30 Cheap & Healthy Meals You Can Make for Under £2 a Serving

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. In fact, some of the most delicious and nutritious meals can be made on a shoestring budget. The trick is knowing what to buy, how to combine ingredients smartly, and how to stretch your money without sacrificing taste or nutrition, there’s no point making something that costs very little if you hate the taste and can’t make it last longer term. If you’re tired of hearing that eating healthy is “too expensive,” this list of cheap healthy meals will prove otherwise.

From hearty one-pot stews to protein-packed salads and easy freezer-friendly dishes, every recipe below costs less than £2 per serving and often much less. These meals are perfect for students, families, or anyone trying to eat better while saving money. You’ll find options for vegetarians, meat lovers, and everyone in between, each crafted by some of the best food bloggers around.

And if you’re serious about budgeting smarter while staying healthy, check out our AI Grocery List Generator to help plan your weekly shopping, or our Cheap Meal Prep Ideas for Weight Loss to build a week of balanced, affordable meals. Let’s dig in, both deliciously and affordably!

 

30 Cheap & Healthy Meals You Can Make for Under £2 a Serving

1. One-Pot Lentil Curry – BBC Good Food

This comforting lentil curry is a budget-friendly classic. Made with red lentils, garlic, and curry spices, it’s high in protein, fiber, and flavour while costing under £1 per serving. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a complete, filling meal.

For extra protein, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or toss in some spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.

2. Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Lazy Cat Kitchen

Loaded with chickpeas, spinach, and tomatoes, this Mediterranean-inspired stew is a nutrient powerhouse. It’s rich in plant protein and iron, making it both satisfying and energising.

This meal freezes beautifully, so make a double batch for busy weeks — you’ll thank yourself later.

3. Baked Sweet Potato with Cottage Cheese – Love and Lemons

Sweet potatoes are the ultimate affordable superfood. Top a roasted potato with cottage cheese, chives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a creamy, protein-packed meal that’s under £1.50.

Mix it up by adding black beans or roasted chickpeas for a bit more texture and fibre.

4. Tuna Pasta Bake – Delicious Magazine

This British staple is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy on the wallet. Canned tuna, wholewheat pasta, and a light cheese sauce make for a filling meal that reheats perfectly for lunch the next day.

Use frozen vegetables like peas or spinach to boost nutrients without increasing cost.

5. Vegetable Fried Rice – Feasting at Home

Got leftover rice? Turn it into a nutritious, cheap dinner. This recipe uses eggs, carrots, and peas — all budget-friendly staples — to create a quick, protein-rich meal that costs less than £1 per plate.

Add soy sauce or chilli flakes for an extra flavour punch.

6. Black Bean Burrito Bowls – Downshiftology

Black beans are one of the most cost-effective sources of protein. Combine them with rice, salsa, corn, and avocado for a filling bowl that’s high in fibre, flavour, and satisfaction.

This meal is completely customisable — add chicken, tofu, or roasted peppers if you want extra variety.

7. Simple Lentil Soup – Simply Recipes

This hearty soup costs less than 80p per serving and is packed with lentils, carrots, and celery. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something incredibly comforting and healthy.

Pair it with wholegrain bread for a complete meal rich in fibre and slow-digesting carbs.

8. Spicy Chickpea Wraps – Minimalist Baker

Smash chickpeas with spices and yoghurt for a simple, high-protein sandwich filling. Roll them in whole-wheat tortillas with lettuce and tomato for a fresh and affordable lunch.

It’s a vegetarian favourite that still delivers over 20 grams of protein per wrap.

9. Baked Eggplant & Tomato Pasta – EatingWell

This Mediterranean-style dish combines roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and pasta for a satisfying, flavourful meal. You’ll get plenty of fibre and antioxidants for well under £2 a portion.

Top with a sprinkle of parmesan for added richness without breaking your budget.

10. Peanut Noodle Stir Fry – Feasting at Home

This nutty stir fry is quick, cheap, and delicious. Wholewheat noodles, peanut butter, and vegetables come together for a balanced meal that’s full of flavour and protein.

Substitute fresh veggies with frozen mixed vegetables for an even cheaper and quicker version.

11. Mushroom Risotto – BBC Good Food

Risotto sounds fancy, but it can be made affordably with just rice, mushrooms, onions, and broth. This creamy, comforting dish delivers depth of flavour and nourishment without expensive ingredients.

Stir in nutritional yeast or a bit of parmesan for extra umami richness.

12. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies – Well Plated

A classic for busy weeknights, this recipe uses chicken thighs, root vegetables, and herbs roasted together on one tray. It’s cheap, filling, and ideal for meal prep.

Swap in whatever veggies are on sale that week to keep costs even lower.

13. Chickpea Curry with Rice – Lazy Cat Kitchen

This simple curry combines chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry paste for a creamy, flavourful meal that’s done in 25 minutes. Each serving costs around £1 and tastes like a takeaway favourite.

Pair with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

14. Egg Fried Noodles – RecipeTin Eats

Eggs are one of the most affordable protein sources, and this noodle stir-fry uses them perfectly. Quick, tasty, and packed with vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal under £1.50 per portion.

Use leftover noodles or rice to save even more.

15. Tuna & Sweetcorn Jacket Potato – Delicious Magazine

A British classic that’s as filling as it is affordable. Top a fluffy baked potato with tuna, sweetcorn, and a touch of light mayo for a simple high-protein meal that won’t break the bank.

