Thrifty recipes are the MVPs when your bank account is the coach calling the shots. We’ve put together 27 wallet-friendly meals that are no-nonsense, easy on the pockets, and a breeze to whip up. These are the kind of dishes that make your finances nod in approval, knowing you can feed yourself well without breaking the bank.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a smart pick for anyone keeping an eye on their budget. It’s quick to make, coming together in just 40 minutes, and uses ingredients you’re likely to have on hand. Perfect for someone just starting out in the kitchen, you can throw it together for lunch prep or as a no-stress dinner. Just boil some elbow macaroni and toss it with canned tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and a bit of mustard. If you want to switch things up, feel free to play around with the type of mustard or swap some mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. It’s a straightforward dish that’s great for your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
When you need some comfort food that won’t break the bank, this dish is quick to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Ready in under an hour, it combines common pantry items like cream of mushroom soup and spices with frozen tater tots and corn. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, and any leftovers freeze well. It’s great for days when you want a delicious meal without spending too much. Plus, the ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a perfect choice for families looking to save money while still enjoying hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This one-pan meal is perfect for whipping up a hearty dinner without spending a lot. Polish sausage roasts with zucchini, broccoli, and mini sweet peppers, making it simple to prepare and clean up after. It’s perfect for using up leftover veggies and saving cash, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s an easy and healthy way to use ingredients before they spoil. Ready in 30 minutes using one pan, it’s also perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen or clean up a lot of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole is a great choice for stretching your dollars and using up what you have on hand. It turns a classic stuffed bell pepper into a budget-friendly and easier-to-make casserole. Ground beef, rice, and bell peppers come together in a dish that’s quick to make and perfect for leftovers. It’s a smart way to use up ingredients and avoid wasting food in your fridge. This dish also helps you save time by making enough for future meals, keeping your grocery bills low while feeding the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is perfect for busy days and easy on the wallet. Just toss in split peas, broth, ham, and veggies, and let the slow cooker do its job. You’ll come back to a hearty soup that’s ready to eat and saves you money, using up simple ingredients and keeping energy bills low while reducing waste. It’s a smart way to save time and money, especially for those who want to prepare meals in advance and have something ready to eat when they get home. This soup is comforting and filling for cool evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This dish is budget-friendly and filling, combining cabbage and sausage for great taste without high costs. Sautéed cabbage and onions mixed with spices and sausage in one pan for simplicity. The addition of butter and apple cider vinegar adds flavor. It’s quick to make and stretches your budget effectively. Plus, cabbage is inexpensive and healthy, making it a perfect choice for families who want to eat well without spending a lot. This meal is also for busy people who want a quick and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This straightforward casserole transforms pantry staples into a comforting meal that’s easy on your wallet. It’s great for extending meals through the week and minimizing grocery store trips. Made with egg noodles, canned tuna, and other simple ingredients, it’s affordable and easy to whip up anytime. Plus, it’s a practical solution for using up what you have in the pantry, making it perfect for those who want to save money and avoid food waste. This meal is great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Reuben Bowls
Ready in 30 minutes, these Reuben Bowls are a great solution when you need something quick and budget-friendly. They’re perfect for those busy nights or for packing lunches ahead of time. All you’ve got to do is brown some sliced corned beef, throw it together with coleslaw or shredded cabbage and sauerkraut, and top with a slice of Swiss cheese until it melts. Drizzle on some Thousand Island dressing, homemade or store-bought, and you’ve got a meal that’s easy on your time and your bank account.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This great dish is a smart choice when you want something quick, easy, and affordable to keep your cash from going to waste. It’s a flavorful meal you can whip up in just 25 minutes with ingredients you probably already have at home. This dish combines tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and pasta with a creamy Caesar dressing for a refreshing and filling meal. Perfect for work lunches, a speedy dinner, or a get-together, this recipe uses pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing, making it a no-stress option. If you’re pressed for time or want to avoid takeout, this salad is a great alternative.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a quick path to a great meal. The pork is coated in breadcrumbs and herbs and then baked to perfection. Layer mayonnaise before the breading to keep the meat moist with a crisp exterior. Buying pork chops in bulk is cost-effective, making this a smart budget choice. This dish is perfect for busy people who want a quick and delicious dinner without spending too much time or money. It’s a great way to enjoy a nice meal at home without breaking the bank, especially when feeding a family.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is perfect when you want to save money while eating your greens. Frozen broccoli and cauliflower get a delicious upgrade with a creamy cheese sauce, and it’s all baked with cheese and bacon on top. The combination of frozen vegetables and creamy sauce creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish for larger meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, the leftovers are great for quick bites later, helping you avoid extra grocery costs. This dish helps you save both time and money, which makes it great for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Keep your budget in check with this easy and hearty soup that helps you make the most of what’s in your fridge. Made with budget-friendly ground beef and pantry items like canned tomatoes, it’s a breeze to make. Brown the beef, toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it simmer for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner or even meal prepping for the week. This dish lasts for days, and freezing some means future meals are sorted without extra spending. This recipe is great for those who want a filling, easy-to-make dish that helps stretch your dollar.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These chicken bites are perfect for stretching your budget and using what you have on hand. You’ll use cost-effective chicken, sizzle it up, and toss it in a garlic butter mix for a simple yet flavorful dish. Ready in 20 minutes with one pan, this dish pairs well with rice or veggies, making for a full meal that won’t break the bank. The buttery garlic flavor is a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, sticking to pantry basics means fewer store trips and more money saved. This recipe is great for those wanting a quick and easy meal that’s still filling.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Baked Ravioli
