A filling dinner for less than $2 a person is still possible, even with grocery prices where they are. The trick is building meals around rice, pasta, beans, eggs, potatoes and a little meat, then cooking enough for leftovers.
These 50 cheap meals under $2 a serving are priced at Walmart and ALDI, and most cost much less than that. They’re sorted by price, cheapest first, and every one links to the full recipe.
Prices are from Walmart’s and ALDI’s websites for stores in Columbus, Ohio, checked in October 2026. Ohio’s grocery prices are within about 1% of the national average, so you may pay more or less depending on where you live, and prices change often. Here’s how we price our recipes.
Each meal shows what all the ingredients cost at each store and the cost per serving. The per-serving range runs from the cheaper store to the more expensive one.
Under $1 a Serving (13 Meals)
1. 10-Minute Soy & Garlic Noodles
Hot noodles tossed in a quick sauce of soy sauce, garlic, oil and a pinch of sugar.
Time: 10 minutes · Serves: 2
Cost: Ingredients – $0.82 from Walmart, $0.81 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.40 to $0.41
2. Classic Spaghetti with Marinara
Spaghetti in a simple homemade marinara made from canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs.
Time: 35 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $3.72 from Walmart, $3.86 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.62 to $0.64
3. Veggie Fried Rice
Leftover rice stir-fried with scrambled eggs, frozen veggies, garlic and soy sauce.
Time: 20 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $2.59 from Walmart, $2.62 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.65
4. Creamy Garlic Pasta with Spinach
Tender pasta tossed in a simple, silky garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan.
Time: 20 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $2.92 from Walmart, $2.91 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.73
5. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Pasta cooked right in a garlicky broth and milk until creamy, then finished with plenty of Parmesan.
Time: 25 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $2.95 from Walmart, $2.66 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.66 to $0.74
6. Bean & Cheese Quesadillas
Flour tortillas filled with cumin-seasoned black beans and melted cheese, cooked in a skillet until golden and crisp.
Time: 15 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $3.22 from Walmart, $2.89 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.72 to $0.80
7. One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpea Stew
Chickpeas simmered with crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic and warm spices, finished with spinach and lemon.
Time: 40 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $4.42 from Walmart, $4.79 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.74 to $0.80
8. One-Pot Vegetable Lentil Soup
Lentils simmered with carrots, potato and onion in a cumin and thyme broth.
Time: 50 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $4.75 from Walmart, $4.79 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.79 to $0.80
9. Sweet Potato Egg Hash
Golden, crispy sweet potatoes sautéed with garlic and spinach, then topped with eggs cooked right in the pan.
Time: 35 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $3.44 from Walmart, $3.05 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.76 to $0.86
10. Easy Chickpea Curry
Canned chickpeas and tomatoes simmered with curry powder, cumin and garlic into a thick, fragrant curry.
Time: 25 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $3.44 from Walmart, $3.50 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.86 to $0.88
11. One-Pot Tomato & Herb Pasta
Pasta cooked right in a tomato, broth and herb sauce.
Time: 20 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $3.79 from Walmart, $3.55 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.89 to $0.95
12. Easy Veggie Frittata
A fluffy baked frittata with bell pepper, onion, spinach and cheddar, made in one skillet in 30 minutes.
Time: 30 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $3.84 from Walmart, $3.45 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.86 to $0.96
13. Tomato Spinach Egg Scramble Bowls
Soft scrambled eggs with garlic, spinach and burst cherry tomatoes served over warm brown rice.
Time: 15 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $3.92 from Walmart, $3.77 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.94 to $0.98
$1 to $1.50 a Serving (17 Meals)
14. Turkey & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ground turkey and vegetables under a layer of mashed sweet potatoes, baked until golden.
Time: 55 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $6.01 from Walmart, $5.40 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.90 to $1.00
15. Easy Vegetable Soup
A hearty one-pot vegetable soup made with potatoes, carrots, canned tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $6.71 from Walmart, $6.81 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.12 to $1.14
16. One-Pot Tomato Basil Soup
A creamy, cozy tomato soup made from canned tomatoes, garlic and basil in one pot.
Time: 30 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $4.73 from Walmart, $4.49 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.12 to $1.18
17. Easy Instant Ramen Upgrade
Cheap instant ramen turned into a real meal with a soft-boiled egg, spinach, green onions and a garlicky sesame broth.
