Looking for budget recipe ideas can be a smart way to cut down on your grocery bills, and this post is packed with 21 options that are both cost-effective and easy to make. Whether you’re trying to save money or just want to simplify your meal planning, these recipes are a great starting point. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to make delicious meals without spending a lot of cash.
![Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shake-and-Bake-Pork-Chops-1-1024x723.jpg)
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
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This tuna noodle casserole is a quick and cheap meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With canned tuna, egg noodles, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need to slash your grocery bill. Just mix everything in a baking dish, sprinkle with a breadcrumb mixture for a crispy topping, and bake until bubbly and golden. Leftovers make meal planning easy and save you money later in the week. You can stock up on the ingredients when they’re on sale, so you always have them on hand for a cheap and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
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This one-pan cabbage and sausage meal is a hearty choice when you need a cheap, fast recipe. With affordable ingredients like cabbage, pre-cooked sausage, onions, and garlic, this no-nonsense dinner is sure to keep costs and effort low. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or on its own. It’s great for using up extra veggies you have sitting in the fridge, effectively stretching your budget. This dish reheats well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. The prepared dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. By using inexpensive ingredients and cooking everything in one pan, you can create a filling, flavorful meal while saving time and money.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
![Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sausage-And-Veggies-Sheet-Pan-Dinner-rotated.jpg)
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together. Mix and match sausages, veggies like peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, leftovers, and produce sale items to create a custom meal that fits your taste and budget. Toss everything in one pan with some olive oil and seasonings, then bake to save time and energy costs. Serve with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal. By using ingredients you have on hand or can get on sale, you can create a delicious, healthy dinner without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
![Ground meat dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs in a skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Ground-Beef-Skillet-with-Cauliflower-Rice-1-1024x723.jpg)
This one-pan meal with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cream cheese is a great pick when you need a cheap, fast recipe. It’s budget-friendly and easy to make. Just brown the beef, add the cauliflower rice, mushroom and cream cheese, and let it simmer until creamy. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that won’t cost a fortune. The leftovers make a quick lunch or dinner the next day, and you’ll get some extra veggies too. Using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice helps cut down on carbs, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
White Bean Soup
![A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/White-Bean-Soup-rotated.jpg)
When time and money are tight, this White Bean Soup is a lifesaver. With veggies like onions, carrots, and celery, plus white beans, broth, and a few seasonings, you can make a hearty, comforting soup in 40 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time and ingredients but still want a wholesome meal. Using cheap ingredients like dried beans and veggies helps keep costs low. Serve with slices of French bread or a side salad for a complete dinner. This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later, saving you time and money in the long run.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Baked Ravioli
![A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Baked-Ravioli.jpg)
This Baked Ravioli is a game-changer for busy weeknights and a great recipe to help slash your grocery bill. Using frozen cheese ravioli saves you time and money. Just layer the ravioli with marinara sauce and affordable cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a simple, filling meal that’s ready in about an hour. Serve with a Greek salad, Italian salad, or garlic bread for a complete dinner. This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger families or to have leftovers the next day. By using frozen ravioli and budget-friendly cheeses, you can create a delicious, comforting meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
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These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites show that you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a delicious meal. Affordable chicken pieces are transformed with a garlic butter sauce for a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with rice, veggies, or whatever you have on hand for a complete meal. By using budget-friendly chicken and ingredients you likely already have, you can create a flavorful meal without overspending. Double the recipe for leftovers to save even more money and time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
![Shake and bake pork chops on a baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shake-and-Bake-Pork-Chops-3-1024x723.jpg)
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect when you need a cheap, quick meal. With just pork chops and some pantry basics like breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder, you can have crispy, delicious pork ready in 25 minutes without frying. This easy recipe is great for busy weeknights and helps keep your grocery budget in check. Serve with a salad, creamy polenta, or roasted cauliflower for a classic dinner. By using affordable cuts of meat and ingredients you likely already have, you can create a flavorful meal without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
![Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Loaded-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Casserole.jpg)
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a budget-friendly meal that combines frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a homemade cheese sauce, crispy bacon bits, and green onions. It’s quick to make and easy on your wallet. The leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy them for days. Serve as a side dish, or add shredded chicken for a complete meal. By using frozen vegetables and making your own cheese sauce, you can create a delicious, comforting casserole without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
![Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bacon-Ranch-Chicken-Salad-Cucumber-Boats-rotated.jpg)
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a creative, affordable meal that’s perfect when you’re short on time and money. With canned chicken, bacon, homemade ranch seasoning, and crisp cucumbers, you can make a fun, light meal that everyone will love. They’re quick to put together and easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins like shredded cheese or diced tomatoes. Plus, any leftover filling keeps well, so you can enjoy it for lunches or snacks later on. Using cheap ingredients like canned chicken and cucumbers lets you enjoy a hearty meal while keeping costs down. Since you’re using cucumbers instead of bread, you cut down on carbs too.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
![Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stuffed-Bell-Pepper-Casserole.jpg)
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution when you’re craving stuffed peppers but don’t have the time or budget. Ground meat, rice, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and simple seasonings come together in a budget-friendly casserole that’s easy to make and feeds the whole family. Just cook the meat and rice, mix with the other ingredients, then bake until hot and bubbly. Using affordable ingredients like ground meat and rice helps keep this dish budget-friendly without sacrificing taste. Pair it with a simple salad or scoop into tortillas for a savory wrap or burrito.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
![Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Canned-Chicken-Patties-rotated.jpg)
These canned chicken patties are a smart choice when you’re looking for a cheap, fast recipe. Add your favorite spices like garlic powder or paprika to change up the flavor, and serve with veggies or salad for a quick, filling meal. These patties are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated for a fast bite later on. When you’re short on time and money, this recipe will save the day. Plus, using canned chicken instead of fresh helps keep costs down. You can stock up when canned chicken is on sale to save even more.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
![A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fried-Cabbage-with-Bacon-1-rotated.jpg)
Fried cabbage with bacon is a budget-friendly side that’s loaded with flavor. With just cabbage, bacon, onion, and a little salt and pepper, it’s a cheap, fast recipe that’s perfect when you don’t have a lot of time or money to spare. Just fry the bacon, then sauté the cabbage and onion in the bacon grease until tender. This dish tastes best fresh, but you can easily reheat leftovers for a quick side later on. Since cabbage is so affordable, you can make this dish anytime without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Tortellini Soup
![A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Chicken-Tortellini-Soup-rotated.jpg)
This Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe is a great choice when you need a cheap, fast meal. Using affordable ingredients like cheese tortellini (or any tortellini you’d like), chicken broth, and leftover or rotisserie chicken, this soup is easy on your wallet and your schedule. Just sauté some onion and garlic, add the broth and tortellini, then stir in the chicken and spinach at the end. It’s ready in just 40 minutes and only needs one pot, making it perfect for hectic weeknights. You can even save more time by using pre-chopped veggies from the store. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Broccoli Casserole
![A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Broccoli-Casserole.jpg)
This broccoli casserole is a budget-friendly way to get your greens in. With simple ingredients like broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, it’s a cheap, fast recipe that’s great as a main dish or a side. Just mix everything together, pour into a baking dish, and top with a little extra cheese and some crushed crackers. It’s an easy way to add veggies to your meal without spending a lot. The leftovers keep well for a quick, veggie-packed option later on.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
![Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Pot-Pie-Soup-1.jpg)
This chicken pot pie soup is a comforting and budget-friendly meal that’s great for chilly nights. With chicken breast, frozen corn and peas, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of flour for thickening, it simmers together to really develop some great flavors. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley. Serve it with baguette or biscuits for a complete meal. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove, stirring a few times.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
![Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Beef-Casserole-With-Cauliflower-Rice-And-Spinach-7.jpg)
This casserole has cauliflower rice, lean ground beef, fresh spinach, onion, sour cream, and lots of shredded cheddar cheese for a meal that’s low on carbs and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple dish that tastes great while keeping your grocery bill in check. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the leftovers mean you don’t have to cook the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
![Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Green-Chile-Chicken-With-Leftover-Shredded-Chicken-Thighs-rotated.jpg)
This green chile chicken is a fast, delicious and cheap meal that uses shredded leftover or rotisserie chicken, canned diced green chiles, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Serve it over cauliflower rice or into corn or flour tortillas for a flexible dish that’s ready in 20 minutes. It’s a smart pick for a quick and delicious meal that won’t hurt your wallet. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, depending on how long ago the chicken was cooked. Reheat in the microwave or the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
![Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Fajita-Baked-Chicken-With-Cream-Cheese.jpg)
This easy recipe has boneless, skinless chicken breasts, mini sweet peppers, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella, plus fajita seasonings for a dish that’s packed with flavor. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Buying chicken and veggies in bulk when they’re on sale can help you save money on this delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
![A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Spinach-Chicken-Bake.jpg)
This bake mixes budget-friendly, boneless, skinless chicken thighs with fresh spinach, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella for a creamy and comforting dish. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it great for when you want something hearty but don’t want to be cooking all night. Marinate the chicken in avocado oil, minced garlic, pepper, salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Wilt spinach in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Layer chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella in a baking dish and bake.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
![Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chicken-with-Creamy-Mushroom-Sauce-rotated.jpg)
This dish uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce that feels fancy but is super easy to make. With chicken, sliced mushrooms, garlic, chicken stock, heavy whipping cream, and a few spices like thyme and paprika, it takes 30 minutes to cook. Brown the chicken and set it aside, then sauté the mushrooms and onions, add the garlic and spices, pour in the broth and cream, and simmer until thickened. Add the chicken back to the pan to heat through. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that great sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce