I Batch Cooked 19 Low Cost Recipes to Get Through the Month

ByMandy

No one’s pretending to be a chef here, just someone who wants dinner without a daily crisis. Planning ahead with 19 cheap batch meals turned out to be the smartest lazy move. It worked better than expected, and no one had to eat cereal for dinner. Even lunch leftovers started to feel like winning.

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Burgers get a bold twist with Korean Burgers. These are packed with unique flavors that stand out. Perfect for prepping ahead, they make a quick and easy meal option. They bring something different to your usual lineup.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Leek and Potato Soup. It’s simple but filling and easy to make in large amounts. Great choice for batch cooking, making it a go-to for colder days. Comfort food that’s good for the budget, too.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice things up with Kung Pao Chicken, known for a balance of bold and rich flavors. Fast to reheat and perfect for busy nights. A great go-to dish that saves money while offering something a little different. Definitely an easy win for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No meal plan is complete without the classic Mashed Potatoes. They are versatile and pair well with almost anything. You can prepare a large batch to use throughout the week. This classic side dish certainly deserves its place.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cozy up with a bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s great for batch cooking and makes a comforting meal. Easy to heat up and works well any time you need a quick meal. It’s a nice way to keep dinner simple yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Keep things simple yet satisfying with Pasta Carbonara. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and reheats perfectly. This dish is perfect for keeping your meals interesting without making them overly complicated. A classic you can count on.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mix things up with Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. They are easy to prepare and store for efficient batch cooking. A healthier addition that complements a wide range of dishes. Convenient for a quick veggie fix during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy mushroom sauce with herbs and sliced mushrooms, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and hearty, Mushroom Stroganoff offers a meat-free option that’s rich in flavor. A great alternative that’s big on comfort and perfect for meal prep. It’s easy to portion for the week and makes dinners feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Cheese Grits

Creamy polenta in a skillet, topped with chopped herbs and black pepper, and stirred with a wooden spoon.
Cheese Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whip up Cheese Grits for a quick and affordable side dish option. They pair well with many main dishes and are easy to batch cook. Great for keeping meals filling without breaking the bank. Simple but effective for meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and savory meet in Orange Chicken, creating a dish that’s a hit for quick weeknight meals. You can batch cook it easily and reheat without compromising flavor. A budget-friendly way to enjoy a crowd-pleaser at home.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Sloppy Joe

Close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with ground meat, diced vegetables, and sauce in a toasted hamburger bun.
Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bring some nostalgia to your meal plan with Sloppy Joe. Quick to throw together and easy to store, it’s a perfect batch cook option. Great for lunches or dinners that need minimal effort. Affordable and always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Switch things up with Birria Ramen, blending two favorites into one dish. A creative option that makes batch cooking fun and flavorful. Perfect for keeping meals exciting during the month. Reheats brilliantly, saving you time.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Add some tangy and bold flavor to your menu with General Tso’s Chicken. Efficient to make in larger portions, it’s ready for busy weeknights when time is short. A reliable meal that doesn’t feel repetitive. Good for meal prepping all month.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slider-sized bites like Meatball Sliders are perfect for packing up in advance. They’re great for lunches, dinners, or even snacks. A bit different from regular meals, while remaining easy to store. Easy to grab and go when needed.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Filling yet simple, Gnocchi is an excellent choice for batch cooking. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with different sauces. Makes meal prep efficient while keeping things versatile. Comfort food that’s easy to love all month long.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Potato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy soup topped with grilled bacon pieces and chopped parsley.
Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Double up on warm and cozy options with Potato Soup. Easy to batch prep and perfect for hearty meals during the month. It stores well, saving you time and money. Always nice to have ready for a quick and filling fix.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Make dinner time easy with Ravioli Casserole, offering layers of simple goodness. A batch-friendly dish that holds up great during the week. Perfect for feeding the family or portioning for several meals. It’s simple and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Two ham and cheese sliders on seeded buns are placed on parchment paper. Bright green parsley is visible in the background.
Ham and Swiss Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Small but packed with flavor, Ham and Swiss Sliders are perfect for quick meals. Great for prepping in advance and storing efficiently. They’re easy to grab when schedules get hectic. A good twist on sandwich options for batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smooth and hearty, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup makes meal prepping easier. It’s great for packing into containers and reheats wonderfully. A comforting choice that’s perfect for keeping costs low while still feeling satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

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