A few years ago, my husband Matthew and I made a DEAL: we’d stop wasting money on takeout and actually cook at home.
Sounds easy, right? WRONG.
That first month, we thought we were meal-planning geniuses. We stocked up on bulk rice, pasta, and cans of beans, patting ourselves on the back for our newfound frugality.
But by week two? We were practically begging for a change. If I never see another bowl of sad, overcooked lentils again, it’ll be too soon.
What we learned (the hard way) is that eating on a budget doesn’t mean eating the same thing over and over.
It just takes a little creativity, a SOLID PLAN, and knowing which ingredients give you the most bang for your buck.
That’s why we put together these 15 cheap meal plans for two, packed with variety, flavor, and absolutely zero sad lentils (unless you love them, then by all means, go wild).
These meals are affordable, easy to make, and actually DELICIOUS, so you can eat well without draining your bank account or your sanity.
So grab a grocery list, and let’s make cheap, homemade dinners something to look forward to.
15 Cheap Meal Plan Ideas for Two
Cooking for two on a budget doesn’t have to mean boring, repetitive meals or living off instant noodles.
With a little planning and a few budget-friendly staples, you can whip up delicious, satisfying meals without BREAKING the bank!
These 15 cheap meal ideas are perfect for busy nights, tight grocery budgets, or just making dinner easy.
They use simple ingredients, minimal effort, and plenty of flavor, because eating on a budget should still feel like a treat.
One Pot Veggie Pasta
This one pot veggie pasta is an easy, satisfying, and quick dinner. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand and make it your own!
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Crock Pot Chili with Beans
This easy crock pot chili recipe is easy to throw together and the slow cooker does all the work! There is nothing better than tasty chili!
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Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food featuring fluffy mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and more delicious toppings.
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Braised Chicken with Carrots and Potatoes
This recipe for braised chicken with carrots and potatoes combines seared chicken thighs and veggies in a single dish that makes for an easy dinner.
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Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
One of the best comfort foods made with healthy ingredients, this creamy tomato soup will fill you up and make you enjoy lunch.
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10-Minute Tortilla Pizza
Amazing Tortilla Pizza that tastes just like a crispy flatbread pizza. Only 5 ingredients and 8 minutes to bake – so easy and yummy!
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Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
Light and healthy Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers filled with seasoned ground turkey, brown rice, corn and black beans all topped with melted cheese!
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Pantry Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Pantry Spaghetti alla Puttanesca: a deliciously easy-to prepare pasta dish with ingredients you can keep in your pantry at all times. Spaghetti is tossed with a simple pan sauce made with onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and the brininess of capers and olives. If you’re looking for an easy and last-minute vegetarian meal, this is it! Or, add some shrimp or chicken for some extra protein.
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Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken
Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken is a one-pan wonder featuring tender chicken smothered in a creamy garlic sauce and earthy mushrooms!
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Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies
Make weeknights easy, and prepare this sweet and tangy sheet pan baked honey mustard chicken recipe with veggies in under an hour!
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Bean and Cheese Burritos (With Seasoned Rice)
These Bean and Cheese Burritos are an explosion of flavor! They’ve got creamy & seasoned beans, Mexican-spiced rice, crisp corn, and beans.
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Homemade Vegetable Soup
Homemade Vegetable Soup is loaded with vibrant veggies, tomatoes, beans and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s a full of flavor feel good soup!
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Easy Tuna Patties
This tuna patties recipe makes a crowd-pleasing easy dinner! The tuna cakes are tender on the inside with a golden crisp exterior.
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Easy Fried Rice
Learn how to make fried rice! Made in less than 20 minutes, this easy recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. Feed the entire family with this super fast and easy meal. See all the ways to customize this recipe to your preferences. This is one of my favorite ways to use up whatever is leftover in the fridge!
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Cheesy Bacon Potato Frittata
This super simple bacon-egg-cheddar frittata with potato crust makes the most mouthwatering meal anytime of day. Slide a cup of coffee and a stack of buttery toast alongside for breakfast, or a light green salad and white wine for dinner.
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