Budget dinners are the ones we always keep bookmarked because they’re great for saving money and still eating well. These 20 recipes are perfect for anyone looking to cut down on costs and the kind we come back to over and over again, whether it’s for a weeknight meal or just when our budget is tight. They’re about making the most of what you have, using simple ingredients to create meals that are both filling and enjoyable.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This dish is a great pick for when you’re watching your wallet. It combines sausage with any vegetables you find on sale, all roasted together on one sheet. Not only does this meal allow for cost-effective veggie choices, but it also cuts down on clean-up. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and affordable way to feed your family.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
If you’re aiming for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a winner. Forget about the hassle of stuffing veggies; this one-pot wonder is easy enough for cooking newbies and done in 45 minutes. It’s a smart pick for a tasty, filling meal that keeps your budget in check. Keep this recipe handy for those nights when you need a solid dinner without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot recipe that’s hearty, creamy, and cozy. It’s easy to make with straightforward ingredients and yields a comforting meal perfect for family dinner — all ready in 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
If you’re looking to save money, these canned chicken patties are a great go-to. You can whip them up in 20 minutes, and they’re super versatile. Whether you serve them with vegetables on the side or tucked into sandwiches, they make for a no-stress meal that’s easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Opting for this casserole means you’re in for an affordable meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. It uses budget-friendly frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon bits for extra richness. With a total prep and cook time of 30 minutes, this dish is a smart choice for extra hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This recipe is a lifesaver when money is tight. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes. You probably have the spices, such as chili powder and cumin, at home already. Toss in any extra toppings like sour cream or cheddar cheese you have in your refrigerator. It’s a breeze to make and doesn’t cost much, especially since it all goes into the crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This meal is both quick and easy on your wallet. It combines cheap staples like cabbage and sausage in a single pan. Using pre-cooked chicken sausage cuts down on cost and time. Cabbage is not only inexpensive but also nutritious, and you’ll use spices you likely have in your kitchen. It’s a smart pick when you need to make your dollars stretch.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Looking for a dinner that’s easy on the wallet and a hit with the family? This Tuna Noodle Casserole is your answer. Whip it up in under an hour for a weeknight meal that’s straightforward and leftovers-friendly. Perfect for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and budget-friendly. It’s a no-brainer for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
For a cheap lunch or snack, try these cucumber boats. They’re made with affordable items like canned chicken, bacon, and cheese and are ready in no time. This recipe is perfect for a quick, cost-effective meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Green Chile Chicken
Stretch your dollars with this Green Chile Chicken recipe. It’s a fast, 20-minute meal you can make in a single skillet. Using leftover chicken thighs and inexpensive green chiles, this dish turns basic ingredients into a delicious and cheap dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
When you’re looking to save, this dish is a great choice. It comes together in about 30 minutes with budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice. You only need one pan, which means less mess and less stress. It’s a simple way to get a meal on the table without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If you need a meal that’s easy on your budget and quick to make, these chicken bites are perfect. With just chicken and a few ingredients for the garlic butter sauce, you’ll have a meal ready in 20 minutes. It’s a great way to eat well without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish is a great choice for a budget-friendly dinner. It uses chicken breasts, spices, cream cheese, and peppers, all cooked together. It’s a flavorful and affordable way to feed your family, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make and won’t hurt your budget, this chicken salad is perfect. It’s made with simple ingredients like chicken and jalapeños and is great for meal prep. This salad is always a smart pick for a filling lunch that combines flavor with great value.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
For a dinner that’s both delicious and affordable, try this fried cabbage with bacon. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and uses cost-effective ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion. This meal is a fantastic way to enjoy something flavorful and simple without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Corn Soup
This soup is perfect for when you need to keep an eye on spending. With chicken, veggies, and appetizing broth, it cooks in less than an hour in just one pot. It’s a great way to make a filling and nutritious dinner without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
For a seafood dish that’s easy on the budget, these spicy salmon patties hit the spot. They’re made with canned salmon, a wallet-friendly choice, and spiced up with jalapeño and cayenne. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re a simple solution for a cheap meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish is a win for saving money. It mixes chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella—all cost-effective ingredients. It’s all baked in one dish, cutting down on cleanup and making it a go-to for a straightforward, budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This one-pan meal is a smart pick for a tight budget. In 30 minutes, you’ll have chicken covered in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a simple, affordable, and fast way to get dinner on the table without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole is a breeze to make and easy on your wallet. With a cook time of 30 minutes, it mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach into a meal. Since it’s all cooked in one dish, it’s a hassle-free option for a cheap dinner during the week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach