Meals to Make at Home That Are Cheaper Than Fast Food

Frugal, Family-Friendly Recipes That Beat the Drive-Thru

Fast food might seem like the quickest, cheapest solution for busy families, but the truth is, those dollar menu meals add up fast, and they don’t always fuel your family with the nutrition you need. With grocery prices fluctuating, many people assume cooking at home is more expensive than hitting the drive thru. But with a little planning and a handful of budget-friendly ingredients, you can prepare delicious homemade meals for less than the cost of cheap fast food.

Here are easy, family-approved meals that you can make at home—most for under $2 per serving—that are healthier, heartier, and way more satisfying than a soggy drive-thru burger.

1. Cheesy Bean & Rice Burritos

Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.20

Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can refried beans
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 6 flour tortillas
Optional: salsa, sour cream, hot sauce
Instructions:
Warm beans and rice. Spoon into tortillas, top with cheese, fold, and toast on a skillet or press. Serve with salsa or sour cream. You can even freeze these for future quick meals!

Why It Beats Fast Food: Full of protein and fiber, these burritos are filling and customizable, plus, way cheaper than a Taco Bell combo.

2. Pasta with Meat Sauce

Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.60

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
- 1 jar pasta sauce
- 1 box spaghetti or penne
Optional: garlic, onion, Italian seasoning

Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Brown meat, drain, and add sauce. Simmer together and serve over pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan if you have it.

Why It Beats Fast Food: Comfort food that makes leftovers and costs less than two kids’ meals combined.

3. Homemade Egg McMuffins

Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.50

Ingredients:
- English muffins
- Eggs
- Sliced cheese
Optional: deli ham or breakfast sausage

Instructions:
Toast muffins, cook eggs (fried or scrambled), layer with cheese and meat of choice. Wrap in foil for on-the-go mornings!

Why It Beats Fast Food: Quick to make and freezer friendly. Skip the $4 drive-thru breakfast sandwich and make six for the same price.

4. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

Estimated Cost per Serving: $2.00

Ingredients:
- 2–3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1–2 cups chopped potatoes
- 1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper

Instructions:
Toss everything in oil and seasoning. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. One pan, zero hassle.

Why It Beats Fast Food: Nutritious, hands-off, and enough to feed the whole family with leftovers for lunch.

5. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.25

Ingredients:
- Bread and butter
- Sliced or shredded cheese
- 1 can tomato soup or homemade version

Instructions:
Make grilled cheese sandwiches on a skillet. Heat soup according to directions. Dunk, smile, repeat.

Why It Beats Fast Food: Classic comfort food that’s simple, warm, and far more affordable than anything in a drive-thru bag.

6. Mini Pita Pizzas

Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.75

Ingredients:
- Small pita rounds or tortillas
- Jarred marinara or pizza sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives)

Instructions:
Spread sauce on pita, add cheese and toppings, bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until bubbly. Let kids make their own!

Why It Beats Fast Food: Fun for kids, fast to make, and much cheaper than pizza delivery.

7. Slow Cooker Chili

Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.80

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning
Optional: onions, corn, bell peppers

Instructions:
Brown meat, drain, toss everything in the slow cooker, and cook on low 6–8 hours. Serve with cornbread or crackers.

Why It Beats Fast Food: A hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner you can set and forget. Makes great leftovers, too.

Tips for Making Home Meals Cheaper Than Fast Food:

Buy in bulk: Stock up on pantry staples like beans, rice, and pasta when on sale.

Plan your meals: Use ingredients across multiple recipes to reduce waste.

Freeze leftovers: Single portions make easy meals for later.

Cook once, eat twice: Make double batches for lunches or busy nights.
Make it your way: Are you always going to want to eat at home? NO. Is it necessarily what you want? NO. But when you are on a budget you have to accept that you can't always have what you want. So, change the recipe up a little with some spices or sides.
Make it fun: I have heard SO MANY arguments of why people can't cook at home because they want "me time". Turn on some music, audio book, or podcast.
Check your online resources: In this day and age there is NO reason that you say you can't cook. Find simple recipes like the ones listed above and follow the recipe. It is that easy. NO buying cookbooks anymore because there are so many free resources out there.

Final Thoughts

Fast food might be convenient, but the cost adds up, financially and nutritionally. With simple recipes and smart shopping, you can whip up meals at home that are not only cheaper than fast food but healthier and more satisfying, too.

Save your wallet, feed your family, and skip the drive-thru chaos. Your kitchen has everything you need to make budget-friendly meals that everyone will love.

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy