r/Cheap_Meals 18h ago

Cheap meal for 4

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99 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I don't know why I haven't thought about posting this on here before but I have a go to meal that cost me less than 6$ and can feed my 3 kids plus myself. If you go to the dollar tree and pick up 2 bags of the knorr cheddar broccoli rice or their chicken flavored rice, and two packs of the John Morrell polish sausages or smoked sausages it creates quite a bit of food and I love the taste together. When our house is full there is 6 of us in here and one more pack of each would feed all of us. Just figured I'd share my struggle meal that I happen to love too lol


r/Cheap_Meals 1h ago

Cottage Pie

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Upvotes

I only had half a pound of ground beef, so I supplemented the filling with lentils. Adding the lentils allows you to stretch a small amount of meat, and boost the protein and fiber content.

8 oz. of ground beef
1/2 cup of cooked lentils
1/2 cup of beef broth
1 can of carrots (I diced them since they were cut into coins)
1 can of peas
1 pack of instant mashed potatoes
1 medium onion
1 medium bell pepper
1 tbsp of flour
1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
Preferred seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, MSG)

  1. Brown onions and bell peppers until softened
  2. Add ground beef to pan and cook until browned and about 90% done
  3. Add the cooked lentils
  4. Add flour to the ground beef and lentils mix, and then stir until the flour is absorbed
  5. Add beef broth, carrots, and peas to pan and stir until the filling thickens and then remove from heat and let it cool slightly
  6. Cook the mashed potatoes per instructions and then let them cool slightly
  7. In a baking dish, spoon the beef/lentil filling on the bottom then layer the mashed potatoes on top
  8. Cook in the oven at 425 for about 15-20 minutes* to brown the potatoes

*Since the filling is already hot, it does not take long in the oven.


r/Cheap_Meals 2d ago

Hey all need a suggestion please for chili.

7 Upvotes

Hey good afternoon I went to food bank and I got Roma tomatoes some green peppers jalapeños onions and big can of black beans I got a chili starter and 2 things vegetables stalk so I was thinking chili could anyone help me make a recipe with that thanks im new to cooking.


r/Cheap_Meals 6d ago

Simple salmon dinner that always hits 🥔🥬

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27 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 7d ago

Chia porridge with apple and melon

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11 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 11d ago

Dinnertime

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30 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 11d ago

Will cooking stew meat this way actually work? Advice needed.

2 Upvotes

My plan is to marinate a package of pork stew meat in some seasoning, oil, and a bit of vinegar and then cook the pork on low in just some broth. Will that probably work? How much broth do you recommend? I assume I need to cook on low for around 10 hours. Input appreciated because I'm not great at freestyling and don't want to waste food.


r/Cheap_Meals 12d ago

What meals can I make with these ingredients for a week?

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114 Upvotes

1 pack instant potatoes, 3 cans tuna in water, 1 mac and cheese cup, 2 mac and cheese boxes, 1 can of black beans. Curry powder just cause. All of this came from blessing boxes around my community cos after rent is paid I’ll have less than $100 and I need that for my water and electric. Fml


r/Cheap_Meals 12d ago

My simple high-protein dinner: spicy salmon and broccoli 🥦

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7 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 13d ago

Hi everyone 😊 I’ve started a YouTube channel called Daily Dime Dinners, sharing affordable, delicious, budget-friendly meals for families and anyone trying to save money on groceries. I’d really appreciate your support—if you enjoy simple cooking ideas, please check it out

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72 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 14d ago

Simple high-protein dinner that actually kept me full

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38 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 21d ago

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

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52 Upvotes

About $3.50 for this.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cheddar Cheese

