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    Home / Collections

    21 Delicious Lunches That Are Shockingly Cheap and Easy

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 2, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    If you're like me, you love a lunch that's not only tasty but also easy on the wallet. That's why I've put together a list of lunches that are both affordable and ridiculously simple to make. Whether you're meal prepping or just trying to keep lunch stress-free, these dishes will hit the spot without hitting your budget.

    Bowl of chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top.Pin
    Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

    This shrimp and tomato pasta comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for an affordable lunch that doesn't compromise on flavor. It's light yet satisfying, great for a midday meal. Plus, the fresh tomato base keeps it vibrant and refreshing. Ideal for days when you need something quick but flavorful. A practical choice for keeping lunch costs low while still enjoying a filling dish.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Wet Burrito

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.Pin
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The wet burrito is an ideal choice when you want a filling, budget-friendly lunch. Packed with hearty ingredients and topped with a delicious sauce, it turns a simple burrito into a more exciting dish. It's perfect for busy days when you need something satisfying and quick. With basic ingredients, you can make a substantial meal without overspending. A go-to lunch that keeps things cheap and easy.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    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.Pin
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Navy bean and ham soup is a comforting, affordable lunch option that uses pantry staples and leftover ham to create something hearty and filling. It's a great way to stretch ingredients while still making a satisfying meal. Ideal for colder days when you want something warm. This soup keeps the cost low while delivering on flavor and comfort. Great for meal prepping too!
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    Air fryer chicken tenders are an easy way to prepare a quick, affordable lunch that kids and adults will both enjoy. They come out crispy without the need for frying, and the prep is minimal, making it a great choice for busy days. Pair them with a simple side for a complete meal. Ideal for when you need something fast that's both filling and affordable.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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

    Crock pot mac and cheese is an easy, hands-off way to make a comforting lunch on a budget. The slow cooker does all the work, and you're left with a creamy, cheesy meal that's perfect for leftovers too. It's a great option when you need a cheap, filling lunch. Perfect for when you want to save time without sacrificing comfort food.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.Pin
    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Slow cooker vegetable soup is a low-cost, hearty meal that's easy to prepare and great for lunch. Using a mix of vegetables, this soup is both filling and nutritious, making it a smart option for meal prep. It's ideal for those days when you need something light but satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a cheap, easy meal.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    Ground Pork Tacos

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

    Ground pork tacos are a quick and cost-effective lunch that packs a lot of flavor. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, they're ideal for when you need something cheap but filling. Perfect for adding to your weekly lunch rotation. These tacos are great for a busy day, offering a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

    Popcorn Chicken

    A bowl of golden brown popcorn chicken on a table.Pin
    Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Popcorn chicken is a fun and affordable option for a quick lunch. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, it's a great way to prepare a filling meal on busy days. Whether paired with a salad or eaten on its own, it's an easy choice for a lunch that's both cheap and enjoyable. Ideal for keeping lunch costs low without sacrificing flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    Turkey Roll Ups

    A close-up of a hand holding a turkey roll-up slice.Pin
    Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Turkey roll ups are a convenient and budget-friendly lunch option for busy days. Made with just a few ingredients, they're easy to prep and ideal for a light meal. These roll-ups are perfect for packing in a lunchbox or for a quick bite at home. An affordable, no-fuss option for any day of the week.
    Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

    Easy Potato Soup

    A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with rosemary and thyme, served on a wooden table.Pin
    Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Easy potato soup is a comforting and affordable lunch that uses basic pantry staples. It's perfect for those cold days when you need something warm and filling. With minimal prep, it's an easy option for a cheap and hearty meal. This soup is great for meal prepping or making ahead for the week. Ideal for keeping lunches simple and budget-friendly.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

    Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

    A bowl of hearty tomato-based soup with cabbage.Pin
    Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crock pot cabbage soup is a budget-friendly lunch option that's both filling and easy to prepare. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days. Using simple ingredients, this soup is a great way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing a hearty meal. It's ideal for meal prepping or a quick lunch during the week.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

    Crab Fried Rice

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

    Crab fried rice is a quick and affordable option for a light lunch that feels special. Using basic ingredients and leftover rice, it's a smart way to stretch ingredients while keeping the meal cost low. Ready in minutes, this dish is perfect for busy days when you need a fast, satisfying lunch. Great for keeping lunches cheap and easy.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

    Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

    A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side.Pin
    Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ciambotta is an easy, budget-friendly Italian vegetable stew that's perfect for a light lunch. Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients, it's a filling dish that comes together with minimal effort. It's ideal for meal prepping and using up vegetables you already have on hand. A great choice for an affordable and flavorful lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.Pin
    Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli salad with bacon is a quick, budget-friendly lunch that's great for meal prepping. The mix of crunchy broccoli and savory bacon makes for a satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and affordable. Perfect for busy days when you want something filling but light. An ideal choice for keeping lunch costs low without compromising on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Crock Pot Chili for Two

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

    Crock pot chili for two is a great option for a budget-friendly lunch that's warm and filling. With minimal ingredients and easy prep, it's perfect for days when you don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker makes it a hands-off meal that's ready when you are. Ideal for keeping lunch affordable and simple.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

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

    Slow cooker chicken tacos are an easy, low-cost lunch option that's perfect for meal prep. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a filling meal without much effort. With simple ingredients, these tacos are ideal for busy days when you need a quick and budget-friendly lunch. Great for keeping your lunch rotation affordable and easy.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

    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.Pin
    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Lemon pepper chicken wings are a quick, affordable way to prepare a flavorful lunch that feels special. Using basic ingredients and minimal prep, they're perfect for busy days when you want something easy. These wings are great for keeping lunch costs low while still delivering on flavor. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Chicken Nuggets

    Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.Pin
    Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken nuggets are a fun, affordable lunch option that's perfect for both kids and adults. With minimal prep and ready in minutes, they're ideal for busy days when you need something quick and filling. Pair them with a side for a complete meal. A great choice for keeping lunches simple and budget-friendly.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    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.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer chicken skewers are a quick, easy option for a budget-friendly lunch. With minimal ingredients and fast cooking time, they're perfect for days when you need something light and filling. Great for meal prepping or a simple lunch that doesn't break the bank. Ideal for keeping lunch prep fast and affordable.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Broccoli Cheese Soup

    A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup beside fresh broccoli and shredded cheese, with a slow cooker in the background.Pin
    Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli cheese soup is a warm, comforting lunch that's easy to prepare and light on the wallet. Using simple ingredients, it's perfect for those chilly days when you want something filling. Great for meal prepping or making ahead for the week. A cheap, easy lunch option that's sure to please.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.Pin
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Minestrone soup with sausage is a hearty, affordable lunch option that's perfect for meal prepping. Made with simple ingredients, it's a filling dish that's great for colder days. With minimal prep, it's an easy way to prepare a comforting lunch without spending much. A smart choice for keeping your lunch simple and budget-friendly.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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