Why I Stopped Meal Prepping And Use 29 Cheap Meals

Meal prepping once seemed like the answer to everything. Then the fridge turned into a sad lineup of identical boxes staring back in judgment. Swapping that for 29 cheap meals brought back variety and a lot less guilt about throwing things out. Turns out, saving money doesn’t have to mean eating the same thing until you lose track of the days.

French Onion Casserole

You wouldn’t believe how simple French Onion Casserole is to throw together whenever you crave something hearty. It’s cheesy, comforting, and great for any day when you need something easy. This one’s perfect if you’re bored of the same old weekly rotation. Forget meal prepping, make something affordable and good right now!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Switch things up a bit with Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies when you’re done with bland and boring. It’s a filling and quick combination that’s affordable. It’s great to stick to inexpensive meals, especially when money feels tight. Not prepping ahead means meals like this stay fresh and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Amish Breakfast Casserole

For an affordable, no-hassle start to the morning, Amish Breakfast Casserole is a solid option. It’s hearty, easy, and packed with things to keep you full. Reheating the same meal just doesn’t hit the same as making it fresh. This one’s way cheaper than some overcomplicated breakfast prep meal.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Got a crowd or just feeding yourself? Ham and Swiss Sliders make a quick fix for any situation. They’re simple, inexpensive, and way more satisfying than eating leftover meal prep food. Plus, you can make exactly what you need rather than cooking in bulk that gets repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Tired of overthinking meals? Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are an easy pick for when you want something cheap, fast, and filling. Fresh is always better than trying to make prepped food exciting again. Making each meal as you go, like this one, is the way to stretch your budget and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Healthy Chicken Salad

Whenever lunch feels boring, Healthy Chicken Salad can be a fresh and affordable option. It skips the priciness of eating out, and you can make just enough for now. Keeping meals fresh like this stops you from relying on repetitive plans. No elaborate prepping, the less work, the better.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Birria Ramen

You don’t always need fancy meals to make your week better. Birria Ramen mixes affordability and comfort into one dish. It’s a surprising way to combine two everyday classics. This option skips the work of meal prepping but still feels fun and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Breakfast Casserole

Getting out of bed is easier when you know Breakfast Casserole is waiting. It’s hearty enough to keep you going but doesn’t cost much. The meal’s simplicity cuts the work in your morning routine. Think of it as a time-saver that keeps things affordable and filling.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Thinking about quick and affordable dinners, BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes always feels like the answer. It’s more exciting than reheating prepped meals and saves money on takeout. These are a great way to use minimal ingredients while keeping things interesting. No extra fuss, just good, fresh eating.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Asian Slaw

Sometimes you just need something light and budget-friendly, like Asian Slaw. It’s refreshing, quick to mix up, and goes with almost anything. No need for expensive, elaborate ingredients to make something worth eating. And by skipping meal prep, you keep your meals fresher and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

General Tso’s Chicken

Ready for takeout taste at home? General Tso’s Chicken is quick, inexpensive, and easily made fresh every time you want it. Forget meal prepping; this beats reheated leftovers. You save money, and every time you cook, it feels like something new.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Cowboy Casserole

If you need a hearty fix, Cowboy Casserole is affordable and super easy. No need to waste time planning meals ahead, just whip this up when you want it. You’ll spend less worrying about food and more time enjoying it fresh. Plus, it’s one of those meals you can’t get tired of.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Corn Fritters

For a quick snack or side, Corn Fritters are cheap and simple to whip up. Prepping everything ahead of time doesn’t always work, and this is a great way to keep meals fresh. They don’t break the bank and make the perfect addition to most meals. Less prep means more variety in your week.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Focaccia Bread

In the mood to bake something easy? Focaccia Bread is affordable and doesn’t require complicated ingredients or planning ahead. It’s a fulfilling choice to make fresh as needed. Meal prepping bread is never quite as good as enjoying it straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Corn Casserole

Corn Casserole is budget-friendly and makes a great pick when you need something quick. It’s perfect for avoiding bland meal preps and repetitive flavors. Cooking what you need fresh is so much more enjoyable than reheating.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Leek and Potato Soup

Don’t underestimate how something simple like Leek and Potato Soup can warm up your day. It’s quick, wallet-friendly, and great for lunch or dinner. Forget chasing after meal-prep; this soup cuts the time without cutting taste. All you need is one pot, and life feels easier already.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Skip the takeout when you want convenient and cheap meals like Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. It’s fast, simple, and hits every craving without breaking the bank. The recipe works for either weeknight dinners or quick leftovers. You’ll wonder why you ever spent money on pre-packed meals.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Spaghetti Casserole

Suddenly, saving money and ditching meal prep feels so doable with Spaghetti Casserole. It’s got that homemade comfort without being complicated to make. Whether it’s dinner for yourself or a group, this one does the job. Cooking shouldn’t be overwhelming, and this recipe proves it isn’t.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Sloppy Joe

Why spend tons of cash on meals that don’t stick with you? Sloppy Joe is simple, affordable, and easy to put together. It’s the type of throwback dish that keeps things stress-free. For busy days or tight budgets, this guarantees no headache.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Lemongrass Chicken

Forget complicated recipes when Lemongrass Chicken can keep mealtime affordable. It’s bold in taste but simple to handle, making it a smart choice for tight weeks. The simplicity doesn’t take away from how great it feels to skip meal prepping. It’s straightforward but doesn’t feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Beef Chili

Nobody needs endless meal prep when there’s Beef Chili on the table. It’s filling, wallet-friendly, and easy enough to whip up during busy days. The meal provides comfort while leaving plenty of room for leftovers. Skip the hassle and enjoy saving money.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Meals that handle themselves are lifesavers, like Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. It’s low-effort but still hits the mark when it comes to convenience. You don’t have to worry about standing over the stove or meal prepping. Affordable, simple, and gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

When you need veggies with none of the hassle, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables comes through. It’s quick, hands-off, and doesn’t cost much to make. Throw a mix together, and it’s a side or main dish without being difficult. No reason to stress over fancy meals when this saves you time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Broccoli Casserole

Stepping away from complicated prep is easy with Broccoli Casserole. It’s cheap, satisfying, and works for weeknight dinners or leftovers. The simplicity makes things easier, while your budget doesn’t take a hit. Save yourself the extra work, it’s straightforward and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Days feel smoother when Slow Cooker Pot Roast takes care of dinner. It’s affordable, low-effort, and makes cooking during busy schedules stress-free. The slow cooker does the work while you focus on other things. Forget meal prepping when this makes you feel accomplished without effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Garlic Knots

Nobody wants to spend hours meal prepping when you can whip up something quicker. Garlic Knots are simple, filling, and perfect for an easy dinner option. They work great whether you’re eating solo or sharing with family. Plus, they’re nice on the wallet without compromising taste.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Butter Chicken

Tired of the endless containers stacked in your fridge? Butter Chicken is a cheap alternative that’s rich without being complicated. It’s ideal for those nights when you need something hearty yet don’t want to fuss too much. This dish proves you don’t need meal prepping to enjoy good food.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Lentil Soup

Skip the time-consuming prep and choose something warm and reliable. Lentil Soup is a budget-friendly option packed with substance for busy days. It’s easy to throw together and fills you up without breaking the bank. No need to plan ahead when you can make something like this.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Sticking to meal prep often gets old, but mixing things up is easy. Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple recipe that saves time and energy. It’s affordable and uses basic ingredients that you likely already have. With everything cooked on one pan, there’s less cleanup too.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken