When it comes to cooking, we all want recipes that are easy on our wallets and that we can keep coming back to without getting bored. Low-budget meals are the heroes of the kitchen, giving us the chance to whip up something great without spending a lot of cash. These are the dishes that stick with us, becoming our regular picks for dinner because they’re simple, cost-effective, and just plain good. They’re the kind of meals that fit into our busy lives without any fuss.
With common ingredients that you may already have on hand, these 17 meals show that you can make something great without spending a fortune. They’re perfect for anyone trying to make their grocery budget stretch further, and they’re just right for any meal where you want something easy and delicious. These are the meals that you’ll look forward to making again and again.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This dish is a go-to for its cost-saving approach and ease of preparation. Combine sausages with a mix of your favorite vegetables on one pan for a no-fuss meal. It’s a practical choice that’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great option for a hearty dinner on a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Canned Chicken Patties
These chicken patties are a great pick for those looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. Using canned chicken, they’re ready in a snap—20 minutes to be exact. They work well with any side dish or as a sandwich filler, making them a versatile and economical staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
For a comforting meal without the high cost, turn to this broccoli and cauliflower casserole. It’s a breeze to prepare with frozen veggies and comes together in one dish for easy cleanup. Topped with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon, it’s ready in half an hour, perfect for a filling weeknight dinner that keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
The Crock Pot Taco Soup is a smart pick for those who love saving without skimping on flavor. It’s made with inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and canned tomatoes and seasoned with common spices. Top it with anything you have on hand for an extra touch. This soup is quick to prepare and cooks in one pot, making it a great choice for an easy and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
With the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole, you get the flavors of stuffed peppers in a convenient one-pot dinner. It’s a straightforward recipe that comes together in 45 minutes. This dish is a great way to serve up a flavorful meal that won’t strain your budget.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This meal combines cabbage and sausage for a hearty dinner that’s kind to your wallet and ready in under 30 minutes. Opt for fully-cooked chicken sausage to save money and time. Cabbage adds volume and nutrients without driving up the cost, making this dish a great option for an economical meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great choice for a quick and economical meal. They’re ready in just 20 minutes and feature chicken in a simple garlic butter sauce. This recipe is straightforward, making it a perfect pick for a quick and budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This dish is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without overspending. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice and mushrooms. Everything cooks in one pan for an easy and wallet-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a great choice for a budget-conscious lunch or snack. They’re prepared in under an hour with ingredients like canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, making them both economical and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This 30-minute meal combines chicken breasts with spices, cream cheese, and peppers all in one baking dish. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending a lot. This recipe is perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
When you’re watching your budget, Chicken Corn Soup is a great choice. It combines chicken and vegetables in a flavorful broth and is ready in under an hour. This one-pot soup is straightforward and economical, making it a perfect choice for a quick, nourishing, and cost-effective dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a fantastic option for an affordable seafood meal. Ready in 30 minutes, they use budget-friendly canned salmon and are seasoned with jalapeño and cayenne for a bit of heat. Simple and cost-effective, this recipe is perfect for a quick and low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
In just 30 minutes, the Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a great budget meal option. It combines chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a hearty dish. The recipe is designed for one-dish baking, which makes it a great option for an easy, wallet-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Green Chile Chicken
For a flavorful meal that stretches your budget, try the Green Chile Chicken. It’s quick to make, taking just 20 minutes in a single skillet. Using leftover chicken thighs and affordable green chiles, this dish is a great way to turn simple ingredients into a flavorful and economical meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is quick to prepare and easy on your budget. Taking just 30 minutes, it features ingredients like ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. It’s a convenient and affordable option for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a simple and budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to prepare with ingredients like chicken and jalapeños, making it perfect for meal prep. This salad is a cost-effective choice for a hearty lunch, combining flavor and affordability.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a great choice for an economical dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, it uses simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon