8 Inexpensive meals under $5 (US). Click […more] for meals below.
Chapters
00:00 Food prices
00:20 Black bean omelette
00:54 Lentil tomato soup
01:28 Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
02:00 Veggie quesadilla
02:29 Pasta primavera
02:57 Chickpea Stir-fry
03:24 Tuna salad wrap
03:50 Stuffed bell pepper
04:22 Tips
05:17 Enjoy!
Hey everyone, and welcome to our guide on eating healthy without breaking the bank. With US food at home prices up about 2.7% year-over-year as of August 2025, it can feel impossible to eat well on a budget. But don’t worry, delicious, nutritious meals are totally achievable for under $5 a serving. First up, we have a protein-packed black bean omelette. This fantastic breakfast costs just $1.40 40 and will keep you full and energized for hours, providing approximately 330 calories, and 20 g of protein. It’s loaded with gut- friendly black beans, two eggs, half a bell pepper, onion, and tomato. To prepare, whisk eggs. Mix in drained beans and chopped veggies. Then, cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until set. Then, fold and serve. Next, we have a hearty lentil tomato soup. This vegan option, priced at $1.50, is packed with plant protein and antioxidants, offering around 250 calories, 15 g of protein, and 10 g of fiber. It’s so comforting and satisfying. Made with half a cup of dry lentils, one tomato, carrot, onion, garlic, and spices. Rinse the lentils, then simmer them with chopped veggies, garlic, and water for 20 minutes until tender, blending half for creaminess. For a fresh and vibrant lunch, try this quinoa tabuli salad. At $2 per serving, it’s bursting with herbs and veggies, giving you sustained energy throughout the afternoon with approximately 280 calories and 8 g of protein. Quinoa is a complete protein, and this salad is vitamin rich. Cook half a cup of quinoa, finely chopped cucumber, tomato, parsley, and lemon. Then toss everything with olive oil and lemon juice. Chill for 10 minutes before serving. Craving something with a Mexican flare? This veggie quesadilla is quick, easy, and totally customizable for just $145. Offering about 350 calories and 12 g of protein. It’s a low-fat, fiberfilled meal. Layer a tortilla with half a cup of black beans, fresh spinach, sliced bell pepper, and a cheese slice. Fold it, then pan fry for 3 minutes per side until golden and cut into wedges. This pasta prima vera is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for a quick dinner. For $180, it provides approximately 390 calories and 10 g of protein, giving you a boost of antioxidants. It’s packed with quick carbs and vitamins. Saute chopped broccoli, zucchini, and minced garlic and olive oil for 5 minutes. Then toss with one cup of cooked pasta and a fresh squeeze of lemon. For a super speedy and satisfying meal, try this chickpea stir fry. This plant-based, protein richch option costs $2 and offers around 300 calories and 12 g of protein. It’s full of crunchy goodness and iron rich. Drain half a can of chickpeas. Stir fry them with mixed frozen veggies in a pan for 7 minutes. Then add soy sauce and ginger. Serve it all over microwaved rice for a complete meal. Need a no cook lunch option? This tuna salad wrap is your answer. At $2, it’s packed with omega-3s and protein, providing about 320 calories and 25 g of protein. This hearthealthy meal is incredibly easy to prepare. Mix half a can of drained tuna with chopped lettuce, celery, and yogurt dressing. Then simply wrap it all in a whole wheat tortilla or crisp lettuce leaves. Finally, we have a colorful and satisfying stuffed bell pepper. This baked veggie boat costs $2.20 and is packed with grains, protein, and flavor. Offering around 280 calories and 10 gram of protein, it’s a great low carb option, rich in fiber and highly customizable, have a bell pepper, stuff it with a cooked quinoa and beans mix, chopped tomato, onion, and spices. Bake at 375° F for 15 minutes until tender. Here are a few tips to help you stay under budget and eat healthily. Shop smart by buying generics, frozen or canned produce like frozen spinach for $1.50 a bag and bulk grains. Apps like Flip Track sales and stores like Aldi or Walmart can offer 20 to 30% savings. Batch prep your meals to save time and reduce preserving costs, easily doubling these recipes for 3 to$4 total meals. Boost nutrition by adding freebies like herbs from a Windisle garden or spices you already have. Focus on variety for micronutrients and always pair your meals with water over soda for better health. In high-cost areas like California, swap fresh tomatoes for canned, which cost around 80 cents per can. These tips ensure your total weekly grocery bill for these meals stays around 20 to $30 per person. So, there you have it. Eight delicious and healthy meals, all for under $5 a serving. Eating well on a budget is totally possible with a little planning and creativity. Don’t forget to share your own favorite budget friendly meals in the comments below so everyone can benefit. Thanks for watching and I’ll see you in the next video.
Dining and Cooking