economical meal
noun phraseUK /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkəl miːl/
US /ˌiːkəˈnɑːmɪkəl miːl/
A cheap meal that does not cost much money.
Rice and beans make an economical meal for a big family.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A meal that uses few resources or little effort to prepare.
A sandwich is an economical meal when you are short on time.
3. A meal that gives good nutrition for the money spent.
Lentil soup is an economical meal that is also healthy.
4. A meal designed to avoid waste of food or ingredients.
Using leftovers is an economical meal strategy.