Eating plant-based on a budget doesn’t have to feel limiting or complicated. With a few affordable ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can make meals that taste great and keep your wallet happy. You can enjoy wholesome, filling vegan food for under $5 per meal without giving up flavor or variety.
You’ll discover easy dishes like hearty soups, bright salads, and satisfying curries—all made from inexpensive staples like lentils, beans, rice, and vegetables. These recipes show that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create balanced, budget-friendly vegan meals.
In this article, we'll cover
1. Chickpea Coconut Curry
You can make this simple curry with pantry ingredients in about 20 minutes. Chickpeas are cheap, filling, and easy to use, making them a great base for quick meals.
Start by cooking onion, garlic, and ginger in a bit of oil until soft. Add canned chickpeas, coconut milk, and mild curry powder, then let everything simmer until thick.
Serve it over warm rice and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. You get a creamy, lightly spiced dish that feels comforting without being heavy. This meal stays under $5 and still tastes rich and satisfying.
2. Black Bean and Corn Tacos
You can make tasty black bean and corn tacos in just about 20 minutes. They use simple ingredients like canned black beans, corn, and tortillas, making them a great choice when you want something quick and affordable.
Warm the beans with a bit of onion, garlic, and mild spices for flavor. Add corn for sweetness and texture, then fill your tortillas with the mixture.
Top your tacos with diced tomato, lettuce, or avocado if you like. A squeeze of lime or a spoon of salsa adds extra freshness. These tacos are easy, satisfying, and perfect for a weekday dinner.
3. Lentil and Vegetable Soup
You can make this simple soup with items you probably already have in your kitchen. Lentils cook quickly and add a good amount of protein and fiber, helping you stay full.
Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and carrots in a bit of oil, then add broth, lentils, and your favorite seasoning. Let it simmer until the lentils are soft and the soup thickens slightly.
Use any vegetables you like or need to use up, such as celery, spinach, or potatoes. This meal costs less than $5 and makes several servings, so it’s an affordable way to eat warm and healthy.
4. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
You can make this filling chili with common pantry ingredients like canned black beans, diced tomatoes, and a couple of sweet potatoes. It’s hearty, nutritious, and takes less than an hour to cook.
Start by sautéing chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a pot. Add cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, and a mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Serve your chili with a sprinkle of green onion or a scoop of brown rice. It tastes great topped with avocado or tortilla chips and costs only a few dollars per serving.
5. Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Bowl
You can make a warm, satisfying meal with simple ingredients like quinoa, mixed vegetables, and chickpeas. The dish is colorful, filling, and full of natural flavor.
Roast your vegetables—such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers—on one sheet pan to save time and cleanup. While they cook, simmer the quinoa until it’s fluffy and light.
When everything’s ready, toss it together and drizzle with a quick sauce, like a creamy tahini or herb dressing. You’ll have a healthy, budget-friendly bowl that costs less than five dollars per serving and fits any busy weeknight dinner plan.
6. Peanut Tofu Stir Fry
You can make this peanut tofu stir fry in less than 30 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s a great meal when you want something quick, filling, and affordable.
Start by pan-frying tofu until it turns golden and crisp. Add mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for color and crunch.
Whisk together a sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of lime juice. Pour it over the tofu and veggies, then stir until everything is coated.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying dish. You’ll get a balanced meal packed with protein and flavor without spending more than a few dollars.
7. Spaghetti with Marinara and Mushrooms
You can make a satisfying meal with simple pantry items and fresh mushrooms. Cook spaghetti until tender, then toss it with a quick homemade marinara sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and a bit of olive oil.
Slice a handful of mushrooms and sauté them until golden and soft. They add a savory flavor that pairs well with the tomato sauce.
Mix everything together and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs. This meal feels hearty, takes little time, and usually costs less than five dollars for two servings. Serve it with a side of greens if you want some extra balance.
8. Vegan Taco Soup
You can make this warm and hearty vegan taco soup with simple pantry ingredients. Use canned beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to create a filling meal that costs less than five dollars. It’s easy to prepare and great for busy weeknights.
You can add chopped peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture. If you have leftover rice or quinoa, stir some in to make it even more satisfying.
Top your soup with avocado slices, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
You can put together this fresh salad in about 10 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy days. The ingredients are simple and affordable—chickpeas, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
You get plenty of protein and fiber from the chickpeas, which help keep you full without spending much. Adding herbs like parsley or oregano gives it a bright flavor that works well for lunch or dinner.
You can serve it on its own or pair it with whole‑grain bread or pita. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make extra for quick meals later in the week.
10. Red Lentil Dahl
You can make red lentil dahl with simple ingredients like red lentils, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and coconut milk. The spices give it a warm flavor without needing expensive sauces or pastes.
Cook the lentils until soft, then stir in the seasonings and coconut milk for a creamy texture. It thickens as it cooks and makes a filling meal that costs less than $5.
You can serve it with cooked rice or flatbread for extra comfort. This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can reheat leftovers for another easy meal later in the week.