35 Budget Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
Did you try to plan budget meals but find yourself cringing during your last visit to the grocery store? Could you have sworn it was easier to not blow through your grocery cash a year ago? No, it’s not the extra bag of pretzels you threw into your cart at checkout. Groceries are more expensive right now, thanks to a little thing called inflation. According to the Consumer Price Index’s most recent data, grocery prices were up 7.9% year over year as of February 2022. This increase shows no sign of stopping, with the USDA predicting an additional 3% to 4% increase by the end of the year.
What can you do? Go ahead and keep those pretzels—and try incorporating more budget-friendly recipes into your dinner (and lunch, and breakfast) rotation. To make it a bit easier, we calculated the price per serving of some of the most popular recipes on Epicurious to find a slew of great budget meals you can make for under $5 a serving. These tried-and-true recipes let you save at the register without skimping on flavor.
Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova1/35Crispy Tofu With Maple-Soy Glaze
This feast is under $4 per serving—and that includes the crispy tofu, toasted sesame seed sprinkle, steamed rice, and kimchi on the side. It's one of our favorite budget meals for vegetarians—or anyone looking to eat a little less meat.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich2/35Double-Stack Mushroom and Chicken Cheeseburgers
Mixing vegetables into your burger blend is a great way to both cut back on meat and save some coins. This warm-weather favorite is made with a blend of mushrooms and ground chicken or turkey. The cost? Just four bucks.
Photo & Food Styling by Kendra Vaculin7/35Grilling Cheese With Sweet Peppers and Black Lentils
Not to be mistaken with the equally enjoyable grilled cheese, grilling cheese—such as Halloumi, bread cheese, or paneer—turns this black lentil salad into a super-satisfying meal.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Dana Bonagura8/35Sausage and Greens Sheet-Pan Dinner
Spicy Italian sausage, crackly-crisp mini potatoes, and hearty greens come together for a quick and easy dinner that’s just $3.35 per serving. There’s a reason this recipe is one of our go-to weeknight dinner ideas.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton10/35Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta With Garlic Bread Breadcrumbs
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Heather Greene, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou11/35Chicken Piccata
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell13/35Freeform Chicken Meatballs With Carrots and Yogurt Sauce
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson14/35White Bean Salad With Lemon and Cumin
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou18/35Chicken and Rice Meatballs With Hummus
Photo by Kristin Teig19/35Melted Broccoli Pasta With Capers and Anchovies
Chances are good you have a box of whole wheat pasta hiding somewhere in the back of the pantry. This recipe was made for those forgotten noodles. Broccoli, capers, and anchovies are a great match for the wholesome pasta.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi20/35Spanish Frittata With Herby Yogurt and Greens
The addition of potatoes turns this herby frittata into a filling meal. But it doesn't end there. Go ahead and fill this frittata with two cups of any leftover cooked vegetables you have in the fridge. This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket for those times when you're just not ready to go to the store again.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson21/35Salmon Burgers with Red Pepper Mayo
Burger night at home doesn’t have to be a budget-buster—and it doesn’t have to involve beef. These salmon burgers rely on canned salmon—an affordable pantry staple—and roasted red pepper mayo to keep cost low without compromising flavor. Thinking about dessert? Check out our pastry chef's guide to low-cost baking.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton22/35Charred-Peach Panzanella With Pickled Pepper Vinaigrette
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou25/35Grilled Chicken With Lemon and Thyme
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell26/35Saucy Beans and Artichoke Hearts With Feta
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell27/35Grilled Whole Eggplant With Harissa Vinaigrette
Photo and Food Styling by Joseph De Leo28/35Quick Potato Gnocchi
Back away from the potato ricer. These gnocchi rely on instant potatoes to cut down the time and cost. Dinner is on the table in 15 minutes—and for $3.20 per serving.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell30/35Green Bean and Tuna Salad With Basil Dressing
Photo by David Malosh, Prop Styling by Cindy DiPrima, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich33/35Spicy Baked Pasta With Cheddar and Broccoli Rabe
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton35/35Big Green Lentil Salad
Satisfy your need for greens for a little more than $3 per serving with this hearty salad featuring green lentils, peppery baby arugula, basil, and creamy avocado. Like many great budget meals, this makes a terrific lunch or dinner. Looking for more budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips? Check out The Smart Cook, our section focused on making the most of every dollar in the kitchen.
