If you think building muscle, managing weight, or feeling full longer means spending a fortune on food, think again. Cheap high protein meals are not only possible—they’re practical, delicious, and accessible to just about anyone. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a busy parent, or simply trying to eat healthier without overspending, you don’t have to choose between cost and nutrition.
Cheap High Protein Meals
Cheap high-protein meals are an affordable way to fuel your body without breaking the bank. With a few simple ingredients, you can create satisfying and nutritious dishes that support muscle repair, weight management, and overall health.
Scrambled Eggs with Beans and Toast
Start your day with a hearty, protein-packed breakfast that’s both filling and budget-friendly. This simple meal combines eggs, beans, and toast for a balanced and satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto)
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1 slice whole-grain bread
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
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Heat a small pan over medium heat and scramble the eggs until cooked through.
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While the eggs cook, heat the beans in a separate pan until warmed.
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Toast the bread and top with the scrambled eggs.
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Serve with a side of beans.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 30g
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Calories: 350
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Protein: 20g
Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
This easy-to-make, protein-packed lunch is perfect for meal prep and requires minimal ingredients. By swapping bread for lettuce wraps, you cut down on carbs while still enjoying a flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
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1 can of tuna in water, drained
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2 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup diced celery
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Butter Lettuce)
How to Make:
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In a bowl, combine the tuna, mayo, mustard, celery, salt, and pepper.
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Spoon the tuna salad onto the lettuce leaves and fold them to form wraps.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 6g
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 30g
Lentil and Veggie Soup
This cozy and comforting soup is packed with protein-rich lentils and a variety of vegetables. It’s a perfect low-cost, high-protein meal that lasts for days.
Ingredients:
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1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
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1 carrot, diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
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In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic for a few minutes until softened.
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Add the lentils, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 45g
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Calories: 350
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Protein: 18g
Tofu Stir-Fry with Rice
This quick and easy stir-fry uses tofu as a plant-based protein and pairs it with vegetables and rice for a healthy and filling meal.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu, cubed
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1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
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1 cup cooked rice
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 garlic clove, minced
How to Make:
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Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and tofu until browned.
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Add the mixed vegetables and soy sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes.
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Serve over cooked rice.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 45g
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Calories: 400
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Protein: 22g
Chicken and Quinoa Meal Prep Bowls
This meal prep-friendly recipe combines lean chicken with quinoa, veggies, and a simple dressing for a protein-packed, balanced meal.
Ingredients:
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1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced
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1/2 cup cooked quinoa
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1 cup steamed broccoli
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
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Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
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Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
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Combine cooked quinoa, sliced chicken, and steamed broccoli in a bowl.
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Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 35g
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Calories: 450
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Protein: 40g
Spaghetti with Ground Turkey Meat Sauce
This quick and healthy spaghetti uses ground turkey, a lean protein, to make a low-fat and high-protein meat sauce.
Ingredients:
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1/2 lb ground turkey
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1 jar marinara sauce
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2 cups cooked whole-wheat spaghetti
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
How to Make:
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Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and ground turkey until browned.
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Add marinara sauce, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Serve the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 45g
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Calories: 400
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Protein: 30g
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This quick smoothie is a protein-packed snack that’s perfect for busy mornings or an after-workout refuel.
Ingredients:
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1 banana
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1 tbsp peanut butter
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
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Ice cubes
How to Make:
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Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
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Serve immediately for a quick protein boost.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 40g
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Calories: 350
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Protein: 18g
Hard-Boiled Eggs with Veggies
Hard-boiled eggs are a classic, budget-friendly source of protein, and they pair wonderfully with fresh or roasted vegetables for a simple meal.
Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
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1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
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Boil the eggs for 9-12 minutes, then peel.
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Serve alongside sliced veggies with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 8g
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 14g
Cottage Cheese with Fruit
For a high-protein snack or light meal, cottage cheese paired with fresh fruit offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cottage cheese
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1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
How to Make:
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Scoop the cottage cheese into a bowl.
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Top with fresh berries.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 20g
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 22g
Protein Energy Balls
These no-bake energy balls are perfect for a quick snack, offering a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs.
Ingredients:
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup peanut butter
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup protein powder
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1 tbsp chia seeds
How to Make:
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In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until fully combined.
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Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Per Serving:
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Carbs: 18g
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Calories: 200
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Protein: 10g
These meals prove that you don’t need to spend a lot to eat protein-packed dishes. With simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can enjoy nutritious meals on a budget!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are a simple yet satisfying meal option that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, these wraps offer a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional sandwiches. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal prep staple, Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are a delicious way to stay on track with your health goals without compromising on taste.

I’m a Food Scientist with a passion for crafting delicious and innovative recipes. At Tasty Scroll, I blend science with creativity to develop dishes that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Whether it’s perfecting textures, enhancing flavors, or experimenting with new ingredients, I love sharing my culinary discoveries with you. Join me on this flavorful journey let’s cook up something amazing together!