These 21 budget recipes are ones we whip up all the time. They’re the perfect solution when you want to keep things easy on the pocket and simple in the kitchen. Think of these as your go-to meals for everyday dining, crafted with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a whole crew, these recipes are spot-on for filling up without totally emptying your wallet.
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious low-budget family dinner option that comes together in less than an hour. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking a meal in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is our quick fix for a cheap and easy dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s just cabbage and sausage cooked up with some oil and butter. Simple seasonings, and you’ve got a meal that’s good to go on those hectic nights. It’s a real money-saver and a regular in our meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is a no-brainer for a budget meal that’s easy to make. Drop ground beef, cream cheese, and some spices in the pot, and let it do its thing. It’s a great way to add some variety without spending a lot or making a mess. Cleanup is a snap with just one pot to wash.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is our shortcut to a decent meal without the drama. Toss veggies and sausage on a pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you’re all set. Great for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to eat well. It keeps things cheap and cheerful, exactly how we like our dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is your quick fix for a flavor-packed dinner without blowing the budget. You just need chicken breasts, cream cheese, some spices, and peppers. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a weeknight dinner that’s anything but boring. It’s easy to make and slots into your regular dinner lineup with no hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Shake things up with Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It’s a one-pot wonder that doesn’t cost a fortune. You can get it on the table in about 45 minutes, mixing the heartiness of a classic with the ease of a casserole. It’s a smart pick for family dinners, combining taste with budget-friendly ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Wrap up your day with Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole, ready in under an hour. It’s as easy as it gets, perfect for a chill evening. Plus, it reheats well, so you’re set for tomorrow, too. This dish is all about keeping things easy and affordable, exactly what you need on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Kick off your day with Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. They’re quick, packed with protein, and ready in 30 minutes. You can throw in whatever you’ve got, making them a smart choice for busy mornings. They’re all about making breakfast simple and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is your 30-minute ticket to a filling meal. It’s all about frozen veggies, cheese sauce, and bacon coming together fast. It’s the perfect way to make dinner more exciting without spending more. Quick, easy, and keeps your wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are your go-to on those hectic evenings, ready in 20 minutes. With canned chicken, these patties are cheap and versatile, proving that fast and budget-friendly meals can still mix things up. Perfect for when you need something good without the wait or the cost.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is the way to go when you’re looking for something quick and budget-friendly. It’s a breeze to whip up with chicken and jalapeños, making it perfect for prepping ahead. This salad is a clever pick to spice up your meal routine without spending much. It’s all about adding that kick to your lunches or dinners without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is your shortcut to a cozy dinner. It’s a mix of potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese that comes together without a hitch. It’s ready in a snap, serving up a filling dinner that’s easy on the budget and effort. Great for a relaxing night in, it’s comfort food without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
If you have leftover chicken thighs, turn them into Green Chile Chicken in just 20 minutes. This one-skillet meal is a quick, wallet-friendly fix for a delicious weeknight dinner. Green chile adds the perfect amount of spice, making your leftovers something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns the classic comfort dish into an easy one-pot meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward prep, it’s a top pick for busy weeknights. It’s all about bringing that family dinner vibe to the table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is your 30-minute dinner hero. With just one pan and budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice, it’s an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a practical choice for keeping dinner light on the budget but still packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes flat. It’s a no-drama dinner that fits easily into your weeknights. You get a hearty meal on the table without needing pricey stuff or jumping through hoops.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a cool, quick fix, all set in half an hour. They use cucumbers to hold a rich chicken salad, blending cheap with clever for a meal that’s fun to munch and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are your go-to for a spicy, wallet-friendly meal ready in half an hour. Jazzed up with jalapeño and cayenne, these patties show you don’t need to spend big for big flavor. They’re a smart pick for a spicy, budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a no-stress, 30-minute meal perfect for any night. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings together ground beef and frozen veggies for a dinner that’s both handy and easy on the pocket, making your dinner routine smoother.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a 25-minute recipe that combines simple stuff for loads of taste. It’s a top choice for a cheap, hearty dinner. Perfect for shaking up your meals without shaking up your budget too much.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is what you want when you’re after something creamy and comforting, ready in 1 hour. It’s a one-pot, easy-to-make meal with budget-friendly ingredients, great for those cozy nights when you want comfort without the cost or hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
