15 Cheap Vegan Meals Under $3 Per Serving [2024 Budget Guide]

Looking to eat plant-based without breaking the bank? You're in the right place!

15 Cheap Vegan Meals Under $3 Per Serving [2024 Budget Guide]

As grocery prices continue to rise, I've compiled this practical guide to affordable vegan meals that cost less than $3 per serving. These recipes use simple, accessible ingredients you can find at stores like Aldi and Walmart. Before diving into the recipes, check out our guide on how to save money on groceries for additional tips on reducing your food budget.

1. Lentil and Rice Bowl

This cozy bowl of goodness is like a warm hug for your wallet and your soul. Perfect for meal prep and packed with protein!

Cost per serving: $1.25

Recipe:

• 1 cup red lentils ($0.50)
• 1 cup brown rice ($0.30)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ($0.25)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder ($0.10)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils and rice separately
2. Cook rice according to package instructions
3. In a separate pot, combine lentils, curry powder, and 3 cups water
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender
5. Add frozen vegetables in the last 5 minutes
6. Season to taste and serve over rice

2. Chickpea Pasta

Who said pasta can't be protein-packed? This Mediterranean-inspired dish comes together in just 15 minutes and tastes like it came from a fancy bistro!

Cost per serving: $2.50

Recipe:

• 8 oz pasta ($1.00)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained ($0.89)
• 1 jar marinara sauce ($1.99)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast ($0.50)
• 3 cloves garlic ($0.15)
• Italian herbs ($0.10)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions
2. Sauté minced garlic in water or olive oil
3. Add chickpeas and marinara sauce
4. Simmer for 5 minutes
5. Toss with pasta and nutritional yeast
6. Sprinkle with herbs

3. Budget Bean Burritos

These grab-and-go burritos are perfect for busy days and can be frozen for later. They're so good, you'll forget they're budget-friendly!

Cost per serving: $1.75

Recipe:

• 4 large tortillas ($1.00)
• 1 can black beans ($0.99)
• 1 cup cooked rice ($0.30)
• 1 onion ($0.25)
• 1 bell pepper ($0.75)
• Salsa ($0.50)
• Seasonings: cumin, chili powder ($0.15)

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions
2. Sauté diced onion and pepper until soft
3. Add beans and seasonings
4. Warm tortillas
5. Layer rice, bean mixture, and salsa
6. Roll and wrap in foil if freezing

4. Tofu Stir-Fry

This colorful stir-fry proves that healthy doesn't mean boring. A protein-packed powerhouse that's ready in 20 minutes!

Cost per serving: $2.85

Recipe:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu ($2.49)
• 1 bag frozen stir-fry vegetables ($1.99)
• 2 cups cooked rice ($0.60)
• Soy sauce ($0.25)
• Garlic and ginger ($0.20)

Instructions:

1. Press and cube tofu
2. Pan-fry tofu until golden
3. Add vegetables and seasonings
4. Cook until vegetables are tender
5. Serve over rice

5. Oatmeal Power Bowl

Start your day with this filling breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a champion. Perfect for busy mornings!

Cost per serving: $1.50

Recipe:

• 1 cup rolled oats ($0.25)
• 1 banana ($0.25)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter ($0.20)
• 1/2 cup frozen berries ($0.75)
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds ($0.15)

Instructions:

1. Cook oats with water according to package
2. Top with sliced banana
3. Add peanut butter
4. Top with berries and flax seeds

6. Chickpea Potato Curry

This aromatic curry will make your kitchen smell like a fancy Indian restaurant. A budget-friendly comfort meal that's perfect for cold evenings!

Cost per serving: $2.15

Recipe:

• 1 can chickpeas ($0.89)
• 2 potatoes ($0.50)
• 1 onion ($0.25)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder ($0.30)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($0.99)
• Rice for serving ($0.60)

Instructions:

1. Dice potatoes and onion
2. Sauté onion until translucent
3. Add curry powder and toast briefly
4. Add potatoes, chickpeas, and tomatoes
5. Simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender
6. Serve over rice

7. Hearty Bean Soup

A warm bowl of this soup is like a cozy sweater for your insides. Make a big batch and freeze portions for busy days!