For an easy, filling meal that’s light on your wallet, Baked Ravioli is a great go-to dish that helps you use up ingredients before they spoil. Frozen ravioli layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried herbs bakes into a hearty dish in about an hour. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort without spending too much. This dish is great for families, couples, or individuals who want a convenient and affordable dinner. Plus, it’s a smart way to use leftover cheese or marinara, cutting down on waste and grocery expenses.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Canned Chicken Patties
These Canned Chicken Patties are a perfect budget-friendly option. Mix canned chicken with eggs, Parmesan, and your choice of sunflower seed meal or almond flour, plus a few spices. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a great meal that pairs well with veggies or a salad. They store well, so you can keep them in the fridge or freezer for later. Canned chicken is a smart choice when you want to save on meat costs while still getting your protein. This dish helps you make great meals without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Here’s a neat trick for your budget to make the most of what’s in your fridge. Turn cucumbers into Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats by mixing canned chicken with bacon, cheese, and spices, then filling up cucumber halves. These boats are fresh, easy to whip up, and light on your budget. This dish is great for anyone who wants a quick and easy meal or snack that’s also refreshing and budget-friendly. It’s a clever way to use what’s left in your fridge, helping you save money while enjoying a delicious treat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
White Bean Soup
If you’re looking for a thrifty and healthy meal, this White Bean Soup is a great choice. With canned beans, veggies, and spinach, you can whip up a hearty meal in about 40 minutes. The soup is thickened by blending the beans, making it creamy without needing any cream, so it’s perfect for staying healthy while keeping your spending low. Canned beans are a smart move for saving even more. This meal is filling and comforting, great for a quick dinner when you want to save money.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is great for your wallet and ready in 30 minutes. It’s got ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all cooked up in one pan. It’s a smart pick for adding more veggies to your meals. Pair it with a side salad for a complete dinner. Ground beef is budget-friendly, and using it in dishes like this is a smart move for your food budget. This skillet dish is filling, nutritious, and easy to make, great for busy nights when you want to save money.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole is a great way to turn simple, affordable ingredients into a cheesy, crave-worthy dish without spending too much. It’s packed with fresh broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese, all topped with cracker crumbs for crunch. It’s perfect for getting everyone to eat their veggies, and it’s just as good the next day. Cooking big batches of budget-friendly meals like this casserole is a great way to save money and plan ahead. It’s for families looking for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Try making Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad when you want something thrifty but flavorful. Bake your chicken and bacon, broil the jalapeños until they’re charred, then stir them into a mix of mayo or sour cream, hot sauce, and spices. You’ll end up with a chicken salad that’s got a spicy kick and a great crunch from the bacon. Meals like this can help you save by eating in instead of ordering out. This salad is great for those who want a bold and delicious meal without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great budget-friendly meal that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a fancy dinner that doesn’t cost a lot. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, and you can freeze it for up to 2 months, which helps stretch your grocery budget. The creamy and cheesy casserole is comforting and filling. This dish is great for families looking for easy and affordable meals that can be enjoyed multiple times.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is a perfect way to use leftover chicken for a quick, easy and affordable meal. It combines chicken, green chilis, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and spices for a mildly spicy and creamy dinner that only takes 20 minutes to make. This budget-friendly dish can be paired with rice or used as a taco filling, which adds variety to your meals. It’s a great way to save money and avoid wasting food while also making a great dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken combines chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers for a great Mexican-inspired dish. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings, and you can serve it with a side salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Using simple ingredients keeps the cost down while still delivering great flavor. This dish is perfect for families looking to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. It’s easy to prepare, making it great for busy households.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, fresh spinach and a mix of spices, like paprika and Italian seasoning, for a great meal that’s light on your wallet. It’s easy to make, and you can freeze it for later, helping you save money while enjoying a good dinner. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make this dish a hit for both kids and adults, serving a simple yet filling option for families looking for an easy-to-cook and budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick and cost-effective dish made with simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion. Cooked in a skillet results in perfectly balanced flavors and textures. It’s a great way to use what’s already in the fridge, helping you save money and reduce waste. The rich flavors and easy preparation make this dish perfect for those looking for a quick meal solution. It’s also a great side dish or main course for families wanting a budget-friendly and delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is hearty and affordable, made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, creamed corn, and corn kernels in a rich broth. This soup is filling and can be frozen for later, making it a great budget-friendly option that helps minimize waste. The comforting flavors make it perfect for cold days, and it’s a great way to use of leftover ingredients, perfect for families who want to save money while enjoying a delicious and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Canned salmon is a smart budget-friendly option than fresh salmon, and Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties add excitement to dinner without breaking the bank. They’re made with canned salmon, eggs, ground pork rinds, jalapeños, and spices for an affordable and delicious meal. This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for families looking to save money while enjoying a nutritious meal. The patties can be served as a main dish or snack, making them versatile for different meal times.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties