19 budget dinners you’ll want on repeat

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Are you ready to change up your dinner without breaking the bank? I’ve rounded up a collection of budget dinners that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. From hearty casseroles to flavorful stir-fries, these meals are designed to save you time and money while still satisfying your cravings for homemade comfort food. So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, get ready to make your new go-to recipes that you’ll want to enjoy on repeat!

A close-up of a serving spoon lifting a portion of sloppy joe casserole showing layers of ground meat, vegetables, and golden-brown hashbrown potatoes.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty casserole dish is a perfect choice for budget dinners you’ll want on repeat, offering a comforting and filling meal without breaking the bank. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s easy to whip up for a satisfying family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and savory stuffing creates a wholesome and delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

Dig into a flavorful dinner option with this buffalo chicken pasta bake, perfect for budget-friendly meals you’ll want to make over and over again. Combining the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy pasta, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s an ideal choice for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal without the hassle. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or simply love a good pasta bake, this dish is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Wet Burrito

Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly dinner with these wet burritos, perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. Packed with flavorful ingredients like seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Quick and easy to assemble, they’re ideal for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. Whether you top them with salsa, sour cream, or avocado, these wet burritos are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to a classic comfort food with this Frito chili pie, an excellent choice for budget dinners that are both satisfying and easy to make. Featuring layers of crunchy Fritos, flavorful chili, and melted cheese, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to hit the spot. With minimal ingredients and a short prep time, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner for two, this Frito chili pie is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into a delightful pasta dish with this shrimp and tomato pasta, an excellent choice for budget dinners that are quick and easy to make. With juicy shrimp, flavorful tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to a flavorful seafood dinner with this baked lemon butter fish, perfect for budget-friendly meals you’ll want to enjoy time and time again. With tender fish fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce, it’s a light and refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want a fuss-free meal that still packs a punch of flavor. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or a salad, this baked lemon butter fish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Chicken Divan

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

Enjoy a comforting and budget-friendly dinner with this classic chicken divan casserole, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal. With tender chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce topped with cheese, it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for those times when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or crusty bread, this chicken divan is guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your dinner routine with these flavorful ground pork tacos, perfect for budget-friendly meals that are quick and easy to make. With seasoned pork, crisp veggies, and your favorite toppings, they’re a delicious and satisfying meal option. Quick to cook and assemble, they’re ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, these ground pork tacos are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly dinner with these air fryer chicken legs, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hassle-free meal. With crispy skin and juicy meat, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re ideal for those times when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether you serve them with fries, salad, or your favorite side dishes, these air fryer chicken legs are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Get a creamy and flavorful dinner with this cream cheese chicken, perfect for budget-friendly meals you’ll want to make again and again. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich cream cheese sauce, it’s a comforting dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal without the hassle. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies, this cream cheese chicken is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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

Treat yourself to a comforting and budget-friendly dinner with this chicken bacon ranch casserole, perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, it’s a hearty dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Whether you serve it with salad, veggies, or crusty bread, this chicken bacon ranch casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie

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

Dig into a comforting and budget-friendly dinner with this classic chicken pot pie, perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flaky pastry, it’s a hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Whether you make it from scratch or use store-bought ingredients, this chicken pot pie is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to a flavorful and budget-friendly dinner with this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hassle-free meal. With tender chicken cooked in a tangy pineapple sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for those times when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles, this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your dinner routine with these slow cooker chicken tacos, perfect for budget-friendly meals that are both flavorful and easy to make. With tender chicken cooked in a savory taco seasoning, they’re a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, they’re ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you serve them in tacos, burritos, or salads, these slow cooker chicken tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into a delicious and budget-friendly dinner with these pan-fried pork chops, perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. With juicy pork chops cooked to perfection, they’re a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make. Quick to cook and requiring minimal ingredients, they’re ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, veggies, or salad, these pan-fried pork chops are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a cozy and budget-friendly dinner with this crockpot chili for two, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal. With hearty beans, flavorful spices, and tender meat, it’s a satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for those times when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Whether you serve it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips, this crockpot chili is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

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

Treat yourself to a delicious and budget-friendly dinner with these breaded panko pork chops, perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. With crispy pork chops coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, they’re a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to cook and requiring minimal ingredients, they’re ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, veggies, or salad, these breaded panko pork chops are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Sloppy Joe Casserole

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

Get a comforting and budget-friendly dinner with this sloppy joe casserole, perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank. With flavorful ground beef, tangy sauce, and crispy tater tots, it’s a hearty dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Whether you serve it with salad, veggies, or coleslaw, this sloppy joe casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your dinner routine with this flavorful ground pork stir fry, perfect for budget-friendly meals that are quick and easy to make. With seasoned pork, crisp veggies, and savory stir-fry sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone. Quick to cook and assemble, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or quinoa, this ground pork stir fry is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

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