15 Tasty Recipes You Can Make with Dollar Store Finds
Meal prepping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to live on PB&Js or sad ramen noodles. Your friendly neighborhood dollar store is packed with hidden gems—ingredients you can use to whip up meals that are delicious, satisfying, and wallet-friendly. Whether you’re looking for lunchbox fillers, quick dinners, or snacks for the whole week, these recipes have your back. The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to pull them off. We’re talking simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor! Meal prep can feel intimidating, but trust me—if you’ve got a freezer, some plastic containers, and a little patience, you’re halfway there. Think of it like solving a delicious puzzle: how to spend as little as possible and eat well all week long. With just a few bucks, a bit of creativity, and some love for convenience store finds, you’ll be meal-prepping like a pro in no time.
One-Pot Chili Mac
Grab some boxed mac and cheese, canned chili, and a can of diced tomatoes for this cozy one-pot wonder. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or work lunches.
Veggie Stir-Fry with Ramen Noodles
Take those ramen noodles to the next level! Pick up a bag of frozen veggies and some soy sauce, and boom—you’ve got a stir-fry ready to go in under 15 minutes.
Breakfast Burritos
Tortillas, scrambled eggs, and canned beans from the dollar store make for a breakfast that’s filling and affordable. Wrap them up, freeze them, and reheat on busy mornings.
Sheet-Pan Chicken & Veggies
Snag some frozen chicken breasts and a bag of mixed vegetables for this easy sheet-pan meal. Add a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and let the oven do the rest.
Spaghetti Carbonara with a Twist
You only need pasta, eggs, canned mushrooms, and Parmesan (or the closest version). Quick, creamy, and so good you’ll forget it was made with dollar-store ingredients!
Mini Pizzas on English Muffins
Canned tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and English muffins create the easiest DIY pizzas. Let everyone in the family add their own toppings for a fun meal-prep night!
Taco Salad Bowls
Use tortilla chips as a base, then pile on canned corn, black beans, salsa, and cheese. It’s a fiesta in a bowl—and way cheaper than takeout tacos.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Oats, peanut butter, and bananas are all dollar-store staples. Prep jars of overnight oats and enjoy a healthy, grab-and-go breakfast all week long.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
You only need pasta, a jar of Alfredo sauce, canned chicken, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake it all together for a creamy, comforting dish that feeds a crowd.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Microwave some potatoes and load them with sour cream, shredded cheese, canned chili, or whatever toppings you love. These babies are the ultimate comfort food!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Pick up some rice, beans, and canned tomatoes to fill bell peppers for a colorful, hearty meal. Bonus: They look super fancy, but they’re crazy easy to make.
Pasta Salad with a Kick
Use dollar-store pasta, Italian dressing, canned olives, and veggies for a zesty pasta salad. It’s great for lunchboxes or a potluck dish that won’t break the bank.
Quesadilla Party Packs
Tortillas, cheese, and whatever fillings you like—beans, corn, salsa, or even canned chicken. Slice them into triangles and store them for quick snacks or meals.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Layer dollar-store yogurt with canned fruit and granola for a sweet, satisfying breakfast or dessert. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but is dirt cheap.
No-Bake Energy Bites
Combine oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips to make these simple no-bake snacks. Perfect for a midday energy boost or post-workout fuel—no oven required!
The Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe With A Short Cooking Time
I have tried a few different cauliflower recipes but this one is the best cauliflower crust pizza recipe you will ever make, it’s cheesy and you can actually pick it up like a real pizza. If you want to avoid the carbs but want pizza this is the recipe for you!
The Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe With A Short Cooking Time
14 Healthy Meals That are Affordable and Easy to Make
With food prices going up everywhere, it’s nice to know you can still eat healthy on a budget. Here are 15 healthy dinner recipes that make good use of a dollar. Add these great recipes to your meal planner and feel good about saving money and eating well!