Time: 15 minutes · Serves: 2
Cost: Ingredients – $2.38 from Walmart, $2.04 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.02 to $1.19
18. Savory Turkey & Rice Skillet
Garlicky ground turkey tossed with brown rice, spinach and cherry tomatoes in one skillet.
Time: 20 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $4.81 from Walmart, $4.88 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.20 to $1.22
19. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Rice
Seasoned ground turkey, rice, beans and tomatoes simmered together in one pot and finished with a blanket of melty cheese.
Time: 30 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $7.38 from Walmart, $7.26 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.21 to $1.23
20. Budget Minestrone Soup
A hearty one-pot Italian soup with vegetables, white beans and small pasta in a tomato broth, made mostly from pantry staples.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $7.66 from Walmart, $7.17 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.20 to $1.28
21. Game Day Chili
A big pot of beef and bean chili with smoky spices, made to feed a crowd.
Time: 1 hour · Serves: 8
Cost: Ingredients – $10.58 from Walmart, $10.05 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.26 to $1.32
22. Cozy Lentil & Vegetable Chili
A thick, hearty chili made with lentils, beans and vegetables simmered in smoky spices.
Time: 55 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.02 from Walmart, $7.53 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.26 to $1.34
23. Loaded Baked Potato Bar
Fluffy baked potatoes with crisp salted skins and a spread of cheap toppings, so everyone builds their own.
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.12 from Walmart, $7.64 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.27 to $1.35
24. Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs rubbed with a smoky spice mix, grilled over indirect heat until juicy, then brushed with BBQ sauce and seared until sticky.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $7.08 from Walmart, $8.41 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.18 to $1.40
25. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
A thick, creamy potato soup made in one pot and topped like a loaded baked potato with bacon, cheddar, sour cream and green onions.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.47 from Walmart, $7.47 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.24 to $1.41
26. Healthy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies
Cheesy baked ziti made lighter with a vegetable-packed blended marinara, part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
Time: 1 hour · Serves: 8
Cost: Ingredients – $11.38 from Walmart, $10.26 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.28 to $1.42
27. Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Meatloaf baked in a muffin tin with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, so it cooks faster than a full loaf.
Time: 40 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.59 from Walmart, $7.49 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.25 to $1.43
28. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup
A cozy, one-pot soup loaded with white beans, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy herb broth.
Time: 40 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.59 from Walmart, $7.99 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.33 to $1.43
29. Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
A thick, comforting one-pot soup with leftover ham, potatoes, carrots and celery in a creamy broth made without heavy cream.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.77 from Walmart, $7.95 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.32 to $1.46
30. Hearty Turkey Chili
A lean, protein-packed chili made with ground turkey, two kinds of beans and bold smoky spices.
Time: 50 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $8.66 from Walmart, $8.78 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.44 to $1.46
$1.50 to $2 a Serving (20 Meals)
31. Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Skillet
Chicken pot pie made in one skillet, with a creamy herb sauce, tender vegetables and biscuits baked right on top.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $9.06 from Walmart, $8.36 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.39 to $1.51
32. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A creamy, cheesy broccoli soup made in one pot with fresh broccoli, carrots and sharp cheddar.
Time: 30 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $6.16 from Walmart, $5.73 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.43 to $1.54
33. Chicken Tortilla Soup
An easy one-pot soup with shredded chicken, black beans, corn and tomatoes in a seasoned broth, finished with lime and crunchy tortilla chips.
Time: 40 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $9.31 from Walmart, $8.62 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.44 to $1.55
34. Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Potatoes
Drumsticks glazed with barbecue sauce and roasted on one sheet pan with seasoned potatoes.
Time: 55 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $6.03 from Walmart, $6.26 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.51 to $1.56
35. Sloppy Joe Skillet
Ground beef simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet homemade sloppy joe sauce, spooned over toasted buns.
Time: 25 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $9.48 from Walmart, $8.99 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.50 to $1.58
36. Freezer-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy chicken enchiladas rolled in soft tortillas and smothered in red enchilada sauce.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 8
Cost: Ingredients – $12.73 from Walmart, $12.04 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.50 to $1.59
37. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with seasoned rice, black beans and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese.
