6 Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Recipes That Will Keep You Under $50 for the Week

Meal prepping can be a great way to save time and money, but it can also be intimidating for those who are on a budget. It doesn’t have to be though! With a few simple ingredients and a bit of prep work, you can make delicious and affordable meals that will last throughout the week. Here are 6 budget-friendly meal prep recipes that will keep you under $50 for the week. From hearty soups and stews to healthy salads and sandwiches, these recipes will make meal prepping a breeze. Plus, they’re sure to leave you feeling satisfied after each and every meal!

1) Breakfast: Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are a delicious and budget-friendly meal prep option for breakfast. Not only are they tasty, but they’re also incredibly easy to make in bulk and can last up to 5 days in the fridge. All you need are some eggs, your favorite veggies, and a bit of cheese if desired. Simply whisk together the eggs, then add in your desired vegetables and cheese, pour into greased muffin tins and bake! You can add in any veggies of your choice like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli or tomatoes. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the week!

2) Lunch: Mason Jar Salads

Mason jar salads are an easy and budget-friendly way to meal prep lunch for the week. All you need are a few ingredients and your favorite salad toppings. Start with a base of greens, like spinach, arugula, or lettuce. Then add in some chopped veggies, like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Top it off with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, hard boiled eggs, or chickpeas. Finally, add some healthy fats, like nuts and seeds, and dress it up with your favorite homemade salad dressing.
To prepare, simply layer the ingredients in a mason jar in the order listed above. When ready to eat, pour the salad into a bowl and toss everything together. Mason jar salads make for a delicious, fresh, and nutritious lunch that will keep you under budget for the week. Plus, they’re easily transportable so you can take them to work or school. Enjoy!

3) Dinner: One Pot Spaghetti

Nothing beats a hearty bowl of spaghetti for dinner. But, if you’re looking to save a few bucks, it can be difficult to find a budget-friendly meal that still tastes delicious. That’s why we love this one pot spaghetti recipe. You can make this dish with only one pot and a few ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly inexpensive.
To make this meal, you will need:
– 8 oz. spaghetti
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened. Then, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked through. Serve immediately.
This one pot spaghetti dish is an easy, budget-friendly way to get a tasty dinner on the table in no time. And because it’s made with just one pot, clean up is a breeze! Enjoy!

4) Snacks: Roasted Chickpeas

For an easy and budget-friendly snack that will keep you full and energized throughout the week, roasted chickpeas are an excellent choice. Not only are they packed with protein and fiber, but they also taste great when seasoned and roasted. To prepare, start by rinsing and draining a can of chickpeas. Then pat them dry with a paper towel and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings—I like to use garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt. Roast the chickpeas for 25-30 minutes at 400°F, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. These roasted chickpeas make a delicious snack when served as is or added to salads, soups, and other dishes.

5) Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

End your meal prep week on a sweet note with these chocolate peanut butter banana bites. These bites are so easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. All you need is three ingredients – ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and your favorite dark chocolate bar.
Start by slicing each banana into 12 pieces. Spread a teaspoon of peanut butter onto each slice. Place each slice onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Once the slices are frozen, take them out of the freezer and cut the chocolate bar into 12 small squares. Place one square onto each banana slice and press down lightly. Place the baking sheet back in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
Take out the bites and enjoy! For added flavor, you can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top. These chocolate peanut butter banana bites will satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking your meal prep budget.

6) Extras: Homemade salad dressing, hard boiled eggs

When you’re meal prepping, it’s always a good idea to have some extras on hand to make your meals more flavorful and satisfying. One of the best and most budget-friendly extras you can have in your meal prep arsenal is homemade salad dressing. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and you can tailor it to whatever flavor profile you’re looking for. All you need is a handful of ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Hard boiled eggs are another great addition to any meal prep. They’re packed with protein and are a great snack or addition to salads, pastas, and sandwiches. To make hard boiled eggs, start by placing them in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool before peeling and enjoy!