21 Cheap Homemade Lunches That Won’t Disappoint

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21 Cheap Homemade Lunches That Won’t Disappoint

Are you tired of spending a fortune on lunches that leave your wallet feeling empty and your taste buds unsatisfied? Well, I’ve got you covered with a collection of cheap homemade lunches that are sure to hit the spot without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to save money, eat healthier, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of cooking up a delicious meal from scratch, these budget-friendly recipes have got you covered. So let’s roll up our sleeves, get cooking, and dive into a world of affordable and mouthwatering homemade lunches that won’t disappoint!

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

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.

Creamy and comforting, this broccoli cheese soup is a go-to choice for a cozy homemade lunch. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a budget-friendly option that delivers on flavor. With its smooth texture and cheesy goodness, this soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Packed with wholesome veggies and aromatic spices, this slow cooker vegetable soup is an excellent choice for a nutritious homemade lunch. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let the slow cooker do the work, resulting in a flavorful meal that’s ready whenever you are. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a healthy and satisfying lunch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable 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.

These tangy lemon pepper chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing option for a homemade lunch that’s sure to satisfy. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, they’re a delicious treat that’s easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something flavorful, these chicken wings are a fantastic choice that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Wet Burrito

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

Indulge in a hearty wet burrito packed with savory fillings and topped with flavorful sauce, perfect for a satisfying homemade lunch. This recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish at home. With simple ingredients and easy assembly, it’s a delicious option that’s sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

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

This crock pot cabbage soup is a comforting and nourishing option for a homemade lunch that’s both easy and affordable. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s a hassle-free recipe that yields flavorful results. Packed with veggies and hearty cabbage, it’s a wholesome choice for days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

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.

Enjoy a refreshing chopped Greek salad loaded with crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful olives, perfect for a light and satisfying homemade lunch. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this salad is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Quick to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it’s a delightful option for a healthy midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Turkey Roll Ups

A close-up of a hand holding a turkey roll-up slice.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These turkey roll ups are a convenient and protein-packed option for a homemade lunch that’s both delicious and nutritious. With simple ingredients and easy assembly, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick bite on busy days. Whether you’re at home or on the go, these roll ups are a satisfying choice that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy and flavorful, these homemade chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly lunch option that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Made with real ingredients and baked to perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, they’re a convenient choice for a homemade lunch that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

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.

Savor the deliciousness of a classic tuna melt made effortlessly in the air fryer, perfect for a quick and satisfying homemade lunch. With its crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a comforting treat that’s ready in minutes. Using simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s an easy option for those days when you want a warm and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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.

This broccoli salad with bacon is a flavorful and nutritious option for a homemade lunch that’s both hearty and delicious. Packed with crunchy veggies and savory bacon bits, it’s a satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. With its creamy dressing and smoky bacon flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your lunchtime rotation.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Hawaiian roll sliders are a tasty and convenient option for a homemade lunch that’s perfect for sharing. With their sweet and savory flavor combination, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to assemble and quick to bake, they’re ideal for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

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.

Creamy and cheesy, this crock pot mac and cheese is a comforting lunch option that’s both easy and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Dive into a bowl of hearty Frito chili pie, a comforting homemade lunch that’s sure to warm you up. With its layers of crunchy Fritos, savory chili, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for chilly days or game day gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.
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.

These ground pork tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make option for a homemade lunch that’s sure to please. With their savory pork filling and fresh toppings, they’re a delicious twist on traditional tacos. Quick to prepare and customizable to your liking, they’re perfect for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or any day of the week, these tacos are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy tender and flavorful chicken skewers made effortlessly in the air fryer, perfect for a quick and satisfying homemade lunch. With their juicy chicken and charred veggies, they’re a delicious option that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these kabobs are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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.

These slow cooker chicken tacos are a hassle-free option for a homemade lunch that’s full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can let the crock pot do the work while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, these tacos are a convenient and delicious choice that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

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.

Warm up with a bowl of comforting crock pot tomato soup, perfect for a cozy homemade lunch. With its rich tomato flavor and creamy texture, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Simply toss the ingredients in the crock pot and let it simmer to perfection. Whether you pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoy it on its own, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

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.

This easy potato soup is a creamy and comforting option for a homemade lunch that’s both simple and delicious. Made with pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With its hearty texture and flavorful broth, it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato 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 healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. Perfect for a homemade lunch or a snack, they’re easy to make and full of flavor. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, they’re a convenient option for satisfying your craving for crispy chicken without all the grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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.

Cozy up with a bowl of crock pot chili for two, a comforting homemade lunch that’s perfect for sharing with a loved one. With its hearty beef and beans simmered to perfection, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for date night or a cozy dinner at home, this chili is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crab Fried Rice

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

Treat yourself to a flavorful bowl of crab fried rice, perfect for a homemade lunch that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With its delicate crab meat and fragrant rice, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Quick to make and bursting with savory flavors, it’s a delicious option for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, this fried rice is a real treat.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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