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Home » Recipes » 8 Cheap Meal Prep Recipes That Saved me $100’s

8 Cheap Meal Prep Recipes That Saved me $100’s

Filed Under: Youtube Videos December 22, 2023

In early 2023, I found myself facing a harsh reality – the amount my husband and I were spending on breakfast and lunch outs was draining our pockets faster than I’d like to admit. The convenience of grabbing meals on the go came at a steep cost, with daily expenses ranging from $10 to $20. Crunching the numbers, we realized that this seemingly harmless routine was devouring over $400 a month. So we decided to make a change. I found 8 cheap meal prep recipes that have served us very well over the past year!

Egg Bites

bacon, egg, and cheese egg bites in a glass Tupperware

Let’s kick off with breakfast – enter homemade egg bites. Inspired by the pricey Starbucks version, I did the math, and the cost of making two egg bites at home paled in comparison to the $11.70 we were shelling out at the coffee giant. But it didn’t stop there – the coffee markup at Starbucks, a staggering 588%, made our homemade cup a true financial win at just $.62. It was a stark reminder of how much we were overpaying for the convenience of drive-thru coffee. Treating ourselves is okay, but being aware of the price gouging is empowering. As we move forward, these small changes have not only saved us money but also put us on the path to financial mindfulness.

Protein Smoothies

I was never a fan of protein smoothies until this last year. I’ve made these smoothies with both chocolate and vanilla protein powder and both are delicious. I’ve had these as a quick breakfast, lunch, snack, and even dessert! The recipe is super simple:

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate PB2
  • 1 or 2 scoops of protein powder (this depends on the brand but must make sure it’s one serving)
  • 1-2 cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk or water (depending on what you have on hand and how thick you like it

Blend the ingredients in a Nurtibullet (this is the one I use) or your favorite blender and enjoy!

Crustless Quiche

crustless quiche with a slice taken out in a baking pan with a fork

As a quiche lover since I was a child, I didn’t realize how much I could love a crustless keto quiche! It’s an easy menu addition that serves up vegetables and protein without sacrificing on flavor!

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowls

I always thought I’d eat cottage cheese with fruit until I tried these healthy breakfast bowls! Savory and satisfying, these bowls will start your day in a balanced and delicious way!

Bahn Mi Bowls

assembled banh mi rice bowl with sirracha mayo

These Banh Mi Bowls not only cater to your taste buds but also allow you to stay within budget by utilizing cost-effective ingredients.

Egg Roll Bowls

Simple and satisfying, these inside out egg rolls can be made for around $5 and are full of veggies and protein!

Easy Basic Chili Recipe

classic chili in a bowl with sour cream and scallions

This Classic Chili Recipe is near and dear to my heart. It’s the go-to recipe I whip up when it’s just us at home, and I can’t believe I haven’t shared it with you yet.

Classic Burrito Bowls

If there’s one culinary creation that stands out for its versatility and unbeatable taste, it’s the beloved burrito bowl. Whether you’re using leftovers, embracing simplicity with a poor man’s version, or opting for a hearty meaty feast, burrito bowls have you covered.

1. Leftover Magic: Got some leftover chicken hanging out in the fridge? Dice it up and toss it into your burrito bowl for an instant upgrade. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into last night’s dinner.

2. Poor Man’s Burrito Bowl: For those days when the meat takes a backseat, a poor man’s burrito bowl shines. No meat required—just hearty, protein-packed black beans to steal the show. Simple, satisfying, and light on the wallet.

3. Meaty Fiesta: If you’re a fan of the classics, nothing beats the savory goodness of ground beef, turkey, or chicken browned to perfection with taco seasoning. Piled on a bed of rice with a generous serving of black beans, it’s a hearty fiesta for your taste buds.

4. Bean Enthusiast’s Tip: For the bean enthusiasts out there, consider cooking a big batch of black beans from scratch. Freeze them in portions, and when the burrito bowl craving hits, defrost a batch for a fresh and wholesome addition.

5. Customize to Your Heart’s Content: The beauty of burrito bowls lies in their customizability. Top it with cheese, salsa, diced tomatoes, scallions, guacamole, or whatever strikes your fancy. Mix it up—burrito bowls thrive on variety.

Watch Me Make All of These Recipes Here on My YouTube Channel:

FOR MORE EASY HOLIDAY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

  • Easy Breezy Holiday Recipes
  • Christmas in Your Crock Pot!
  • 4 Ingredients or less Holiday Recipes!

MORE HOLIDAY MAIN RECIPES TO TRY:

  • Slow Cooker Ham
  • Slow Coker Turkey Tenderloin
  • Stuffed Chicken

Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and websit

Tagged With: breakfast, lunch, lunches, meal prep

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Welcome to Meals with Maria! I’m Maria, a passionate home cook and mom on a mission to help you make everyday healthy meals simple, and holiday indulgence special. As a wife and mother of three boys, I know how important it is to balance nourishing your family with meals that are easy to prepare and budget-friendly — while still savoring the joy of holiday treats and meals out. Read More…

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