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19 cheap lunches that put expensive restaurants to shame

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By Lisa MarcAurele

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Looking to save money without sacrificing flavor? Check out this collection of cheap lunches that will make you rethink dining out at expensive restaurants. From hearty soups to quick and satisfying sandwiches, these recipes are designed to deliver delicious meals on a budget. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something light and refreshing, these lunch ideas are easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying at home or on the go. Join me in exploring these wallet-friendly options that promise to satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank!

A bowl of creamy broccoli soup with chunks of broccoli, served with a spoon on the side.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. 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.

Crock Pot Tomato Soup is a comforting option for cheap lunches that rival restaurant flavors. This soup is easy to prepare in a slow cooker, offering rich tomato taste without the hassle. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s a delicious way to enjoy homemade soup any day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Wet Burrito

Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Wet Burrito offers a hearty and affordable lunch option, making it perfect for cheap lunches that outshine expensive restaurant meals. This burrito is filled with savory flavors and topped with sauce for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and satisfyingly filling.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

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.

Easy Potato Soup is a simple and budget-friendly choice for lunches that impress. This soup combines creamy potatoes and savory broth for a comforting meal. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a delicious lunch without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

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.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot are a tasty option for cheap lunches that rival restaurant quality. This recipe blends tender chicken and flavorful seasonings, ready to enjoy with your favorite taco toppings. It’s an easy meal for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

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.

Crock Pot Chili for Two is a satisfying and affordable lunch choice that beats restaurant fare. This chili recipe is packed with hearty flavors, perfect for a quick and easy meal. It’s a comforting dish that’s ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Minestrone Soup with Sausage is a hearty option for cheap lunches that stand out. This soup features sausage and vegetables in a flavorful broth, ready to warm you up with every spoonful. It’s a filling and satisfying choice for any day.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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.

Chopped Greek Salad is a fresh and affordable lunch option that competes with expensive restaurant salads. This salad combines crisp vegetables and tangy dressing for a refreshing meal. Quick to assemble, it’s perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Crab Fried Rice

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

Crab Fried Rice offers a flavorful and budget-friendly lunch choice that exceeds restaurant expectations. This dish combines crab meat with rice and vegetables, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. It’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup is a hearty choice for cheap lunches that rival restaurant quality. This soup combines tender beans and savory ham in a flavorful broth, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

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.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a delicious and affordable lunch option, perfect for surpassing restaurant flavors. These wings are seasoned to perfection with zesty lemon and pepper, ready to enjoy with friends or family. They’re a flavorful treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier and cost-effective lunch option that rivals restaurant quality. These tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, ready to enjoy with minimal oil and maximum flavor. They’re a delicious choice for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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.

Frito Chili Pie offers a hearty and affordable lunch option that outshines expensive restaurant dishes. This pie combines Fritos with flavorful chili and toppings, perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s a satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Ground Pork Tacos

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

Ground Pork Tacos are a delicious and budget-friendly lunch choice that competes with restaurant offerings. These tacos feature seasoned pork and your favorite toppings, ready to enjoy with family or friends. They’re quick to prepare and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

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.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy and satisfying lunch option that rivals restaurant quality. This recipe combines tender pasta with cheesy goodness, perfect for a comforting meal. It’s easy to make and a favorite among all ages.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and affordable lunch choice that exceeds restaurant expectations. This soup blends broccoli and creamy cheese in a flavorful broth, ready to warm you up on any occasion. It’s a deliciously easy meal that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

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

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup is a hearty option for cheap lunches that are sure to satisfy. This soup combines cabbage and savory flavors in a slow cooker for an easy and delicious meal. It’s perfect for enjoying a warm and filling lunch without a lot of preparation.
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.

Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a quick and savory lunch option that surpasses restaurant expectations. This recipe combines tuna and melted cheese in a crispy sandwich, ready to enjoy with minimal oil and maximum flavor. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta offers a delicious and affordable lunch choice that rivals restaurant quality. This pasta dish combines shrimp and tomatoes in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side.
Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew is a hearty and affordable lunch option that rivals restaurant fare. This stew combines a variety of vegetables in a flavorful broth, perfect for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and packed with hearty Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

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