20 Extreme Budget Meals To Eat Well When Money Is Tight

Last Updated September 28, 2024 by Davina Kelly

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If you are looking for ways to save money and still eat well, these extreme budget meals will leave you feeling satisfied without draining your wallet. 

I love food! I really enjoy eating a meal that tastes good and leaves me feeling full and satisfied. But I also love saving money so I had to learn how to do both. 

After some trial and error, I learned how to put together a range of inexpensive delicious meals.

In this post, you are going to learn cheap fancy meal ideas that will impress anyone as well as a sample extreme budget meal plan.

After reading this post you will learn how to create budget-friendly meals that are packed with flavour and will satisfy your taste buds without hurting your pockets.

This post is all about extreme budget meals.

20 Best Extreme Budget Meals:

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You can sign up here and try it out completely FREE for 14 days.

1. Egg Fried Rice

If you love Chinese food you will enjoy this egg fried rice. It is a quick and easy meal you can throw together and use up any ingredients you have left over. 

You can use leftover rice, eggs, soy sauce or whichever sauce you prefer and whatever veggies you have on hand. This meal is versatile and can be customised to your taste, all while being super budget-friendly. 

2. Tomato Soup and Cheese Toastie

This is a classic combo that always hits the spot. I used to love having it for dinner when I was a kid. You can make the soup from scratch using chopped tomatoes and spices or you can just buy soup from the grocery store. I usually buy Heinz cream of tomato soup or Covent Garden Tomato and basil soup if I’m feeling fancy lol 

Serve your soup alongside a crispy grilled cheese toastie for an inexpensive comforting meal that is perfect for chilly nights. 

3. Chicken With Rice & Vegetables

Source: BBC Good Food

You can’t really go wrong with having chicken and rice for dinner. Use cheaper cuts of chicken like drumsticks or wings and have it with any leftover veggies or a salad.

Make it a one-pot meal by following this recipe from BBC Good Food. Or you can cook your chicken in the oven to your liking, boil some rice and add your veggies of choice. 

4. Tuna Pasta Bake

Tuna pasta bake is a comforting dish that is easy on the wallet. Mix some canned tuna with cooked pasta and a simple tomato sauce then add some cheese on top and put it in the oven to bake.  

This is a quick and satisfying extreme budget meal for the family and is perfect for busy weeknights. 

5. Lentil & Cauliflower Curry

Source: Pick Up Limes

I am a meat lover so I usually have curries with chicken or lamb, but when I saw this lentil and cauliflower curry I had to try it. 

Lentils and cauliflower are both affordable and nutritious ingredients and when cooked in all the spices it forms a flavourful curry. Try this recipe from Pick Up Limes and let me know what you think. 

6. Shepherds Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that is great for using up leftovers. It is easy to make and uses inexpensive ingredients which is key when you are trying to eat on a budget. 

Use any ground meat of your choice beef is the cheapest if you buy the higher-fat option. Ensure that you season it well to make your pie flavourful then add some frozen vegetables and layer it over some mashed potatoes for a hearty budget meal.

7. Fish Tacos

If you and your family enjoy Taco Tuesday these budget-friendly fish tacos will go down a treat! To save money you can use white fish such as tilapia or cod and buy it frozen so it can last longer. Or you can use the Birdseye crispy fish fingers. Serve them with homemade salsa, shredded cabbage or salad and a squeeze of lime for a fresh tasty meal that won’t break the bank. 

8. Homemade Chicken and Chips

Yes, chicken and chips can be a budget meal. If this is one of your favourites skip the takeout and make your own version at home. All you need to do is bread your chicken with some seasoned breadcrumbs and bake until it is golden. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they are cheaper and they have more flavour.

Then chop up some potatoes and either cook them in the oven or air fryer. Serve it with a side salad and enjoy your homemade twist on a classic dish. 

9. Shakshuka

I know that having eggs for dinner can seem boring, but don’t knock it until you have tried this dish. Shakshuka is an inexpensive tasty meal that is made with eggs in a tomato sauce. 

