Meal prep doesn’t have to break the bank or feel like a chore.
With a quick trip to your local dollar store, you can whip up tasty, hearty meals that save time and money.
Here are seven simple, fun, and perfect recipes for making ahead.
Each recipe uses only dollar-store ingredients, has easy-to-follow steps, and includes a little chef’s tip to make it even better.
7 Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Recipes From Dollar Store Finds
Here are seven budget-friendly recipes using ingredients at your local dollar store.
These easy and delicious meals will help you save money while eating well throughout the week.
Hit up your dollar store, roll your sleeves, and make meal prep a breeze.
Also, here’s a handy table with each dish’s prep time, cook time, and servings.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Bean Quesadillas with Spanish Rice | 15 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 2. Sausage and Rice Skillet | 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 |
| 3. Pea Soup with Seasoned Flatbread | 10 mins | 40 mins | 6 |
| 4. One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta | 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 |
| 5. Black Bean and Corn Salad | 5 mins | 0 mins | 4 |
| 6. Taco Soup | 10 mins | 30 mins | 6 |
| 7. Turkey Taco Bowls | 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
Recipe 1 – Bean Quesadillas With Spanish Rice
Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying; your freezer’s new best friend!
Ingredients
- Refried beans
- Shredded cheese
- Rice
- Spices (like cumin or chilli powder)
- Tortillas
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the rice following the package directions.
Step 2: Warm the refried beans in a pan over medium heat, stirring in a pinch of spices for some zing.
Step 3: Grab a tortilla, spread a layer of beans on half, sprinkle cheese on top, and then fold it like a cosy blanket.
Step 4: Heat a skillet and cook each quesadilla until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5: Slice it up and serve with a side of that spiced rice.
Chef’s Tip: Toss some canned tomatoes or a dollop of salsa into the rice for a burst of flavour!
Recipe 2 – Sausage And Rice Skillet
One pan, big flavour, and cleanup’s a breeze; what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- Sausage (any kind you find!)
- Rice
- Canned veggies (like corn or peas)
- Spices (try garlic powder or paprika)
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the sausage and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned.
Step 2: Dump in the rice and canned veggies; no need to drain them yet.
Step 3: Pour in water or broth (check the rice package for the amount) and stir everything together.
Step 4: Bring it to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Sprinkle in your spices, mix them well, and dig in.
Chef’s Tip: Stir in some canned tomatoes for a juicy twist that ties it all together.
Recipe 3 – Pea Soup With Seasoned Flatbread
Warm, cosy, and paired with crispy flatbread, perfect for a chilly day!
Ingredients
- Canned peas
- Broth (chicken or veggie)
- Flour
- Spices (like salt, pepper, or garlic powder)
Instructions
Step 1: Pour the canned peas (juice and all) into a blender with some broth and blend until smooth.
Step 2: Heat that green goodness in a pot over medium heat, adding spices to taste.
Step 3: Mix flour with a splash of water and a pinch of spices for the flatbread until you’ve got a dough.
Step 4: Roll it thin and cook it in a hot skillet. Flip when it’s golden, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 5: Ladle the soup into a bowl and tear off flatbread pieces for dipping.
Chef’s Tip: The soup’s tiny splash of vinegar adds a fun, tangy kick!
Recipe 4 – One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Burger vibes in a bowl: cheap, cheesy, and ready for meal prep!
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Pasta (any shape works)
- Canned tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Spices (like salt, pepper, or onion powder)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a big pot over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 2: Toss in the pasta, canned tomatoes (with juice), and enough water to cover everything.
Step 3: Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in a handful of cheese and spices until melty and delicious.
Step 5: Spoon it up hot and enjoy the comfort.
Chef’s Tip: Sneak in some canned corn or peas for a veggie boost.
Recipe 5 – Black Bean and Corn Salad
Fresh, zesty, and perfect for a quick side or a light lunch!
Ingredients
- Canned black beans
- Canned corn
- Veggies (like bell peppers or onions)
- Dressing (oil, vinegar, and spices)
Instructions
Step 1: Drain and rinse the black beans and corn, giving them a fresh start.
Step 2: Mix your veggies into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a big bowl.
Step 3: Add the beans and corn to the party in the bowl.
Step 4: Whisk together some oil, vinegar, and spices, then drizzle it over the mix.
Step 5: Toss it all together and serve it up cold and refreshing!
Chef’s Tip: Mix some canned tuna or chicken for a protein-packed upgrade.
Recipe 6 – Taco Soup
Spicy, hearty, and made for big batches, your spoon’s waiting!
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Canned beans (like kidney or black)
- Canned tomatoes
- Taco seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it is browned and crumbly.
Step 2: Stir in the beans, tomatoes (juice included), and a good shake of taco seasoning.
Step 3: Add water or broth until it’s as soupy as you like.
Step 4: Bring it to a boil, then simmer low and slow for 20-30 minutes to let the flavours mingle.
Step 5: Ladle it into bowls and savour the taco goodness.
Chef’s Tip: Top it with cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra yum.
Recipe 7 – Turkey Taco Bowls
Build your flavour adventure freezer-ready and fuss-free!
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Rice
- Canned beans
- Shredded cheese
- Taco seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ground turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning until it’s browned and tasty.
Step 2: Make the rice according to the package.
Step 3: Warm the canned beans in a small pot over medium heat.
Step 4: Layer your bowls with rice, turkey, beans, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Step 5: Serve it hot and dig into the fiesta.
Chef’s Tip: Add a spoonful of canned salsa or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
