5-ingredient budget meal plan
Plan for a week of quick-fix budget mains including flavour-packed pizzas and loaded sweet potatoes, all using five ingredients or fewer
When you’re pushed for time, call on a winning five-ingredient budget recipe. The quick and easy options in this seven-day meal plan use low-cost ingredients and have four- or five-star ratings. Unless otherwise specified, the recipes serve four adults.
It's a great idea to plan ahead and use a shopping list. We calculate a budget meal at a cost of approximately £1.50 per serving for ingredients used, however the price of many ingredients is constantly fluctuating. You may have to spend a little more if you need to replenish staples, such as a full bottle of cooking oil, a bag of flour or a pot of spices, but you will use these up over time and we will give you ideas for how to do this. You may also have access to markets and local shops that offer savings. With energy costs in mind, we’ve favoured the more energy-efficient hob cooking method, alongside using a grill and/or toaster.
Looking for grocery shopping advice? See the free supermarket price comparison tool on which.co.uk.
7-day budget meal plan
Monday: Butter bean & chorizo stew
Tuesday: Smoked mackerel & leek hash
Note: this recipe serves two, so add extra veg and serve one egg each, or double the recipe quantities.
Wednesday: Piri-piri chicken pittas
Thursday: Creamy pesto & kale pasta
Friday: Ham & ricotta pizzas
Saturday: Teriyaki pork meatballs
Sunday: Tuna sweet potato jackets
Shopping list
More like this
View the 5-ingredient budget meal plan shopping list.
For more budget recipe inspiration, money-saving tips and useful guides, take a look at our vegetarian budget meal plan, budget family meal plan and budget recipe hub.
We'd love to hear how this meal plan goes for you and, if we were to repeat it, what you'd like to see more of, or done differently. Please use the comment box below to let us know, or tag us on social using #gfcooksmart.
