The following is a list of my favorite healthy inexpensive meals. Sometimes when I’m not in the mood for cooking, I want to make something quick and easy that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. These meals fit the bill. Plus, each meal is under $5 (or around $10 if you include dessert). I hope they save you time, money, and energy!
EASY HEALTHY BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS
Healthy burgers
Rating: 5 out of 5.25 ratingsTurn a barbecue favourite into a nutritious meal without compromising on taste with our easy healthy burgers1 h 5 minsEasyHealthy
Super smoky bacon & tomato spaghetti
Rating: 4 out of 5.199 ratingsServe your pasta with a budget-busting tomato and paprika sauce. It’s a healthy choice to boot25 minsEasyHealthy
Creamy tomato risotto
Rating: 5 out of 5.230 ratingsA budget rice dish flavoured with rosemary, basil and sweet cherry tomatoes. An ideal midweek supper40 minsEasyHealthy
Red lentil & squash dhal
Rating: 5 out of 5.165 ratingsA hearty budget meal of spiced red lentils with butternut and tomatoes. Add coriander, cumin, turmeric and a dollop of mango chutney55 minsEasyHealthy
Tomato & pasta soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.63 ratingsMake our simple, budget-friendly tomato, pasta and chickpea soup in just 30 minutes. This easy, vegetarian family meal is healthy and even low fat30 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Healthy pancakes
Rating: 4 out of 5.93 ratingsThese easy healthy pancakes get their fluffy texture from whipped egg whites. Stack them high with fresh berries and a spoonful of low-fat yogurt45 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Chicken & chorizo jambalaya
Rating: 5 out of 5.2452 ratingsA Cajun-inspired rice pot recipe with spicy Spanish sausage, sweet peppers and tomatoes55 minsEasyHealthy
Curried kale & chickpea soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.19 ratingsRustle up this budget-friendly, healthy soup for a nourishing, easy midweek meal. It’s packed with kale, chickpeas, sweet potato and plenty of flavour35 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Chinese chicken curry
Rating: 5 out of 5.407 ratingsCook an easy, healthy curry with just 15 minutes preparation. Serve this replica of your favourite takeaway dish with fluffy rice for a wholesome family meal55 minsEasyHealthy
Carrot pilaf with coriander chutney
Rating: 5 out of 5.12 ratingsTry this healthy pilaf filled for an easy midweek meal. With cashew nuts, veg and spices, it’s not only tasty but budget-friendly too. Top with coriander chutney50 minsEasyHealthy
Red lentil, chickpea & chilli soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.794 ratingsCome home to a warming bowlful of this filling, low-fat soup35 minsEasyVegetarian
Chicken noodle soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.715 ratingsMary Cadogan’s aromatic broth will warm you up on a winter’s evening – it contains ginger, which is particularly good for colds.40 minsEasyHealthy
Spiced shepherd’s pie
Rating: 5 out of 5.79 ratingsOur healthy, low-fat shepherd’s pie can be frozen to enjoy another day. This budget-friendly meal makes the most of storecupboard spices and frozen peas1 h 5 minsEasyHealthy
Healthy chilli
Rating: 5 out of 5.61 ratingsUse chunks of stewing beef in this healthy chilli con carne for a robust and filling dish. Serve with rice and coriander2 h 20 minsEasyHealthyGluten-free
Thirty-minute courgettes with dukkah sprinkle
Rating: 4 out of 5.32 ratingsGet four of your 5-a-day in one vegan dinner. This budget-friendly recipe is healthy and gluten-free, plus it provides a source of calcium, folate, fibre, vitamin C and iron35 minsEasyHealthyVegan
Healthy banana bread
Rating: 4 out of 5.163 ratingsHave your cake and eat it with this low-fat, healthy banana loaf – perfect for breakfast and beyond1 h 35 minsEasyHealthy
Quick chicken hummus bowl
Rating: 5 out of 5.24 ratingsMake our healthy chicken and hummus salad bowl for a delicious budget lunch option. It can be thrown together in just 10 minutes and delivers three of your 5-a-day10 minsEasyHealthy
Healthy tikka masala
Rating: 5 out of 5.39 ratingsEnjoy the spicy, rich flavours of tikka masala with this family-friendly lighter version that’s both healthy and gluten-free. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser1 h 5 minsEasyHealthyGluten-free
Healthy beef stew
Rating: 4 out of 5.190 ratingsTry our easy, healthy beef stew recipe that’s packed full of vitamin C. This warming dinner is perfect for chilly nights30 minsEasyHealthy
Healthy pepper, tomato & ham omelette
Rating: 5 out of 5.20 ratingsIf you’re in need of a healthy protein boost, try making this healthy omelette for breakfast – using fewer yolks lowers the cholesterol25 minsEasyHealthy
Curried cod
Rating: 4 out of 5.360 ratingsAn easy-to-prepare midweek one-pot with cod fillet, chickpeas, ginger and spices – it’s healthy, low calorie and packed with iron too.35 minsEasyHealthy