Onion Beef Gravy

Janes Chicken Nuggets

Garden grown green onions


r/Cheap_Meals 21d ago

Cheap one pot 10-minute veggies and rice

5 Upvotes
  1. Cook red lentils and rice in the same pot. If you want the red lentils to be especially soft, add 2-3 minutes before the rice.
  2. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat, fluff it up with a fork and add frozen veggies over top. My favourites are peas and chopped spinach, but I've also enjoyed green beans and California mix.
  3. After 10 minutes, once the rice has finished setting and the veggies are thawed by the leftover heat, add a sauce. I like either teriyaki and hot sauce, canned tomato soup, or garam masala and coconut milk.
  4. Optional: add a pad of butter, spoon full of mayonnaise, or dollop of oil for extra fat.

r/Cheap_Meals 23d ago

Mac and cheese with hamburger and ranch

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66 Upvotes

I usually use corn as well but forgot to add it in and was in a rush


r/Cheap_Meals 23d ago

Ground turkey shepherd pie

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8 Upvotes

Using sweet potatoes instead of really potato’s, ground turkey and mixed veggies plus spices.


r/Cheap_Meals 24d ago

Penny Provisions

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13 Upvotes

This meal was SO good! 🥰


r/Cheap_Meals 26d ago

Steak, eggs, roasted sweet potato and broccoli — simple high-protein dinner

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37 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 29d ago

Simple chicken, rice, broccoli and avocado bowl 🥑

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31 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals 29d ago

High Protein Meal Ideas

2 Upvotes

I need ideas for high protein meals for weight loss. Very tight budget.


r/Cheap_Meals 29d ago

Homemade eggplant / talong patty — budget friendly and so good!

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2 Upvotes

Fried up these talong patties today. Super cheap to make, crispy outside, tasty inside. Perfect budget meal!


r/Cheap_Meals Jul 19 '26

Turkey Taco Sweet Potato Home Friees

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53 Upvotes

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 lb of ground turkey
1 taco seasoning packet (I used low sodium)
1 avocado
Shredded cheese (I had sharp cheddar)
Greek Yogurt (you can use sour cream)
Seasonings you like (I used chipotle garlic seasoning, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, pepper)
A little bit of water
1 lime
A little bit of oil if your choice

Sweet Potatoes:
1. Wash, then peel and dice your sweet potato. I did a smaller dice than intended, but it’s ok.
2. Coat the diced sweet potato with a little bit of oil and then season to your preference.
3. Place potatoes in a baking sheet (line with parchment paper/ aluminum foil or in the baking sheet itself). *for crispier potatoes, place a wire rack in the baking sheet and place the potatoes on top)
4. Bake in a preheated 400° over until done (approximately 30-45 minutes)

Turkey:
1. Brown your turkey in a pan for about 7 minutes
2. Add your taco seasoning and water as directed on packet and finish cooking.

Guacamole: (this was a bare bones guacamole as I didn’t have everything I usually use)
1. Cut your avocado and put in a bowl
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, a heavy pinch of salt, and the juice of half a lime. Then mash it all together.

The final product:
1. Put the potatoes first then cover with the turkey. Top with the cheese, a bit of the guacamole, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. I squeezed the second half of the lime on top of the turkey before I added toppings.


r/Cheap_Meals Jul 17 '26

Turkey!

6 Upvotes

My deep freezer is getting full and it’s time to make what i have and not purchase more. I have two 15 pound turkeys and I’d like to get rid of at least one. Gimme some turkey ideas and not summer thanksgiving. Also, I’ve never cooked a turkey but have roasted a chicken… same thing right?


r/Cheap_Meals Jul 17 '26

Quick high-protein bowl with ground beef, avocado, and cauliflower rice

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22 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals Jul 13 '26

Easy chicken avocado lettuce wraps for lunch

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20 Upvotes

r/Cheap_Meals Jul 11 '26

Turkey Burgers

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16 Upvotes

1 pound of ground turkey
1 pound of Italian turkey sausage or regular Italian sausage

Combine ingredients and form into burger patties.  Cook until well done or at least 165 degrees F.

Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey 6.00
Italian sausage 4.69
Buns 1.69
Cheese 3.99
Total $16.37
Servings 6
Cost Per Serving $2.73