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This blog will give you the best dirt cheap meals for your family that are delicious and budget-friendly!
There are days when you just want something easy to make, dirt cheap, but still good for you, right?
Maybe you’re trying to stretch your budget or just save a few extra dollars—whatever the reason, we’ve all had those moments when we need meals that are quick, affordable, and still manage to hit the spot.
I’ve been there too, trying to figure out how to make the most out of what’s in my pantry without feeling like I’m sacrificing quality.
That’s why I’m excited to share some of my favorite dirt cheap meal ideas with you.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these recipes are designed to keep things simple and cost-effective while still keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
So, if you’re looking for a way to eat well without spending a fortune, you’re in the right place!
Dirt Cheap Breakfast Ideas
1. Egg & Veggie Scramble
This Egg Scramble is a great way to use up any veggies you have lying around. It’s quick, healthy, and super affordable—perfect for a breakfast that will leave you satisfied and energized.
2. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Oatmeal is my go-to dirt cheap meal, and adding Peanut Butter and Banana makes it feel special. It’s filling, nutritious, and gives you the perfect start to your day without spending much at all.
3. Cheese & Potato Breakfast Tacos
These Tacos are all about taking simple, cheap ingredients like potatoes and cheese and turning them into something incredible. You get a tasty, hearty breakfast that everyone will love, all for very little money.
4. Chicken Congee
Congee is such a cozy, filling meal that only needs rice, chicken, and a few pantry ingredients. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and costs next to nothing to make.
5. Yogurt & Frozen Berries
This combo of Yogurt and Frozen Berries is an easy and healthy breakfast or snack that you can always count on. It’s inexpensive, refreshing, and just sweet enough to keep you going throughout the day.
6. Easy Breakfast Chilaquiles
If you want to jazz up breakfast for next to nothing, Chilaquiles are the way to go. Crunchy tortilla chips, a simple red sauce, and eggs come together to make a dish that feels like a special treat but is so budget-friendly.
7. Homemade Breakfast Burrito
I love Breakfast Burritos because you can throw in any leftover ingredients and they always turn out amazing. You can load them with eggs, potatoes, and a little cheese for a cheap, filling meal that hits the spot.
8. Egg Fried Rice
I’m obsessed with how Egg Fried Rice turns leftovers into a whole new meal. It’s so easy to make, and with just eggs and rice, you’re already halfway there.
9. French Toast With Bacon
French Toast is the perfect way to use up old bread, and when paired with some crispy bacon, it’s just too good. You can turn this into a dirt cheap yet totally satisfying breakfast or dinner that feels fancy.
10. Smashed Beans Avocado Toast
This is such a fun and tasty way to stretch a budget. You can whip up creamy avocado with beans for a filling and nutritious breakfast. I love how simple it is, and you feel like you’re indulging without breaking the bank.
11. Ricotta Pancakes With Blueberry Compote
These Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry are everything you want in a breakfast. They’re fluffy, light, and the blueberries add a perfect touch of sweetness. And honestly, it’s such a cheap and easy meal to make that feels like a total treat.
12. Overnight Oats With Honey, Almond, And Banana
Overnight oats are a lifesaver when you’re on a budget. This version with honey and almonds is not only filling but also deliciously sweet without being over the top. Make it the night before, and you’ve got a dirt cheap breakfast ready to go in the morning.
13. Cottage Cheese & Fruit Bowl
This Cottage Cheese Fruit Bowl is a light, refreshing, and dirt cheap meal that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Fresh berries and creamy cottage cheese – it’s like dessert but totally healthy, and I love how it’s easy on the wallet too.
14. Breakfast Quesadillas
You’ve got to try these Breakfast Quesadillas. Eggs, beans, and cheese melted between two tortillas – it’s like a breakfast taco but better. And the best part? You can make a bunch for the family without spending much at all.
