The Protein Budget

If you want a filling, high-protein meal that doesn’t wreck your grocery budget, this burrito bowl is it. We’re talking 42 grams of protein per serving for about $2.40, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also one of the best meals you can batch cook for the week. Why This Recipe Works # Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and stay juicy even after reheating, which makes them ideal for meal prep. Canned black beans add a solid protein and fiber boost for almost nothing. Rice stretches everything out so you stay full for hours without spending more.

If you only make one high-protein budget recipe this week, make this one. Four servings, 20 minutes, 34 grams of protein per bowl, and it costs about $2.30 a serving. The hot honey glaze turns basic ground beef into something that genuinely tastes like it came from a restaurant. Jump to Recipe Why This Recipe Works # Ground beef is one of the cheapest proteins per gram you can buy. The hot honey glaze — just honey, red pepper flakes, and a splash of vinegar — caramelises against the hot pan and creates little crispy edges on the beef that add real texture. Avocado and rice round it out into a complete, satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.