Today I threw myself into a challenge I’d been dying to try: preparing a complete meal for four people with a maximum budget of $40… in the middle of New York City! Yes, that city where everything is fast, huge, and—let’s be honest—sometimes carito.

But let me tell you something: walking through the supermarket here was an experience. I compared prices, found unexpected deals, and crafted a tasty, comforting menu without losing my style. Honestly, I was surprised by how much you can stretch a dollar when you choose wisely and get a little creative.

Did I make it? What dish won in the end? How did I stretch every dollar without sacrificing flavor?
Join me in this challenge that proves you can cook delicious and economical food—even in the Big Apple—while creating budget friendly meals perfect for any gathering.

A Full Game Day Menu of Budget Friendly Meals

For any game day hangout—family, friends, fútbol, football, or just vibes—you want food that’s fast, tasty, crowd-pleasing, and easy on the wallet. This menu is designed exactly for that: three budget friendly meals that can be made in under 30 minutes, feed four people, and feel like a full mini-feast.

We’re talking:
Papas a la Huancaína (creamy, spicy, addictive)
Chicken Soup, Peruvian Style (comfort in a bowl)
Manzanas Asadas (a warm, sweet finish)

Affordable, delicious, and muy rendidor—that’s the essence of true budget friendly meals.

Ingredients for the $40 Game Day Challenge

Chicken Soup, Peruvian Style

• 5 ripe tomatoes
  
  
• 1 onion
  
  
• 1 head of garlic
  
  
• 1 potato
  
  
• 1 carrot
  
  
• Green peas
  
  
• 1 can tomato paste
  
  
• Rice (enough for 4)
  
  
• 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
  
  

Papas a la Huancaína

• 1 large potato
  
  
• 2 bell peppers (ají amarillo if you have it)
  
  
• 1 onion
  
  
• 3 cloves garlic
  
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  
• ½ cup mayonnaise
  
  
• Splash of milk
  
  

Manzanas Asadas

• 4 apples
  
  
• Sugar
  
  
• Cinnamon
  
  
• 1½ tbsp butter
  
  

Pro tip: Always start with the dish that takes the longest. In our case, the appetizer.

Papas a la Huancaína (Appetizer)

Boil the potato for about 30 minutes over low heat, making sure it’s fully covered with water and lightly salted.

Cut the bell peppers and onion into large dices. Heat the oil, then add garlic, onion, and peppers. Season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat for 4 minutes.

Transfer to a blender with the olive oil, mayonnaise, and a splash of milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Slice the potato and spoon that bright, delicious sauce over the top.

A classic Peruvian flavor bomb—and one of the easiest budget friendly meals you’ll ever make.

Chicken Soup, Peruvian Style (Main Dish)

Dice the onion and tomatoes, reserving a little onion. Blend the tomatoes.

Heat oil over medium. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and cumin. Sear them skin-side down until golden, flip, cook the other side, then remove and reserve.

Using the same pan, add the reserved onion and chopped garlic. Stir for 3–5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook 3 more minutes.

Pour in the blended tomatoes, return the chicken to the pan, add diced carrot, potato, peas, a glass of water, and a splash of vinegar. Cook at medium heat for 20 minutes.

Serve with rice on the side.

Comforting, filling, and one of the best game day budget friendly meals ever.

Manzanas Asadas (Dessert)

Melt butter in a hot pan. Cut apples in half and remove seeds.

In a larger pan, add butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Place the apples cut-side down. Gently poke the skin side with a fork.

Cover with foil and bake at 380°F for 20 minutes until golden and tender. Spoon the sauce over the top before serving.

Simple, warm, perfect—and still part of our list of budget friendly meals.

With flavor, creativity, and a little planning, you can create a full menu of budget friendly meals that feel special without breaking the bank. Game day never tasted so good—or so affordable.