Cost per serving: $1.35

Recipe:

• 1 cup mixed dried beans ($0.99)
• 2 carrots ($0.30)
• 2 celery stalks ($0.25)
• 1 onion ($0.25)
• 2 cloves garlic ($0.10)
• Italian seasonings ($0.15)

Instructions:

1. Soak beans overnight
2. Chop vegetables
3. Combine all ingredients in a large pot
4. Simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are tender
5. Season to taste

8. Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Taco Tuesday just got a budget-friendly makeover! These colorful tacos are packed with flavor and nutrition.

Cost per serving: $2.25

Recipe:

• 2 sweet potatoes ($1.00)
• 1 can black beans ($0.99)
• 8 corn tortillas ($1.29)
• 1 lime ($0.33)
• Taco seasonings ($0.25)
• Optional: cilantro ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Cube and roast sweet potatoes with seasonings
2. Heat black beans with spices
3. Warm tortillas
4. Assemble tacos and garnish with lime

9. Vegetable Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into this delicious Asian-inspired dish. It's a great way to use up any vegetables in your fridge!

Cost per serving: $1.45

Recipe:

• 2 cups cooked rice ($0.60)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots ($0.50)
• 1 onion ($0.25)
• 2 cloves garlic ($0.10)
• Soy sauce ($0.25)
• Optional: green onions ($0.30)

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic
2. Add frozen vegetables
3. Add rice and soy sauce
4. Cook until heated through
5. Garnish with green onions

10. Mediterranean Hummus Bowl

Create your own restaurant-style hummus bowl at home. It's fresh, filling, and perfect for lunch!

Cost per serving: $2.75

Recipe:

• 1 can chickpeas ($0.89)
• 2 tablespoons tahini ($0.50)
• 1 lemon ($0.33)
• Pita bread ($1.29)
• Cucumber ($0.50)
• Garlic and olive oil ($0.25)

11. Peanut Noodles

These creamy, nutty noodles are addictively good and come together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you're craving takeout!

Cost per serving: $2.45

Recipe:

• 8 oz noodles ($1.99)
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter ($0.30)
• Soy sauce ($0.25)
• 1 carrot ($0.15)
• Green onions ($0.30)
• Optional: sriracha ($0.10)

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package
2. Whisk together peanut butter and soy sauce
3. Julienne carrots
4. Toss noodles with sauce and vegetables

12. Banana Oat Pancakes

Who says breakfast can't be fancy on a budget? These fluffy pancakes are naturally sweetened and perfect for weekend brunch!

Cost per serving: $1.20

Recipe:

• 1 cup oats (ground into flour) ($0.25)
• 2 ripe bananas ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup plant milk ($0.25)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup ($0.25)
• Cinnamon ($0.05)

Instructions:

1. Blend oats into flour
2. Mash bananas and mix with other ingredients
3. Cook on non-stick pan
4. Serve with remaining banana

13. Quinoa Black Bean Bowl

A protein-packed power bowl that's perfect for meal prep. Add whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Cost per serving: $2.95

Recipe:

• 1 cup quinoa ($1.50)
• 1 can black beans ($0.99)
• 1 bell pepper ($0.75)
• 1 cup corn ($0.50)
• Lime and cilantro ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package
2. Heat black beans with seasonings
3. Chop vegetables
4. Combine all ingredients
5. Garnish with lime and cilantro

14. Roasted Vegetable Soup

Transform cheap vegetables into a luxurious soup. The roasting adds incredible depth of flavor!

Cost per serving: $1.85

Recipe:

• 2 carrots ($0.30)
• 2 potatoes ($0.50)
• 1 onion ($0.25)
• 2 celery stalks ($0.25)
• Vegetable broth ($1.99)
• Herbs and seasonings ($0.20)

Instructions:

1. Chop vegetables and roast until golden
2. Transfer to pot with broth
3. Simmer for 15 minutes
4. Blend until smooth
5. Season to taste

15. Asian Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and filling salad that's perfect for hot days. Makes great leftovers for lunch!

Cost per serving: $2.90

Recipe:

• 1 cup quinoa ($1.50)
• 1 carrot ($0.15)
• 1 cucumber ($0.50)
• Edamame ($0.99)
• Sesame seeds ($0.25)
• Soy sauce dressing ($0.25)

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa and let cool
2. Julienne vegetables
3. Mix dressing
4. Combine all ingredients
5. Chill before serving

Money-Saving Tips for Vegan Shopping

Before you start cooking, check out our guide on best grocery price tracking apps to find the lowest prices on ingredients. Additionally, consider growing your own herbs - our article about getting free compost can help you start a small garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Vegan Meals

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