15. Breakfast Bagel
This Breakfast Bagel is such a treat without costing a fortune. With scrambled eggs, melty cheese, and a bit of ham tucked into a soft bagel, it’s the perfect way to kick off the day. You’ll feel like you’re indulging, but it’s super affordable and easy to whip up.
Dirt Cheap Lunch Ideas
16. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
I’m all about those classic comfort meals, and nothing beats a warm Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup. The best part? It’s dirt cheap to make! The creamy soup with that perfectly grilled cheesy sandwich will always make you feel like a kid again – in the best way.
17. Spanish Rice And Beans
Rice and beans are a no-brainer when you’re on a budget, but this Spanish Rice and Beans takes it to another level. It’s flavorful, hearty, and ridiculously cheap to make. You’ll love how the spices come together, and your wallet will thank you too.
18. Chicken Lo Mein
This Chicken Lo Mein is everything you want in a budget-friendly meal. I love how you can toss in any veggies you’ve got in the fridge, mix in those noodles, and it’s an instant hit for the whole family.
19. Turkey Sandwich
Sometimes, a classic turkey sandwich hits the spot. Fresh veggies, lean turkey slices, and just the right amount of mayo between two slices of hearty bread – it’s everything you need for a cheap and satisfying lunch. Perfect for when you want to keep it simple but delicious.
20. Ham And Cheese Pasta Salad
You’re going to love this Ham Cheese Pasta Salad. It’s packed with flavor. It’s super cheap to make! I mean, pasta, ham, and a little cheese – it’s the easiest and most filling thing you can throw together when you need a quick meal for the fam.
21. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches are cheap, easy, and oh-so-delicious. You can whip up a batch of egg salad in minutes, and the creamy, tangy filling tastes amazing between slices of soft bread. It’s the perfect quick lunch that won’t hurt your wallet.
22. Meatball Spaghetti
You can never go wrong with a classic plate of meatball spaghetti. This dish is budget-friendly and perfect for feeding the family. The tender meatballs and tangy tomato sauce pair perfectly with the spaghetti, making this a go-to cheap meal that never disappoints.
23. Chili Oil Noodle
Craving something spicy and filling? These chili oil noodles are cheap and quick, with a kick of heat that will wake up your taste buds. The chili oil sauce coats the noodles perfectly, making every bite super satisfying.
24. Quick Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is the ultimate dirt-cheap comfort food. You can throw it together in a pinch with leftover rice, kimchi, and a few simple ingredients. Top it off with a fried egg, and you’ve got a meal that’s full of flavor and super affordable.
25. Honey Garlic Shrimp
Honey garlic shrimp is sweet, savory, and perfect for a quick meal. Pair it with some rice, and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy without the high cost. Plus, shrimp cooks fast, so you can whip this up in no time!
26. Tofu Stir Fry Rice Bowl
If you’re looking for a delicious meat-free option, this tofu stir-fry with rice is perfect. The tofu soaks up all the yummy stir-fry sauce, and the veggies add a nice crunch. It’s cheap, healthy, and so good you’ll forget you’re even saving money.
27. Spam Fried Rice
Spam fried rice is a classic, and it’s cheap, filling, and incredibly tasty. With veggies, eggs, and that salty spam goodness, this dish is a total lifesaver for those days when you need something quick and budget-friendly that everyone will enjoy.
28. Braised Pork In Sweet Soy Sauce
Nothing beats the taste of tender braised pork simmered in a rich, sweet soy sauce. Served over rice, this dish is a budget-friendly option that packs tons of flavor, and it’s perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
29. Sautéed Zucchini
When you’re craving something fresh and light, sautéed zucchini paired with white rice is a total win. It’s affordable, quick to make, and gives you that perfect mix of savory and healthy in one bite.
30. Bacon And Egg Don
You can’t go wrong with a bowl of fluffy white rice topped with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. This dirt-cheap meal is so satisfying, and you’ll love the hit of flavor from the furikake seasoning. It’s simple but hits all the right notes.
