19 Affordable Lunch Recipes that Feel Like a Splurge

Are you craving a lunch that feels like a splurge without the hefty price tag? If so, I've gathered a variety of affordable recipes that offer a taste of luxury without draining your wallet. From hearty soups to flavorful sandwiches, each dish promises to upgrade your lunch experience without breaking the bank. Get ready to indulge in culinary delights that make every meal feel like a special occasion, all while keeping your budget intact!

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Minestrone Soup with Sausage offers an affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without breaking the bank. Loaded with veggies, beans, and savory sausage, it's a complete meal in a bowl. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a satisfying dish that's perfect for budget-conscious foodies. Whether for a cozy lunch at home or a meal prep option for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings without emptying your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Hawaiian Roll Sliders are an affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal at home, these sliders are easy to make and bursting with flavor. The sweet Hawaiian rolls combined with savory meats and melty cheese create a mouthwatering experience without the hefty price tag. Whether for a casual lunch or a weekend get-together, these sliders are sure to impress without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frito Chili Pie offers an affordable lunch option that feels indulgent with every bite. Layers of flavorful chili, gooey cheese, and crunchy Fritos create a comforting meal without the splurge. Quick and easy to make, it's perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal without the extra cost. Whether for a cozy lunch at home or a quick bite on the run, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings without breaking your budget.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings provide a flavorful and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without the expense. Bursting with zesty lemon and aromatic pepper, these wings are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for game days or a casual lunch at home, they're easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether as a midday snack or the main course, these wings offer a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a comforting and affordable lunch option that feels indulgent without the high cost. With creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite, it's sure to please without breaking your budget. Perfect for busy days when you crave a homemade meal without the hassle, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that won't strain your wallet. Whether for a weekday lunch or a cozy dinner, this mac and cheese is a delicious option for those seeking a satisfying meal that feels like a splurge.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Fried Rice offers a taste of luxury in an affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. Packed with savory crab meat and aromatic flavors, this dish feels like a splurge without the hefty price tag. Quick and easy to make, it's perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. Whether for a midday meal or a dinner on a budget, this fried rice is sure to impress without denting your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side. — Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup offer a comforting and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. Loaded with tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs, it's a hearty meal that's easy on the wallet. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a satisfying dish that feels like a special treat. Whether for a cozy lunch at home or a meal prep option for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders provide a healthier twist on a classic favorite, making them a guilt-free indulgence for an affordable lunch. With crispy coating and tender chicken inside, they're sure to satisfy your cravings without the extra cost. Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, they're perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal without the splurge. Whether as a midday snack or the main course, these tenders offer a delicious option for those seeking a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon offers a refreshing and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. Packed with crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and sweet raisins, it's bursting with flavor without breaking the bank. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delicious salad that's perfect for a midday meal. Whether for a quick lunch at home or a picnic in the park, this salad is sure to impress without denting your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta provide a taste of Italy in an affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. With juicy shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it's a flavorful dish that's easy on the wallet. Quick and easy to make, it's perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. Whether for a cozy lunch at home or a quick meal on the run, this pasta is sure to satisfy without emptying your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side. — Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Tomato Soup provides a comforting and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without the high cost. With rich, tomatoey flavor and creamy texture, it's a satisfying dish that's easy on the wallet. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a delicious soup that feels like a special indulgence. Whether for a quick lunch at home or a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy without denting your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Wet Burrito

Wet Burrito offers a flavorful and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. Packed with savory fillings and smothered in sauce and cheese, it's a hearty meal that won't break the bank. Quick and easy to make, it's perfect for satisfying your cravings without the extra cost. Whether for a midday meal or a dinner on a budget, this burrito is sure to impress without emptying your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Pork Tacos offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite, providing an affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. With seasoned pork, crispy taco shells, and fresh toppings, they're bursting with flavor without breaking the bank. Quick and easy to make, they're perfect for satisfying your cravings without the extra cost. Whether for a quick lunch or a family dinner, these tacos offer a delicious option for those seeking a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Chili for Two offers a hearty and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without the extra cost. Packed with tender meat, beans, and aromatic spices, it's a satisfying dish that's easy on the wallet. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a delicious chili that feels like a special indulgence. Whether for a cozy lunch at home or a meal prep option for the week, this chili is sure to satisfy without denting your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side. — Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chopped Greek Salad provides a refreshing and nutritious yet affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without breaking the bank. Packed with crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, it's bursting with flavor without the high cost. Quick and easy to make, it's perfect for satisfying your cravings without emptying your wallet. Whether for a light lunch at home or a picnic in the park, this salad is sure to impress without straining your budget.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Tuna Melt offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite, providing an affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge. With flaky tuna, melty cheese, and crispy bread, it's a flavor-packed sandwich without breaking the bank. Quick and convenient to cook in the air fryer, it's perfect for satisfying your cravings without the extra cost. Whether for a quick lunch at home or a meal on the go, this tuna melt offers a delicious option for those seeking a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot offer a flavorful yet affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without the extra cost. With tender chicken, zesty salsa, and flavorful seasonings, they're sure to please without breaking the bank. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in delicious tacos that are easy to prepare. Whether for a quick lunch at home or a meal on the go, these tacos offer a delicious option for those seeking a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup offers a comforting and affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without the high cost. With creamy cheese and tender broccoli, it's a flavorful dish without breaking the bank. Quick and convenient, it's ideal for satisfying your cravings without emptying your wallet. Whether for a weekday lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy without denting your budget.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer offer a flavorful yet affordable lunch option that feels like a splurge without the extra cost. With juicy chicken and crisp veggies, they're a healthy twist on a classic favorite without breaking the bank. Quick and easy to cook in the air fryer, they're perfect for a quick meal at home or on the go. Whether for a midday snack or the main course, these kabobs offer a delicious option for those seeking a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer