10 meals that come out to $3 or less per serving

Eating cheap doesn’t have to mean boring. With the right ingredients, you can make meals that are hearty, filling, and still come in at $3 or less per serving. A lot of these use pantry staples, bulk proteins, or seasonal produce to keep costs down.

The best part is, they don’t feel like “budget meals”—they’re the kind of dinners you’ll actually want to make again.

Stuffed bell peppers

Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or ground turkey make a meal that’s both affordable and balanced. Buying peppers in bulk bags instead of singles helps cut the cost, and the filling can be tailored to what you already have on hand.

Since one pepper can serve as a full portion, you’re looking at about $2–$3 per serving. They also store well in the fridge, making them perfect for leftovers or lunch the next day.

Baked potatoes with toppings

A bag of potatoes is one of the cheapest grocery buys out there, and baking them up as a main dish keeps costs low. Add toppings like beans, cheese, or leftover veggies, and you’ve got a filling dinner under $2 per serving.

They’re versatile too—you can go with chili-style toppings one night and broccoli with cheese another. A single bag of potatoes can stretch across several meals without feeling repetitive.

Shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce)

Canned tomatoes, onion, spices, and eggs create a surprisingly flavorful meal that feels a lot fancier than it is. Serve it with toast or bread on the side, and it comes in well under $3 per serving.

This dish is high in protein and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a great way to make eggs stretch into a dinner that feels different from the usual breakfast-for-dinner routine.

Ramen with add-ins

Instant ramen alone isn’t enough for a meal, but when you add an egg, frozen vegetables, and maybe some shredded chicken or tofu, it becomes a filling dish that still costs under $2.50 per serving.

Buying ramen in bulk keeps it cheap, and the add-ins don’t need to be expensive. Even tossing in leftover vegetables or a spoonful of peanut butter for flavor makes it feel like a completely different dish.

Tuna patties

Canned tuna, breadcrumbs, and egg fried into patties is one of the cheapest ways to make a protein-packed dinner. Each can of tuna usually makes two to three patties, which means you’re paying about $1.50 per serving.

Pair them with rice or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying. They’re also easy to freeze for quick reheats later in the week.

Frittata

Eggs, cheese, and vegetables baked into a frittata is one of the most affordable meals you can make. A dozen eggs usually costs less than $3, and you can stretch them into four to six servings.

It’s perfect for using up leftover vegetables or scraps of cheese in the fridge. Served with a side of toast or salad, it’s hearty and comes out to well under $2 per serving.

Pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches

Chicken thighs cooked in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce make enough for a whole family, and it stays well under $3 per serving. Buying buns in bulk packs keeps the cost even lower.

It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but still fits into a budget-friendly plan. Leftovers can be used for wraps or salads later in the week, stretching your dollar even further.

Vegetable curry with rice

Curry made with canned coconut milk, curry paste, and a mix of seasonal vegetables is affordable and full of flavor. Rice helps bulk it up and keeps it under $3 per serving.

Using whatever vegetables are on sale makes this an easy meal to adapt throughout the year. It’s also a great way to get variety in your weekly menu without spending extra.

Black bean quesadillas

Tortillas filled with black beans, cheese, and a bit of salsa come together in minutes and cost about $2 a serving. You can add extras like corn or peppers if you have them on hand.

They’re quick, budget-friendly, and freezer-safe, so you can always keep the ingredients ready to go. Pair them with rice or a side salad, and you’ve got a full dinner without spending much.

Cabbage stir-fry

Cabbage is one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy, and it goes a long way. Stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and a little ground pork or tofu, it makes a hearty meal for well under $3 a serving.

It’s also one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers. Since cabbage stores well, you can buy a head and use it for multiple meals during the week.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.