Budget dinners at home are about to become your new best friend for padding that vacation fund. We’ve all been there, staring down a pricey restaurant menu when the couch and a home-cooked meal would do just fine. The 27 great dinners here are about to make your wallet bulk up for your next big adventure. And the best part? You don’t need to be a whiz in the kitchen to whip these up.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole takes everyday ingredients like egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy sauce to create a comforting casserole that’s both affordable and filling. It’s a great choice for anyone on a tight budget, using shelf-stable and frozen foods to cut costs. The casserole is easy to assemble and cooks in under an hour, perfect for a last-minute dinner. It also stores well, serving you a few meals the next day, reducing both time in the kitchen and trips to the grocery store. It’s a stress-free recipe that delivers comfort and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
The Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that cooks on its own throughout the day and is ready by dinner. This recipe requires minimal active preparation: just toss split peas, ham or a ham bone, chicken broth, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions into your slow cooker. It’s a low-cost meal that can feed many, perfect for busy individuals or families looking to stretch their dollars. This soup serves a comforting, hearty dinner without the need for constant kitchen attention.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a straightforward, low-stress recipe that involves tossing Polish sausage and vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, and sweet peppers on a sheet pan and roasting them in the oven. It’s designed for quick preparation and minimal cleanup, perfect for those busy weeknights. Using simple, cost-effective ingredients, this meal helps reduce food waste by using leftovers effectively. It’s a practical solution for anyone looking to save time and money without sacrificing good, hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a wallet-friendly way to enjoy the comforting taste of stuffed bell peppers. It combines ground meat, rice, cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a simple-to-make casserole form. Not only is it cost-effective, using inexpensive and filling ingredients, but it also saves on preparation time. It’s especially great because you can enjoy it for multiple days, making your efforts in the kitchen go further. Preparing this meal can significantly simplify your weekly cooking load while keeping your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is an economical dish that combines flavorful sausage with inexpensive cabbage, creating a filling meal that’s easy on your wallet. It cooks quickly in one pan, mixing the cabbage with onions, spices, and slices of sausage, which infuse the veggies with rich flavors. This meal is not only budget-friendly but also versatile enough it can serve as a base for several meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for individuals looking for cost-effective, comforting meals that are straightforward to prepare and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great pick when you’re looking to save both time and money. Get it ready in less than an hour and have enough for now and later, because it freezes like a dream. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something simple and comforting without spending too much. Plus, every penny you don’t spend on dinner is another penny back in your vacation fund.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Whip up this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe if you’re watching your budget and need something quick and easy. Great for a last-minute dinner or packing up for lunch at work, it’s made even easier with pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing. Less time cooking means more savings for that vacation you’ve been planning.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad
For a quick, cost-effective meal, try this Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s on the table in 40 minutes, and it’s a great way to use what you’ve got in the pantry. It’s a solid choice for a simple dinner or to take along to a potluck. And remember, every meal you make on a budget is another step toward filling up that vacation fund.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops is a straightforward, budget-friendly dinner option that’s ready in about 30 minutes. This recipe involves coating pork chops in a seasoned breadcrumb mix and baking them until crispy, avoiding the need for frying. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to make a quick, delicious meal without a lot of kitchen equipment or ingredients. Purchasing pork chops in bulk can further reduce the meal’s cost, aligning with the needs of budget-conscious individuals looking for practical, quick recipes that also keep mealtime interesting and fun.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is perfect for saving money. It uses affordable frozen broccoli and cauliflower covered in a rich cheese sauce topped with bacon. It’s simple to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes, and the leftovers are great for freezing. This meal saves you the cost of ordering takeout and gives you a delicious dinner option that’s easy to store for future meals. It’s also a great way to eat healthy on a budget, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is a smart pick if you’re trying to cut back on spending. It uses budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and canned tomatoes. Everything is thrown into the Crock Pot, making preparation a breeze with minimal cleanup. It’s a hearty meal that keeps well in the fridge or freezer, perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week. This dish will fill you up and save you money on groceries, which is especially helpful when you’re trying to stretch every dollar.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a budget-friendly solution, crafted from economical chicken pieces and common spices, cooked quickly in one pan. This dish is easy to make in just 20 minutes, great for a quick dinner after a long day. It’s not only wallet-friendly but also reduces the time you spend in the kitchen. Just cut, cook and toss. Serving these chicken bites over rice or alongside vegetables can turn them into a full meal that keeps your spending low.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is a simple, economical dinner choice that uses simple ingredients like frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Just layer everything and bake. This dish is incredibly filling and perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a rich, creamy meal. Using budget-friendly ingredients like frozen ravioli and store-bought sauce is a great way to keep your grocery bills low while still enjoying a delicious dinner. Plus, it makes enough to serve leftovers, saving you money and time on future meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These cucumber boats are an affordable and refreshing meal option, made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese, all mixed with homemade ranch seasoning made of sour cream, dill, parsley, and garlic powder. They’re simple to assemble and light on the budget. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy meal that won’t weigh them down or strain their finances. Perfect for a quick and light dinner, these cucumber boats will help you save money and keep you feeling full and refreshed.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is an economical, nourishing meal that’s quick to prepare, using budget-friendly ingredients like canned white beans, carrots, and celery, accented with fresh spinach. It’s ready in just 40 minutes and uses the natural thickness of pureed beans for a creamy texture without cream. This soup is great for anyone looking to eat well on a budget, serving a filling and nutritious dinner option that keeps costs low.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
