Cheap, Easy, And Still Delicious
Some meals are so good they stick with you long after you still need to resort to them just to feed yourself. They may have started as a way to stretch your grocery budget or were easy to throw together in a pinch, but these struggles meals will always have a place in our hearts—even if we're no longer struggling! Here are 20 struggle meals that we'd all gladly eat no matter how much better off we are.
1. Rice And Beans
Packed with protein and fiber, rice and beans create a meal that keeps you full for hours without emptying your wallet. This dish thrives on simplicity and has been a staple across Latin America and the Caribbean for centuries. It can be served alongside plantains or topped with fresh cilantro.
2. Peanut Butter Toast
Athletes rely on peanut butter toast for quick fuel, while busy families love its simplicity. This classic snack is customizable for creamy, crunchy, sweet, or salty. Add bananas for natural sweetness or sprinkle cinnamon for warmth. And if you’re feeling fancy, try a pinch of sea salt or a smear of jam.
3. Homemade Oatmeal
Forget pricey cereals; oatmeal costs pennies per bowl and keeps you full for hours. Whole-grain oats contain fiber, iron, and heart-healthy benefits, making them a nutritional powerhouse. The possibilities are endless, whether you cook them creamy on the stovetop or go for overnight oats.
4. Lentil Soup
What's cheap, packed with protein, and can serve a large group with just a handful of ingredients? Lentil soup. Simmered, these tiny legumes release an earthy richness that feels far more indulgent than their price tag suggests. An essential in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, lentils provide plant-based protein and fiber.
5. Cabbage Stir Fry
Sauté and season—cabbage turns into a crunchy, flavorful dish in minutes. This underrated veggie isn't just cheap; it's packed with vitamin C, fiber, and a satisfying bite. A staple in Asian stir-fries and European comfort dishes, it pairs effortlessly with eggs or even a splash of soy sauce.
6. Baked Potatoes
Did you know that potatoes have been cultivated for over 7,000 years? They've fed civilizations from the Andes to your dinner plate. Baked to golden, fluffy perfection, they're nature's original meal prep hack. Load them up with cheese leftover veggies for a hearty, budget-friendly meal.
Renee Comet (photographer) on Wikimedia
7. Pasta With Garlic And Oil
Italy's most straightforward pasta dish, aglio e olio, relies on garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of chili flakes. Originating from Naples, this dish was a favorite among fishermen and laborers who needed a quick, satisfying meal. Even today, it is pantry-friendly and endlessly adaptable.
8. Homemade Soup
If you want to make something that doesn't waste ingredients, soup is the ultimate solution. It turns aging vegetables and bones into something deeply nourishing. Whether it's a hearty minestrone or comforting chicken noodle, homemade soup proves that resourcefulness makes the best recipes.
9. Canned Tuna And Rice
This high-protein duo is a go-to for busy people who need something quick, nutritious, and budget-friendly. Tuna delivers lean protein and omega-3s, while rice provides lasting energy, making them a perfect match. For extra flavor, spice it up with Cajun seasoning.
Anna Jakutajc-Wojtalik on Unsplash
10. Scrambled Eggs
The best part about eggs is that they're cheap and can be turned into just about anything. Scramble them with cheese or mix in last night's leftovers for a meal that never gets boring. People have trusted eggs for centuries since they work for everything—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
11. Fried Rice Turns
Day-old rice becomes a masterpiece when tossed with eggs, soy sauce, and a handful of fresh veggies or protein. Fried rice repurposes extra food, turning it into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The secret lies in using cold rice, which fries better without becoming mushy.
12. Chickpea Salad
Tiny but mighty, chickpeas pack a punch of protein and flavor, all while keeping your grocery bill low. These little legumes can power everything from vibrant salads to hearty stews. Plus, as students, we'd love them because they last forever in the fridge.
Cajsa Lilliehook from Portland on Wikimedia
13. Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup
Fun fact: This meal originated during the Great Depression as an affordable way to provide nutrition without sacrificing comfort. Schools and diners later popularized the pairing, making it a go-to lunch across America. Crisp, golden bread meets gooey, melted cheese, while the warm, tangy soup adds the perfect dip.
William Stadtwald Demchick on Wikimedia
14. Sloppy Joe
Ground beef and tomato sauce combine to create the messy, mouthwatering Sloppy Joe sandwich, which has stood the test of time. Although debated, this 1930s diner classic first appeared in Midwestern cafés as a way to stretch meat during tough economic times.
15. Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie is a comfort dish born from necessity, layered with creamy mashed potatoes and a savory filling. Traditionally made with lamb, it's an old-school recipe that has evolved into versions of ground beef (called cottage pie) or mushrooms.
RuinDig/Yuki Uchida on Wikimedia
16. Ramen
Now, who doesn't love a good ramen? It's quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Drop in an egg for extra richness, or toss in frozen veggies for nutrients—there are endless possibilities. Though ramen existed long before WWII, it has continued to win hearts and fill tummies worldwide.
17. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nature's way of proving that healthy food can be delicious and cheap. Loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin C, they keep energy levels high without draining your wallet. Roast them until caramelized, or drizzle them with cinnamon and honey for a sweet treat. And if you want crispy fries, just slice, season, and bake.
18. Bean Burritos
Forget fancy dinners. Nothing beats a warm, hearty bean burrito when you need something quick and cheap. Wrapped in a soft tortilla and paired with rice or salsa, they deliver a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Homemade or from your favorite taco stand, bean burritos prove that budget meals can still be delicious.
19. Homemade Pizza
Who says pizza has to be expensive? With flour, water, and yeast, homemade dough becomes a chewy masterpiece that won't drain your wallet. Top it with whatever's in the fridge—tomato sauce, cheese, veggies, or even last night's leftovers.
20. Pancakes
Pancakes aren't just for breakfast; they're a delicious, budget-friendly option any time of day. They have been a go-to comfort food for centuries and are made with simple pantry staples like flour, eggs, and milk. You can even top them with syrup and fruit or with cheese and herbs for a savory twist.
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