Honey mustard chicken pot with parsnips
Rating: 4 out of 5.363 ratingsFor an easy, warming family casserole on a budget, this one-pot ticks all the boxes45 minsEasyHealthy
Healthy shakshuka
Rating: 5 out of 5.42 ratingsStart the day on a lighter note with this satisfying shakshuka, a wonderful pan full of tomatoes, pepper, spinach and eggs. It packs in four of your 5-a-day40 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
EASY HEALTHY BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS
12 of 20
Skillet Ravioli Lasagna
This easy inside-out ravioli lasagna is the ultimate weeknight comfort food–no layering or mixing bowls required. Feel free to swap in ground turkey for the beef. Look for fresh mozzarella balls (also called “pearls”) in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019
13 of 20
Crispy Gnocchi Pasta with Tomatoes & Leeks
These gnocchi are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside because you sauté them in hot oil. Plus, they leave a little fond (crispy brown bits) in the pan that adds toasty flavor to the tomato and leek sauce, which is cooked in the same pan. Since this easy gnocchi recipe calls for store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi, it’s quick to prepare–just 20 minutes, start to finish. Opt for whole-wheat gnocchi to get 2 extra grams of fiber per serving compared to white. This easy and healthy dinner is easy to customize too: see Tips for variations with shrimp, pesto instead of butter, and pork chops instead of gnocchi. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019
14 of 20
Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken
Looking for a quick, easy dinner? This baked lemon-pepper chicken recipe is it. Chicken breasts are cooked in a skillet, then finished in the oven with lemon slices that soften and become part of the sauce, with a touch of maple syrup and butter to carry the flavor. It’s so simple and delicious, you’ll be making this healthy dinner again and again. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019
15 of 20
Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
An easy-to-make slaw served on the side of these salmon tacos makes for a filling and fast weeknight dinner. If you prefer more heat in these fish tacos, simply add a pinch or two of chipotle chile powder or cayenne with the chili powder. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018
16 of 20
Skillet Pork Chops with Peas, Carrots & Pearl Onions
This superfast one-dish dinner is full of classic flavor and is such a crowd pleaser that you’ll want to work it into your regular weeknight dinner rotation. We call for bone-in pork chops to maximize flavor, but boneless pork chops are a fine substitution. To round out this meal a little more, serve with rice or mashed potatoes. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019
17 of 20
One-Pot Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts
Taking a minute to sizzle some garlic in olive oil is a simple way to pep up the cheese sauce for this easy homemade mac and cheese, and the flavor plays well with the cauliflower and Brussels sprouts in this family-friendly pasta dish. This recipe is designed for you to make a big batch of the cheese sauce to use in different dishes: Stir it into pasta and veggies to make this pasta a one-pot dinner then use it for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole later in the week (see Associated Recipes). Or simply serve it over your favorite steamed vegetables for an easy side dish. If you’d rather make just enough sauce for this pasta, simply cut the sauce amounts in half. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019
18 of 20
Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza
You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to make this healthy pizza. Thanks to a two-ingredient dough that combines self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, there is no need for a rise time. Just roll, top and bake, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in under half an hour. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2018
19 of 20
Crunchy Chicken & Mango Salad
This Asian-inspired dinner salad has terrific crunch, thanks to sugar snap peas and napa cabbage. Give the dressing a kick of heat by adding a bit of sambal oelek, an Indonesian hot sauce that you can find in most large supermarkets and Asian grocery stores. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2018
20 of 20
Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions
These 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions. Let the kiddos load them up with the toppings at the table. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018
BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS
Easiest ever seafood rice
Rating: 5 out of 5.324 ratingsUsing pre-prepared mixed seafood makes this dish very easy to put together30 minsEasyHealthy
