17 inexpensive lunch ideas you won’t regret trying

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Are you tired of shelling out big bucks for lackluster lunches that leave you unsatisfied and your wallet feeling light? Well, fret no more, because I’ve put together a fantastic collection of inexpensive lunch ideas just for you. From hearty soups to flavorful sandwiches and everything in between, these budget-friendly options are not only easy on the wallet but also bursting with deliciousness, ensuring you never have to compromise on taste or affordability during your midday meal. So, join me on a delicious journey filled with tasty bites that won’t break the bank. With these inexpensive lunch ideas, you’re in for a treat you won’t regret trying!

A close-up of a platter with sliced ham and cheese sliders topped with poppy seeds and sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side.
Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness with this Crock Pot Tomato Soup recipe, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas you won’t regret trying. With minimal prep and a slow-cooking process, it’s a convenient option for flavorful meals that won’t break the bank. Whether paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoyed on its own, this soup promises satisfying meals without the hassle. Its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a staple in your lunchtime rotation.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Frito Chili Pie recipe, ideal for affordable lunch options you’ll want to try again and again. Combining crispy Fritos with savory chili and melted cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that won’t disappoint. Whether for a quick lunch or casual dinner, its simple assembly and comforting flavors make it a go-to choice for budget-friendly meals that are big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the tangy zest of lemon pepper with these Chicken Wings, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas that pack a punch. With their crispy skin and juicy meat, they’re a crowd-pleasing option for satisfying meals without breaking the bank. Whether as a snack or main course, their simplicity and bold flavors ensure they become a favorite for regular dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Broccoli Cheese Soup

A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup beside fresh broccoli and shredded cheese, with a slow cooker in the background.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm up with a bowl of comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas that are both hearty and delicious. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether paired with crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, its simplicity and comforting flavors make it a go-to choice for budget-friendly lunches you won’t regret trying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into the flavors of the sea with this Crab Fried Rice recipe, ideal for affordable lunch options you’ll want to try again and again. Featuring tender crab meat, fragrant rice, and savory seasonings, it’s a delightful and budget-friendly meal that’s quick to make. Whether as a main course or side dish, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a regular favorite in your lunchtime rotation.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy flavorful chicken skewers without the hassle with this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers recipe, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas that are easy to make. With their juicy chicken and colorful vegetables, they’re a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether for a quick lunch or casual dinner, their simplicity and delicious taste ensure they become a go-to choice for budget-friendly meals you’ll want to enjoy repeatedly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor the goodness of hearty vegetables with this Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup recipe, ideal for affordable lunch options that are both nutritious and delicious. With minimal prep and a long, slow cooking time, it’s a convenient option for flavorful meals that won’t break the bank. Whether as a light lunch or comforting dinner, its simplicity and satisfying flavors make it a staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of chili without the fuss with this Crock Pot Chili for Two recipe, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas that are big on flavor. With its savory meat, beans, and spices, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Whether for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a favorite for budget-friendly meals you won’t regret trying.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Get a refreshing and affordable lunch with this Chopped Greek Salad recipe, perfect for meals on a budget that are quick to prepare. With its crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful dressing, it’s a satisfying option for light and healthy meals. Whether as a side dish or main course, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a go-to choice for budget-friendly dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

A bowl of hearty tomato-based soup with cabbage.
Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm up with a bowl of comforting Crock Pot Cabbage Soup, perfect for affordable lunch options that are both hearty and delicious. With its tender cabbage, savory broth, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Whether for a quick lunch or leisurely dinner, its simplicity and comforting flavors ensure it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a classic comfort food sandwich with this Air Fryer Tuna Melt recipe, ideal for inexpensive lunch ideas that are quick to make. With its crispy bread, melted cheese, and savory tuna filling, it’s a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether as a snack or main course, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a favorite for regular dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into a bowl of creamy goodness with this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe, ideal for inexpensive lunch ideas that are quick to prepare. With its cheesy pasta and savory seasonings, it’s a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether as a side dish or main course, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a favorite for regular dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy flavorful tacos with minimal effort with this Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas that are big on taste. With its tender chicken, vibrant toppings, and zesty flavors, it’s a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether as a quick lunch or casual dinner, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a favorite for regular dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try tasty and affordable sliders with these Hawaiian Roll Sliders, perfect for quick lunches or party snacks. With their sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory fillings, and melty cheese, they’re a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether as a snack or main course, their simplicity and delicious taste ensure they become a favorite for regular dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a refreshing and budget-friendly salad with this Broccoli Salad with Bacon recipe, perfect for inexpensive lunch ideas that are quick to prepare. With its crisp broccoli, savory bacon, and creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying option for light and healthy meals. Whether as a side dish or main course, its simplicity and delicious taste ensure it becomes a go-to choice for budget-friendly dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Easy Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with rosemary and thyme, served on a wooden table.
Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm up with a bowl of comforting Easy Potato Soup, perfect for affordable lunch options that are both hearty and delicious. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Whether for a quick lunch or leisurely dinner, its simplicity and comforting flavors ensure it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a twist on traditional tacos with these Ground Pork Tacos, perfect for affordable lunch options that are quick to prepare. With their flavorful pork, vibrant toppings, and zesty flavors, they’re a satisfying option for meals that won’t break the bank. Whether as a quick lunch or casual dinner, their simplicity and delicious taste ensure they become a go-to choice for budget-friendly dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

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