15 Cheapest Lunch Ideas
Looking for tasty lunch options that won’t drain your wallet? You’re in the right place!
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, packing a quick bite for work, or simply trying to cut down on takeout, these 15 cheap lunch ideas prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for savings.
From hearty rice bowls and filling wraps to comforting soups and creative sandwiches, each recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and seriously satisfying.
These meals are perfect for busy days when you need something fast, affordable, and delicious. Even better? Most of them use simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
So if you’re ready to stretch your grocery budget without feeling deprived, dive into these lunch ideas that taste like a splurge—but cost next to nothing.
1
Chicken Salad Sandwiches – The Cookin Chicks
Discover new ways to upgrade your lunch with these tasty Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Easy to make and so many ways to dress it up!
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2
Vegan Black Bean Burrito
Looking for a healthy vegan burrito recipe full of veggies? Try out my super simple recipe that can be used for lunches, dinners, or even a protein rich snack! Kids will love it, even if they simply use the filling as a dip for crackers! Save time in the kitchen by batch cooking the filling and spending only 5 minutes making dinner each night with this recipe!
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3
Vietnamese Fried Rice with Shrimp and Sausage
Skip the takeout—this easy Vietnamese Fried Rice is loaded with shrimp, Chinese sausage, veggies, and crispy rice. Ready in under 30 minutes!
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4
Italian Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Ready in under 20 minutes, this Italian Pasta with Broccoli recipe is the perfect meatless Monday or weeknight dinner!
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5
Easy Spinach Garlic Pasta With Peas
An easy Spinach Garlic Pasta With Peas that is flavorful and combines gluten-free pasta with vibrant spinach, aromatic garlic, onion, sugar snap peas, and peas, olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
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6
Cranberry Chicken
Coated in a sweet and savory glaze and made in under 30 minutes, this delish Cranberry Chicken will be on the table in the blink of an eye.
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7
Pull Apart Pizza Bread – The Cookin Chicks
Pull Apart Pizza Bread comes together in no time and makes a great snack or meal option! Add your favorite ingredients and have fun with it!
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8
Tuna Fried Rice
This is the best tuna fried rice recipe. It’s easy, healthy and made with canned tuna, egg and vegetables. It only takes 15 minutes to make.
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9
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
This delicious loaded baked potato casserole recipe takes your passion for baked potatoes to a whole new
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10
Easy Penne Pomodoro
This penne pomodoro recipe is an easy dinner that can be made in less than 30 minutes, made with canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes!
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11
Tasty Salmon Head Soup On a Budget (Step-By-Step Recipe)
Creamy, nutritious, and budget-friendly, this flavorful dish uses salmon scraps to create a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
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12
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner
This easy and healthy harvest sheet pan dinner has chicken apple sausage, Brussels sprouts, shallots, sweet potatoes, and rosemary for a sweet and savory fall meal you’ll love.
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13
Savoury Mince
This easy savoury mince recipe made with beef mince and vegetables is a delicious and versatile recipe and freezes well too. Enjoy with toast, potatoes, rice or pasta, or make into lasagne or pies.
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14
Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Buttered Rice: A $5 Meal
Looking for an easy weeknight meal that is budget friendly? My Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Buttered Rice costs just $5!
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15
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Enjoy juicy chicken thighs and veggies in one simple dish. This delicious and healthy sheet pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
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