Sweet potato & peanut curry
Rating: 5 out of 5.868 ratingsCook this tasty, budget-friendly vegan curry for an easy family dinner. With spinach and sweet potato, it boasts two of your five-a-day and it’s under 400 calories1 hEasyVeganGluten-free
Healthy fish pie
Rating: 5 out of 5.111 ratingsMaking fish pie can be a palaver – not this one! Our healthy fish pie is simple to make and ready in just over an hour1 h 15 minsEasyHealthy
Chicken jalfrezi
Rating: 5 out of 5.421 ratingsInstead of calling the Indian takeaway, make your own easy chicken jalfrezi. This curry is also healthy with two of your 5-a-day and a dose of vitamin C1 h 10 minsEasyHealthyGluten-free
Chicken parmigiana
Rating: 5 out of 5.336 ratingsThis classic chicken Parmesan recipe gets the Good Food makeover, resulting in a hearty yet healthy dish great for sharing with your mates30 minsEasyHealthy
Chole with cumin rice & raita
Rating: 5 out of 5.7 ratingsMake a chickpea curry served with raita for a brilliant budget-friendly family meal. As well as being quick and easy, it’s healthy too35 minsEasyHealthyGluten-free
Chicken with lemon & courgette couscous
Rating: 4 out of 5.145 ratingsAdd a touch of zest to your midweek meal with this low-fat family supper40 minsEasyHealthy
Celery soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.229 ratingsCook up a batch of fresh, low-calorie celery soup for a healthy and filling veggie lunch or supper. Serve with chunks of crusty bread55 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Nutty chicken satay strips
Rating: 5 out of 5.154 ratingsKeep these nutty chicken satay strips in the fridge for a healthy choice when you’re peckish. The chicken is served with cucumber and sweet chilli sauce20 minsEasyHealthy
Healthy chicken katsu curry
Rating: 4 out of 5.85 ratingsThis healthier katsu is coated in finely chopped flaked almonds and baked in the oven (rather than fried) until crisp and golden. If you’re following the Healthy Diet Plan then this a great dish to add to your repertoire55 minsEasyHealthy
Prawn & harissa spaghetti
Rating: 5 out of 5.105 ratingsTry our spaghetti dinner for two, with king prawns and harissa dressing. It only takes 20 minutes to make and is healthy too – great for a midweek meal.20 minsEasyHealthy
Sesame & spring onion stir-fried udon with crispy tofu
Rating: 5 out of 5.17 ratingsDo something different for dinner, with our vegan noodle, tofu, green bean and spring onion stir-fry. It’s quick and healthy, plus it’s budget-friendly too20 minsEasyHealthyVegan
Big-batch bolognese
Rating: 5 out of 5.60 ratingsWhip up a huge batch of bolognese that’s fit to feed a hungry crowd, or freeze half for a speedy midweek meal1 h 55 minsEasyHealthy
Healthy egg & chips
Rating: 4 out of 5.155 ratingsOne that dads will love! This any-time meal is perfect with a helping of baked beans1 h 10 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Spiced lentil & butternut squash soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.140 ratingsCook a big batch of this filling spiced lentil and squash soup and freeze the leftovers for a speedy supper another day. It’s healthy and low in fat50 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Double bean & roasted pepper chilli
Rating: 5 out of 5.256 ratingsThis warming vegetarian chilli is a low-fat, healthy option that packs in the veggies and flavour. Serve with Tabasco sauce, soured cream or yogurt1 h 45 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Cod, cauliflower & chorizo mornay
Rating: 5 out of 5.52 ratingsA comforting fish bake with a buttery cheese sauce that will warm you up on the coldest of evenings1 hEasy
Healthy porridge bowl
Rating: 4 out of 5.19 ratingsStart your day right with this filling bowl of oats, berries, banana and seeds. It’s healthy and packed with nutrients to fuel body and mind15 minsEasyHealthyVegetarian
Pearl barley, bacon & leek casserole
Rating: 4 out of 5.63 ratingsThis storecupboard grain makes a great alternative to rice or couscous. Team with bacon and veggies in this risotto-like stew55 minsEasyHealthy
Tuna & sweetcorn fish cakes
Rating: 4 out of 5.32 ratingsTinned fish and sweetcorn are a lifesaver when you need to rustle up some simple potato patties for a healthy, budget-friendly supper40 minsEasyHealthy
Spiced black bean & chicken soup with kale
Rating: 5 out of 5.44 ratingsUse up leftover roast or ready-cooked chicken in this healthy and warming soup, spiced with cumin and chilli25 minsEasyHealthy
Meatball & tomato soup
Rating: 5 out of 5.72 ratingsGet three of your 5-a-day in one serving with this healthy, low-calorie tomato soup. The addition of meatballs and giant couscous means it’s filling, too20 minsEasyHealthy
Spring tabbouleh
Rating: 4 out of 5.16 ratingsA simple, budget, spring salad that can add a healthy dose of vegetables to your midweek meal. This easy vegan dish also makes great leftover lunches45 minsEasyHealthyVegan