Cheap Healthy Meals: 15 Dinners Under $2 Per Serving
Eating healthy does not have to be expensive. Here are 15 nutritious dinners that cost under $2 per serving.
The Budget Cooking Basics
Eating healthy on a budget is about building meals around cheap nutritious staples: rice, beans, lentils, eggs, frozen vegetables, oats, potatoes, and canned tomatoes. These ingredients cost pennies per serving and form the base of hundreds of delicious meals. Buy in bulk when possible and build a well-stocked pantry over time.
Rice and Bean Meals (Under $1/Serving)
Rice and beans together form a complete protein. Cook a big batch of rice and a big batch of seasoned black beans at the start of the week. From there: burrito bowls with salsa and cheese, rice and beans with a fried egg on top, bean soup with rice, or stuffed peppers. Season differently each day and it never gets boring.
Egg-Based Dinners ($1–1.50/Serving)
Eggs are the cheapest complete protein available. A dozen costs $3–5 and provides 6 meals. Frittata with whatever vegetables you have, shakshuka (eggs in spiced tomato sauce), egg fried rice with frozen vegetables, or a simple omelette with cheese. All of these take under 15 minutes to cook.
One-Pot Meals ($1.50–2/Serving)
One-pot meals save time and money. Lentil soup with carrots and celery, pasta with canned tomato sauce and frozen spinach, chicken thigh stew with potatoes and onions, or chili with ground turkey and kidney beans. Cook a large batch and eat for 3–4 days.
Smart Shopping Tips
Buy store brand everything — it is literally the same food in different packaging. Buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh — they are just as nutritious, last longer, and cost less. Check the unit price, not the sticker price. Buy whole chickens instead of boneless skinless breasts. Use the bones to make stock for free soup base.
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