can I add meat to these burritos? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or pork for extra protein.
2. Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos and wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go meals.

Conclusion

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. With these 15 inexpensive meal ideas, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dishes without breaking the bank. From comforting classics like spaghetti carbonara and grilled cheese sandwiches to flavorful options like chickpea curry and stuffed bell peppers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and get ready to whip up some budget-friendly culinary delights!

 

More FAQ:

1. What are some inexpensive meal options for large families?

Large families can benefit from meals that are not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare in large quantities. Some options include:

• Spaghetti with marinara sauce and garlic bread
• Chicken and rice casserole
• Beef or vegetable stir-fry with rice
• Chili with cornbread
• Slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw

2. How can I make spaghetti more interesting for my family?

To make spaghetti more interesting, consider adding a variety of ingredients:

• Meatballs or Italian sausage
• Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions
• Different sauces such as Alfredo, pesto, or a homemade tomato sauce with herbs

3. What is an easy chicken and rice casserole recipe?

An easy chicken and rice casserole recipe includes:

• Cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• Cooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Combine all ingredients, place in a baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

4. What are some budget-friendly stir-fry ingredients?

Budget-friendly stir-fry ingredients include:

• Rice or noodles
• Chicken, beef, or tofu
• Fresh or frozen vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas
• Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for seasoning

5. How can I make a simple chili for my family?

A simple chili recipe involves:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika

Brown the meat, add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.

6. What is an easy pulled pork recipe for sandwiches?

For easy pulled pork sandwiches:

• Use a pork shoulder or pork butt
• Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite barbecue rub
• Cook in a slow cooker with a cup of barbecue sauce on low for 8 hours
• Shred the pork and serve on buns with coleslaw

7. What are some inexpensive meals for a family of four?

Inexpensive meals for a family of four include:

• Tacos with ground beef or beans
• Baked ziti with garlic bread
• Grilled cheese and tomato soup
• Shepherd’s pie
• Homemade pizza

8. How can I make tacos on a budget?

To make tacos on a budget:

• Use ground beef or beans as the filling
• Add toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa
• Use soft or hard taco shells
• Consider making your own taco seasoning to save money

9. What are some easy baked ziti ingredients?

Easy baked ziti ingredients are:

• Ziti pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta, mix with sauce and cheeses, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

10. What are some simple grilled cheese variations?

Simple grilled cheese variations include:

• Adding tomato slices and basil for a Caprese-style sandwich
• Using different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone
• Adding cooked bacon or ham
• Using sourdough, rye, or multigrain bread

11. How can I make a quick and easy shepherd’s pie?

A quick and easy shepherd’s pie recipe includes:

• Ground beef or lamb
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• Mashed potatoes
• Beef gravy

Cook the meat and vegetables, place in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes and gravy, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

12. What are some tips for making homemade pizza?

Tips for making homemade pizza:

• Use store-bought dough to save time
• Pre-bake the dough for a crispier crust
• Add toppings like pepperoni, vegetables, and cheese
• Bake at a high temperature (450°F) for 10-12 minutes

13. What are some inexpensive meals for couples?

Inexpensive meals for couples include:

• Pasta with homemade sauce
• Stir-fried vegetables with tofu
• Chicken Caesar salad
• Stuffed bell peppers
• Omelets with a side salad

These meals are easy to scale down and prepare in smaller quantities, making them perfect for two people.