5 Cheap Meal Prep Ideas To Help You Save Money

Are you kicking off the new year with new health and fitness goals, or just trying to save on lunches? Well, you’re in the right place because our cheap meal prep ideas are your ultimate lifesaver. Whether you’re smashing workouts, tightening the purse strings, or both, prepping meals ahead of time can keep you fuelled and financially stress-free. And the best part? Poundland has your back, making your Pound go further with everything you need to whip up delicious, affordable meals. From clever hacks to wallet-friendly ingredients, these cheap meal prep solutions will help you eat well without breaking the bank!

5 Cheap and Easy Meal Prep Ideas to Help You Smash Those Goals

If you’re looking for a way to save money while enjoying delicious lunches or dinners, meal prepping is the ultimate game-changer. Not only does it take the stress out of daily cooking, but it’s also an affordable meal prep solution that’ll keep your wallet happy. The best part? These cheap meal prep meals are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weekdays when time is short. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, there’s something for everyone in this mix - think versatile, tasty dishes you can enjoy all week long without spending a fortune. Ready to smash your goals? Let’s get prepping!

Super Easy Sausage & Pepper Bake

Looking for a cheap high-protein meal prep idea that’ll become a firm favourite? This super easy Sausage & Pepper Bake is packed with flavour, protein, and endless possibilities. All you need are chipolata sausages, peppers, mozzarella, a red onion, and some mixed spices - most of which you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard. To bulk it up, serve it with carbs like white or brown rice, or even pasta.

Start by frying your sausages until golden, then set them aside. In the same pan, toss in chopped peppers (use our PEPCO Chopping Boards to make prep a breeze), season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few minutes. Add the onion and cook until soft, then sprinkle over some fajita spices, dried herbs, and half the fresh basil. Once everything’s cooked, top the bake with mozzarella, fresh basil, and a dash of chilli flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Pop it in the oven to melt the cheese, and you’ve got a delicious, protein-packed dish to enjoy all week!

Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

If you’re after a cheap and easy meal prep that’s perfect for veggies, these Teriyaki Tofu Bowls are a winner! Tofu is not only an amazing source of protein for vegetarians, but it’s also super simple to prepare. Start by cutting your tofu into cubes and tossing them in a bowl with a drizzle of soy sauce and a generous dusting of cornstarch. Once coated, fry the cubes in a pan until they’re golden and crispy. While that’s cooking, whip up your teriyaki sauce (just mix soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and a little ginger). Pour the sauce into the pan with the cooked tofu and let it soak up all that sticky, sweet goodness. Serve your teriyaki tofu with fluffy rice and some sliced cucumber for a healthy, balanced dinner or lunch you can enjoy all week. Grab some of our Microwavable Food Storage Containers to help portion everything out perfectly, and you’re good to go!

Delicious Five-Bean Chilli

This Five-Bean Chilli is the ultimate cheap and healthy meal prep idea, perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick, hearty, and nutritious. Packed with veggies and bursting with flavour, it’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.

Start by frying a chopped onion and two diced peppers over medium heat until golden brown. Toss in two minced garlic cloves and your spices (1 tablespoon each of ground cumin and coriander, plus 2 teaspoons of hot paprika) for that smoky, spicy kick. Next, pour a 400g can of chopped tomatoes, a 400g can of mixed beans, a pinch of sugar, and seasoning to taste. Let it all simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, hearty chilli. Pair it with rice and top it off with fresh coriander, a dollop of sour cream, or a side of guacamole for extra flavour. This veggie-packed dish is a lifesaver when prepping affordable meals for the week!

Orzo Pasta Salad

This easy, cheap meal prep idea is perfect for leftovers and sure to please any crowd -whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or even prepping for the week.

For a simple yet tasty Orzo Pasta Salad, start by cooking 200g of orzo pasta according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, chop up some fresh veggies - think cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Then, grab a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to bring it all together. Once the pasta’s cooked and drained, toss it with the veggies, add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of Jif Lemon Juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra protein, you can throw in some feta cheese or even a can of chickpeas from Poundland to make it even more filling!

This salad is great for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge for a few days, and it’s just as delicious when served cold or at room temperature. Plus, it’s a fun dish to customise with whatever veggies or extras you have on hand. A real winner for a cheap and easy meal prep solution!

Easy Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

This budget-friendly meal prep is the perfect comforting dish that’s delicious and nutritious - especially when you sneak in some hidden veggies for the kids!

For this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, start by frying two chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces, in a pan with some olive oil until golden and cooked through. Then, add a handful of sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften. In the same pan, pour 150ml of chicken stock and 100ml of double cream (you can even use a lighter cream or milk to keep it leaner). Stir everything together, add some garlic powder and seasoning, and let it all simmer for a few minutes until thickened. To make this meal even healthier, sneak in some grated carrots, spinach, or peas when you dish it up for the little ones - they won’t even notice! Serve it over your favourite pasta, and you've got a hearty, creamy dish that can easily be made in bulk for the week ahead. This is a great budget-friendly meal prep idea that keeps everyone satisfied, all while sticking to a tight budget!

Affordable Meal Prep with Poundland

Now that you’ve got a handful of affordable meal prep ideas, you’re all set to make your week a little easier and more budget-friendly! Whether preparing high-protein meals, veggie-packed dishes, or creamy comfort food, Poundland has everything you need to get started - from ingredients to kitchen tools.

If you’re looking for even more meal-prepping inspiration, be sure to check out our helpful guide on getting ahead with meal prep to make sure your week is as stress-free as possible. And for all the kitchen essentials, head over to our utensil and food prep range, available online and in-store, to stock up on everything from chopping boards to storage containers. With these tools and recipes, you’ll be ready to save both time and money while eating delicious, nutritious meals!