15 cheap and healthy meals

Let’s face it, it’s difficult to get variety in your diet when recipes can be expensive to make and sometimes unhealthy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, finding cheap and healthy recipes could make a massive difference to your health, and bank account. But rather than searching the internet, check out our favourite meals on a budget that are both tasty and guilt-free.

 

Smoky Bacon and Tomato Pasta

A quick and easy family favourite, smoky bacon and tomato pasta will cost you next to nothing and is only 500 calories a portion. But if you want to make it even healthier, swap white pasta for a wholemeal substitute. It’s just as delicious…

Check out the full recipe here!

 

Lentil, Tomato and Kale Soup

Healthy, filling, and packed full of flavour, this delicious spring soup couldn’t be simpler to make or better value for money. And what’s more, it’s completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Check out the full recipe here!

Thick Moroccan Harira soup in a bowl close-up on the table. Horizontal view from above

 

Pizza Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes with pizza toppings- can you imagine anything tastier? Taking less than 5 minutes to prep and costing less than £1 per portion, all you need is jacket potatoes, cheese, tomato puree, pepperoni, basil and you’re good to go!

Check out the full recipe here!

Baked loaded potato with bacon, cheese, sour cream and onion

 

Vegan Chilli

Chilli is every family’s go-to dinner, but how about mixing things up by ditching the meat for even more vegetables? Just as delicious, this vegan interpretation of a classic Mexican dinner will help to cut those calories and even save some money. Now, you can eat well for less.

Check out the full recipe here!

 

Sausage Bake

One of the best things about one-pot dishes is less washing up. But on this occasion, we’re obsessed with this super tasty and easy-to-make sausage bake, packed full of healthy veggies and juicy sausages. This entire dish costs less than £1 per portion and will feed an entire family-of-four. Now that is what we like to call a bargain!

Check out the full recipe here!

 

Prawn Fried Rice

Nothing beats a Chinese takeaway, but you can get the same oriental taste for a fraction of the price by making this tasty prawn fried rice. And if you don’t like seafood, feel free to swap it for chicken or another form of protein.

Check out the full recipe here!

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice in a Bowl Directly Above Photo

 

Easy Quiche

This creamy, cheesey, irresistible quiche recipe is an easy option for lunch and only takes 40 minutes to prepare and cook. And the best part about quiche is, you can add as many ingredients you like, be it more veggies or some extra protein.

Check out the full recipe here!

Mushroom quiche

 

Creamy Tomato Risotto

Weighing in at just 381kcal a portion, this creamy tomato risotto recipe is a knockout- minus the sore head. If it’s your first time cooking this classic Spanish dish, don’t worry. It’ll take just 35 minutes to get from the pan to plate.

Check out the full recipe here!

Tomato risotto with fresh spinach

 

Stuffed Sweet Potato

Stuffed Sweet Potato – a healthier, and arguably tastier alternative to normal potatoes. At least we think so, especially when they’re stuffed with plenty of cheese, sour cream and spinach. At just 282 calories a serving, they’re by far one of the best budget recipes on the internet.

Check out the full recipe here

Stuffed sweet potatoes with fresh basil

 

Chicken Balti

Curry, Britain’s favourite takeaway, is top of the podium for a reason. It’s spicy, bursting with flavour and diverse. But if you want the same taste minus the excess calories and price tag, why not try making your own? It’ll cost roughly £1.83 per serving and will feed your entire family.

Check out the full recipe here!

Chicken meat with tikka masala sauce, spicy curry food in a bowl with rice and seasonings, top view

 

Chicken Fajitas

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for classic Mexican chicken Fajitas. There’s something about meat and veggies rolled up in a perfectly grilled tortilla that’s just so tempting, wouldn’t you agree? This cheap, healthy dinner can be adapted to fit your cravings, whether that’s adding cheese, salsa or guacamole.

Check out the full recipe here!

Mexican Chicken Fajita

 

Chicken Noodle Soup

This heart spring delight is the perfect lunchtime treat for busy families with little time to cook. All you need to do is add your ingredients to a slow cooker/crockpot and leave it for 6-8 hours. And what’s more, it’s incredibly tasty and super cheap!

Check out the full recipe here!

serving of chicken noodle soup in a bowl

 

Are you a fan of slow cooker recipes? So are we, so much so, we’ve dedicated an entire blog post to our favourite meals. Take a look at our recipes here.

 

Cottage Pie

Nothing beats a cottage pie. But best of all, it’s one of the best budget recipes and can be made with meat, veggies or lentils to suit all dietary preferences.

Check out the full recipe here!  

Cottage pie in a skillet

 

Spaghetti and Meatballs

An Italian dish with a twist, this lighter spaghetti and meatballs recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with the family and it’ll only cost 96p a serving. If you think adding lentils to this classic meal sounds strange, think again. That’s extra protein, less fat and even more flavour!

Check out the full recipe here!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

 

Stuffed Peppers

If you prefer low-card and healthy meals, stuffed peppers are what you need. Deceitfully filling and flavoursome, this tasty treat can be made using mince, chicken or lentils. But don’t forget to top them with cheese, it’s the best bit!

Check out the full recipe here!

 

 

For more budget meal inspiration, don’t forget to read out 14-Day Food Plan and Easy One-Pot Dishes!

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Sophia is Financial Wellness Group’s Senior Copywriter and is committed to helping people understand and take back control of their financial wellbeing.