Simply add some chopped tomatoes to a pan with some oil, season it to your liking then crack some eggs and put the lid on top to let them cook. 

If you want to bulk up this meal you can add vegetables like mushrooms or courgettes. Sometimes I will even chop up a sausage and throw it in. Serve it with some crusty bread or toast to make a satisfying meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

10. Tuna & Rice

Tuna and rice was a staple weeknight dinner when I was growing up and as an adult, it is still in my weekly rotation. 

Cook some canned tuna in a pan with some onions, garlic and fresh tomato and season to your liking. Then boil some rice and serve with a salad for a cheap meal that is packed with protein and flavour.

11. Taco Bowl

Another way to eat tacos is to make them into a bowl. This is a great healthy balanced meal that you can make using leftovers. 

I was inspired by Chipotle to make this meal. I used to buy their bowls all the time, but it started to add up so I decided to make my own inexpensive version. 

If you have any mince left over you can use that for your protein source or you can use some chicken or whatever else you have in the fridge. Add some rice, beans, avocado, sweetcorn and salsa to make a cheap satisfying meal. 

12. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a versatile cheap meal option and they are so juicy! This is another meal you can make using any leftovers. 

Simply stuff a bell pepper with a mix of rice, beans, veggies and cheese and bake in the oven until it is tender. If you have any leftover mice you can add that too or you could even use tuna. 

13. Sausage, Potato and Vegetable Tray Bake

If you are looking for a cheap one-pan meal for busy weeknights I’ve got you covered. This tray bake tastes good and can be thrown together in no time.

All you need to do is chop up your potatoes and favourite vegetables with olive oil and seasoning. Then add some sausages and roast until they are golden and tender.

14. Spaghetti & Veggies In Tomato Sauce 

Whip up a quick and tasty pasta dish using any veggies you have left in the fridge. Add some onions, garlic, leftover veggies and chopped tomato to a pan and season well. 

Then add your cooked spaghetti and toss until it is coated in the sauce. Don’t forget to include some of your pasta water to thicken up the sauce and add flavour. Once it is cooked to your liking serve it with some parmesan cheese. 

15. Roasted Chickpea Salad

Roasted chickpeas add crunch and protein to any boring salad. Drain and rinse your canned chickpeas, toss them in some oil and seasoning and roast until they are crispy and golden. I recommend drying them before you season them to ensure they are crispy.

Serve over some mixed greens and veggies and top with some balsamic vinaigrette for a light inexpensive tasty meal. This will make a perfect lunch or dinner when you are short on time. 

16. Loaded Jacket Potato

Baked potatoes are an extreme budget meal for one that can be customised with all of your favourite toppings. 

Bake your potato until it is tender then top it with beans and cheese or any other toppings you like. Some of my favourite toppings are tuna mayonnaise or leftover minced meat. 

17. Satay Chicken & Rice

If you are looking for a cheap fancy meal this satay chicken will do the trick. Simply marinate some chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter and spices then bake or grill until it is cooked through. Serve it with some basmati rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal that will leave everyone wanting more.  

18. Vegetable Stir Fry

Stir fries are a quick, affordable and easy meal option for busy weeknights. Simply saute any leftover veggies with garlic, ginger and soy sauce or any other sauce you like. Then serve over rice or noodles for a delicious meal packed with flavour. 

19. Sardines & Rice

Canned sardines are often overlooked but they are an affordable nutritious pantry staple that can be turned into a delicious meal in minutes. 

Cook some canned sardines with chopped tomatoes and spices and serve with some rice for a meal that is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that won’t hurt your pockets. 

20. Everything Frittata

Frittatas are a versatile extreme budget meal option that can be customised with whatever ingredients you have on hand. 

Whisk together some eggs with your favourite veggies, cheese and herbs and bake until set for a satisfying meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you want to bulk it up you can add any leftover protein you have and some potatoes. 

