14 Budget-Friendly Meal-Prep Lunch Ideas

by Kurt Johnson

These are the best budget options that won’t break the bank. This easy Chicken Schnitzel recipe uses chicken breasts, panko, Parmesan, and eggs for cutlets that fry up golden and crispy. Try this easy Baked Oatmeal recipe with fruit for a soft, custardy breakfast that reheats beautifully and makes mornings so much simpler.

Budget Friendly Meal Prep Recipe Using Lamb Chops

With each spoonful, you’ll feel like you’re getting an impressive amount of value for your culinary buck. Meal prepping is one of my favorite ways to stay on track with healthy eating goals but also save money at the same time. When life gets hectic (which it always does), having budget friendly meals ready to go is a total gamechanger. I feel like whether you’re feeding a family, trying to eat healthier, or just want to spend https://recipes.heart.org/en/ less at the grocery store, meal prep can seriously simplify your routine.

Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad — from Cookin’ Canuck

And the honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce adds umami notes. Meanwhile, the garlic adds savory, and the black pepper adds a hint of heat. If you spend your days busy at the office, you need something nutritious to pick you up. With a personal mission to spread the good name of nutrition through mouthwatering recipes, Chef Cindy’s philosophy around cooking is deeply rooted in food as medicine. Pair this scrumptious rib meal prep recipe with a side of choice.

Coconut Mango Chicken Bowls

The beauty of lunchbox meals lies in their ability to provide a balanced mix of nutrients, making room for fruits, veggies, and protein sources like meat. In my corporate days, I would often bring lunchbox meals to the office, where they proved to be a refreshing alternative to fast food. Over time, I jotted down some meal prep ideas that have become staples in my culinary repertoire. Another winner is my chicken sausage pasta meal prep – not only is it gluten-free, making it budget-friendly and healthy, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Why buy store-bought when you can whip up your own? Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also a healthier alternative to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Keto Egg Muffins with Sausage and Veggies

They are super easy to make but loaded with flavor. Combine these with a side salad and you’ll make your heart and wallet happy. I first had lentil soup a few months ago and was blown away! One of my secrets is cooking a main dish of protein that can be dressed up and served a number of ways. This cilantro lime chicken is just as good in tacos as it is over a chicken salad. Or you stuff them in a burrito or layer it on a bed of rice.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Burrito Bowls

After you’ve picked between meal kits or meal delivery, you’ll want to find a service within your budget. Meal kits with recipes can cost as little as $6 a serving, and they include basic menus and no-frills recipes. More expensive services include recipes with more exotic ingredients, high-end cuts of meat, and organic produce, but they can cost as much as $15 or $20 a serving. Blue Apron meal kits are great for families since the price per serving drops to $8 a portion if you choose four recipes for four. They’re also great for novice cooks who want to elevate their weekly dinner routine.

  • You can implement something I call a ‘freezer cycle’, where you freeze a couple of portions of each recipe, meaning you have a huge selection to grab throughout the week.
  • With each spoonful, you’ll feel like you’re getting an impressive amount of value for your culinary buck.
  • I’ve asked her to make it several times since then because it is so good!
  • If you’re looking to stay full, build muscle, or support weight loss, high-protein cheap meal prep ideas can help you do it without spending a lot.
  • Welcome to the world of delicious recipes designed for small budgets.
  • Backed by accredited training and I share trusted meal prep recipes practical and inspiring.

How many days in advance is it safe to meal prep?

So, if you’re looking for a nice change, try these turkey stuffed peppers. But often, mornings can be so hectic that we don’t have time to eat. Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. But if you’re on a low carb diet, breakfast burritos can be a no-no. What I love most about them is that this a sheet pan dish.

low cost meal prep

Cuban Shredded Beef (Slow Cooker)

It could mean chopping veggies, cooking proteins, or assembling full meals in containers. The idea is to have meals ready to eat or cook quickly, so you’re less tempted to grab something unhealthy or expensive. For a delicious start, explore our collection of healthy meal prep recipes perfect for beginners. Simply click on the link below each photo to access the full recipe and step-by-step instructions. Share your own creations by posting a photo under my pin on Pinterest!

This homemade soup is a breeze to prepare, offering a lush, dairy-free option filled with spices and flavors that comfort and satisfy. A top choice for an effortless meal prep is this chicken salad, enhanced with the delightful mix of cranberries and almonds. The almonds add a satisfying crunch, while the dried cranberries introduce a hint of sweetness. Meal prep isn’t about perfection or eating the same thing every day—it’s about making the healthy choice the easy choice. Pick two or three of the ideas above, block 90 minutes on your weekend, and set up your week for success. Your future self (and your wallet) will be very happy you did.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Put the chicken and spices in the crockpot, dump fresh or canned tomatoes in and then wait. It’ll definitely be a test to your patience as you have to wait 6-8 hours, but that makes this the perfect meal to put together before you head to work. While most meal delivery services have healthy options, some are healthier. Specific meal kits and delivery services are better than others if you want to eat low-calorie, low-carb, plant-based, or pescatarian food. This list of the healthiest meal delivery services for 2025 is a good place to find the most nutritious options.

Slow Cooker Bolognese (5 minutes prep & $1.65 per serving)

These healthy cheap meal prep ideas are perfect for building a full week of nourishing meals without overspending. You can customize them based on what’s in season or on sale, and they work especially well unimeal reviews complaints with your meal prep grocery list or even bulk items from Costco meal prep runs. With a little prep at the start of the week, you’ll stay on track, avoid food waste, and enjoy every bite. This roasted pumpkin soup is one of my favorite cheap meal prep recipes. All you have to do is roast the pumpkin and add it to a pot with some veggies and stock and let it come to a boil. EveryPlate’s plans and website are simple, they’re intuitive and the food is satisfying.

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