13 Delicious Struggle Meals for $1.50 Per Person

It doesn’t matter what age your kids are; making affordable meals is always a challenge. I like to have a base of simple, cheap meals to turn to when I’m either burnt out from cooking or we are just on a tight budget week. This may be something you need to do, especially if it’s during the Holiday season.

Here are 13 affordable meals that cost less than $1.50 per person, complete with recipe links to help you save money and satisfy hungry bellies.

I’ve been keeping our grocery budget under $70 for years, but after COVID and having older kids, I tend to keep it at $150 or less. That typically includes household items because I coupon for them or grab them at Dollar Tree.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy ingredients in bulk
• Use frozen vegetables
• Look for sales and use store brands ( Check the Flashfood App for deals)
• Prep meals in advance
• Freeze leftovers for future meals

1. Tomato Herb Rice with White Beans and Spinach

Cost per serving: $1.20. It is a hearty, protein-packed, incredibly filling meal. Get the recipe here

2. Bacon and Potato Soup

Cost per serving: $1.35. Warm, comforting, and packed with vegetables. Full recipe link

3. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Cost per serving: $1.45. A classic family favorite that’s quick to prepare. If you have a Ninja Foodi or Pressure cooker, try dumping everything in and making it that way. Recipe details.

4. Egg Fried Rice

Cost per serving: $1.10. Use leftover rice and frozen vegetables to keep costs down. Cooking instructions.

5. Tuna Pasta Casserole

Cost per serving: $1.25 Creamy, filling, and budget-friendly. Recipe link.

Grab my favorite quick and easy meal planner!

6. Black Bean Quesadillas

Cost per serving: $1.15. Easy to customize and perfect for picky eaters. You could also pick up a Rotisserie chicken ( Costco, Sam’s, and BJ’s sell for $4.99!) and make chicken quesadillas. Detailed recipe.

7. Potato and Corn Chowder

Cost per serving: $1.30 Creamy and satisfying soup that stretches your dollar. Cooking guide

8. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Cost per serving: $1.40 A vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food. Recipe source.

9. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Cost per serving: $1.25 Creamy and filling with simple ingredients. Full instructions.

10. Chicken Fried Rice

Cost per serving: $1.35 Another budget-friendly rice dish with protein. Cooking method.

11. Mexican Rice Skillet

Cost per serving: $1.20 One-pan meal that’s easy to make and clean up. Recipe details.

12. Vegetable Frittata

Cost per serving: $1.15 Great for using up leftover vegetables. Cooking guide.

13. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Cost per serving: $1.45 Comfort food that’s gentle on your wallet. Full recipe.

Remember, these prices are estimates and can vary based on location and grocery prices. Happy cooking!