5 Budget-Friendly Meals for Under $25 — Yes, It Can Be Done!
Hey everyone! It’s Corrie from This and That, and today I’m excited to share something so many families have been asking for: five complete meals for under $25 — all using ingredients you can easily pick up at Walmart.
With food prices rising and budgets feeling tight, I wanted to challenge myself not only to create affordable meals, but to make sure each one included a vegetable, meat and used simple pantry staples, that could realistically feed a family. I sourced prices directly from my local Walmart, and everything totaled under $25 — without relying on special sales or hard-to-find items.
Most of these ingredients came right from my pantry (because trust me, I’m feeling the pinch too!), but the prices listed are based on current Walmart shelf prices so you can recreate each meal affordably at home.
Here Are the Five Budget Meals:
1. Kielbasa with Corn & Beans
A budget classic that tastes hearty and comforting. Sliced kielbasa makes the portions go further, and pairing it with corn and baked beans creates a filling, protein-packed plate with leftovers to spare.
2. Pasta with Meat Sauce, Green Beans & Cheesy Garlic Bread
Half a pound of ground turkey + a large can of tomato sauce = two meals for the price of one.
Add simple pantry seasonings, toss in some pasta, and serve it with the easiest garlic-cheese tortillas you’ll ever make. This meal made generous portions and still produced leftovers.
3. One-Pot Chicken, Rice & Broccoli
A true dump-and-go meal using canned chicken, broth, frozen broccoli, and a Knorr rice packet. Everything cooks in one pot, creating a creamy, comforting dish that easily feeds a family of four.
4. Taco Soup with Homemade Tortilla Strips
Using the ground turkey, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning and beans, this soup comes together fast — and tastes incredible topped with shredded cheese and crispy homemade tortilla strips. Affordable, filling, and perfect for lunch the next day.
5. Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese & Broccoli
A simple, family-friendly dinner that costs very little and cooks up fast. A package of hotdogs, a bag of frozen broccoli and a box of Mac and cheese. Adding some leftover shredded cheese to the mac and cheese makes it extra creamy without spending another dime.
Budget Meals Can Be Delicious
These five meals prove that eating well on a tight budget is possible — without skipping veggies, without complicated recipes, and without running from store to store. Whether you’re trying to stretch your groceries, save for the holidays, or just need new inexpensive dinner ideas, I hope this list helps take a little stress off your plate.
If you want to recreate the meals, the full printable shopping list --> HERE
Happy cooking, friends! 🍽️💛
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