7 One-Pot Meals That Cost Less Than $3 Per Serving

Finding meals that are both affordable and easy to prepare can be a challenge, especially when you want to avoid spending too much time in the kitchen. One-pot meals offer a simple solution that saves you effort on cooking and cleaning without breaking the bank.

You can enjoy tasty, nutritious dinners that cost less than $3 per serving by choosing one-pot recipes designed for simplicity and savings. These meals are perfect for anyone looking to stretch their food budget while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked food.

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew

You’ll love this lentil and vegetable stew for both its taste and budget-friendly ingredients. It’s packed with protein-rich lentils and a colorful mix of veggies that keep it nutritious and filling.

This meal comes together in one pot, saving you time on cleanup. It’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending much.

With simple pantry staples and fresh herbs, you can whip up a flavorful stew that serves 4-6 people for under $3 per serving. Try this easy recipe to enjoy a wholesome, affordable dinner any day of the week.

Learn more about this tasty, cost-effective option at Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Stew.

Classic Chili with Ground Turkey

You can make a delicious, hearty chili using lean ground turkey that keeps the meal light and healthy. This one-pot dish combines turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices for a filling dinner without much effort.

It’s perfect when you want something warm and comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, often costing less than $3 per serving.

If you want to try an easy recipe, check out this Simple Classic Turkey Chili One-Pot Recipe.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

One-pot chicken and rice is a great choice when you want a tasty, budget-friendly meal with minimal cleanup. You combine juicy chicken with fluffy rice and flavorful broth in a single pot, making it easy to prepare and packed with comfort.

You can add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to boost nutrition without raising the cost much. This meal often costs less than $3 per serving, making it perfect for busy nights or tight budgets.

Try cooking the chicken first for crispy skin, then simmering everything together for rich flavor. For easy recipes, check out this one-pot chicken and rice guide.

Easy Beef and Potato Casserole

You can make a comforting beef and potato casserole all in one pot. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, chopped potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce. This helps you save time and clean up less.

This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something filling without a lot of effort. The potatoes cook tender while the beef gets flavorful with the sauce.

For an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole is a reliable option that tastes great and stays budget-friendly. You can find a recipe for a creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole here.

Vegetarian Chickpea Curry

You can whip up a tasty chickpea curry quickly using just one pot. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that costs less than $3 per serving.

This curry combines chickpeas with warm spices and coconut milk for a creamy, comforting dish. You only need pantry staples and some fresh veggies to make it.

Perfect for a simple dinner, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Check out this easy chickpea curry recipe to get started.

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

You’ll love how simple it is to make this creamy tomato and spinach pasta in just one pot. It comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without too much fuss.

The sauce is rich and flavorful, combining fresh spinach and tomatoes with a creamy base. Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup for you.

This meal is budget-friendly and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, as shown in this creamy tomato and spinach pasta recipe.

Savory Mushroom and Barley Soup

You’ll love how easy this one-pot mushroom and barley soup is to make. It uses simple, affordable ingredients like mushrooms, pearl barley, and vegetable broth, making it perfect for a cozy, budget-friendly meal.

The barley adds a chewy texture, while the mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor. You just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer until tender.

This comforting soup freezes well, so you can enjoy leftovers or prep meals ahead of time. It’s a great option when you want something warm without spending much. Check out a detailed recipe for this savory dish here.