Cheap eats: 13 delicious meals on a shoestring budget

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Finding delicious meals that won’t break the bank is a must these days. Here are 13 of the best cheap eats to satisfy your hunger without emptying your wallet.

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

It doesn’t get easier, cheaper or more delicious than meatloaf and this recipe is the most juicy, tender one you’ll taste!
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Got a bag of pretzels in the pantry? Use them to coat pork chops for this easy delicious dinner and serve with a quick maple mustard sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Quick Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A classic combination in the takeout-like sauce you crave. It doesn’t get easier or faster than this Chinese-inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick Beef and Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken leg quarters are a great economical cut (way cheaper than chicken breasts) and you get both a thigh and drumstick! Use the air fryer to roast them to perfection in under 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.
Healthier Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Can’t go wrong with a good old Sloppy Joe. This version uses a few healthy tweaks to make you feel good about getting this quick and easy meal on the table for the family.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes

Spicy Beef Udon Noodles

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fill up with noodles and beef in a crave-worthy sauce to delight your tastebuds and keep the cost low.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Udon Noodles

Sheet Pan Chicken

Spatchcock chicken with peri peri seasoning on a baking sheet with green beans and sweet potatoes.
Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roast a chicken, feed the entire family! This sheet pan chicken is cooked on one pan with vegetables and potates for an easy dinner that doesn’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken

Buffalo Cauliflower Turkey Skillet

White skillet with buffalo ground turkey and cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grab a skillet and have this simple meal ready in minutes. Using ground turkey and frozen riced cauliflower, this is as easy as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Turkey Skillet

Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla

Cheddar quesadilla with summer vegetables.
Cheddar Veggie Quesadilla. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Use frozen or fresh veggies to make cheesy quesadillas and dinner couldn’t be easier.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla

Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potato hash with poached eggs in a cast iron skillet.
Sweet Potato Hash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potatoes, beans, peppers and eggs make a delicious hash that’s just as good for dinner as it is breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash

Kale and Feta Egg Bake

Kale and feta egg bake in a white ramekin with a piece of toasted bread to the side.
Kale and Feta Egg Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Individual egg bakes are the perfect lazy dinner. Just a handful of simple ingredients and this meal is ready to go!
Get the Recipe: Kale and Feta Egg Bake

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 20 minute meal with an easy stir fry sauce that takes pork and cabbage to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef Pasta

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A package of ground beef, pasta and some tomato sauce is the base of this easy affordable meal. Tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta

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