Cooking Lucid

15 Budget Meal Prep Recipes

Meal prep on a budget. Fifteen batch recipes that cost less than $2 per serving.

Easy Home Bibimbap Bowls
Easy

Easy Home Bibimbap Bowls

A weeknight-friendly bibimbap with seasoned ground beef, quick sautéed vegetables, warm rice, and a sunny fried egg on top. Mix it all together with spicy gochujang sauce — no special equipment required.

35 min4 servings
dinnerkid-friendlyquick
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Easy

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Low-carb cauliflower fried rice that actually tastes amazing. All the flavor of classic fried rice with a fraction of the carbs — ready in 20 minutes.

20 min4 servings
dinnerhealthyquick
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Easy

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Sweet and savory Korean-inspired ground beef over steamed rice in 20 minutes. This is one of the most popular weeknight dinners for a reason — it's cheap, fast, and insanely good.

20 min4 servings
dinnerquickbudget
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

The best homemade chicken noodle soup — rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. Ready in 45 minutes and better than any can.

45 min6 servings
dinnerkid-friendlycomfort-food
Easy Baked Chicken Breast
Easy

Easy Baked Chicken Breast

Perfectly juicy baked chicken breast with a simple seasoning blend. The foolproof method that comes out right every time — no dry chicken ever again.

30 min4 servings
dinnerhigh-proteinhealthy
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Easy

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken over steamed rice with crispy vegetables. A takeout favorite made at home.

30 min4 servings
dinnerkid-friendly30-minutes
Easy Spaghetti Night
Easy

Easy Spaghetti Night

Classic family spaghetti with a rich meat sauce. Done in 30 minutes with pantry staples.

30 min6 servings
dinnerkid-friendlybudget
Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Bowls
Easy

Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Bowls

Golden garlic butter chicken over fluffy rice with roasted veggies. A complete meal in one bowl.

30 min4 servings
dinnermeal-prephigh-protein

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest meal prep?

Rice, beans, roasted vegetables, and a simple protein like eggs or chicken thighs.