Budget Friendly Meal Prep

Planning, preparing, and portioning your meals ahead of time is one of the most effective tools for keeping your food budget in check. We have over a hundred budget-friendly meal prep ideas to keep your taste buds happy, your belly full, and your budget on track! New to meal prepping? Check out our Meal Prep 101 before you begin.

Looking for pre-made meal plans? With a Budget Bytes+ membership, you’ll get a brand-new meal plan every week—designed to save you time, money, and stress in the kitchen (plus more)!

This Cheeseburger Meatloaf Meal Prep is an easy American classic meal that you'll look forward to each day. Toss the TV dinners and make your own! Budgetbytes.com

Popular Meal Prep Recipes

Smoky Chicken and Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potato Meal Prep

$9.43 recipe / $2.36 serving

Four glass meal prep containers lined up with roasted vegetable couscous. Two with chicken and two with chickpeas

Roasted Vegetable Couscous Meal Prep

$12.01 recipe / $4.00 serving

Three glass containers filled with hummus lunch box ingredients

The Hummus Lunch Box

$8.04 recipe / $2.01 serving

Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

$5.30 recipe / $1.33 serving

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

$8.05 recipe / $1.61 serving

Meal Prep Ideas for an Easy Breakfast

Newest Budget Friendly Meal Prep

Spaetzle

$1.64 recipe / $0.27 serving

This easy Spaetzle recipe uses flour, eggs, and milk to make tender German noodles tossed in butter and parsley. Simple, cheap, and delicious!

woman comparing two cans of tomato sauce at grocery store

Stretching Every Dollar: Smart Grocery Shopping Tips When You’re Already Pinching Pennies

Stretch your grocery budget with practical tips for saving money, feeding your family well, and making every dollar count—without the stress

Peach Crisp

$8.24 recipe / $1.03 serving

This easy Peach Crisp recipe is made with juicy peaches, warm spices, and a buttery oat-almond topping. A simple, cozy dessert for summer or anytime!

Overhead view of sheet pan honey mustard chicken with veggies.

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies

$8.45 recipe / $2.11 serving

This Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies is a family favorite! Sweet, tangy sauce, hearty roasted vegetables, and juicy chicken thighs made in one pan.

Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie

$7.24 recipe / $1.21 serving

This Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie is a crustless, cheesy bake with fresh corn, tender squash, and eggs. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Dunkaroos

$6.11 recipe / $0.30 serving

This homemade Dunkaroos recipe brings back the '90s with crispy cinnamon graham cookies and vanilla rainbow sprinkle frosting for dipping!

Cold Brew Coffee

$3.40 recipe / $0.68 serving

This easy Cold Brew Coffee recipe makes a smooth, rich coffee that's less bitter than drip and perfect over ice!

Summer Peach Pork Chops

$7.22 recipe / $1.81 serving

These easy Summer Peach Pork Chops with fresh peaches and a sweet and tangy balsamic Dijon sauce are a simple one-skillet dinner for the summertime!

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

$4.46 recipe / $0.56 serving

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is loaded with crunchy pickles, cheddar, bacon, and a creamy homemade dressing. Tangy, fresh, and perfect for BBQs or picnics!

Overhead view of savory braised peach chicken in a skillet.

Braised Chicken and Peaches

$13.60 recipe / $2.72 serving

This one-pan Braised Chicken and Peaches recipe has tender chicken, jammy peaches, and fresh basil for a savory-sweet dinner everyone will love!

Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad

$5.53 recipe / $0.69 serving

This easy Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad is made with smoky corn, zesty lime, and creamy queso fresco for a fresh BBQ, potluck, or weeknight side dish!

A homemade vanilla cake with chocolate frosting, with a slice being taken.

Classic Vanilla Cake

$5.54 recipe / $0.54 serving

This Classic Vanilla Cake is moist, fluffy, and made completely from scratch! Great for birthdays, parties, or topping with your favorite frosting.