20 Meatless Meals That Will Save Money on Groceries

Meat tends to be one of the most expensive items in our grocery baskets each week. One big way to save money on groceries is to plan some meatless meals during the week and Monday is a perfect day of the week to start – Meatless Mondays. While meat is a great source of protein, there are also many great meatless protein sources to keep your muscles fueled. If you’re like my husband, Mike, who can’t imagine life without meat, here are some great meatless meal suggestions that even meat-lover “Mikey” likes.

While these may not be fancy, gourmet dishes, living frugal certainly does not mean eating “war-rations.” All of these meatless meals can be enjoyed simply, or dressed up with the suggested serving options for delicious money-saving, meatless meal alternatives.

1. Baked Potatoes

Options: Stuff them up with broccoli, cheese and anything else that strikes your fancy. Or swap them out and try baked sweet potatoes.

2. Black Beans – Plain or make a soup. Quick and cheap store bought versions are great or you can make your own with fresh or canned black beans, stock, sautéed onion and jalapeño pepper.

Options: Top with salsa, sour cream and cheddar cheese.

3. Cheese Pizza – So delicious plain. We have a Friday night pizza night ritual and we get the Walmart Take and Bake Pizzas and dress them up.

Options: Add fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil to a store bought cheese pizza. Pesto also makes a great addition. Jazz it up with whatever fresh and affordable vegetables you have on hand (onions, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives) or even try a can of pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.

4. Christmas casseroles – Think about all the great casseroles we only make at the holidays.

Options: Green bean casserole, spinach casserole, sweet potatoes casserole … the list goes on.

5. Edamame – Store-bought, frozen is great.Shop around as prices vary. I’ve found the lowest price at my local Target store with their Archer Farms store brand. It’s full of soy protein!

Options – Steam and serve with a dash of garlic salt or with a soy wasabi sauce 9love it this way).

6. Egg Sandwiches – This is a personal favorite even for dinner. Just toast an English muffin and add a cooked egg (fried or omelet style) and a slice of cheese.

Options: Use any other bread options you may have handy, or add a tomato.

7. Cereal – Any on-sale, store-bought brand will do.

Options: I prefer using whole oats (uncooked), raisins, bananas, cinnamon and soy milk.

8. Eggs – Scrambled Eggs or Omelets

Options: Add some veggies (tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, spinach, etc.) and/or cheese.

9. Grilled Cheese

Options: Add tomatoes. Or experiment with different types of breads and cheeses for a gourmet grilled cheese version.

10. Grilled Vegetables

Options: Grill in foil or as shish-kabobs on sticks. Onions, yellow squash, zucchini, grape tomatoes and red potatoes work the best.

11. Macaroni and Cheese – Store bought is great or you can make your own with elbow macaroni and a can of cheddar cheese soup.

Options: Feeling adventurous, add other mixes of cheese you have on hand (cheddar, Swiss, Velveeta, pepper jack, etc.). You can also make a veggie mac by adding sautéed or steamed broccoli, onions and/or mushrooms. Top them all with some breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and bake in the oven

12. Pancakes or Waffles

Options: Add blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips to the batter. Or top with fresh strawberries, apples or whipped cream.

13. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Options: Plain is great, or toast the bread for warm, yummy, goodness. You can also add honey and bananas.

14. Protein Shakes – I love these! I use soy protein (chocolate or vanilla) and soy milk.

Options: Add peanut butter, bananas, strawberries, and/or flax seed.

15. Quesadillas

Options: A flour tortilla can be dressed up many ways with cheese, black beans or refried beans, tomatoes, avocados, and more.

16. Salads

Options: To turn leafy greens into a protein packed meal add sliced hard boiled eggs, diced tofu, and slivered almonds. Or just max it out with an assortment of chopped veggies (cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, onions, scallions, mushrooms, etc.). Another idea, slice some ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, add some fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar (see picture above). Serve with some crusty bread. Delish!

17. Spaghetti and Marinara Sauce

Options: A store bought sauce will do, or make your own with a can of crushed tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil (I grow my own) for a light, healthy option.

18. Veggies – use fresh, grilled or sautéed veggies

Options: veggie tacos, veggie sandwich

19. Veggie Chili – Make your old standby chili recipe minus the meat.

Options: Add a variety of beans beyond the red chili beans – black beans or northern beans are good.

20. Vegetable Soup – A box of chicken stock, fresh or frozen veggies, and some seasoning and you’ve got a quick, healthy meal.

Options: Turn a soup into a hearty stew by first creating a roux with some butter and flour, then add the stock and veggies and simmer.

The above meatless meal suggestions are Living Frugal Tips that are quick and simple recipes and serving suggestions that I use daily to save money on groceries.

Bon Appetit!