Batch Cooking Vegan Meals for Under £30

Imagine spending just £30 and having a week’s worth of delicious, healthy vegan meals ready to go. Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? If you’re keen to batch cook vegan meals that are both satisfying and kind to your wallet, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how you can master affordable, stress-free meal prepping with cheap vegan recipes that taste amazing.

Why Batch Cooking Vegan Meals Makes Sense

Batch cooking is like gifting your future self. It saves you time, cuts down on food waste, and helps you stay committed to healthy eating — all while saving a fair bit of cash.

Here are just a few reasons why batch cooking is a game-changer:

• Time-saving: One big cooking session = meals for days
• Budget-friendly: Bulk buying and prepping cuts costs
• Healthier choices: Less reliance on pricey takeaways
• Reduced food waste: Planned portions mean fewer scraps

“Meal prepping doesn’t have to feel like a chore — think of it as an investment in your week ahead.”

Essential Tips Before You Start

Before diving into your batch cook adventure, let’s cover a few basics:

• Choose simple, versatile recipes that use overlapping ingredients.
• Make a shopping list and stick to it.
• Pick a dedicated prep day, preferably when you’re free for a few hours.
• Invest in good storage containers to keep meals fresh.

Planning is key, and if you’re keen to master your pantry game too, check out how to build a budget vegan pantry.

How to Batch Cook Vegan Meals for Under £30

Let’s break it down practically. We’ll work through budget shopping tips, sample meals, and smart prepping methods.

Budget-Friendly Shopping List

This list should cover a week’s worth of meals:

• Grains: Brown rice, oats, pasta
• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans (canned or dried)
• Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, onions, spinach (frozen is fine)
• Pantry Essentials: Tomato paste, canned tomatoes, spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
• Extras: Plant-based milk (for oats), peanut butter, bananas

Buy store brands and opt for bulk sections when possible.

Affordable Batch Cooking Meal Ideas

1. Lentil and Vegetable Stew

A hearty, nourishing classic.

Ingredients:

• Brown lentils
• Diced carrots and onions
• Canned tomatoes
• Spices (cumin, paprika)

Instructions:

• Sauté onions and carrots.
• Add lentils, tomatoes, water, and spices.
• Simmer until lentils are tender.

Cost: Approx. £4 for 4 servings.

2. Chickpea Curry

Simple, creamy, and packed with protein.

Ingredients:

• Canned chickpeas
• Spinach (frozen works)
• Coconut milk (optional)
• Curry powder

Instructions:

• Cook chickpeas with spices.
• Add spinach and coconut milk.
• Serve with rice.

Cost: Approx. £5 for 4 servings.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

Fast, colourful, and endlessly customisable.

Ingredients:

• Mixed frozen veggies
• Soy sauce
• Rice

Instructions:

• Stir-fry vegetables.
• Add cooked rice and a splash of soy sauce.

Cost: Approx. £3 for 3 servings.

4. Overnight Oats for Breakfast

Easy, filling, and endlessly customisable.

Ingredients:

• Oats
• Plant milk
• Banana slices
• Peanut butter drizzle

Instructions:

• Combine ingredients in a jar.
• Refrigerate overnight.

Cost: Approx. £1 per serving.

5. One-Pot Pasta

Comfort food that doesn’t break the bank.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Canned tomatoes
• Onions and garlic

Instructions:

• Sauté onions and garlic.
• Add pasta and tomatoes with water.
• Simmer until pasta is cooked.

Cost: Approx. £3 for 3 servings.

Storage Tips for Freshness

Good storage is vital to maintaining taste and texture.

• Cool meals before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
• Use airtight containers for the best shelf life.
• Label meals with dates.
• Freeze surplus portions for longer storage.

And if you need container recommendations, don’t miss our guide to best containers for vegan meal prep.

Real-World Example: My £28 Vegan Prep

Last month, I challenged myself to stick to a £30 budget.

Here’s what I did:

• Bought rice, lentils, chickpeas, carrots, onions, frozen spinach, oats, peanut butter, and bananas.
• Cooked three mains (lentil stew, curry, stir-fry) and prepped oats for breakfast.
• Ate homemade meals for five days, spending just £28.

Not only did it save me money, but I also felt more energised and less stressed about what to eat.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, there are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Do not rotate meals: Avoid flavour fatigue by using varying spices.
• Overestimating portion sizes: Batch cooking is about balance, not mountains of leftovers.
• Forgetting snacks: Include easy, healthy snacks like bananas or roasted chickpeas.
• Skipping meal labels: It’s easy to lose track in the fridge!

Extra Affordable Plant-Based Meals Ideas

Want even more inspiration?

• Potato and Chickpea Salad
• Tomato and Lentil Soup
• Sweet Potato Curry
• Black Bean Tacos
• Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowls

The key? Stick to simple, whole-food ingredients and season them well.

Conclusion: Your Budget-Friendly Vegan Adventure Awaits

Batch cooking vegan meals for under £30 is not just achievable — it’s enjoyable, empowering, and downright delicious. With a little planning, a savvy shopping list, and easy prep strategies, you can eat beautifully without draining your wallet.

Why not set aside a few hours this weekend and give it a try? Once you taste the rewards, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

If you’ve tried batch cooking before, I’d love to hear your favourite cheap vegan recipes! Drop a comment below, share your creations on social media, or tag us — let’s build a community of savvy, budget-conscious foodies together.

Cheers to affordable plant-based meals and happy prepping!