When you’re cooking on a tight budget, it can feel like comfort food is off the table. But some of the best meals are the simplest! In this post, I’m sharing 4 budget meals under $1 that make the most of pantry staples, stretch ingredients, and deliver that cozy, home-cooked feeling we all crave—without breaking the bank.
Let’s dig in!
Rice & Beans with Veggies
~$0.75 per serving | Makes 6 servingsA complete protein, a blank canvas for your favorite toppings, and endlessly adaptable. This meal is a weeknight staple around here.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 can black or pinto beans drained
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp cumin, salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
- 3 cups water or broth
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and spices, stir for 30 seconds.
- Stir in rice to coat with the spices.
- Add water or broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in beans and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serving Ideas:
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or use it as a burrito filling!
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or use it as a burrito filling!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Hearty Lentil Soup
~$0.50 per serving | Makes 6 servingsThis one-pot lentil soup is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s my go-to when I want something nutritious and warming that freezes well and doesn’t break the bank.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups broth or water
- 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in lentils, tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Serve hot with bread or over rice. Leftovers freeze beautifully!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Cabbage & Potato Stir-Fry
~$0.65 per serving | Makes 4 servingsThis rustic dish turns humble veggies into something cozy and satisfying. It’s naturally vegan, very filling, and incredibly affordable.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head cabbage shredded
- 3 medium potatoes diced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp oil
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder or splash of vinegar
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add potatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add onions and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Stir in cabbage and seasonings. Mix well.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes until everything is golden and tender.
Notes
Try It With:
A fried egg on top, a side of sausage, or tucked into a wrap.
A fried egg on top, a side of sausage, or tucked into a wrap.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Chicken & Dumplings
~$1.00 per serving | Makes 6 servingsStretch a single chicken leg quarter into a full, comforting meal with fluffy dumplings and rich broth. This one’s a favorite on chilly days.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 chicken leg quarter or 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp thyme
For the dumplings:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion, carrots, and garlic 3–5 minutes.
- Add chicken, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
- Mix dumpling ingredients into a thick dough. Drop spoonfuls into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings should be light and fluffy.
Notes
Optional Add-Ins:
Frozen peas, corn, or a splash of cream.
Frozen peas, corn, or a splash of cream.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. These simple meals bring big flavor, real nourishment, and that feel-good, home-cooked comfort—all without breaking the bank.
If you loved these recipes and want more like them, be sure to join my email list for seasonal cooking inspiration, pantry tips, and practical ways to make the most of your grocery budget.