Time: 55 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $6.48 from Walmart, $6.41 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.60 to $1.62
38. Hearty Beef & Lentil Tacos
Seasoned ground beef and tender lentils simmered together into a hearty taco filling that doubles the servings without anyone noticing.
Time: 35 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $9.79 from Walmart, $8.76 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.46 to $1.63
39. Savory Beef & Potato Hash
Crispy diced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, peppers and onions cooked in one skillet and topped with fried eggs.
Time: 35 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $6.60 from Walmart, $6.02 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.51 to $1.65
40. Chicken & Rice Soup
A cozy, nourishing one-pot soup with tender chicken, rice, carrots and celery in a savory herb broth.
Time: 50 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $9.96 from Walmart, $8.88 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.48 to $1.66
41. Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup
A creamy one-pot soup with Italian sausage, sliced potatoes and kale in a savory broth, finished with a splash of half-and-half.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $10.20 from Walmart, $8.94 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.49 to $1.70
42. Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
A cozy one-pot chicken noodle soup with tender shredded chicken, carrots, celery and egg noodles.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $10.26 from Walmart, $9.15 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.53 to $1.71
43. Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender chicken strips and crisp-tender broccoli stir-fried with lots of garlic and a pinch of chili flakes.
Time: 25 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $6.97 from Walmart, $6.57 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.64 to $1.74
44. Baked BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Fluffy baked sweet potatoes piled high with tender BBQ shredded chicken, then topped with a cool Greek yogurt drizzle and green onions.
Time: 1 hour · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $7.11 from Walmart, $5.96 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.49 to $1.78
45. Make-Ahead Beef Lasagna
A hearty beef lasagna with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, built to be made ahead and frozen.
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes · Serves: 10
Cost: Ingredients – $18.24 from Walmart, $16.56 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.66 to $1.82
46. Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Fluffy baked sweet potatoes stuffed with garlicky ground turkey, wilted spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Time: 1 hour · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $7.37 from Walmart, $6.48 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.62 to $1.84
47. Slow Cooker Chili
Ground beef, kidney beans, black beans and tomatoes slow cooked with chili powder and cumin.
Time: 6 hours 10 minutes · Serves: 6
Cost: Ingredients – $11.12 from Walmart, $10.53 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.76 to $1.85
48. 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta
Pasta tossed with store-bought pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes and Parmesan.
Time: 17 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $7.59 from Walmart, $6.08 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.52 to $1.90
49. Cheesy Beef & Pasta Bake
Rotini tossed in a hearty beef and tomato sauce, then baked under bubbling melted cheese.
Time: 45 minutes · Serves: 8
Cost: Ingredients – $15.39 from Walmart, $13.76 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.72 to $1.92
50. Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
Juicy seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, all in one skillet.
Time: 25 minutes · Serves: 4
Cost: Ingredients – $7.71 from Walmart, $6.85 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.71 to $1.93
What Keeps These Meals Cheap
- A cheap base does most of the work. Rice, pasta, potatoes and tortillas fill the plate for a few cents a serving.
- Beans and lentils stretch the meat. Several of these stretch a pound of beef or turkey with beans or lentils, so it feeds more people.
- Eggs are dinner too. Frittatas, egg hash and scramble bowls are some of the cheapest meals on the list.
- Big batches cost less per serving. Soups, chili and casseroles that feed six or eight bring the price per bowl down, and the leftovers cover lunch.
- Store brands and unit prices add up. Every price here is a store brand. See how the two stores compare in ALDI vs. Walmart: which is cheaper.
Cheap Meals Under $2: Your Questions
What is the cheapest meal on this list?
The 10-Minute Soy and Garlic Noodles, at about 40 cents a serving. Spaghetti marinara and veggie fried rice are close behind at around 65 cents.
Do these prices include pantry staples like oil and spices?
Yes, for measured amounts. We count the share of each package a recipe uses, including oil and spices. Optional toppings and anything added to taste aren’t counted.
Which of these meals freeze well?
The chilis, soups, lasagna, enchiladas, baked ziti and shepherd’s pie all freeze well. Freeze them in meal-size portions for nights when you don’t want to cook.
How can I make these meals even cheaper?
Use dried beans instead of canned, swap half the meat for lentils and buy the larger bags of rice and pasta. Our list of the cheapest foods to buy when money is tight shows where the biggest savings are.
