In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare budget dinners that won’t break the bank can be a real challenge. Convenience often comes at a price, leading many of us to opt for takeout or pre-packaged meals that can quickly add up. But cooking at home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With the right recipes, you can whip up meals that are affordable, quick, and easy to prepare.
These 17 budget dinners focus on practical aspects such as cooking time and ease of preparation, all while keeping your budget top of mind. From one-pan dishes to slow-cooker soups, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures without requiring a long list of ingredients or complex cooking techniques. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking to save time and money, these recipes are designed to yield a filling dinner without straining your wallet.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
If you’re new to the kitchen or just short on time, this recipe is a lifesaver. A single sheet pan holds all your ingredients, making cleaning practically effortless. The roasted veggies and sausage offer a full meal and are cost-friendly. Mix and match the vegetables based on what you’ve got in the fridge or what’s on sale at the supermarket. Best of all? Dinner’s on the table in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Crock Pot Taco Soup
With just 20 minutes of preparation time, your slow cooker does the rest of the work, freeing you to do other things. Ground beef serves as the main protein, an ingredient that is often more budget-friendly when purchased in bulk or on sale. Canned ingredients make up the bulk of the soup, offering the advantage of long shelf life and the potential for cost savings when bought in advance. This soup is a convenient and cost-effective way to serve a hearty meal, perfect for those keen on minimizing both time spent in the kitchen and expenses.
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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is an excellent option for those aiming to serve a filling meal while sticking to a budget. The dish is ready in just 30 minutes, saving you time during busy evenings. Opting for frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets stretches your dollar further and minimizes food waste due to their longer shelf life. Common household ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise are required, eliminating the need for special trips to the store. By choosing store-brand shredded cheese and sticking to minimal and basic spices, you can create a fulfilling, cost-effective meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
You won’t believe how much flavor you can get from such simple ingredients. This one-pan meal combines chicken sausage and green cabbage, seasoned with a few pantry spices. Both the sausage and the cabbage are budget-friendly, and you’ll have dinner ready in half an hour. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you need something quick, delicious, and easy on the pocketbook.
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Canned Chicken Patties
This recipe uses canned chicken as the main ingredient, which is often more affordable than fresh or frozen options and is a great protein choice for budget dinners. Modest quantities of Parmesan cheese and common spices like garlic and onion powder are used, which are typically cost-effective and have long shelf lives. For households that have sunflower seed meal or almond flour, this recipe offers a good way to use those pantry items, though a simple swap for all-purpose flour is also possible. The entire dish can be prepared quickly, making it a time-conscious option.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
This one-pan dish primarily uses chicken, spinach, and cheese, all of which are excellent candidates for bulk buying to save costs. The recipe allows the use of frozen spinach, which can be more budget-friendly than its fresh counterpart without compromising on nutrients. Bulk or discount store cheese options can also be utilized for further cost-cutting. In terms of time, the recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking, making it a convenient choice. Overall, it’s an uncomplicated way to achieve a hearty meal that aligns with budget constraints.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is designed for those mindful of their budget. You can opt for florets instead of cauliflower rice for added savings. It comes together quickly with a straightforward list of ingredients and simple steps. The recipe allows for a complete meal in one dish, minimizing kitchen efforts. Combining simplicity with economy, it’s an ideal pick for budget dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Italian Sausage Soup
This soup combines Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, and cream for a quick 30-minute meal. Bulk purchasing options for sausage and substitutive options like whole milk or half-and-half for cream make this a cost-effective choice. The canned tomatoes add substance to the soup without increasing the budget significantly. It requires minimal kitchen expertise, making it accessible for cooking beginners. The recipe excels in offering a quick, budget-friendly, and straightforward dish.
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Fajita Baked Chicken
Incorporating chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, this recipe avoids the need for additional side dishes and focuses on providing a substantial meal. Preparation is straightforward, and the chicken is an ideal candidate for buying in bulk or when on sale. The recipe is hearty while also being budget-conscious, offering high protein value for the cost. With its singular pan requirement, clean-up is also simplified. All these aspects make it an appealing option for those aiming to conserve both time and money.
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Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
This salad stands out for its simplicity, both in ingredients and preparation time. Comprising of budget-friendly staples like cucumber and onion, the dish is light on the pocket. The creamy dill dressing adds a flavor kick without needing any exotic or expensive components. With a total preparation time of just 30 minutes, this salad is quick and economical. The easy-to-find ingredients and short prep time make it a sound choice for those who prefer to spend less time or money on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
This fun and casual recipe is designed for convenience, requiring minimal cooking time and ingredients. Chicken is the main protein, an ingredient often found at discounted rates when bought in bulk. The inclusion of bacon adds a touch of richness while keeping costs reasonable. These poppers are simple to assemble, making them an accessible option for those who may not be experienced in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
With a 30-minute start-to-finish timeframe, this dish is a great choice for people who need to get dinner on the table fast. The use of ground beef, which is often more affordable when bought in larger quantities, allows for cost savings. If you prefer, cauliflower florets can be used instead of frozen cauliflower rice to save a few more dollars. The recipe utilizes common spices and basic dairy, avoiding the need for specialty items. The result is a quick, budget-friendly, and straightforward meal that satisfies both time and cost considerations.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This quick recipe requires just 25 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for busy schedules. The use of cabbage provides an economical base, often being one of the most affordable vegetables in the grocery store. A small amount of bacon adds flavor and richness without significantly increasing the budget. Consider using bacon ends and pieces instead of traditional bacon strips for added cost-saving. This dish exemplifies convenience and affordability, offering a satisfying meal without requiring a lot of time or money.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
This one-pan dish offers a straightforward cooking process, with just 30 minutes needed from start to finish. Chicken, often discounted in bulk, serves as the main protein, while pantry staples like garlic and pepper fulfill the seasoning requirements. For cost-saving, you can opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts and use store-brand or generic cream. The focus on common ingredients simplifies preparation and allows you to maintain a budget. It’s a practical choice for those who are both time-crunched and cost-conscious.
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Big Mac Salad
This recipe turns the classic Big Mac into an affordable salad, ideal for those on a budget. The ingredients are simple and allow for customization based on what you have on hand. Preparation is quick and straightforward. You get a complete meal without the need for expensive extras. It’s a practical and cost-conscious choice for any mealtime.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This memorable salad recipe calls for chicken breast, often on sale at supermarkets, as the primary protein. A few common spices from the pantry round out the flavor profile, eliminating the need for specialized ingredients. The preparation is straightforward and does not require much time, making it ideal for those new to cooking or on a tight schedule. If budget is a concern, you can also opt for chicken thighs, which are generally less expensive.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Shawarma Kebabs
This oven-baked dish offers a practical approach to making kebabs, significantly reducing cooking time and effort. Chicken, often available in bulk or at discounted rates, is the primary protein, while a selection of common pantry spices adds the flavor. Ideal for beginners or those on a tight schedule, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any specialized cooking skills. The dish is also suited for batch cooking, saving time and money.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs