17 Budget-friendly meals: Tasty low-cost homemade eats

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Learn how to eat well without spending a fortune! These budget-friendly meal ideas will help you save money while enjoying satisfying dishes.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Try this mouthwatering twist on traditional sloppy joes with our budget-friendly casserole topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a comfort food lover’s dream that won’t cost a lot to make.
Get The Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Upgrade your chicken game with tender, juicy air fryer chicken legs for a budget-friendly meal. Experience the convenience of low-cost cooking without sacrificing taste or texture.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan.
Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This recipe makes a small batch of lasagna quickly! This low-cost meal is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious, budget-friendly meal without all the leftovers.
Get The Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Try this tasty budget-friendly chicken divan casserole recipe. The classic dish combines low-cost chicken and broccoli in a cheesy sauce.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Divan

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Fall in love with the irresistible taste of these low-cost lemon pepper chicken wings. They are the perfect main dish for a budget-friendly meal.
Get The Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This hearty and budget-friendly chicken pot pie is the perfect meal for a cozy night at home. It’s a delicious and low-cost dish to enjoy when making dinner for only one or two people.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Tender and juicy, these Panko Pork Chops are an elegant yet budget-friendly dinner choice. The crunchy coating is made with low-cost Japanese panko bread crumbs!
Get The Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Chicken Chop Suey

Bowl of chicken chop suey with fork.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Experience the perfect blend of Chinese and American cuisine with a delicious low-cost chicken chop suey. This budget-friendly dish combines meat and vegetables in a savory sauce.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Give this easy budget-friendly buffalo chicken pasta bake recipe a try. It features low-cost chicken and pasta baked in a creamy sauce.
Get The Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipe

The bold flavors of a sweet and spicy sauce complement low-cost meat and veggies in this ground beef and broccoli dish. It’s perfect for a budget-friendly weeknight meal.
Get The Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

An easy and delicious budget-friendly meat that can be whipped up in no time is vegan Mexican rice. It’s an excellent option for those who want a low-cost meatless meal.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Rice

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thigh on white plate with green beans.
BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes

These juicy BBQ boneless chicken thighs are a budget-friendly main dish that will take your grill to the next level! They are perfectly seasoned low-cost meat that is cooked to perfection.
Get The Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Personal Pizza

Single serve pepperoni pizza.
Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little BIt Recipes

Forget take-out! This low-cost personal pizza is easy to make at home for a budget-friendly meal. It’s made with a no-yeast homemade crust that can be prepared quickly for a customized pizza for one.
Get The Recipe: Personal Pizza

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Indulge in a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful low-cost chicken bacon ranch casserole dish with pasta. You will love this comforting budget-friendly weeknight meal idea.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice.
Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

If you love the flavors of Indian cuisine, then this low-cost chicken curry recipe is for you. Pair it with white rice for an easy and delicious budget-friendly meal.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Curry

Crock Pot Chili For Two

Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.
Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When you are craving something hearty, this budget-friendly chili for two is the perfect dish. The best part is that this low-cost meal can be made ahead and left to slow cook until you are ready to eat.
Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Chili For Two

Mini Frittatas

Mini individual frittatas in ramekins.
Individual Mini Frittatas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Perfect for busy days, this budget-friendly mini frittatas recipe creates convenient single-serving dishes. The best part? The low-cost meal idea is made with five simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!
Get The Recipe: Mini Frittatas

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