Our Favorite Cheap Yet Delicious Foods

You don’t have to spend much money to enjoy a good meal. These 17 foods are actually quite cheap, but they taste like they came from a fancy restaurant. When payday seems far away, finding affordable yet delicious foods becomes essential. From pantry staples to creative meal ideas, these cost-effective foods will help you stretch your dollars without sacrificing flavor. Discover how to eat well even on a tight budget with these savvy and satisfying culinary choices that will carry you through until your next paycheck.

Cabbage

Often overlooked, cabbage is a budget-friendly and incredibly versatile vegetable that deserves more recognition. With its mild flavor and crisp texture, cabbage can be used in many dishes, from stir-fries and salads to soups and slaws. Or, my personal favorite, cabbage rolls.

It’s affordable and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for those looking to stretch their food budget without compromising on taste or health benefits.

Potato

Potatoes are one of those foods that are cheap but do not taste cheap. Despite being a staple in many cuisines, potatoes tend to be underrated. They can be transformed into countless dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, hearty soups, and even homemade fries.

Their low cost per pound and long shelf life make them an excellent choice for budget-conscious cooks.

Chicken Leg Quarters

While chicken breast often takes the spotlight, chicken leg quarters are an economical and underrated cut that shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only are they more budget-friendly, but they also offer a richer, more juicy flavor. I personally love them and stopped eating expensive chicken breasts a long time ago.

Also, from baking and grilling to braising and stewing, chicken leg quarters lend themselves to various cooking methods, allowing you to create an array of delicious and hearty meals without breaking the bank.

Onion

Found in almost every cuisine worldwide, onions are an unsung hero in the kitchen. Often used as a flavor base, onions add depth and complexity to dishes while being incredibly affordable.

Whether sautéed, caramelized, or added to soups, stews, and sauces, onions provide a burst of flavor that can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary, making them an essential ingredient for budget-friendly cooking.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is a lifesaver for a quick and delicious dinner. It is a highly underrated and affordable protein source. Whether tossed into salads, mixed with mayo for sandwiches, or used as a filling for casseroles, tacos, or pasta dishes, canned tuna offers a convenient and budget-friendly option for any time of day.

Cottage Cheese

Often overlooked, cottage cheese is a versatile and economical ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, cottage cheese can be a nutritious addition to breakfast bowls, smoothies, savory dishes like lasagna, stuffed peppers, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Packed with protein and calcium, cottage cheese is an underrated option for those seeking a budget-friendly and protein-rich food.

Pasta

Pasta, a pantry staple in many households, is an incredibly affordable and versatile food that often gets overlooked. With a wide range of shapes and types available, pasta can be the foundation for countless delicious and budget-friendly meals.

From classic spaghetti and meatballs to comforting macaroni and cheese or vibrant pasta salads, pasta provides a blank canvas that can be dressed up with various sauces, vegetables, and proteins.

My favorite, aglio olio is made of pasta, olive oil, chili powder, garlic, and some parsley on top. One of the simplest, cheapest, most delicious dinners ever!

Hummus

Hummus, a Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, is an underrated, super cheap food that offers both taste and nutrition. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, hummus can be used as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches and wraps, or as a base for flavorful salad dressings and sauces.

Packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, hummus is an economical option that adds depth and richness to a wide range of dishes.

Cauliflower

Often overshadowed by its more popular cousin, broccoli, cauliflower is a highly underrated vegetable that shines when it comes to versatility and affordability. Whether roasted, steamed, mashed, or turned into cauliflower rice, this cruciferous vegetable can be transformed into a multitude of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, gratins, and even pizza crusts. Why not try making cauliflower steak next time?

With its mild flavor and ability to absorb various seasonings, cauliflower offers a budget-friendly and nutritious alternative to more expensive vegetables.

Bananas

Bananas are one of the most inexpensive fruits in the grocery store. Not only are they cheap, but there is a lot you can do with bananas. Check out these top banana dessert recipes to see how you can make a simple banana into something truly incredible. Of course, bananas are also just great to eat all on their own as a healthy, tasty, sweet treat.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a true money saver. Grab the biggest jar you can find. It will stay fresh for months, and you can save money by buying in bulk.

Peanut butter is super filling and also a healthy source of protein. Use it to make breakfast or to bake some delicious almond flour peanut butter cookies. This inexpensive food is versatile and tasty.

Beans

Beans are an extremely cheap and versatile food. There are many different types of beans, and they are all pretty affordable.

Plus, a bag of dried beans can be used for so many things. Make a delicious side dish or transform them into a protein-packed main course. You will never grow tired of this delicious discount food.

Eggs

Eggs are a super cheap and extremely versatile food. You can make scrambled eggs, omelets, poached eggs, hard-boiled eggs—the list goes on and on!

Plus, you can use eggs to create other tasty things like muffins, casseroles, or even ice cream! Eggs are also quite healthy, full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Buy lots of eggs; you will never be hungry or broke again!

Watermelon

When you look at the price of a watermelon, it may seem a little high at first. But then, when you consider just how much fruit you are getting, you will instantly see that watermelons are actually pretty cheap.

Buy a whole watermelon, and you can eat fresh fruit every day for at least a week! Blend it up into watermelon juice, freeze it for an easy watermelon ice dessert, or just eat it by the slice. A watermelon is a great food investment that does not disappoint.

Rice

A little rice goes a long way. Just a cup of rice can feed a whole family! Plus, there is so much you can do with simple rice. You can add vegetables, cook it with stock, and add pretty much any herbs you want.

Grab a big bag of dried whole-grain rice, and you will be eating it for days on just pennies.

Yogurt

Individual yogurts make for a super affordable meal. Yogurt is sweet, tasty, and nutritious. Plus, they come in so many different flavors you will never tire of this creamy, silky snack.

Enjoy yogurt as a breakfast, lunch, or snack between meals. It’s affordable, so you can eat it whenever you want!

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are fairly inexpensive, especially when they are in season. But even in the colder months, you can find affordable, healthy tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are always inexpensive and very versatile. You can make sauces, soups, sauces, and salads using tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Plus, there are hundreds of different varieties of tomatoes, so you will never grow tired of eating them. Definitely stock up on this favorite veggie.