21 simple weekend lunches that are easy on the wallet

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When the weekend rolls around, the last thing I want is to spend too much time or money on lunch. That’s why I’ve gathered a collection of simple and budget-friendly weekend lunches that are both easy on your schedule and your wallet. These meals are perfect for those laid-back weekends when you want something quick, satisfying, and affordable.

What I love about these lunches is that they don’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, these meals are designed to keep things stress-free and enjoyable. You’ll be able to whip up something tasty without having to worry about overspending or spending hours in the kitchen.

These recipes are all about convenience and value, making them a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss. Whether you’re planning a quiet weekend at home or have a busy day ahead, these simple weekend lunches will keep you fueled and satisfied without breaking the bank. Let’s dig in and make lunch the easiest and most enjoyable part of your weekend!

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

Crab Fried Rice

This crab fried rice is a budget-friendly lunch option that brings the flavors of the sea to your table without breaking the bank. It’s quick to prepare and makes use of simple ingredients you probably already have. The combination of crab, rice, and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a simple weekend lunch. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a group, this dish offers great value for your money. Ideal for when you want something flavorful without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Slow cooker vegetable soup is an economical and easy-to-make option for a relaxing weekend lunch. Just toss in your favorite vegetables and let the slow cooker do the work. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day, and it’s gentle on your wallet. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, making it both practical and budget-conscious. Enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without the fuss or expense.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Shrimp and tomato pasta is a quick and affordable meal that brings together fresh, simple ingredients for a satisfying weekend lunch. The combination of shrimp and tomatoes creates a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a midday meal. With minimal prep time, it’s a great option when you want something special without spending too much time or money. This pasta dish proves that you don’t need to spend big to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

Broccoli cheese soup is a creamy and comforting option for a simple weekend lunch that won’t break the bank. This soup combines fresh broccoli with a rich cheese base, creating a hearty meal that’s easy on the wallet. It’s quick to make and perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying. Ideal for serving with a side of bread, this soup offers great value and flavor without the extra cost. Enjoy a delicious bowl of soup without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Crock pot cabbage soup is an easy and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a weekend lunch. Just set it up in the morning, and you’ll have a hearty soup ready by lunchtime. The combination of cabbage and other simple ingredients makes this soup both filling and economical. It’s a great way to stretch your budget while still enjoying a satisfying meal. Perfect for those weekends when you want something warm and nourishing without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Wet Burrito

Wet burritos are a flavorful and budget-friendly choice for a weekend lunch. They’re easy to prepare and packed with ingredients that won’t strain your wallet. The combination of beef, beans, and cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in sauce, creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for a laid-back lunch. Ideal for feeding a crowd or just enjoying a satisfying meal on your own. Enjoy the rich flavors without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

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

Navy bean and ham soup is a simple and affordable meal that’s perfect for a weekend lunch. This hearty soup combines tender navy beans with savory ham, creating a filling dish that’s easy on the budget. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, making it both practical and economical. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that won’t break the bank. Ideal for a cozy, budget-friendly lunch.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock pot chili for two is a budget-conscious meal that’s perfect for a cozy weekend lunch. This small-batch chili is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a simple and affordable meal. The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a hearty dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. Ideal for when you want a warm, comforting lunch without spending too much. Enjoy a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and economical.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone soup with sausage is a hearty and budget-friendly option for a weekend lunch. The combination of vegetables, beans, and sausage creates a filling soup that’s both economical and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for when you want a warm, comforting meal without spending too much. This soup is ideal for stretching your budget while still enjoying a flavorful, nourishing lunch. Perfect for a cozy weekend meal that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon is a quick and budget-friendly choice for a simple weekend lunch. This salad combines fresh broccoli with crispy bacon, creating a flavorful and filling dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for when you want something light yet satisfying without spending too much. Ideal for serving on its own or as a side dish, this salad offers great value and taste. Enjoy a fresh and budget-conscious meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a fun and economical choice for a simple weekend lunch. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are easy to prepare and perfect for when you want something quick and filling. Whether you serve them with a side of fries or a salad, popcorn chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly meal. Ideal for those laid-back weekends when you want to keep things easy and affordable. Enjoy a satisfying lunch that’s both fun and cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Chopped Greek Salad

Chopped Greek salad is a light and budget-conscious option for a simple weekend lunch. This salad is quick to prepare and made with fresh, affordable ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without spending too much. Perfect for when you want something refreshing and satisfying. Enjoy a fresh and economical lunch that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

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

Easy potato soup is a simple and budget-friendly choice for a comforting weekend lunch. This creamy soup is made with basic ingredients like potatoes, onions, and broth, making it an economical option for those looking to save money. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for when you want something warm and filling. Ideal for serving with a side of bread, this soup offers great value without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy a cozy lunch that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and cost-effective option for a simple weekend lunch. These tenders are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a budget-friendly choice for any meal. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture without the need for extra oil, making them a healthier option as well. Perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying lunch that doesn’t break the bank. Enjoy a budget-friendly meal that’s both easy and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Chicken skewers kabobs in the air fryer are a simple and affordable choice for a weekend lunch. These skewers are easy to prepare and made with budget-friendly ingredients, making them a great option for a cost-effective meal. The air fryer ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without the need for extra oil. Perfect for when you want a quick, flavorful lunch that doesn’t require much effort or expense. Enjoy a tasty and budget-conscious meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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

Ciambotta, an Italian vegetable stew, is a simple and budget-conscious choice for a weekend lunch. This hearty stew is made with fresh, affordable vegetables, making it an economical option for those looking to save money. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for when you want a warm, comforting meal without the extra cost. Ideal for serving with a side of bread or on its own, this stew offers great value and flavor. Enjoy a delicious lunch that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper chicken wings are a quick and budget-friendly option for a simple weekend lunch. These wings are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them an ideal choice for a cost-effective meal. The lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty twist to the chicken, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and affordable. Perfect for when you want a satisfying lunch without spending too much. Enjoy a tasty and budget-conscious meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Frito Chili Pie

Frito chili pie is a fun and affordable choice for a simple weekend lunch. This dish is easy to prepare and made with budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, beans, and corn chips. The combination creates a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a laid-back lunch. Ideal for when you want something quick and satisfying without spending too much. Enjoy a budget-conscious meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

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

Air fryer tuna melts are a quick and budget-friendly choice for a simple weekend lunch. These sandwiches are easy to prepare and made with affordable ingredients, making them a cost-effective option for any meal. The air fryer gives the bread a crispy texture while keeping the tuna filling warm and gooey. Perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying lunch that doesn’t break the bank. Enjoy a tasty and budget-conscious meal that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Turkey Roll Ups

Turkey roll ups are a simple and affordable choice for a quick weekend lunch. These roll ups are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a budget-friendly option for any meal. The combination of turkey and fresh veggies creates a light and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a laid-back lunch. Ideal for when you want something healthy and cost-effective. Enjoy a budget-conscious lunch that’s both quick and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock pot mac and cheese is a budget-friendly and easy-to-make option for a comforting weekend lunch. Just set it up in the morning, and by lunchtime, you’ll have a rich, creamy mac and cheese ready to enjoy. The simple ingredients and slow cooking method make this dish both economical and delicious. Perfect for when you want a warm, satisfying meal without spending too much. Enjoy a cozy and cost-effective lunch that’s sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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