5 Cheap Meals You Can Make for Under £5
Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavour or nutrition. With a little creativity and a smart shopping list, you can make delicious, filling meals for under £5. Whether you’re trying to save money or simply stretch your weekly food budget, these affordable meal ideas are perfect for everyday cooking.
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🍝 1. Creamy Garlic Pasta
Estimated cost: ~£2.50
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
200g pasta
2 cloves garlic
100ml cream (or milk)
Butter or oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: grated cheese
Method:
Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. In a pan, sauté garlic in butter, add cream, and season. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and top with cheese if desired.
Why it works: Simple ingredients, quick to prepare, and incredibly satisfying.
Serve in your favourite pasta bowl! I like these Pasta Bowls to bring a bit of coloir to the table.
🍲 2. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Estimated cost: ~£3.00
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients:
1 cup rice
Mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
Soy sauce
Garlic or ginger (optional)
Oil
Method:
Cook the rice. Stir-fry vegetables in oil, add soy sauce and optional garlic/ginger. Serve over rice.
Why it works: Flexible, healthy, and a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Recommended: Stainless Steel Frying Pan
🥔 3. Jacket Potato with Beans
Estimated cost: ~£2.00
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
2 large potatoes
1 tin baked beans
Butter
Optional: cheese
Method:
Bake potatoes in the oven (200°C for ~1 hour) or microwave for speed. Heat beans and serve over the split potatoes with butter and cheese.
Why it works: Classic, filling, and incredibly cheap.
Recommended recipe book: Feed Your Family For £20 a Week: 100 Budget-Friendly, Batch-Cooking Recipes You'll All Enjoy
🍳 4. Egg Fried Rice
Estimated cost: ~£2.50
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
2 eggs
Frozen peas or veg
Soy sauce
Oil
Method:
Heat oil in a pan, scramble eggs, then add rice and vegetables. Stir in soy sauce and cook until heated through.
Why it works: Quick, tasty, and perfect for using leftovers.
Recommended: Stainless Steel Saucepans
🌯 5. Simple Bean Wraps
Estimated cost: ~£3.50
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients:
Tortilla wraps
1 tin beans (kidney or mixed)
Lettuce
Tomato
Optional: cheese or sauce
Method:
Heat the beans, then layer onto wraps with fresh salad and optional toppings. Roll and serve.
Why it works: Fresh, filling, and easily customizable.
💡 Tips for Eating Well on a Budget
Buy store-brand or value items to cut costs
Use frozen vegetables — they’re cheaper and last longer
Cook in bulk and save leftovers
Plan meals to reduce food waste
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean boring meals. With these five ideas, you can enjoy tasty, comforting dishes without spending more than £5. Perfect for students, families, or anyone looking to save money while still eating well.
Recommended reads: Three books on how to make extra money:
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