If you’re looking to stretch your dollar without skimping on nutrition, Canned Chicken Patties are a great pick. Made with budget-friendly canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and your choice of sunflower seed meal or almond flour, these patties are not only affordable but also packed with protein. They come together in just 20 minutes and can be served with your favorite veggies or salad. Easy to store in both the fridge and freezer, these patties are a convenient solution for meal prep, giving you a quick and nutritious meal option on hand, reducing the need to buy pricier, less healthy alternatives.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
For a meal that’s easy on your budget and your schedule, the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a must-try. This one-pan meal combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a balanced and filling dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your meals and is particularly handy for busy weeknights. This dish is not only cost-effective but also reduces cleanup time, making your dinner routine smoother and more fun.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is a cost-effective way to create a comforting and nutritious meal for your family. Combining fresh broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and cheese, this dish is topped with crushed crackers for a crunchy texture. It’s easy to prepare in bulk, stores well and reheats beautifully, perfect for meal planning on a tight budget. This casserole is a great way to encourage kids and adults alike to enjoy their greens while keeping meal costs low, making it a smart addition to your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup serves a comforting taste without the stress and expense of a traditional pie crust. Filled with nutritious vegetables, chicken, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a budget-friendly choice that’ll still satisfy that craving for hearty comfort food. It’s simple to prepare and a great way to use leftover chicken and vegetables, helping you minimize waste and get the most out of your groceries. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is a practical choice for busy evenings, saving you both time and money while serving a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for those who enjoy a meal with a kick without wanting to spend a lot. It combines the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers with chicken, bacon, mayonnaise or sour cream, and hot sauce to create a spicy, creamy salad. This dish is not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare, making it a practical choice for reducing reliance on expensive takeout. The delectable crunch of bacon and the spicy kick can liven up your meal routine and keep your food budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is an economical and easy-to-prepare meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with frozen cauliflower rice, spinach, and ground beef, it can be assembled quickly and cooked in just 30 minutes. It’s a great option for those looking to make hearty meals without a lot of effort or expense. You can even freeze portions for later, making it perfect for budget-conscious cooks who need convenient, filling meals. This casserole helps manage your food budget while serving you a delicious and hearty dinner ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a creative and economical way to enjoy a delicious meal. They’re made with affordable canned salmon and spiced with jalapeños, eggs, and ground pork rinds for a good dose of protein without the high cost. They’re easy to prepare, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe is a great example of how canned goods can be transformed into delicious, budget-friendly meals that keep your grocery bills low and your family happy and well-fed.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is perfect for those looking to save money while enjoying a flavorful meal. This recipe makes use of economical ingredients like leftover or rotisserie chicken and canned green chiles. It’s simple to whip up in just 20 minutes using one skillet, blending green chiles, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and spices such as cumin and chili powder into a creamy, mildly spicy dish. It’s perfect for serving with rice or as a taco filling, making it a versatile option for any day of the week. This meal not only saves you money but also time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken brings together rich flavors in a budget-friendly dish that’s simple to prepare. It combines chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella with fresh mini sweet peppers. This recipe is designed to be both cost-effective and delicious, baked to perfection to infuse the flavors deeply. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to serve a hearty meal without going over budget. Serve it over rice or wrapped in tortillas for a complete meal that maximizes value from each ingredient, helping you manage your household budget better.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is a straightforward, budget-conscious recipe perfect for family dinners. It combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh spinach into a delicious casserole that’s easy to prepare in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish not only tastes great but also serves nutritional benefits from spinach. You can save even more by buying ingredients in bulk and using leftovers efficiently. This meal is a great way to stretch your food budget while still eating healthy, hearty dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is perfect for anyone looking to add a savory and economical side dish to their meals. This recipe is quick to prepare, takes just 25 minutes, and uses budget-friendly ingredients like cabbage and bacon. The dish is flavored simply with onions and a hint of sweetener, making it an easy addition to any main meal. It’s perfect for those who want to make a great dinner without a lot of work or extra spending, and it can help you use up leftovers, preventing waste and saving money.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a budget-friendly recipe that delivers a taste of luxury without the high expense. This meal features boneless, skinless chicken thighs covered in a rich mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for those evenings when you want something special but need to watch your spending. This recipe uses common kitchen staples, reducing the need for frequent shopping trips and helping you control your meal costs while still enjoying delicious, hearty dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce