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Cheap recipes and eating out for less

Cheap food does not have to be dull. These recipes use staples you can find in any shop, and the tips below help you enjoy a meal out without overspending.

Last updated 2 November 2026

Ingredients that do the heavy lifting

Certain foods give you a lot of meal for little money: oats, rice, pasta, potatoes, eggs, tinned tomatoes, tinned beans and lentils, frozen vegetables, onions, carrots and cabbage. Build your cooking around these and add small amounts of meat, fish or cheese for flavour.

Recipe 1: lentil and vegetable soup (serves 4)

1. Soften a chopped onion and a carrot in a little oil for 5 minutes.
2. Add 150g red lentils, a tin of chopped tomatoes and 800ml stock.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils break down.
4. Season, add a pinch of cumin or curry powder, and serve with bread.

Recipe 2: bean chilli (serves 4)

1. Fry a chopped onion and a pepper if you have one.
2. Add 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp cumin and a tin of chopped tomatoes.
3. Add two tins of drained beans (kidney, black or mixed), and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Serve with rice or a baked potato. Mince can be stirred in for a meatier version.

Recipe 3: egg fried rice (serves 2)

1. Cook 150g rice, cool and refrigerate until cold (or use leftover rice from the day before, cooled quickly).
2. Scramble 2 eggs in a hot pan, then add cold rice and a handful of frozen peas or mixed veg.
3. Stir-fry until hot all the way through, add soy sauce and spring onions if you have them.

Recipe 4: pasta with tomato and vegetable sauce (serves 4)

1. Soften an onion and a clove of garlic, add grated carrot and courgette.
2. Add a tin of chopped tomatoes and a spoon of tomato puree and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir through cooked pasta with a handful of cheese.

Recipe 5: potato and cabbage hash (serves 2)

1. Parboil diced potatoes for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. Fry with a sliced onion until golden, then add shredded cabbage and cook until soft.
3. Top with a fried egg.

Stretching meat

Replace a third to a half of the mince in a bolognese, chilli or cottage pie with lentils, grated carrot, mushrooms or beans. The dish stays filling, costs less and has more fibre.

Breakfasts and lunches

• Porridge with frozen fruit.
• Eggs on toast.
• Leftover dinner in a flask or container for lunch.
• Sandwiches with homemade fillings, such as egg or hummus (made from tinned chickpeas).

Eating out for less

Eating out will always cost more than cooking at home, but there are ways to keep it in check.

1. Look at menus online first so you can compare before you arrive.
2. Go at lunchtime. Many places have cheaper set menus or lunch deals.
3. Share starters and sides. Portions are often large.
4. Drink tap water. In England, restaurants and bars that serve alcohol are required to provide free tap water on request. Ask politely.
5. Ask about children's portions or half portions.
6. Check the service charge. Look at whether it has been added already before you tip.
7. Take leftovers home if the place allows.
8. Cap takeaway spending. Set a monthly amount and keep a quick homemade meal in the freezer as a backup.

Check the details

Offers change often, and some have conditions. Read the terms on any voucher or app deal before you rely on it. Don't be talked into extras you do not need.

For planning meals around these recipes, see meal planning and batch cooking. To stretch the food you buy, read food waste and leftovers.

Spotted a mistake or have a question? Get in touch.