Let’s be honest—being broke sucks. But just because your bank account is running dry, it does not mean you also have to starve. Whether you’re pinching pennies until payday, trying to make ends meet on a tight budget, or just flat-out broke, there are still plenty of tasty meals out there that won’t cost you a fortune. If you are looking for cheap meals to eat when you are broke, I have some tips for you.
In this post, I’ve put together a list of 14 affordable meals to eat when you’re broke to help you save money. Even if you are not a good cook, these recipes are simple to make and don’t require much effort or expense.
Let’s get started.
1. Lentil soup
Are you looking for delicious and affordable meals to enjoy on a budget? If you do, then lentil soup might be your best option. Not only are lentils easy to prepare and cook, but they are also packed with numerous nutrients, making them a great meal option when you are broke. As noted by Crop Trust, lentils are rich in protein and packed with fiber and essential nutrients. These nutritional benefits make lentils a good alternative protein source, especially when meat is unaffordable or scarce in your area.
You also don’t need to spend a lot of money to prepare a lentil soup. With just lentils, onions, garlic, and some cheap seasoning, you can cook a healthy meal that won’t break your bank. To spend the least amount on lentils, try buying them in bulk at stores like Sam’s Club or Costco.
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2. Rice and beans
We cannot move any further through the list of best meals to eat when you’re broke without talking about rice and beans. Rice and beans are the ultimate budget-friendly meal because they are incredibly affordable and staple foods that can be purchased in bulk for just a few dollars, thereby stretching your grocery budget for weeks.
Another good reason to eat beans and rice when you’re broke is that they are nutritionally complete when combined. Rice and beans provide all the essential amino acids, including proteins and other minerals, without the high cost of meat. There are also countless recipes you can make with rice and beans, such as burritos, stir-fries, or soups.
3. Pasta and tomato sauce
Pasta is very cheap and, therefore, a great food to eat when you are broke. All you need is pasta sauce, pasta, some protein, and your choice of vegetables. You can create a pasta recipe for under $3! If you don’t have enough money to buy meat-based protein, try using plant-based protein from plants like sweet peas and pigeon peas.
If you are interested in more savings, check out these 22 clever ways to live cheaply without feeling poor.
4. Homemade pizza
A great way to save money on food is to prepare it at home. If you enjoy eating pizza and baking, pizza might be one of the cheapest meals to save money easily. This is because pizza flour is typically inexpensive, regardless of where it is purchased. It becomes even more affordable when purchased at club stores like Sam’s Club and Costco.
Other ingredients you need to create a homemade tasty pizza at a cheap price include, but are not limited to, tomato sauce and your favorite affordable toppings.
5. Stuffed bell peppers
Bell peppers are cheaper compared to other ingredients you might need to create stuffed meals. If you want to save money on food while eating healthy, try making stuffed bell pepper recipes. All you need are fresh bell peppers and stuffing of your choice. I like to use rice with canned or fresh veggies. Adding some protein also helps complete the meal. Again, this is a simple meal that doesn’t require a lot of money or effort to create.
6. Eggs and toast
Still looking for the best cheap meals to eat when you are broke? I’m not sure about you, but when I was broke, eggs were my primary food source, and I still think they’re superb for low-income earners looking for affordable meals to save money.
Eggs are a perfect choice for saving money on food because they are both nutritious and economical. I used to buy a big box of 62 eggs for only $5, and that box used to last for weeks. Some of the cheap recipes to make with eggs include scrambled eggs, omelets, hard-boiled eggs, egg-stuffed peppers, and egg salad, to name a few. You can also pair your eggs with toast to make a filling meal without breaking the bank.
7. Tuna pasta salad
Another excellent option for affordable meals when you’re on a budget is tuna pasta salad. This is because Tuna is cheap, especially canned tuna. If you don’t like Tuna, use chicken as a substitute. To make this affordable recipe, cook mixed pasta and add tuna or pre-cooked chicken, along with some vegetables. To enhance the flavor of the food, add your favorite dressings or spices, such as salt and pepper.
8. Fried rice
Rice is easy to cook with and inexpensive to buy when you’re broke. There are many recipes you can make with rice at a low cost. Stir-fry is one of the best recipes to make with rice on a low income. Don’t forget to add in the vegetables, eggs, and other protein sources, if available. You can also use soy sauce or other sources of your choice to enhance the taste.
9. Peanut butter sandwiches
I am not a big fan of eating peanut butter and bread. However, if you’re on a budget, peanut butter sandwiches can save you a significant amount of money. This is because both peanut butter and bread have a longer shelf life, and peanut butter is rich in protein. Additionally, the sandwich is easy and quick to prepare, making it a perfect meal for those with a busy schedule.
10. Cabbage rolls
Try cabbage rolls if you want to make tasty, cheap meals. If you have never heard of it, a cabbage roll is a dish made by wrapping a filling, typically a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, inside a softened cabbage leaf, then cooking it in a flavorful sauce, often tomato-based. It’s a popular comfort food in many cultures, including Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines.
What makes cabbage rolls some of the best meals to eat when you are broke is that all the ingredients you need to make them are cheap. For example, you can buy a cage for as little as 2 dollars. Filling the required amount would also not cost more than $2 to $3. You need to be creative.
11. Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas are some of the best meals to eat when you’re broke. But what are chickpeas, and why do they make the list of cheap meals to eat when you are broke? Chickpeas are a type of legume with a nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Their sizes are similar to those of regular peas, but they resemble peanuts more closely.
Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, and some people use them as a substitute for meat. They also taste good. Making chickpea curry is one of the best ways to eat them. You can also eat chickpeas in a salad.
12. Ramen noodles
I know you might not like ramen noodles, and I cannot blame you. I don’t like them either. However, if you are serious about saving money on food, consider eating ramen noodles. While ramen noodles are some of the best meals to eat when you are poor, they don’t have a lot of nutrients.
That is why you need to combine them with some form of protein to have a complete meal. If you don’t have enough money to buy meat, pair your ramen noodles with eggs and vegetables.
13. Potatoes
Potatoes are among the most affordable foods you can buy. While they don’t have a lot of nutrition, combining them with a small amount of protein, such as peas or meat, can help you get the necessary nutrition without spending too much money. In most places, you can buy a few pounds of potatoes for as little as $5, which can last you for a few days.
There are many ways to cook potatoes, including baking, frying, or making a stew. For example, combining a few potatoes, an egg, and some flour can result in delicious potato pancakes, which are a budget-friendly yet filling meal.
14. Cornbread and chili
I know many people don’t like cornbread. But when you are broke, your options are usually limited. You cannot pick and choose. If you’re ready to make a budget-friendly meal, eating cornbread with chili is a great way to save money. Cornbread and chili are so affordable that you can easily create an entire meal for just a few dollars.
