21 Delicious Dishes to Make When You’re Broke Before Payday

Money can be tight sometimes, especially before payday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t eat well. With 21 delicious dishes that are affordable and easy to make, you won’t go hungry. So hang in there, payday is coming, and in the meantime, let’s make the most of these dishes!

Someone placing a tortilla on a stack of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want a quick, filling, tasty rescue from hunger without stretching the budget? A 25 Minute Black Bean Burger is your answer. It will ease those hunger pangs without draining your wallet during those trying days before payday.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Curb your hunger with a budget-friendly yet delightful dish. Air Fryer Glazed Carrots are flavorful and won’t empty your wallet. When waiting for that payday cash to hit your bank, it is a winning choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offering a budget-friendly slice of culinary joy are Cauliflower Steaks. Meaty and hearty, this vegetable variety won’t have you missing the expensive cuts of beef. It is an affordable, flavorsome option when payday still seems far away.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Do you know what’s soul-soothing about an Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla? It’s all about the cheesy goodness that doesn’t hurt your pocket. They’re seriously scrumptious, and if you’re asking yourself what to eat when you’re broke before payday, this might be the answer. Who can ever resist a warm, cheesy quesadilla, right?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Low on budget? Don’t worry! Pizza Rolls are your best friend. They’re cheaper than a takeaway pizza and pack a punch when it comes to flavor. It’s the perfect treat for when you’re watching your wallet, but your stomach is grumbling for something tasty. It’s an affordable comfort food solution before hitting that payday.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk about Sweet Potato Cubes. Not only are they versatile and nutritious, but they’re also something you can whip up without spending a lot. Savory or sweet, however, you like ’em, they won’t disappoint. It’s a fantastic dish to make when payday is around the corner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Affordable yet pleasing to the palate? Try Vegetable Fritters. Mix up some veggies on hand, add a dash of flavor, and voila! A delicious, cost-effective dish that suits any time of the day. It’s an easy choice when payday still seems a bit far away.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A Hashbrown Casserole sounds high-end, but it’s surprisingly affordable. Giving a normal day a bit of sparkle is a little fancy. So, if you think being broke before payday means sacrificing tasty meals, this dish may prove you wrong.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If days until payday seems like an eternity and you’re craving pizza, you can do an Easy Flatbread Pizza instead. It’s all the flavor at a fraction of the cost. Quick and cheap – what a combo!
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hash Browns are more than just a delicious breakfast staple. They’re a cost-effective solution to eating well when cents count more than ever. And the best part? Their deliciousness transcends breakfast and fits any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breakfast Potatoes are the definition of comfort food made affordable. They’re filling, customizable, and cost next to nothing to make. So, here’s to start your day right without breaking your pre-payday budget!
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade French Bread can turn a basic meal into something special. It’s great on its own or with almost any topping you’ve got lying around. Delicious yet inexpensive – waiting for payday to arrive never tasted so good.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Vegetable Stew

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Considered the king of comfort food; a wholesome, nutritious, and economical Vegetable Stew served in one pot. It is a beautiful pairing with bread or rice, stretching your budget while awaiting payday.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew

Easy Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Easy Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash Of Taste.

Keep pasta cravings at bay with the budget-friendly option of Easy Spaghetti Marinara. The quick cooking time saves not just your money but also your precious time. Surely a filling meal before the next payday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spaghetti Marinara

Flour Tortilla

Someone placing a tortilla on a stack of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A Flour Tortilla can solve many a mealtime conundrum. Soft and delicious, it’s affordable to transform humble ingredients into tasty grab-and-go meals.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuffed Peppers bring flavor without putting a dent in your wallet. A simple combination of grains and cheese could create this dish. Indulge in a budget-friendly escape from the pre-payday blues.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s how to enjoy good food without breaking the bank: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. An edgy blend of nutrition and mouth-watering flavors can bring comfort even in the most significant countdown to payday.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Pesto Pasta

A bowl of pesto pasta with pine nuts and parmesan cheese.
Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Are you longing for a delicious meal, but your budget’s tight? Pesto Pasta comes to the rescue: the green goodness of pesto mixed with pasta makes any regular day shine. It’s an affordable treat to tide you over until payday arrives.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing beats a healthy and tasty Baked Sweet Potato when you’re feeling peckish and trying to keep it cheap. Turn your pre-payday dinner or lunch into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When the budget’s tight but you’re craving something healthy and flavorful, a 7 Layer Salad can rescue you. Assembled with readily available ingredients, this refreshing salad is economical and has an explosion of tastes and textures in every bite. Perfect for the days leading up to payday.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Penne Arrabiata

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Penne Arrabiata. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, simplicity brings the most joy. Penne Arrabiata provides a lovely mix of affordability, speed, and delight, making the pre-payday wait a little tastier.
Get the Recipe: Penne Arrabiata

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