15 thrifty lunch recipes to forget expensive takeout lines

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Are you tired of spending a fortune on takeout lunches that leave your wallet feeling lighter and your cravings unsatisfied? I know the feeling all too well. That’s why I’m sharing a collection of thrifty lunch recipes that are not only delicious but also easy on the budget. From hearty soups to tasty sandwiches and everything in between, these recipes are designed to help you forget about expensive takeout lines and enjoy homemade meals that are both satisfying and economical. So, let’s say goodbye to pricey lunches and hello to a world of flavor and savings with these budget-friendly recipes!

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

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.

Warm up with a bowl of hearty crock pot chili for two, perfect for thrifty lunch recipes to forget expensive takeout lines. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready when you are. Enjoy the rich flavors of chili without the hassle of long cooking times—ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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

This broccoli salad with bacon is a delicious and nutritious option for thrifty lunch recipes. With crunchy veggies and savory bacon, it’s a satisfying dish that’s ready in no time. Whip up a batch for a quick and easy lunch that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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

These lemon pepper chicken wings are a flavorful and budget-friendly option for lunchtime cravings. With zesty seasoning and crispy skin, they’re a tasty treat that’s easy to make. Skip the expensive takeout and whip up a batch of these wings for a satisfying lunch at home or on the go.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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 slow cooker vegetable soup, a budget-friendly option for thrifty lunch recipes. Packed with veggies and savory broth, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s ready when you need it. Skip the expensive takeout and enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both comforting and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

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 and tender on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a tasty alternative to expensive takeout. Perfect for thrifty lunch recipes, they’re quick to cook and perfect for dipping. Enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly, without the need to wait in line.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chopped Greek Salad

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

This chopped Greek salad is a refreshing and economical choice for lunchtime enjoyment. Packed with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and olives, it’s a flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes. Skip the pricey salad bar and make your own delicious lunch at home with this simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

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.

Indulge in a classic tuna melt made right in the air fryer, perfect for thrifty lunch recipes to avoid expensive takeout. With melty cheese and savory tuna, it’s a satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. Enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both comforting and economical, without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Easy Potato Soup

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

This easy potato soup is a comforting and budget-friendly option for lunchtime cravings. Perfect for thrifty lunch recipes, it’s creamy, hearty, and ready in no time. Skip the expensive takeout and enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both satisfying and economical, perfect for chilly days or any time you need a warm pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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

Enjoy flavorful chicken skewers made right in the air fryer, perfect for thrifty lunch recipes to avoid expensive takeout. With juicy chicken and colorful veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. Skip the long lines and make your own delicious lunch at home with this simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These turkey roll-ups are a quick and portable option for thrifty lunch recipes on busy days. With deli turkey, cheese, and veggies rolled up in a tortilla, they’re perfect for on-the-go eating. Skip the expensive takeout and pack these roll-ups for a delicious and budget-friendly lunch that’s sure to keep you satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

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, perfect for thrifty lunch recipes to forget expensive takeout lines. With tender beans and savory ham, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready when you need it. Skip the pricey deli and enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both delicious and economical.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Ground Pork Tacos

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

These ground pork tacos are a flavorful and budget-friendly option for lunchtime enjoyment. With seasoned pork and your favorite toppings, they’re a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Skip the expensive takeout and enjoy a homemade lunch that’s both tasty and economical, perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

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.

Forget about takeout and make your own flavorful chicken tacos right in the slow cooker, perfect for thrifty lunch recipes. With tender chicken and zesty seasoning, they’re a satisfying meal that’s ready when you are. Skip the expensive lunch options and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both delicious and economical.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

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

These Hawaiian roll sliders are a tasty and budget-friendly option for lunchtime enjoyment. With sweet rolls, savory meat, and melty cheese, they’re a crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in minutes. Skip the pricey deli and make your own delicious lunch at home with this simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Wet Burrito

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

Dive into a hearty wet burrito, perfect for thrifty lunch recipes to avoid expensive takeout. With savory beef, gooey cheese, and smothered in sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s ready when you are. Skip the long lines and make your own delicious lunch at home with this simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

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