When it comes to our favorite cheap dinners, we’re all about making sure our wallets stay just as full as our stomachs. We know that good food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, and we’ve put together a list of 21 meals that prove just that. These recipes are about getting the most bang for your buck without skimping on flavor. From hearty casseroles to simple skillets, these dishes are perfect for anyone looking to eat well on a budget.
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan meal is a top pick for a budget-friendly dinner. Just grab some cabbage and chicken sausage, slice them up, and toss them in a pan. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a meal that’s great on its own or with a side of rice or noodles. You can switch it up by adding different proteins or a bit of apple for sweetness. This dish stretches your dollar and is perfect for feeding several people without spending much. Plus, it’s easy to make and clean up, which is exactly what you need after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a solid pick for those days when you want to keep spending low but still have a hearty meal. It’s as simple as mixing together ingredients like canned tuna, noodles, and peas, then baking it with a breadcrumb topping. It’s great on its own, or you can pair it with a salad. And if you’re not a fan of tuna, canned chicken or salmon are perfect swaps. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy on your wallet, and it keeps well, so you can have leftovers ready for the days ahead.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a solid choice for a dinner that keeps costs down. Coat your pork chops with a mix of ingredients like breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, then bake. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have pork chops with a flavorful crust ready to hit the table. This recipe is a great way to use affordable cuts of pork and common pantry items to create a meal that feels special without the high price tag. The shake-and-bake method gives you a crispy coating without frying, and when served with mashed potatoes and veggies, it makes for a classic, wallet-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a top pick for a cost-effective, hearty meal. It’s super simple: just put split peas, carrots, celery, onion, and some ham into your slow cooker. Whether you let it cook on low all day or on high for a quicker meal, the results are always good. And the leftovers? They’re just as great the next day. This soup is a smart way to use inexpensive ingredients to make a big batch that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having meals ready to go. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s also easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For a dinner that’s easy on your budget, try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just toss your favorite sausages and hearty veggies, and give them a good roast. In about half an hour, you’ve got yourself a meal that’s full of flavor. You can even swap the sausage with chicken or tofu if that works better for you. It’s a quick, nutritious meal that won’t empty your pockets. And our favorite part? The leftovers make a great meal for the next day, too.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a smart choice for anyone looking for flavor without the expense. With simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and butter, you can cook up something special in just 20 minutes. It’s great for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s more than just filler. Serve them over whatever you’ve got handy, like rice or veggies, and save the leftovers for another meal. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps make a little go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a go-to for an easy, affordable meal. Whip them up with canned chicken, bacon, homemade ranch seasoning, and cucumbers for a fresh take on lunch or a snack. They’re versatile too – switch out the chicken for tuna or throw in some extra veggies if you like. Making a batch ahead of time means you’ve got a no-hassle meal prep solution for the week.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is a lifesaver on those busy nights. Think of it like a quick lasagna. Grab some frozen cheese ravioli, layer it with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake. In about an hour, you’ve got a meal that’s simple to make and just as good to eat. It’s a clever way to get a great dinner on the table fast, perfect for when you’re in a rush but still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great way to save money while still enjoying a hearty meal. Take frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix them with a cheesy sauce, sprinkle on some bacon, and bake until it’s all bubbly and golden. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for now and later – you can double the recipe and freeze half for a future dinner. Opting for frozen veggies is a smart move to cut costs, and they stay good in your freezer for a while, so you can cut down on food waste.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and canned tomatoes come together to make this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole a favorite for a hearty meal that goes easy on your wallet. It’s ready in 45 minutes and is a perfect way to enjoy a homemade dinner without the high cost. Pair it with a side salad, and you’re all set. The leftovers are just as good the next day, and the ingredients won’t drain your budget. Plus, cooking everything in one dish means you won’t be stuck with a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is a favorite for its convenience and affordability. Just throw ground beef, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and homemade taco seasoning into your crock pot. It’s a low-effort meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread. Customize the spice level to your liking and top it with a dollop of sour cream to bring all the flavors together. Plus, you can freeze any extra for those times when you need a quick meal without the extra expense.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Broccoli Casserole
When you’re looking for a meal that’s friendly to your finances, the Broccoli Casserole is a perfect choice. Combine ingredients like broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, top with crushed crackers, and bake it until it’s golden and crispy. Add in your favorite cheese or some cooked rice to make it even heartier. It’s a great way to get your greens without spending a lot of green. This casserole pairs well with garlic bread, and it’s also good for storing in the fridge or freezer for those times you need a meal but don’t want to cook.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is your answer to a great meal that’s kind to your wallet. Just season your chicken, bake for about 30 minutes, and you’re all set. It’s a hit over rice or wrapped in tortillas. This dish keeps things simple and affordable, and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds that perfect kick. You can store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it for those times when you need a meal in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a quick, economical meal that’s full of flavor. These patties go well with a side of veggies or tucked into a sandwich. For an extra flavor boost, mix in some diced onions or bell peppers. You could even use canned salmon for a change. This recipe is a smart way to use what’s in your pantry, helping you save money and cut down on waste. Pair these patties with some sweet potato fries, and you’ve got yourself a complete, wallet-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is a great pick for a meal that’s easy on the wallet. Just mix up some chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, pop it in the oven, and bake until the cheese is bubbly. This dish is good to go on its own or next to a helping of pasta or rice. If you’re up for something different, switch the spinach for kale or add some mushrooms. It’s all about creating a meal that’s great without spending a whole lot.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
For a meal that’s friendly to your budget, check out the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Brown some ground beef, stir in cauliflower rice, pour in a bit of heavy cream, and season it up. You’ve got a meal that’s straightforward, affordable, and ready in no time. Sprinkle on some cheese for extra goodness. If beef isn’t your thing, ground turkey does the trick too. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a hearty dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is a great choice when you need something that feels like a hug in a bowl without spending too much. Combine shredded chicken with corn, carrots, celery, and broth, and let it all simmer together. It’s perfect when served hot, especially with a slice of bread for dipping. Want to make it even more filling? Add in some noodles or rice. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for keeping you warm and your bank account happy, and a little parsley on top gives it a nice pop of color.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple, low-cost meal that’s packed with flavor. You just need cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic, and a few spices. Fry everything up, and you’ve got a dish that’s great on its own or as an extra to something else. If you want a bit of sweetness, toss in some apple slices. The best part? It’s just as good the next day, so it’s an extra smart choice for a cheap, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is the way to go for a meal that’s big on flavor but not on cost. Take some leftover chicken, mix it with green chiles, onion, garlic, and spices, and in no time, you’ve got dinner. It’s perfect over a bed of rice or tucked into tacos. A little sour cream and some cilantro on top, and you’re all set. This dish is also great for meal prep, as it keeps well whether you chill it or freeze it.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Get ready to dig into the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach without worrying about your budget. Mix ground beef with cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, bake it, and in half an hour, dinner’s on the table. It’s a filling meal all by itself or with a side salad for some extra greens. You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Like it spicy? A shake of red pepper flakes gives it a nice little kick.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a budget-friendly dish that’s full of flavor. It’s good all by itself or wrapped up for a quick meal. If you like it hot, throw in more jalapeños or hot sauce. Lay it over some crunchy lettuce for a fresh twist. Using canned or leftover chicken is a great way to save time and money, so it really is a smart pick for a meal that’s great for your taste buds and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
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