Frugal & Easy Meal Prep Recipes
Our grocery bill was one our biggest expenses after our mortgage. When we were working our way out of debt w were able to cut our grocery bill in half.
Food is expensive.
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When you’re living paycheck to paycheck your groceries can be a huge budget buster. If you want to get out of debt and save more money, cheap meal prep recipes are a great way to limit waste and avoid overspending on food.
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Cutting your food budget doesn’t mean you have to resort to cereal, Ramen noodles, or just plain bread and water.
Here are a bunch of make-ahead meals that are delicious and easy to make.
(BONUS: most can be frozen!)
Quinoa Burrito Bowl
Source: The Belly Rules the Mind
I make quinoa bowls at least twice a month and make it different every time.
Make you own version by changing up the beans you use (chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini, etc.), vegetables (tomato, onion, peppers, avocado, corn, etc.), and toppings (tortilla chips, lime, cheese, etc.)
Low Carb Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
Source: Wholesome Yum
Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal
Source: Lucky Mojito
Oatmeal is cheap and healthy.
These overnight oats taste surprisingly great cold, but if you’re a traditionalist you can certainly nuke them in the microwave before eating.
My favorite flavor combination is peanut butter banana. It’s a super cheap meal/snack for when you’re tight on time.
Salads in Jars
Source: The Starving Chef
How cool are these meal prep salad jars?!
They are layered so that the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.
Meal Prep Chicken and Brown Rice
Source: Curry Trail
Vegetables and rice are super cheap.
To save money get vegetables that are in season or stock up on frozen.
Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Meal Prep
Source: Delicious on a Dime
One pan meals are super easy and mean less clean up.
Meat is usually the most expensive ingredient so if you load up on vegetables and are generous with your spices you can have a tasty budget meal in no time.
Stuffed Peppers (without rice)
Source: Whole Lotta Yum
Freezer Friendly Breakfast Egg Sandwiches
Source: Carmyy
Freeze these breakfast egg sandwiches and when you’re in a rush just pop one of these babies in the microwave. They are a must have for the frugal!
Cuban-Style Tuna Meal Prep Bowls
Source: Strength and Sunshine
Easy Aldi Lunch Prep Recipes
Source: Glitter on a Dime
We have an Aldi and a Lidl by us, both competitively priced super markets and I love the idea of making your own “lunchable” but on a budget.
Substitute with your favorite fruit and vegetable, salty snack, and dip.
Low Carb Healthy Meal Prep Greek Mason Jar Salad Recipe
Source: Wholesome Yum
Super Easy One Pan Chicken
Source: Low Carb Yum
Bulk Beef Potstickers
Source: Eating Richly
I make dumplings (aka potstickers) in bulk at least once a month. I then freeze what I don’t use and can boil, pan fry, or deep fry them whenever I want to.
This recipe is great because the filling is full of vegetables and comes out to just 7 cents a piece!
Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Source: Recipes From a Pantry
Chicken and hard boiled eggs are cheap. Add them as an ingredient for a frugal snack/meal!
Potato Cakes
Source: Little Sunny Kitchen
I can get a giant bag of potatoes for real cheap. Making mashed potatoes and french fries get old fast. These potato cakes are full of color and flavor.
Make them In bulk and freeze some for later!
Easy Freezeable Applesauce Waffles
Source: Strength and Sunshine
Waffles and pancakes are a super frugal food that can be made in bulk and frozen. Just take individual frozen waffles and toast them in the toaster when you want.
Tuna Macaroni Bake
Source: Neil’s Healthy Meals
Breakfast Burrito
Source: Eating Richly
Oatmeal Raisin Protein Balls
Source: Salt & Baker
I made a lot of protein balls after I had both my kids as healthy dessert alternative and it was something I could snack on when I was too tired to cook an actual meal.
Add chocolate chip, toasted coconut, or little pieces of dried fruit for added sweetness.
MEAL PREP SAVES MONEY
Planning out your meals ahead of time and freezing portions means you won’t eat out as much.
I like to meal prep twice a week and love changing it up.
I use mason jars and meal prep containers such as these to compartmentalize my food.
Have any cheap meal prep recipes to share? Comment below!
Don’t forget to pin these cheap meal prep recipes for later.
Make ahead meals on a budget.
