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
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
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
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
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:
MORE HOLIDAY MAIN RECIPES TO TRY:
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