Struggling to feed your family on a tight budget? Food costs can add up quickly, especially with a larger household. As experienced home cooks know, simple, homemade meals are the key to saving money while ensuring nutritious, additive-free dishes.
We've curated 8 straightforward, quick, and affordable recipes that cost less than €2 per person. These use minimal ingredients, many with just 2-3 staples, delivering healthy, satisfying results without breaking the bank.
Proving meals under €2 per person is achievable starts with smart ingredient choices: wholesome, seasonal produce from budget stores like Aldi or Lidl. This rice salad is balanced, versatile—serve it cold as a starter or main—and stores well for up to 4 days, saving prep time and leftovers for work lunches. Swap rice for quinoa or pasta for variety.
- Rice (brown preferred)
- Raw vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, celery, fennel, carrots (seasonal)
- Corn
- Tuna
- Red beans
- Homemade vinaigrette
1. Cook a generous batch of rice per package instructions.
2. Drain and cool (run under cold water if rushed).
3. Transfer to a bowl.
4. Wash and dice vegetables.
5. Add to rice with corn, tuna, and beans.
6. Drizzle vinaigrette and mix. Foolproof and fridge-friendly—use extra rice for a budget gratin. Make your own dressing to avoid preservatives; it's simple and cheaper.
To discover: 12 Salad Recipes To CAUSE Even The BIGGEST Hungers.
Soups are effortless crowd-pleasers: just veggies, water, and 30 minutes. Season boldly with cheese, croutons, broth, or cream for a hearty, balanced meal packed with nutrients.
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- Tomatoes (summer) or paste (winter)
- Pumpkin/squash (winter) or zucchini (summer)
- 1 leek
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Beef/chicken bouillon cube (optional)
- Ham, chicken, sausages, or bacon (optional)
1. Peel, chop, and rinse vegetables.
2. Sauté onion in oil, add veggies.
3. Cover with water.
4. Add cube and meat if using.
5. Boil, then simmer covered 30 minutes.
6. Blend smooth. Thin with water if needed; boost with croutons, lentils, or chia for protein. A winter staple.
To discover: Economical, My Onion Soup Recipe for Less than €0.50 per Person.
Like a Spanish tortilla, this protein-rich classic shines with eggs' proven health benefits. Filling, versatile—add peppers, herbs, or spices. Opt for free-range or organic eggs.
- 5 eggs
- 500g potatoes
- 1 onion
- Parsley, garlic, salt, pepper to taste
- Oil
How to
1. Peel, slice potatoes thinly.
2. Chop onion.
3. Fry onion in oil.
4. Add potatoes; cook 20 minutes.
5. Beat eggs with seasoning.
6. Pour over potatoes; cook low until set. Pair with salad for a complete, ultra-cheap meal.
To discover: 7 Cook's Tips for a Delicious Restaurant-Style Omelette.
Comforting, traditional, and wallet-friendly—skip canned versions full of additives. Dry lentils cook in 45 minutes (no soaking); scale up for leftovers. Protein-packed even without meat.
- Lentils
- Carrots
- Sausages
1. Boil water in saucepan.
2. Add lentils; cook 35-45 minutes.
3. Slice carrots; cook 15-20 minutes (add midway to lentils).
4. Season with salt or baking soda.
5. Cook sausages separately.
6. Drain; season and mix lentils/carrots.
7. Serve with sausages. Elevate with curry, cumin, or herbs.
To discover: The Friendly and Cheap Recipe for Sausages with Lentils.
Kids' favorite and ideal for quick trays or casual gatherings. Add salad for balance.
- Sandwich bread
- Ham
- Butter
- Grated Emmental or cheddar
- Egg (for croque-madame)
1. Layer butter, cheese, ham between bread slices.
2. Top with more butter/cheese.
3. Bake 5-10 minutes at desired crispness. Fry egg for madame version; serve with greens.
French regional staple from Dauphiné: wholesome potatoes in creamy bliss. Pairs with roasts; spice subtly with curry or cumin.
- 2kg potatoes
- 200g grated cheese
- 50cl crème fraîche
- Salt, pepper, garlic, nutmeg
1. Peel/slice potatoes thinly.
2. Layer in dish; season.
3. Pour cream; top with cheese.
4. Bake 1 hour at 180°C. Test with knife; extend if needed. Serve with protein.
Ditch pricey, additive-laden snacks for this foolproof classic—measured by yogurt pot. Fun for kids.
- 1 yogurt pot
- 2 pots sugar
- 3 pots flour
- ½ pot oil
- 3 eggs
- Vanilla sugar sachet
- Baking powder
- Butter
1. Butter mold.
2. Mix ingredients in order.
3. Bake 35 min at 200°C. Customize with chips or fruit.
To discover: A Cheap and Delicious Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Cake.
Vitamin-packed, 2-minute dessert using seasonal fruit. Skip sugary cans; keep peels from organics.
- Apples, pears, bananas, strawberries (seasonal)
- Dried fruits/nuts
- Lemon juice
1. Wash/peel fruit.
2. Dice.
3. Toss with lemon. Chill and enjoy fiber-rich sweetness.
To stretch your food budget further:
- 21 Simple Tips To Save Money While Shopping.
- Save on Groceries with a Weekly Budget.
- 7 Tips For Eating CHEAP Organic.
