15 meal ideas that won’t break the bank

Finding tasty meals without blowing your budget is quite an art. With inflation driving up the price of groceries and lack of time, smart cooking is becoming a real mission. And yet, there are plenty of tips on how to treat yourself without breaking the bank. Whether you're a pro at the stove or a fan of the microwave, there's always a way to eat a varied, balanced and inexpensive meal. Here are 15 meal ideas that will save you time and money on your next outing with friends. Ready to treat yourself without emptying your wallet?

Pasta is the base! With a can of diced tomatoes, a little garlic, onion and herbs, you get a homemade sauce that costs less than $2 per serving. Add some Parmesan if you want to spoil yourself. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy evenings. For variety, add seasonal vegetables or a little canned tuna. Québécois eat an average of 8 kg of pasta a year, so you might as well cook it on a budget!

Leftover rice, a few frozen vegetables and a dash of soy sauce, and you've got a complete meal for under $3. Stir-fried rice is the ultimate anti-waste ally. You can add an egg or tofu for extra protein. This dish is also perfect for emptying the fridge before grocery shopping. Tip: cook your rice the day before, it will be even better pan-fried the next day.

Vegetarian chili is the champion of value for money. Red beans, corn, tomatoes, spices... you name it, it's available at a low price. Plus, it's packed with fiber and protein. Make a big pot and freeze portions for those lazy nights. According to Statistics Canada, legumes cost an average of $0.50 per serving, so you can't beat them for a complete meal!

The omelette is the quick meal par excellence. Three eggs, a little grated cheese, fresh or dried herbs, and you're done. For less than $2, you've got a protein-packed, satisfying meal. Add leftover vegetables or meat for variety. Eggs are an affordable and versatile protein source, perfect for tight budgets.

Quinoa is the star of complete salads. Mix it with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber and a lemon vinaigrette. This fresh, nourishing dish costs around $4 a serving. Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids, ideal for athletes or those who want to eat healthy without breaking the bank. Perfect for lunches or meals on the go

A Québécois classic! Sauté cubed potatoes with sliced sausages and onions. This rustic, gourmet dish costs less than $5 per person. Potatoes are one of the most affordable foods in Quebec, at around $1 a kilo. Add some spices to spice things up and enjoy without breaking the bank.

Make meatballs with ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg and herbs. Simmer in homemade tomato sauce. Serve with pasta or rice. This family dish costs about $4 a serving. The meatballs freeze very well, handy for those evenings when you don't feel like cooking. A real hit with comfort food lovers!

Want to save time without sacrificing your budget? Chefs Plate meals offer a variety of recipes starting at $8.99 per portion. The ingredients are fresh, the portions generous and you avoid waste. Ideal for those who want to eat well without spending hours at the grocery store. Plus, you'll discover new flavors every week!

Lentil soup is the ultimate comfort food. Lentils, carrots, celery, onion and broth, all for less than $2 a serving. Lentils are rich in iron and protein, perfect for energy. Make a big pot and freeze portions for days when you're in a hurry. A bowl of soup, a piece of bread, and you're ready to face the Québécois winter!

For those who want to eat a balanced diet without breaking the bank, Fresh Prep offers meals starting at $9.25 per portion. Ingredients are pre-measured, there's no waste and you cook in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy guys who want to avoid junk food. The recipes change every week, so it's impossible to get bored!

A gratin is simple and economical. Cut up seasonal vegetables (zucchini, carrots, potatoes), add a light béchamel sauce and grated cheese. Bake until golden brown. This dish costs about $3 a serving. Seasonal vegetables are cheaper and tastier. A gratin is also the perfect way to get even the most reluctant to eat vegetables!

Discover La Boîte du Chef meals, a local solution for eating well without breaking the bank. for as little as $10 a serving, you get ready-to-heat meals prepared by Québécois chefs. Ideal for those evenings when you want to treat yourself without cooking. Menus change every week, so you can vary your pleasures without blowing your budget.

With store-bought pizza dough, a little tomato sauce, cheese and leftovers from the fridge, you can make a homemade pizza for under $5. Add vegetables, ham or tuna to taste. Homemade pizza is easy, economical and infinitely customizable. Plus, you control the quality of the ingredients. Perfect for an evening with friends or a hockey game!