7 Cheap Meal Ideas For The Week

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Planning nutritious dinners on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated.

With 7 cheap meal ideas for the week, you can create delicious family meals without spending hours in the kitchen or emptying your wallet.

These budget-friendly recipes transform simple ingredients into satisfying dinners that will keep your family and bank account happy.”

Taco Rice Bowl with Beans

The Taco Rice Bowl with Beans is a deliciously satisfying meal that combines the comforting elements of rice and beans with vibrant flavors.

It’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick and affordable dinner that packs a punch. This bowl is tasty and incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

With layers of seasoned rice, hearty beans, and fresh toppings like tomatoes and avocado, each bite is a burst of flavor.

Plus, it’s versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. It’s a dish that can easily adapt to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook according to package instructions until the rice is tender.
2. Prepare the Beans: Combine the black beans and taco seasoning in a small pan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. Assemble the Bowl: Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper once the rice is cooked. Divide the rice into bowls and top with seasoned beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices.
4. Add Garnishes: Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Egg Fried Rice with Peas

Egg Fried Rice with Peas is a delightful and comforting dish that combines simple ingredients to create a tasty meal perfect for any day of the week.

This recipe is satisfying but quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy evenings.

The combination of fluffy rice, creamy scrambled eggs, and sweet peas results in a colorful and flavorful dish.

It’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peas and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the skillet. Scramble until fully cooked, then add the cooked rice to the pan.
3. Stir in the soy sauce and mix everything well. Add the cooked peas and sliced green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Lentil Soup with Vegetables

Lentil soup is a comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with a variety of colorful vegetables.

This soup is nutritious and budget-friendly, making it a perfect option for a weekly meal plan.

The blend of spices and fresh herbs adds depth and warmth, making each spoonful satisfying and hearty.

What’s great about lentil soup is its simplicity. You can whip it up in under an hour, and it’s versatile enough to use whatever veggies you have on hand.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping—make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups spinach or kale
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and bell pepper in a bit of olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in the lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Add the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

Vegetable stir-fry with rice is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

It’s packed with vibrant veggies that bring a mix of flavors and textures, making it both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks.

This dish combines fresh vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, and snap peas, all tossed in a savory sauce.

You can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a flexible option for using up leftovers. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
2. Add the bell peppers and green beans, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Incorporate the snap peas and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the stir-fried vegetables over cooked rice, and enjoy!

Chickpea Salad with Feta

This Chickpea Salad with Feta is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

It strikes a wonderful balance between feta cheese’s creamy texture and chickpeas’s nutty taste, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, taking just minutes to prepare!

The bright flavors of the fresh herbs and the tangy feta make this salad a delightful addition to your meal rotation.

Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this quick and affordable recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Oven-Baked Vegetable Quesadillas

Oven-baked vegetable quesadillas are a tasty and simple meal option, perfect for busy weeknights.

Packed with colorful veggies and melted cheese, these quesadillas bring a delightful crunch and flavor to your dinner table.

Plus, they are easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge!

This recipe is budget-friendly and a hit with the whole family. The crispy tortillas and the savory filling make for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Serve them with salsa or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Salsa, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, black beans, and taco seasoning in a mixing bowl. Mix well to coat the veggies evenly.
3. Place two tortillas on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the vegetable mixture over each tortilla, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Top with the remaining tortillas. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to help them crisp up.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tortillas are golden and crisp. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Made with just a few ingredients, this pasta dish features garlic sautéed in olive oil, which infuses the noodles with a rich taste.

It delivers a delightful kick without overwhelming your taste buds, and it’s topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and can be on your dinner table in about 20 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
3. Combine: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.