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41 Cheap Meal Prep Recipes You’ll Love

In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of meal prep cannot be overstated. By preparing your meals in advance, you can save time, reduce waste, and stick to your budget—especially important in the current economic climate. If you’re looking for delicious and affordable meal prep ideas that are easy to make, look no further. Here are 41 cheap meal prep recipes you’ll love.

1. Chickpea Salad

Combine canned chickpeas, diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing salad.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry

A medley of your favourite vegetables stir-fried with soy sauce and garlic, served with rice or noodles.

3. Oven-Baked Frittata

Whisk eggs with spinach, cheese, and leftover vegetables. Bake in the oven for a protein-packed meal that lasts all week.

4. Lentil Soup

Simple and hearty, this soup can be made with lentils, carrots, celery, and spices—perfect for batch cooking.

5. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Mix cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, avocado, and lime for a nutritious, filling meal.

6. Pasta Primavera

Toss pasta with seasonal vegetables and a light olive oil dressing. It’s versatile and can easily be modified according to what you have on hand.

7. Sweet Potato and Chickpeas

Roast sweet potatoes and chickpeas, seasoned with cumin and paprika. Serve with a drizzle of tahini for added flavour.

8. Cottage Pie

Use minced beef or lentils, layered with mashed potatoes, for a comforting meal that freezes well.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, beans, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender.

10. Overnight Oats

Combine oats with milk or yoghurt, and your choice of fruit and nuts in a jar for a quick breakfast ready to go.

11. Chicken Fried Rice

Use leftover chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables to whip up this easy fried rice dish.

12. Vegetable Curry

Stir up a batch of vegetable curry with coconut milk and lentils, great served with rice or bread.

13. Tuna Pasta Bake

Pasta with tuna, sweetcorn, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.

14. Minestrone Soup

A hearty Italian soup made with tomatoes, beans, pasta, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered together.

15. Spicy Chickpea Wraps

Stuff wraps with spicy roasted chickpeas, lettuce, and a dollop of yoghurt for a quick lunch.

16. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Sauté shredded cabbage with carrots and onions for a simple, budget-friendly stir-fry.

17. Baked Oatmeal

Mix oats with milk, eggs, and your favourite fruit, bake until set, and cut into squares for breakfast.

18. Curried Lentils

Cook lentils with curry powder, tomatoes, and spinach for a protein-rich dish.

19. Vegetable Quesadillas

Stuff tortillas with cheese, beans, and assorted vegetables, then toast until golden.

20. Homemade Hummus

Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic into a creamy hummus. Serve with sliced veggies or pita.

21. Porridge with Fruit

Cook oats with water or milk, topped with seasonal fruit and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

22. Baked Potatoes

Cook potatoes in the oven and top with beans, cheese, or any other leftover topping you fancy.

23. Egg Curry

Boil eggs and simmer them in a spiced tomato sauce for a flavoursome dish that pairs perfectly with rice.

24. Homemade Pizza

Use store-bought dough, top with tomato sauce and veggies, and bake for a fun family meal.

25. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic dish combines spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil for a quick and inexpensive meal.

26. Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Grate cauliflower as a rice alternative and mix with your choice of vegetables and protein.

27. Greek Salad with Feta

Toss together cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta for a refreshing, no-cook meal.

28. Chilli Con Carne

Simmer minced meat or beans with kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices for a warming dish.

29. Pasta Salad

Combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto for a satisfying salad.

30. Baked Ratatouille

Layer sliced vegetables and bake with olive oil and herbs for a flavour-packed dish.

31. Barley and Vegetable Salad

Mix cooked barley with seasonal vegetables, a squeeze of lemon juice, and herbs.

32. Savory Oatmeal

Cook oats with vegetable broth and top with sautéed greens and a fried egg.

33. Zucchini Fritters

Grate zucchini, mix with flour, and pan-fry for crispy fritters, perfect for lunches.

34. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Fill halved zucchinis with a mixture of quinoa, cheese, and spices, then bake until tender.

35. Couscous Salad

Mix couscous with diced vegetables, olives, and a tangy dressing for a quick and healthy meal.

36. Bulgur Wheat Pilaf

Cook bulgur wheat with spices and vegetables for a nutritious base for many dishes.

37. Potato and Leek Soup

Blend potatoes and leeks with stock for a creamy and comforting soup.

38. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Blend banana, milk, and peanut butter for a nutritious breakfast smoothie.

39. Cabbage and Sausage Bake

Layer sliced cabbage and sausage, bake with a bit of broth for an easy one-pan dish.

40. Rice and Peas

Combine rice with kidney beans and spices for a traditional dish that’s budget-friendly.

41. Fruit and Yoghurt Parfaits

Layer yoghurt with seasonal fruits and granola for a quick and nutritious snack or breakfast.

Conclusion

With these 41 cheap meal prep recipes, your meal planning can become more manageable, tasty, and economical. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, these dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also keep your wallet happy. Happy cooking!