Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste. You can whip up delicious meals without breaking the bank. With a little bit of creativity, you can transform simple ingredients into mouth-watering dishes that are sure to satisfy. In this article, we’ve compiled 21 budget-friendly recipes that are perfect for everyday cooking. These recipes are not only affordable, but they’re also easy to make and packed with flavor.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Get ready to taste the most tender and juicy pulled chicken you’ve ever had! This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Instant Pot Turkey Soup with Rice
This Instant Pot Turkey Soup with Rice is a budget-friendly, weeknight dinner recipe that will turn leftovers into a warm and hearty meal. It has creamy broth, tender turkey, and flavorful vegetables, while the rice adds a comforting texture to every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Soup with Rice
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This budget-friendly Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner to satisfy all your comfort food cravings! The juicy and flavorful meatloaf is topped with a mouth-watering glaze. Plus, the simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a stress-free meal option for any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Italian Mushroom Stew
This Italian Mushroom Stew is a budget-friendly weeknight dinner that will take you to the rolling hills of Italy. The combination of juicy pork, savory Italian sausage, and earthy mushrooms simmered in a rich tomato sauce will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy. Serve it over a slice of crusty Italian bread and enjoy the hearty flavors of this rustic stew.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Get ready to enjoy a simple weeknight dinner with these Air Fryer Hot Dogs! The crispy skin and golden color of these hot dogs will make your mouth water, and the juicy meat inside will leave you wanting more. Plus, this budget-friendly recipe is so easy to make that you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Taco Rice Skillet
You will love this budget friendly Taco Rice Skillet! Ground beef, veggies, and taco spices come together in a quick and easy one dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With the added bonus of rice, this family friendly dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup
This delicious crock pot ham and potato soup is the perfect budget-friendly recipe for a cozy weeknight dinner. The rich and creamy texture of the soup combines with the savory flavors of ham and potatoes. Make a big pot and enjoy it for lunch all week long.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! With juicy, tender pork that’s infused with a blend of savory spices, you’ll be transported to BBQ heaven in just two hours. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth with these Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas! Juicy chicken strips are seasoned with a blend of spices, then cooked alongside colorful bell peppers and onions. The aroma of sizzling fajitas will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait until they’re ready! This recipe is both budget-friendly and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Salmon Chowder from Canned Salmon
Try delicious salmon chowder made with canned salmon and cannellini beans. The creamy, dairy-free broth is filled with tender chunks of salmon, hearty vegetables, and savory beans, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Chowder from Canned Salmon
Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Instant Pot Dirty Rice is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. This Cajun-inspired dish features ground beef and perfectly cooked rice, all seasoned with just the right amount of spices. Just one pot and you’re done – it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and inexpensive.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Crock Pot Chili
This hearty Crock Pot Chili recipe is a budget-friendly comfort food. Made with a flavorful blend of spices and tender beef, this dish is sure to warm you up on chilly evenings. The aroma of the chili simmering in your crock pot will make your mouth water and have your family begging for seconds! Plus, with leftovers for days, this recipe is a win-win for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili
Air Fryer Carnitas
Inexpensive pork butt is used in this delicious recipe for air fryer carnitas! With a flavorful marinade and juicy, tender pork cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these carnitas are perfect for filling tacos or burritos. Plus, they’re easy to make and clean up is a breeze, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas
Thai Noodles with Peanut Sauce
This quick, easy vegetarian meal delivers tons of spicy Thai flavor. It’s sure to become a budget friendly favorite!
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Margherita Pizza
Cut down the costs of expensive takeout’s and make your own pizzas. Easy, tasty, and the more you make the more cost effective they become.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza
Korean Beef and Broccoli
The bold flavors of a sweet and spicy sauce complement inexpensive ground beef and veggies in this Korean beef and broccoli dish. The dish comes together quickly with basic ingredients and it’s a great way to get your veggies in.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli
Easy Hungarian Goulash
Inexpensive beef stew meat transforms in this slow cooked dish that’s packed full of flavor! This authentic Hungarian Goulash is crazy good and crazy easy – serve it with spaetzle for a truly authentic meal or pass the taters!
Get the Recipe: Easy Hungarian Goulash
Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut
Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe made with sausages and tangy sauerkraut. This roasted bratwurst together with sauerkraut will surprise you with flavor without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut
Green Chili Chicken Soup
Green Chili Chicken Soup combines green chilis, salsa verde, shredded chicken, white beans, and spices. This comforting soup makes an excellent, inexpensive meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup
Spaghetti Marinara
Easy, delicious, and budget friendly – what’s not to love? Spaghetti marinara is a great weeknight dinner that you can rustle up in no time!
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Canned Corned Beef and Cabbage
Hearty and tasty meals don’t have to be expensive! This flavor-packed meal uses canned corned beef and budget-friendly cabbage to make a low-carb meal that’s tasty, simple, and easy on the wallet!
Get the Recipe: Canned Corned Beef and Cabbage