Sometimes you don’t always have the time or the budget to make yourself a wholesome meal. People are getting busier and busier by the day! But, a lack-of-time shouldn’t lead to a lack-of-flavor in your meals!
You can still enjoy a wholesome breakfast, a delicious lunch, and a hearty dinner without spending all day in the kitchen. Not to mention, you can do all of that without emptying your wallet either! Let me prove it to you, below we have some cheap and easy meals that you can make in 30 minutes or less! Let’s start cooking!
1. Ricotta Avocado Toast
As simple as a piece of toast with egg and tasty sauce! Avocados can sometimes be more expensive (depending on where you live) but try and find special 2 for 1 deals or salvage the sad ones that are going to be tossed.
2. Smoky Bacon Sweet Potato Hash
Alright, so, I’m cheating on this one, but that smoky bacon looks so good, I couldn’t resist! It takes 30 minutes to cook, but they approximate 10 minutes to prepare… So, if you prepare it the night before then it really would be just a 30-minute breakfast! Right?
3. Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Believe it or not, but these Cinnamon Sugar Knots are made from scratch in just 30 minutes. Your kids are definitely going to like this one.
4. Twisted Nutella Danish
My advice for you on this one? Buy Nutella in bulk! You can easily save a few bucks. My second recommendation? Try not to eat the whole batch of these in one sitting…
5. Breakfast Bruschetta
Here’s some good inspiration on how to use those odds-and-ends in your crisper at breakfast time. Cut up your various vegetables, scramble some eggs, and if you’re feeling adventurous add some crispy bacon bits!
6. Egg Omelet Mug
This recipe takes all of 2 minutes to make… Which means? With 30 minutes, you could make 15 of these bad boys! Talk about the breakfast when you have ALL of the relatives over.
7. Bacon Egg White Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza for breakfast? Not me! And, probably not your kids either! Loaded with vegetables (use kitchen scraps if possible) and then smothered with gooey cheese. If you have a hard time finding cheap bacon, then substitute it for sliced ham.
8. Tropical Mango Smoothie
My money saving tip for fruit smoothies is to buy the frozen fruit in bulk. Or, tip #2 is to buy out all the fruit that is marked down to only pennies because it’s “going bad” or is “shaped funny.” If you catch it in time, then you can chop it up and keep it well in the freezer.
9. Vegetable Breakfast Casserole
I love any meal that allows me to use up all those random pieces of vegetable I have hiding in my refrigerator. This breakfast casserole is perfect for weekend brunch!
10. Ham and Egg Cups
Only 30 minutes, including the time to make those cute little ham boats! Ham, egg, and some cherry tomatoes, and you’re done!
11. Easy Broccoli Quiche
The fun thing about quiche is that you can customize it to whatever you’re craving or whatever you have in your fridge. This recipe uses a classic broccoli and cheddar combination.
12. Bacon Egg & Cheese Bagels
These are a perfect on-the-go breakfast, mainly because they are freezer-friendly! That means you can make up a whole bunch of them on a Sunday night and have your entire week prepared.
Cheap 30-Minute Meals: Lunch
13. Healthy Egg Salad Sandwich
How good does this creamy egg salad sandwich look? The fresh greens and brightly colored tomatoes make this meal a healthy and cheap one.
14. Spicy Tuna Avocado Wrap
Tuna is one of those remarkable proteins that can usually be found pretty cheap. Plus, it tastes great in a wrap such as this one; all mixed up with sliced veggies and sriracha!
15. Mediterranean Bean Salad
A protein packed and frugal lunch idea. This Mediterranean Bean Salad is packed with nutrients, is super quick to make, and budget-friendly!
Cheap 30-Minute Meals: Dinner
16. Philly Cheese Steak
Easy and cheesy, you will love these savory sandwiches and so will your family! It’s all put together on one sheet pan which makes cleanup quick.
17. Easy Goulash
As easy as opening a bunch of cans and unloading them into a pan! Throw in your favorite beans, corn, vegetables, whatever you’ve got! Get creative with your Goulash!
18. Lemon Herb and Chicken Rice
One Pot Lemon Herb and Chicken Rice… This recipe looks mouthwatering, and the best part is that it requires barely any cleanup! Oh, not to mention it’s budget-friendly and takes only 30 minutes to make… Wow!
19. Cheap and Easy Taco Bowls
As stated, these taco bowls are cheap and easy and will definitely be a crowd pleaser. Just add your favorite taco fillings to get your preferred flavors!
20. Roasted Veggies and Chicken
This wholesome meal is not only good for you due to the abundant variety of vegetables, but is super quick to make! Under 30 minutes before you can enjoy this tender and juicy dinner.
21. Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
Now even though this sounds (and looks) fancy, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy this braided pot pie is to make! It also happens to be insanely delicious!
22. BBQ Chicken Tostadas
A crunchy tostada loaded with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce… YUM! I know what I’m having for dinner tonight! Cheap, easy, quick, and definitely tasty!
23. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Slice up some protein (chicken or beef) and some vegetables and toss it all into a pan. This fajita recipe is quick to make and quick to clean up. Now you have your weekend dinner planned!
24. Buffalo Chicken and Potato Skillet
The perfect Superbowl appetizer! Or, you know… An excellent quick and easy dinner when the Superbowl ends, and everyone is hungry… This hearty meal is budget-friendly and only requires one pan!
25. Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Just a few ingredients, a short amount of time, and one delicious result. This recipe might just become your new favorite dinner when you’re short on time. Sweet and savory!
26. Vegetarian Carbonara
“Vegetarian Carbanero is like Italian mac n’ cheese.” They couldn’t be more right! This creamy pasta requires only seven ingredients (including the garnish) and can be made in under 30 minutes.
27. Skillet Chicken Marsala
A garlicky and salty deliciousness that is this Chicken Marsala. I am drooling over this photo! Drop it over some rice or noodles to make it last even longer.
28. Chicken and Spinach Parmesan
Who doesn’t love a good Chicken Parmesan? Especially when it doesn’t hurt your wallet! Without too many ingredients you can recreate this delicious dinner in under 30 minutes!
As you can see, it’s definitely possible to make delicious meals with only 30 minutes or less and without breaking your budget! We’ve seen some examples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so now it’s time to start cooking! Pick your favorite recipe and start your timer!
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