Tips When Planning Extreme Budget Meals:

Create a Weekly Menu

Planning your meals for the week ahead will save you time, money and stress. One day a week sit down and write down some options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for each day. I usually do this on a Sunday. Take into account ingredients you already have and include meals that use similar ingredients to minimise waste. 

Choose recipes that are simple, versatile and budget-friendly and consider batch cooking to make the most of your time and stretch your ingredients. 

Having a weekly menu in place eliminates the need for last-minute takeout and helps you make the most of your grocery budget.  You can plan your menu using the free weekly meal planner I have included below.

However, If you don’t like thinking about what to cook but still want budget meal options I highly recommend the $5 meal plan. You’ll get delicious meal plans sent straight to your inbox every week for just $5 a month. Sign up here and try it out FREE for 14 days. 

Buy Foods That Have Multiple Uses

When you are trying to eat on a budget it is essential to prioritise ingredients that can be used in multiple meals. For example, minced meat, canned beans, rice, potatoes and frozen vegetables can be incorporated into many different dishes. Opting for these foods will not only help you stretch your budget, but they will also add nutritional value and flavour to your meals.

With these types of ingredients on hand, you can whip up a range of budget-friendly dishes without sacrificing flavour or variety. 

Do Your Grocery Shopping With a List

Impulse purchases can quickly derail your budget, so it is essential to go grocery shopping with a plan. 

Before you go to the store take inventory of what you already have at home and create a detailed grocery list based on the meals you have planned for the week. 

When you get to the store stick to the plan no matter what! I know how tempting it can be to give in to the offers, but don’t do it. Shopping with a list will help you stay focused and ensure you only buy what you need. I have included a free printable grocery list below that you can use on your next shopping trip. 

Buy Staple Foods In Bulk

One of the most effective ways to stretch your food budget is by purchasing items in bulk. When you buy foods in larger quantities you will end up paying a lower unit price so you will essentially be getting more food for less. Look for deals at wholesale stores like Costco or consider joining a co-op to access bulk discounts.

Here are some examples of foods you can buy in bulk.

• Rice
• Potatoes
• Legumes
• Pasta
• Beans
• Oats
• Frozen vegetables

These foods can be stored for an extended period making them ideal for budget-conscious meal planning. 

Extreme Budget Meal Plan:

Here is an example of a menu of extreme budget meals for a week. 

Breakfast Ideas:

• Shakshuka
• Oats with fruits and peanut butter
• Avocado toast with a boiled egg
• Blueberry and oats smoothie

Lunch Ideas:

• Vegetable stir fry
• Taco bowl
• Loaded jacket potato
• Roasted chickpea salad

Dinner Ideas:

• Satay chicken and rice
• Cauliflower and lentil curry with rice
• Fish tacos

I hope you have found these meal ideas helpful and you can now make some tasty budget meals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Extreme Budget Meals

What Is The Cheapest Meal You Can Make?

The cheapest meal you can make is one that requires super cheap basic ingredients. The simplest ingredients usually don’t cost as much and they can be used in multiple ways. 

Here are some examples of cheap meals.

• Loaded jacket potato
• Stir fry
• Egg fried rice
• Pasta with veggies in tomato sauce

How To Eat When You’re Broke?

When you don’t have a lot of money it is best to stick with cheap foods that are high in volume and can be used in different dishes. 

For example, foods like oatmeal, rice, beans, bread, pasta, vegetables and fruits are all budget-friendly foods that can be used to create multiple meals. 

Consuming less meat will save you a lot of money and you should also opt for the generic store brand options because they will be even cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice flavour or variety. You can eat extreme budget meals that are filling, tasty and satisfying. 

If you plan your meals in advance, opt for foods that can be used in multiple ways and stick to your grocery shopping list when shopping you will be able to save money and still eat well. 

I hope you have found this post helpful and can now put some delicious budget meals together. 

This post was about extreme budget meals.

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