25 Cheap Meals to Make When You Are Broke!

In today’s economy, the importance of budget-friendly meals cannot be overstated. With rising grocery prices and the increasing cost of dining out, many families are looking for ways to stretch their dollars without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Cooking at home not only saves money but also allows individuals to create meals that are both delicious and tailored to their tastes and dietary needs. This article presents a collection of 25 unique recipes that are easy to prepare, wallet-friendly, and packed with flavor. Each recipe is designed to be simple, using versatile ingredients that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

25 Cheap Meals to Make When You Are Broke!

A delightful twist on a classic dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

2 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

2 eggs, beaten

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 green onions, chopped

1 tbsp sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

Corn tortillas

Toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro

1 cup uncooked rice

2 cups water

2 cups broccoli florets

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup lentils, rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cups fresh spinach

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

4 flour tortillas

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

Salsa for dipping

8 corn tortillas

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained

1 cup shredded cheese

1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce

1 tsp cumin

Chopped cilantro for garnish

1 small head green cabbage, shredded

2 carrots, julienned

3 green onions, chopped

2 eggs, beaten

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

8 oz pasta (any shape)

1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained

1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

2 leeks, cleaned and sliced

4 potatoes, diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup cream (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.

In a large skillet, sauté garlic in a splash of olive oil until fragrant.

Add crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and basil, cooking for another 3 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce.

Serve warm with grated Parmesan on top.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

---

One-Pot Vegetable Fried Rice 🍚🥕

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3 minutes.

Push vegetables to one side and pour in beaten eggs, stirring until cooked.

Add cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.

Stir in green onions and season with salt and pepper.

Serve hot.

Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

---

Spicy Chickpea Tacos 🌮🌶️

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add chickpeas, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.

Fill each tortilla with chickpeas and desired toppings.

Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

---

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole 🥦🧀

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a pot, cook rice in water according to package instructions.

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, mushroom soup, half the cheese, salt, and pepper.

Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese.

Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6

---

Lentil Soup with Spinach 🍲🌿

In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.

Add lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Stir in spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

---

Vegetable Quesadillas 🥙🥬

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté vegetables until tender.

On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle shredded cheese and add the sautéed vegetables.

Fold the tortilla in half and cook in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.

Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

---

Bean and Cheese Enchiladas 🌯🧀

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, mix black beans, half the cheese, and cumin.

Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle remaining cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

---

Cabbage Stir Fry 🥬🍳

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add cabbage and carrots, cooking until cabbage is wilted.

Push veggies to the side, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble.

Mix everything together and add soy sauce.

Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

---

Tuna Pasta Salad 🐟🍝

Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tuna, peas, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.