Thrifty Thursday: 13 easy meals that won’t break the bank

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Enjoy this collection of easy and budget-friendly meals that prove you don’t have to sacrifice taste or quality while keeping your wallet happy.

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.

Sloppy Joes

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

Indulge in these scrumptious Sloppy Joes. Made with ground beef, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and cheese, this recipe uses ingredients you have on hand to create a classic American meal that’s both affordable and crave-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes

Bomb Meatloaf

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

Tender, juicy meatloaf topped off with the most mouthwateringly sweet and tangy glaze that thickly coats each slice.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Shaved Beef Stir Fry

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

Thinly sliced shaved beef is perfect for a quick stir-fry dinner you can make in minutes including a crave-worthy sauce that competes with any takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

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

Extend a pound of ground beef by adding pasta and tomatoes to make this easy, affordable and delicious weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pork Stir Fry

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

Get dinner on the table in just 20 minutes with this pork and cabbage skillet recipe. A simple stir fry sauce brings big flavor without big bucks.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stir Fry

Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a delicious Southwest flavored skillet dinner with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Tomato White Beans

Instant Pot white beans and tomatoes on sourdough toast garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These creamy white beans are cooked with canned tomatoes resulting in a super filling yet incredibly affordable dinner. Perfect served on toast for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato White Beans

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 one of the most affordable cuts of chicken you can buy. This simple recipe seasons them to perfection for a delicious crispy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Escarole and Beans

Escarole and beans in a white bowl with red pepper flakes on the side.
Escarole and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beans and greens has been a long time filling staple in every culture for an economical dinner that’s as easy as it is economical.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Cheesy Kale 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.

When all else fails, it’s eggs for dinner! These easy egg bakes can be made in individual portions for a cheap and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Kale Egg Bake

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Leave out the meat and enjoy this creamy rice dish featuring mushrooms and peas for a filling meal that’s as decadent as they come without the expense.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

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.

A package of pork chops and a bag of pretzels transform dinner into something delicious without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlic lemon greens in a bowl.
Red Lentil Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An easy pasta recipe featuring garlicky greens and a cheesy topping that’s both an affordable and mouth-watering plant based meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Garlicky Greens

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