30 Low Budget Meals To Make This Month – 2025 Updated

Need affordable, easy dinners for your family? These 30 low budget meals are perfect for tight wallets and busy nights. They’re simple, use cheap ingredients, and work for picky eaters. Whether you’re meal planning or need last-minute ideas, this list has you covered with practical, tasty options.

1. Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil

A quick pasta dish using pantry staples. Boil spaghetti, then toss it with olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Add parsley if you have it. Costs about $2 for four servings. Pro tip: save some pasta water to make the sauce silky.

2. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Spread canned refried beans on flour tortillas, add shredded cheese, and cook until crispy. Serve with salsa or sour cream if you have it. Takes 10 minutes and costs around $3 for four. Use any beans you have for variety.

3. Egg Fried Rice

Use leftover rice, scrambled eggs, and frozen veggies like peas or carrots. Add soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil if available. Ready in 15 minutes, costs about $2 for four. Great for cleaning out the fridge.

4. Lentil Soup

Simmer lentils with onion, carrot, celery, and canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Freezes well and costs $3 for six servings. Serve with bread for a filling meal.

5. Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Mix canned tuna with mayo, chopped celery, and a bit of mustard. Spread on bread or serve with crackers. Costs $2.50 for four. Add lettuce or tomato for crunch if you have it.

6. Baked Potato Bar

Bake potatoes, then top with cheese, canned beans, or leftover veggies. A bag of potatoes costs $3 and makes eight servings. Versatile and kid-friendly.

7. Chickpea Curry

Cook canned chickpeas with onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, and curry powder. Serve over rice. Costs $3 for four and takes 20 minutes. Adjust spices to your taste.

8. Pancakes for Dinner

Mix flour, eggs, milk, and a bit of sugar for pancakes. Top with peanut butter or fruit if you have it. Costs $1.50 for four. Fun for kids and super cheap.

9. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Use any veggies (fresh or frozen), stir-fry with soy sauce and garlic. Serve with rice or noodles. Costs $2.50 for four. Add tofu or eggs for protein if you want.

10. Black Bean Tacos

Fill tortillas with canned black beans, cheese, and salsa. Add lettuce or avocado if you have it. Costs $3 for eight tacos. Quick and customizable.

11. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Heat canned tomato soup and make grilled cheese with bread and cheese slices. Costs $3 for four. Dip the sandwiches in the soup for comfort food vibes.

12. Pasta with Butter and Parmesan

Boil pasta, toss with butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Costs $2 for four. Add garlic or herbs if you have them. Ready in 10 minutes.

13. Rice and Beans

Cook rice and canned beans with onion, garlic, and cumin. Costs $2 for six servings. Serve with hot sauce or cheese for extra flavor.

14. Egg and Veggie Scramble

Scramble eggs with whatever veggies you have—onions, peppers, or spinach work great. Serve with toast. Costs $2 for four. Fast and filling.

15. Potato Soup

Boil potatoes with onion and milk, then mash slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Costs $2.50 for six. Add cheese or bacon bits if you have them.

16. Tuna Pasta Salad

Mix cooked pasta with canned tuna, mayo, and frozen peas. Costs $3 for four. Serve cold or warm. Great for lunches too.

17. Oatmeal with Peanut Butter

Cook oats with milk or water, stir in peanut butter, and add a banana if you have one. Costs $1 for four. Sweet, hearty, and cheap.

18. Veggie Chili

Simmer canned beans, tomatoes, corn, and chili powder. Costs $3 for six. Serve with rice or crackers. Freezes well for later.

19. Cheese Pizza Toast

Spread tomato sauce on bread, top with cheese, and bake. Costs $2 for four. Add pepperoni or veggies if you have them. Kids love it.

20. Lentil and Rice Bowl

Cook lentils and rice with onion and cumin. Top with yogurt or salsa if available. Costs $2 for four. Simple and satisfying.

21. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches

Spread peanut butter on bread, add banana slices. Costs $1.50 for four. Quick, no-cook meal that kids enjoy.

22. Corn and Bean Salad

Mix canned corn, beans, and diced tomatoes with a splash of vinegar and oil. Costs $2 for four. Serve as a side or main with chips.

23. Egg Drop Soup

Simmer chicken broth, add beaten eggs slowly, and stir. Add green onions if you have them. Costs $1.50 for four. Ready in 10 minutes.

24. Baked Beans on Toast

Heat canned baked beans and serve over toasted bread. Costs $2 for four. Sprinkle cheese on top for extra flavor.

25. Pasta with Peas and Butter

Boil pasta and frozen peas, toss with butter and salt. Costs $2 for four. Add Parmesan if you have it. Done in 15 minutes.

26. Potato and Egg Hash

Cook diced potatoes with onion, add scrambled eggs. Costs $2 for four. Season with paprika or hot sauce for a kick.

27. Cabbage and Noodle Stir-Fry

Cook egg noodles, stir-fry with shredded cabbage and soy sauce. Costs $2.50 for four. Add carrots or onions for more flavor.

28. Rice with Fried Eggs

Cook rice, top with fried eggs and soy sauce. Costs $1.50 for four. Add frozen veggies for color and nutrition.

29. Bean and Veggie Soup

Simmer canned beans, mixed veggies, and broth. Costs $3 for six. Serve with bread or crackers. Easy to stretch.

30. French Toast

Dip bread in a mix of eggs and milk, then fry. Top with sugar or fruit if you have it. Costs $2 for four. Sweet and filling.

These meals keep your grocery bill low while feeding your family well. Mix and match based on what’s in your pantry. Got picky eaters? Let them pick toppings or sides to make it fun.