Dirt Cheap Dinner Ideas
31. Cabbage & Potato Soup
This soup is super budget-friendly, and it hits the spot every time. Cabbage, potatoes, and carrots come together in a light, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm and comforting, and it stretches to feed the whole family on the cheap.
32. Spaghetti Carbonara
Creamy, cheesy, and full of crispy bacon bits, spaghetti carbonara is such a winner for dinner. It feels fancy, but you can make it with just a few pantry staples. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pasta dish after a long day?
33. Chicken Tacos
When taco cravings hit, chicken tacos are the way to go. Shredded chicken, seasoned with spices, wrapped in warm tortillas, and topped with all your favorite fixings like salsa, avocado, and cheese. Cheap, fast, and full of flavor.
34. Oven Baked Chicken And Rice
Chicken and rice may sound simple, but when you bake them together, it turns into something magical. The rice absorbs all the juices from the chicken, making it super flavorful, and the crispy skin on top? That’s the best part!
35. Canned Tuna Casserole
This might sound old-school, but trust me, it’s a classic for a reason. Canned tuna mixed into a creamy casserole with noodles and topped with cheese is such a comforting, satisfying dish. It’s dirt cheap, but it tastes like a hug in a bowl.
36. Chickpea And Spinach Curry
Looking for a vegetarian option that’s hearty and packed with protein? This chickpea spinach curry has you covered. The chickpeas are simmered in a spiced tomato sauce with tender spinach, giving you all those warm, cozy vibes for pennies.
37. Creamy Chicken Pasta
Pasta nights are always a hit, but creamy chicken pasta takes it up a notch. With a creamy sauce and grilled chicken, it’s rich, filling, and you won’t believe how cheap it is to make. Plus, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on repeat.
38. Canned Salmon Salad Rice Bowl
This is my go-to when I want something healthy but affordable. Canned salmon tossed with crunchy cucumbers and a bit of sesame, all over a bed of rice? It’s simple, refreshing, and doesn’t break the bank. You get those omega-3s without spending a ton.
39. Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Garlic butter on chicken? Yes, please! These chicken tenders are seared to perfection and coated with that irresistible garlicky, buttery goodness. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent, but it’s dirt cheap and so easy to whip up.
40. Lemongrass Chicken
If you’re craving something fresh and full of flavor, lemongrass chicken is perfect. The fragrant lemongrass blends beautifully with tender chicken thighs, giving you a meal that’s light yet so satisfying. Pair it with some rice, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at a fancy spot, but for a fraction of the price.
41. Canned Sardine & Tomato Pasta
I know Canned Sardine Tomato Pasta might sound a bit different, but trust me, it’s a game changer when you’re on a budget. The sardines add such a rich, savory depth to the tomato sauce, and once it’s all mixed with the pasta, it feels like you’re eating something much more expensive than it actually is.
42. Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas
Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food for me. You get the ooey-gooey cheese, a load of veggies, and that rich enchilada sauce that ties everything together. What’s great is you can make a big pan of this, and you’ll have leftovers that taste even better the next day.
43. Korean Marinated Eggs
When I’m craving something savory and satisfying, Korean Marinated Eggs are my go-to. These eggs are so simple yet packed with flavor from the soy sauce, garlic, and a little spice. You can make a bunch at once and just keep them in the fridge for the week. I love having them over rice with some fresh greens—quick, easy, and full of flavor.
44. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
If you’ve got some ramen packs sitting in your pantry, this Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a quick and cheap dinner that hits all the right spots. I just throw in whatever veggies I have on hand, toss it all together with soy sauce, and boom—dinner’s ready in like 15 minutes.
45. Shakshuka
You’ll love Shakshuka when you want something warm, hearty, and just a little bit fancy without the extra cost. The eggs are perfectly poached in a rich tomato sauce, and the whole dish is packed with spices that make it flavorful. I like to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for that extra pop of freshness.
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