Budget meal plan for two
Enjoy meals designed for two without breaking the bank with our Budget meal plan for two. This plan provides a variety of dishes that are both tasty and affordable. Perfect for couples looking to save money while eating well. Enjoy delicious meals made for two.
Meal plan grocery list
- Chicken breast
- Ground beef
- Canned tuna
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Plain yogurt
- Oats
- Rice
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Frozen peas
- Frozen corn
- Carrots
- Onions
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Whole wheat bread
- Peanut butter
- Canned tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Brown sugar
Meal plan overview
The budget meal plan for two is perfect for couples looking to eat healthily without overspending. This plan features meals that are easy to prepare and portioned for two people, like stir-fries, pasta dishes, and roasted vegetables with protein.
Great for sharing and enjoying together, this plan makes it simple to stick to a budget while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. It's a practical solution for pairs wanting to eat well and save money.
Foods to eat
- Bulk Rice and Pasta: Inexpensive and versatile base for many meals.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A ready-to-eat protein option that can be used in multiple dishes.
- Frozen Vegetables: Budget-friendly and long-lasting, perfect for various meals.
- Beans and Lentils: Economical sources of protein and fiber.
- Seasonal Fruits: Choose what’s in season for the best prices and flavors.
✅ Tip
Buy family packs of staples like rice and beans and split them into portions for two.
Foods not to eat
- Individual Snack Packs: More expensive than buying in bulk and portioning at home.
- Pre-cut Vegetables: Often pricier than whole vegetables.
- High-End Cuts of Meat: Opt for more affordable cuts or plant-based proteins.
- Bottled Smoothies: These can be costly and contain added sugars.
- Ready Meals: Often expensive and can be high in sodium and preservatives.
Main benefits
A budget meal plan for two ensures both you and your partner enjoy healthy meals without overspending. It focuses on sharing ingredients to minimize waste and maximize value. This plan includes easy, scalable recipes perfect for two people. Additionally, it promotes cooking together, turning meal prep into a fun and cost-effective activity that strengthens your relationship.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To feed two people on a budget, consider these affordable and nutritious swaps:
- For a protein source, canned chicken can replace canned tuna, offering a versatile and cost-effective alternative.
- To diversify your grains, bulgur can replace rice, providing a quick-cooking and budget-friendly option.
- For a different vegetable, cabbage can replace lettuce, offering a versatile and nutrient-rich alternative.
- To save on dairy, ricotta cheese can replace cheddar cheese, offering a creamy and lower-cost option.
- For a sweet treat, peaches can replace strawberries, offering a juicy and budget-friendly fruit option.
How to budget on this meal plan
When budgeting for two, plan meals around shared preferences and buy ingredients in bulk. Cooking larger portions and using leftovers helps reduce waste and save money. Focus on versatile staples like rice, pasta, and vegetables. Shopping sales and seasonal produce can cut costs. Preparing meals together can make the process more enjoyable and efficient, ensuring you both stay on track without overspending.
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- ✔️ Add and remove items
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- ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack ideas for a budget meal plan for two:
- Sliced apples with almond butter
- Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus
- Yogurt with honey and granola
- Roasted chickpeas with spices
- Whole grain crackers with cheese
- Banana and almond butter
- Popcorn seasoned with nutritional yeast
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a budget meal plan for two, focus on water, herbal teas, and homemade smoothies. Include affordable plant-based or dairy milk for variety. Avoid expensive and sugary drinks. Opt for water flavored with lemon, cucumber, or berries for an interesting and budget-friendly option to keep both hydrated.
How to get even more nutrients?
For a budget meal plan for two, bulk buying protein sources like beans, lentils, and chicken can be cost-effective. Use a variety of vegetables and fruits for essential vitamins and fiber. Include healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocados to enhance meals. Plan meals to minimize waste and use versatile ingredients to create multiple dishes.
Meal plan suggestions
Budget Meal Plan for Two
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced bananas and a drizzle of peanut butter
- Lunch: Chicken breast salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and a side of rice
- Dinner: Ground beef and vegetable stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli
- Snack: Apple slices with cheddar cheese
Calories: 2000 Fat: 80g Carbs: 200g Protein: 150g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and cheddar cheese on whole wheat bread
- Lunch: Tuna salad with lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers
- Dinner: Pasta with tomato sauce and frozen peas
- Snack: Orange slices and plain yogurt with a sprinkle of brown sugar
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 220g Protein: 140g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Yogurt with oats and sliced apples
- Lunch: Chicken breast and sweet potato bowl with spinach and bell peppers
- Dinner: Ground beef and canned beans chili with canned tomatoes and garlic
- Snack: Banana with peanut butter
Calories: 2100 Fat: 85g Carbs: 230g Protein: 160g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie with plain yogurt, milk, banana, and a touch of peanut butter
- Lunch: Ground beef tacos with lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomato sauce
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with roasted potatoes and carrots
- Snack: Sliced oranges and cheddar cheese
Calories: 2000 Fat: 80g Carbs: 210g Protein: 150g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples and a sprinkle of brown sugar
- Lunch: Tuna and cucumber sandwich on whole wheat bread
- Dinner: Spaghetti with ground beef and tomato sauce, side of frozen corn
- Snack: Carrot sticks with peanut butter
Calories: 1900 Fat: 75g Carbs: 220g Protein: 140g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and spinach on whole wheat bread
- Lunch: Chicken breast and broccoli stir-fry with rice
- Dinner: Ground beef and sweet potato hash with onions and bell peppers
- Snack: Banana and plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey
Calories: 2100 Fat: 85g Carbs: 230g Protein: 160g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Smoothie with plain yogurt, milk, banana, and peanut butter
- Lunch: Tuna salad with lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers
- Dinner: Chicken breast with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli
- Snack: Apple slices with cheddar cheese
Calories: 2000 Fat: 80g Carbs: 210g Protein: 150g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.