Pair with a salad or steamed veggies for extra colour and fibre.

16. Vegetable Chili – Feasting at Home

Beans, tomatoes, and spices — that’s all you need for this hearty, meat-free chili. It’s rich in flavour and nutrition, costing under £1 per serving.

Double the batch and freeze leftovers for easy lunches later in the week.

17. Baked Falafel Wraps – Downshiftology

Homemade baked falafels are crispy, flavourful, and extremely cheap to make. Pair with pita bread, hummus, and salad for a delicious Mediterranean-style meal.

They’re packed with fibre, protein, and flavour — all for less than £2 per serving.

18. Sausage & Vegetable Tray Bake – BBC Good Food

Use lean sausages and seasonal vegetables for a simple sheet-pan meal that’s bursting with flavour. It’s high in protein and nutrients yet costs less than £1.50 a portion.

Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme to change up the flavour profile.

19. Spaghetti with Garlic & Olive Oil – The Mediterranean Dish

This Italian favourite proves that simplicity wins. Garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes transform plain pasta into a rich and satisfying meal.

Add a handful of spinach or frozen peas to increase the nutrition without raising costs.

20. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – EatingWell

This plant-based twist on the classic shepherd’s pie replaces meat with lentils for a protein-packed, budget-friendly meal. It’s warm, filling, and freezes well for leftovers.

Use sweet potato mash for a more nutrient-dense topping.

21. Chicken Fried Rice – Well Plated

Made with leftover rice, eggs, and frozen veggies, this dish is a protein-packed favourite that comes together in 15 minutes. Cheap, quick, and family-approved.

It’s also a perfect way to use up leftovers while saving money and reducing food waste.

22. Pasta with Tomato & Lentil Sauce – BBC Good Food

Combining lentils with tomato sauce makes for a rich, hearty, and affordable pasta dish. It’s packed with fibre and iron — ideal for vegetarians on a budget.

Add fresh basil or a little parmesan to elevate the taste even more.

23. Vegetable Stir Fry – Feasting at Home

This colourful stir fry uses low-cost vegetables and a light soy-garlic sauce to create a meal that’s both cheap and nutrient-rich. Add tofu or chicken for extra protein.

Perfect for quick dinners when you’re short on time and energy.

24. Moroccan Chickpea Soup – Lazy Cat Kitchen

Warming spices, chickpeas, and vegetables come together in this hearty soup that costs around £1 per serving. It’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for brightness.

25. Shakshuka – Love and Lemons

Poached eggs in a rich tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and herbs — a Middle Eastern favourite that’s as affordable as it is delicious. You can make it for less than £1.50 per serving.

Serve with crusty bread or pita to soak up the sauce.

26. Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry – Feasting at Home

This creamy curry combines peanut butter, coconut milk, and chickpeas for a unique, budget-friendly meal. Each serving is full of plant-based protein and flavour for around £1.20.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that also works great for meal prep.

27. Tofu Fried Rice – Minimalist Baker

Pan-fried tofu adds protein to this veggie-packed fried rice that costs under £1 per serving. It’s vegan, high in fibre, and incredibly satisfying.

Use soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for depth of flavour without the price tag.

28. Bean & Veggie Quesadillas – Downshiftology

Crispy tortillas stuffed with black beans, peppers, and a bit of cheese make a satisfying, high-protein vegetarian meal. These cost around £1.50 per serving and are ready in minutes.

Serve with salsa or Greek yogurt for a simple dipping sauce.

29. Pasta Primavera – EatingWell

This light and colourful pasta uses seasonal vegetables and olive oil to create a satisfying meal that’s fresh and affordable. It’s perfect for summer or spring.

Keep it cheap by using frozen vegetables and dried pasta — no need for anything fancy.

30. Red Lentil Dahl – Feasting at Home

A creamy Indian-inspired lentil dish that costs less than £1 per serving. Dahl is naturally high in protein, full of flavour, and extremely budget-friendly.

Pair with rice or naan bread for a satisfying, complete meal.

 

FAQs About Cheap Healthy Meals

1. Can I really eat healthy on a budget?
Absolutely! Focus on whole foods like lentils, beans, oats, eggs, and frozen vegetables. They’re packed with nutrients and cost a fraction of processed foods.

2. How can I make meals cheaper?
Buy in bulk, cook in batches, and use versatile ingredients that work across multiple recipes. Don’t shy away from frozen produce — it’s just as nutritious as fresh and lasts longer.

3. Are these meals good for weight loss?
Yes! Each recipe balances protein, fibre, and healthy carbs to keep you full while helping control calories naturally — no starvation diets required.

4. How can I meal prep these recipes?
Batch-cook base ingredients like rice, quinoa, or beans at the start of the week, then mix and match with different sauces and proteins for variety.

 

✨ Final Thoughts

Eating healthy on a budget isn’t about restriction — it’s about creativity. These 30 cheap healthy meals show that with a little planning, you can eat well, feel great, and still save money. Every meal here proves that affordability and nutrition can absolutely go hand-in-hand.

Start small: pick three recipes to try this week, plan your shopping list, and see how much you save compared to your usual meals. You’ll be amazed at the results — both for your wallet and your waistline. And if you loved this roundup, share it with friends or post your favourite meal on social media to inspire others to eat smart on a budget!

For more ideas, check out our AI Grocery List Generator and Healthy Meal Prep Guide.

Medical Reminder: Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making major changes to your eating habits, exercise routine, or lifestyle. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice.