As food becomes more expensive, you must look for ways to save every day. By planning your meals, you can take advantage of sales and discounts and save. You make informed financial decisions and avoid being extravagant. You don’t overbuy ingredients only to let them spoil in your fridge.
Our budget meal planning schedule contains meal ideas for 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners. We list all the main ingredients, making your job easy.
Cheap Weekly Meal Plan for 1 or 2 People
- Cereal (12 oz box/2 boxes for 2 people)
- Sliced Wheat Bread Loaf (2 loaves/4 loaves for 2 people)
- Eggs (1 dozen/2dozen)
- Marinara Pasta Sauce (24oz jar/2 jars for 2 people)
- Ground Beef (1lb/21lb)
- Chicken Leg Quarters (5lb pack/10lb pack)
- Steamed and Frozen Vegetables (12 oz pack/2 packs for 2 people)
- Pasta (16 oz/32 oz)
Budget Meal Planning: Cheap Breakfast Meals for One Or Two People
- Day 1: Scrambled eggs and Toast
- Day 2: Cereal with milk
- Day 3: French toast
- Day 4: Scrambled eggs and Toast
- Day 5: Cereal with milk
- Day 6: French toast
- Day 7: Garlic bread, pizza bites, or variations of breakfast eggs
Budget Meal Planning: Cheap Lunch Meals for One Or Two People
- Day 1: Vegetables and baked chicken
- Day 2: Pasta marinara
- Day 3: Grilled chicken sandwich
- Day 4: Vegetables and barbecue chicken
- Day 5: Garlic bread with pasta marinara
- Day 6: Chicken salad sandwich
- Day 7: Pasta casserole, meatballs, or variations of breakfast chicken
Budget Meal Planning: Cheap Dinner Meals for One Or Two People
- Day 1: Oven-baked chicken and pasta salad
- Day 2: Pasta marinara
- Day 3: Grilled chicken sandwich
- Day 4: Barbecue chicken and pasta salad
- Day 5: Garlic bread with pasta marinara
- Day 6: Chicken salad sandwich
- Day 7: Pasta pie or leftovers
Budget Meal Planning Tips: How to Spend Less on Food
- Plan meals with your budget in mind
- Plan for the entire week
- Prepare ingredients in advance during your free time
- Make the most of leftovers
- Use what’s in your pantry
- Use cheap spices and seasonings
- Shop online to save money. You’ll spend more if you go to the store
- If you must go to the store, limit your trips
- Look for bargains, promotions, and use coupons
Alice is a writer and editor for Gainful Retirement. She is passionate about helping retirees live fulfilling lives without financial constraints. She puts a lot of time and effort conducting market research to identify common issues faced by retirees. Her passion is to help you enjoy retirement and solve the most pressing issues you face.