Let’s face it. Life is expensive these days. We’re all trying to stretch our dollar a little further where we can. So when we find recipes that are both nutritious and budget-friendly, we feel like a thrifty shopping master!
We love that feeling, and we love giving others that feeling and helping them save money. That’s why we’ve created a list of our most budget-friendly bowl recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or a kitchen newbie, it doesn’t matter. These recipes will keep both your belly and your wallet happy.
Why Budget Bowl Meals Work
Groceries probably aren’t getting any cheaper any time soon, and the cost of living on the rise. That’s why budget-friendly meals are more important than ever. But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. With a mix of healthy ingredients (and vibrant veggies!), budget bowls are the secret to eating well without spending a fortune.
How to Keep Your Bowl Meals Low-Cost
Creating affordable meals is not a tough as you might think. Here are some tips to keep your budget bowl recipes under $5:
- Shop for Whole Grains and Plant-Based Proteins: Brown rice, quinoa, or wild rice are all whole grains that are not only inexpensive but also packed with nutrients. Plant proteins like black beans, chickpeas, or crispy tofu keep you full while also helping you stay under budget.
- Opt for Seasonal Fresh Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like sweet potatoes, red cabbage, and leafy greens are often cheaper and fresher. These additions will ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need, and they’re also more flavorful when they’re in season.
- Batch Cook and Meal Prep: We recommend preparing ingredients like roasted veggies and cooked grains in bulk for the week ahead. This allows you to mix and match ingredients throughout the week, so you can save time and money and also keep from getting bored by eating the same thing over and over. Use a sheet pan or baking sheet for roasting to make the process even easier.
- Stock Up on Seasonings and Sauces: You can change the entire flavor profile of a bowl meal with just a delicious sauce, dressing, or combo of seasonings. It’s deceptively easy to make a homemade peanut sauce or tahini sauce that can turn any boring salad into an epic meal. Be sure to keep a stash of cheap pantry staples like olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder for on-the-fly flavor changes.
- Shop Smart: Whenever possible, buy in bulk, as it will save you over time. Also be sure to keep an eye out for sales on those pantry staples we mentioned, and take advantage of the memberships at grocery stores. They will often save you at least 20%.
Ready to craft some amazing low-cost bowl meals? Perfect! Let’s dive into some of our favorite budget bowl recipes (including some of our signature Buddha Bowls!) that you can whip up for under $5.
5 Budget Bowl Recipes Under $5
Green Goddess Tofu Bowl
This Green Goddess Tofu Bowl will make you feel like you’re stepping into a lush garden. It’s crazy fresh because it boasts a variety of fresh veggies. The texture is also something to write home about thanks to its creamy tofu, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and grilled artichoke hearts. AND, this delicious meal is guilt-free cuz it’s packed with plant-based proteins from the tofu and healthy fats from the sliced avocado. Finish it all off with a homemade Green Goddess Dressing, made with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a healthy vegetarian meal that’s out of this world!
Estimated cost breakdown:
- Tofu: $2
- Avocados: $2
- Butter lettuce: $3
- Grilled artichoke hearts: $2.50
- Broccoli: $4
- Green Goddess Dressing ingredients: $6
Total: $19.50 / 4 servings = $4.86 per serving
Check out the full recipe here!
Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Bowl
KA-POW!! That’s what we hear whenever we indulge in our Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Bowl, because it’s PACKED with flavor! Charred tomato salsa, grilled chicken, and crisp zucchini noodles make up the bulk of this healthy and delicious bowl, and its versatility is amazing. You can add whatever veggies or leftovers you have on hand. In fact, we encourage it! You can even use leftover chicken, which will save you some extra cash.
Estimated cost breakdown:
- Roma tomatoes: $1
- Chicken breasts: $4
- Zoodles: $3.50
- Other salsa ingredients and spices: $4
Total: $12.50 / 4 servings = $3.13 per serving
Check out the full recipe here!
Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl
Our Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl is basically a myriad of roasted veggies, all easily cooked to perfection on a sheet pan. And it’s wildly customizable based on whatever you might have lurking in your crisper drawer, which not only saves you money, but helps you lessen food waste!
If you’re shopping fresh, you’ll want to opt for a mix of healthy veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, all of which will pack this vegan Buddha Bowl with a ton of vitamins and whole foods. Don’t forget to top it off with the dressing of your choice!
Estimated cost breakdown:
- Mixed veggies: $8
- Extra-firm tofu: $2
- Whole grain/rice/pasta: $2
- Olive oil and dressing: $1
Total: $13 / 4 servings = $3.25 per serving
Check out the full recipe here!
Leftover Turkey Miso Ramen
Ready to turn those turkey leftovers into a cozy comfort meal? Of course you are! This Leftover Turkey Miso Ramen recipe is perfect for using up any leftover roasted turkey and veggies you have lying around. It’s got a rich miso broth that comes together with fresh ramen noodles, turkey slices, and soft-boiled eggs to create perhaps the most budget-friendly and comforting one-bowl meal you’ve ever had.
Estimated cost breakdown:
- Roasted turkey bones: leftover
- Ramen noodles: $2
- Miso paste and other broth ingredients: $4
- Eggs: $1
- Veggies: $4
Total: $11 / 4 servings = $2.75 per serving
Check out the full recipe here!
Leftover Turkey Cobb Salad
Last but not least, we have yet another bowl meal that uses leftover turkey: our Leftover Turkey Cobb Salad! And it’s packed with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, along with some hard-boiled eggs to keep it balanced as well as nutritious. Throw in some crumbled bacon and Roquefort cheese for a little extra flavor, and you’ve got yourself fantastic way to transform leftovers into an almost gourmet salad.
Estimated cost breakdown:
- Lettuce: $1
- Tomato: $1
- Avocado: $1
- Chives: $0.50
- Bacon: $3
- Eggs: $1
- Roquefort cheese: $2
- Leftover turkey: leftover
Total: $9.50 / 4 servings = $2.38 per serving
Check out the full recipe here!
Ready To Save?
Now you’re equipped to eat healthy AND save some cash! We hope that this list makes your pocket (and your taste buds) happy.
Do you have a budget-friendly go-to meal? If so, we’d love for you to share it in our comments.
PayPal $100 Cash Giveaway
Want to make these amazing Buddha bowls yourself? Enter our $100 PayPal Gift Card Giveaway to buy all the ingredients you need!
Chicken noodle soup! Thx for chance!
I cannot enter your last few contests. The sites will not let me click to enter my e-mail and name.
all the past contests are still working well as your site
Just wondered if others have the same problem
Hello Marjorie,
Thank you for your valuable feedback. Your experience matters to us and we appreciate you taking the time to share it. Our tech team has been informed of your comments and will work to make the necessary improvements.
Thank you again!
The Steamy Kitchen Giveaways Team