17 easy homemade lunch recipes for wallet-smart eaters

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Get ready to switch up your lunch without breaking the bank with our easy homemade lunch recipes for wallet-smart eaters. From savory soups to flavorful sandwiches and hearty salads, these recipes are designed to satisfy your cravings while keeping your budget in check. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or looking for quick and delicious lunch ideas, these wallet-friendly recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Bowl of hearty vegetable stew with a spoon on a light background.
Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into a bowl of hearty goodness with this Crock Pot cabbage soup. Perfect for a wallet-smart lunch option, this soup is packed with nutritious ingredients and requires minimal effort to prepare. Let your slow cooker do the work as the flavors meld together to create a satisfying meal that’s ready when you are. Enjoy the comfort of homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders on a plate.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Hawaiian roll sliders are a crowd-pleasing lunch option that won’t break the bank. With layers of savory fillings sandwiched between sweet rolls, they’re perfect for feeding a hungry group or enjoying as a quick bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for an easy meal, these sliders are sure to satisfy your cravings without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Easy Potato Soup

Potato soup in a white serving bowl.
Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm up with a bowl of comforting potato soup that’s both easy on the wallet and the taste buds. Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time, this soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly day or need a simple meal solution, this potato soup is sure to hit the spot without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato 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.

Craving a satisfying lunch without spending a fortune? Look no further than these air fryer tuna melts. With crispy bread, melty cheese, and flavorful tuna, they’re a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Using the air fryer ensures a quick and easy cooking process, making these tuna melts perfect for a wallet-smart lunch any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Bbq chicken skewers on a white plate.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fire up the air fryer for these flavorful chicken skewers kabobs. Packed with protein and veggies, they’re a nutritious and wallet-smart lunch option that’s easy to prepare. With the air fryer providing a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these kabobs offer a satisfying texture and taste. Enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both delicious and budget-friendly with these chicken skewers kabobs.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change up your lunch with these tangy and wallet-smart lemon pepper chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a meal at home, these wings are sure to impress without breaking the bank. With a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and tender meat, they’re a flavorful option that’s easy to make in the oven or air fryer. Indulge in a delicious lunch without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to a childhood favorite with these homemade chicken nuggets. Perfect for a wallet-smart lunch, these nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, they’re a convenient option for busy weekdays or a satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy the familiar taste of chicken nuggets without the hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A bowl of soup in front of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm up with a bowl of comforting vegetable soup made in the slow cooker. Loaded with veggies and bursting with flavor, this soup is a wallet-smart lunch option that’s easy to prepare. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a nutritious lunch, this vegetable soup has you covered without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken in bowl with one piece cut to show inside.
Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying, this popcorn chicken is a wallet-smart lunch option that’s perfect for munching on the go. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful breading, it’s a delicious alternative to fast food without the hefty price tag. Whip up a batch in the air fryer or oven for a tasty lunch that’s sure to please without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Three chicken tacos with shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your lunch routine with these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken tacos. Perfect for wallet-smart eaters, this recipe uses affordable ingredients and requires minimal effort to prepare. Simply let the slow cooker do the work as the flavors meld together to create a delicious meal that’s ready when you are. Enjoy the convenience of homemade tacos without spending a fortune.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm up with a bowl of hearty navy bean and ham soup that’s both comforting and wallet-smart. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, this soup is a satisfying lunch option for any day of the week. With tender beans, savory ham, and flavorful broth, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Wet Burrito

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

Get a flavor-packed lunch with these satisfying wet burritos. Packed with seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and smothered in enchilada sauce, they’re a wallet-smart option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re craving Mexican flavors or simply looking for a filling lunch, these burritos are a delicious choice that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with bacon on a plate.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change up your lunch with this flavorful broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon and tangy dressing. Perfect for wallet-smart eaters, this salad is both delicious and nutritious. With crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying option that’s easy to prepare in advance. Enjoy a homemade salad that’s bursting with flavor without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cozy up with a bowl of hearty chili made in the slow cooker. Perfect for a wallet-smart lunch, this recipe yields just enough for two servings, making it ideal for smaller households. With flavorful spices, tender meat, and beans, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly. Enjoy the rich flavors of homemade chili without the leftovers with this crock pot chili for two.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Chopped Greek Salad

A colorful chopped Greek salad in a white bowl.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Refresh your lunch routine with this vibrant chopped Greek salad. Packed with fresh veggies, feta cheese, olives, and a tangy dressing, it’s a wallet-smart option that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a light and healthy meal or need a quick side dish, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Ground Pork Tacos

A colorful taco with various toppings on a white plate, accompanied by lime wedges and a garnish bowl.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your lunch with these flavorful ground pork tacos. Made with affordable ingredients and bursting with Mexican flavors, they’re a wallet-smart option that’s easy to prepare. With seasoned pork, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas, these tacos are sure to please even the pickiest eaters without breaking the bank. Enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a wallet-smart lunch option that’s perfect for the whole family. With minimal prep and cooking time required, they’re a convenient choice for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Whether you dip them in sauce or enjoy them on their own, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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