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

22 Cozy Casserole Recipes

Get inspired with 22 cozy casseroles that stretch your budget and simplify mealtime. From comforting mains to classic sides and make-ahead breakfast bakes!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

$4.52 recipe / $0.65 serving

Make creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with just a few simple ingredients. A fuss-free side that saves time and turns out perfectly every time.

Texas Chili

$9.14 recipe / $2.29 serving

A bold, budget-friendly Texas Chili recipe made with ground beef, chipotles, and warm spices for rich, smoky flavor without the beans.

Side view of a plate of Cincinnati chili with shredded cheese and diced onions.

Skyline Chili (Cincinnati Chili)

$11.70 recipe / $2.92 serving

Recreate the famous Skyline flavor with this Cincinnati Chili recipe! The spiced beef sauce is simmered, not browned, and served over spaghetti with cheddar and onions.

Cheesy Kidney Bean Quesadillas

$4.05 recipe / $0.81 serving

These Cheesy Kidney Bean Quesadillas are quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. A family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!

Overhead view of of a vegetarian lentil meatloaf with half cut into slices.

Lentil Loaf

$9.55 recipe / $0.95 serving

A cozy vegan Lentil Loaf recipe packed with protein-rich lentils, veggies, and a sweet-savory glaze. Easy comfort food made plant-based!

Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

$10.84 recipe / $1.81 serving

This Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole with mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella is creamy and comforting. An easy, family-friendly fall dinner with holiday flavors!

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

$13.56 recipe / $1.13 serving

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, sour cream, and cheddar. An easy side for the holidays or anytime.

Vegetarian Chili

$9.93 recipe / $1.65 serving

This hearty vegetarian chili is cozy, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. With beans, spices, and molasses, it’s the perfect comforting meal.

30 Minute Posole

$8.50 recipe / $1.42 serving

Use your leftover pulled pork and a quick homemade enchilada sauce to make this super fast and easy, intensely flavored 30 Minute Posole.

Birria Tacos

$21.01 recipe / $2.63 serving

These easy Birria Tacos are loaded with juicy shredded beef, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. Made in the slow-cooker and freezer-friendly!

Overhead view of a vegan tofu curry on a plate with white rice.

Tofu, Spinach, and Green Pea Curry

$12.66 recipe / $2.53 serving

This vegan Tofu, Spinach, and Green Pea Curry is simmered with warm spices, fresh ingredients, and coconut milk. A simple tofu curry recipe anyone can make!