PopotamMeal ideas
Open the app
Under $2.50 a serving

Cheap meal ideas, under $2.50 a serving

Eat well without blowing up your grocery bill: filling dishes under $2.50 a serving that dozens of households have already put on their menu. Prices are estimated, ingredient by ingredient.

Our criteria
  • Under $2.50 a serving, based on the estimated prices of the ingredients to buy
  • Pantry salt, oil and spices aren't counted

18 ideas for Friday, October 9, the list changes every day. Quantities for 2 people.

Fluffy three-veggie omelet with walnuts and lamb's lettuceAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Fluffy three-veggie omelet with walnuts and lamb's lettuce

25 min≈ $1.86365 kcal
Pumpkin and chickpea soup with croutonsAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Pumpkin and chickpea soup with croutons

35 min≈ $1.55493 kcal
Red lentil and spinach dal with basmati riceAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Red lentil and spinach dal with basmati rice

40 min≈ $2.11573 kcal
Beef patties, sautéed broccoli and bulgurAI-generated imageSee the recipe

Beef patties, sautéed broccoli and bulgur

20 min≈ $2.19625 kcal
Protein-packed chicken and avocado wrapAI-generated imageSee the recipe

Protein-packed chicken and avocado wrap

20 min≈ $2.24573 kcal
Split pea and sweet potato coconut curryAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Split pea and sweet potato coconut curry

70 min≈ $1.64890 kcal
Cantonese fried rice with eggs and veggiesAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Cantonese fried rice with eggs and veggies

30 min≈ $0.84556 kcal
Basmati rice with scrambled eggs and green beansAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Basmati rice with scrambled eggs and green beans

25 min≈ $1.42617 kcal
Kidney bean chili sin carne with riceAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Kidney bean chili sin carne with rice

30 min≈ $1.51727 kcal
Chickpea and spinach coconut curryAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Chickpea and spinach coconut curry

30 min≈ $1.71895 kcal
Potato and leek omelet with green saladAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Potato and leek omelet with green salad

45 min≈ $1.40453 kcal
See the recipe

Baked pasta with ham

35 min≈ $0.91563 kcal
Tartiflette twist with bacon and onionsAI-generated imageSee the recipe

Tartiflette twist with bacon and onions

55 min≈ $1.36899 kcal
Split pea mash with Toulouse sausages and green saladAI-generated imageSee the recipe

Split pea mash with Toulouse sausages and green salad

65 min≈ $1.49955 kcal
Beef merguez and bell pepper skillet with couscousAI-generated imageSee the recipe

Beef merguez and bell pepper skillet with couscous

25 min≈ $1.31971 kcal
Vegetable and egg bakeAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Vegetable and egg bake

55 min≈ $1.95427 kcal
Herb roast chicken with basmati rice and green beansAI-generated imageSee the recipe

Herb roast chicken with basmati rice and green beans

60 min≈ $2.11603 kcal
Pumpkin and carrot soup with ginger and whole wheat toastAI-generated imageVeggieSee the recipe

Pumpkin and carrot soup with ginger and whole wheat toast

35 min≈ $1.91311 kcal

Frequently asked questions

How do you eat cheap without eating sad?

The cheapest dishes lean on legumes, eggs, starches and in-season veggies, with a little meat or cheese for flavor. The recipes on this page cost under $2.50 a serving, and lots of them are vegetarian without making a big deal of it.

And for the whole week?

Popotam plans your whole week on your budget, lunch and dinner, with the grocery list sorted by aisle. For a worked example, check out our grocery list for under $60 a week for two.

Where do these meal ideas come from?

From dishes people actually plan with Popotam. Only the ones that appear in at least ten different meal plans are shown: common dishes people like, and never a dish that would concern just one person. The list changes every day.

How are the price and calories worked out?

The price per serving is an estimate: the sum of the prices of the ingredients to buy, divided by the number of servings, without pantry salt, oil or spices. Calories, protein and fiber are worked out ingredient by ingredient with the ANSES Ciqual table, never written by an AI.

More ideas

for when you don't know where to start
Balanced lunch ideasFilling bowls, to go or at the table.
Quick meal ideas, ready in 20 minutesReady in 20 minutes, dishes included.
What's for dinner tonight?One idea in one click, for when your mind goes blank.
What's for dinner tomorrow?One idea and its grocery list, ready to copy.
no more deciding every night

Popotam plans your whole week

Lunch and dinner, based on your tastes, your time and your budget, with the grocery list sorted by aisle. Free, no account.

Build my week