25 budget food recipes that make “cheap” taste unbelievably good

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When it comes to budget food recipes, you may think that you have to sacrifice flavor to save a few bucks. Thankfully, you can keep your wallet’s funds intact with this collection of 25 meals that are about to make “cheap” your new favorite flavor profile. Forget about sad, limp salads and the same old spaghetti; these dishes are about to bring some serious game to your dinner table. And the best part? They’re as easy to whip up as they are kind to your bank account.

A fork in a bowl of food.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great choice when you need a quick, delicious dinner that’s easy on your budget. Just cover the pork chops with a thin layer of mayo, roll them in a seasoned breadcrumb mix with paprika and garlic powder, and bake until crispy. This method not only makes the pork chops delectable but also cooks them in just 25 minutes. Great for a busy weeknight, this recipe uses inexpensive ingredients and pairs well with whatever side dishes you prefer, helping you stretch your food budget further.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a straightforward, flavorful meal that’s both economical and filling. Spread cooked sausages and a selection of vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, and sweet mini peppers on a sheet pan, season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme, and bake. It’s ready in 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. This recipe is a great solution for anyone looking to make a delicious, nourishing dinner without spending a lot of money or time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It combines shredded chicken, frozen corn, and cheese, all topped with a layer of crispy tater tots. Bake it until golden and bubbly, and you have a meal that’s both simple to prepare and a crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour, this casserole is a great solution for meal prep or freezing, so you have a delicious dinner ready to go. It’s a great way to use budget ingredients to create a dish that feels indulgent without the high cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats is a refreshing and budget-friendly take on dinner. Combine canned chicken with bacon bits, cheese, and herbs like dill and parsley, then scoop the mixture into halved cucumbers. This meal is not only affordable but also quick to assemble, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a light yet filling option that uses inexpensive canned chicken and fresh cucumbers, perfect for a casual, refreshing dinner without the high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Got 40 minutes? That’s all you need to mix up a Tuna Macaroni Salad that’s light on the budget but doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s a breeze for beginners in the kitchen, using stuff you probably already have in your cupboard. Whether you’re planning your work lunches for the week, need a quick dinner solution, or want to bring a surefire hit to a potluck, this salad has got you covered. With elbow macaroni, canned tuna, and a few other simple ingredients, you’ve got a meal that proves frugal can still be great.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is an affordable dish that’s packed with flavor. This casserole combines broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy sauce made from sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise, sprinkled with bacon bits and topped with extra cheese. Bake until hot and bubbling. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and uses ingredients like frozen vegetables, which are budget-friendly and easy to keep on hand. This dish is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s incredibly simple to prepare. It layers frozen cheese ravioli with a hearty tomato marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Season with your favorite herbs and bake until bubbly. The preparation takes only 15 minutes, with about an hour of baking time. This recipe is great for those evenings when you want a delicious meal that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen or too much money at the grocery store.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is an economical and hearty dish that combines cabbage, which is awesome at absorbing flavors, with the richness of sausage, creating a hearty and comforting meal. This one-pan recipe is quick to prepare, takes about 30 minutes, and uses affordable ingredients that go a long way in feeding a family or dinner guests. It’s a great choice for a meal that keeps costs down while still serving plenty of flavors. Serve it with rice or enjoy it as is for a simple, cost-effective dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you can throw together a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor. This recipe is a hit for its no-nonsense approach, using pre-cooked chicken and a bottle of Caesar dressing to cut down on prep time. It’s a smart pick for packing lunches ahead of time, serving up a stress-free dinner, or showing off at a potluck. Plus, it’s a prime example of how simple ingredients can create a meal that tastes like you’ve spent way more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a cost-effective way to feed your family a hearty and delicious meal. This dish blends canned tuna, egg noodles, peas, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a breadcrumb and cheese crust and baked until golden. It’s a classic recipe that’s quick to prepare and requires little effort for such a rewarding dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this casserole is a smart choice for anyone looking to make the most of their grocery budget while still enjoying a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re on a tight budget but still crave something really good, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the way to go. Made with affordable chicken cuts and easy-to-find ingredients like butter and garlic, this recipe is not only wallet-friendly but also incredibly simple to prepare. The chicken is quickly cooked until golden, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce for a burst of flavor. Serve these bites with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal. This dish demonstrates how you can create a delicious dinner without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Ground meat dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a delicious, low-cost meal all made in one skillet. It combines ground beef with cauliflower rice and is enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and tomato paste. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also the cleanup, perfect for a quick dinner after a long day. The dish is designed to be hearty while keeping the ingredient cost low. It’s perfect for families on a budget looking for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is perfect for anyone looking to reduce their kitchen time without sacrificing taste. By using inexpensive ingredients like dried split peas, ham, carrots, and celery, this soup maximizes flavor with minimal cost. Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. The slow-cooked peas become beautifully thick and hearty, making this dish a comforting end to any chilly day. It’s a clever way to use simple ingredients to make a meal that feels nurturing and rich.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is a stellar option for anyone seeking to make a nutritious meal without spending a lot. This soup uses cost-effective ingredients such as canned white beans, onions, carrots, and celery, seasoned with garlic and rosemary for added flavor. It’s a quick-cooking recipe that results in a creamy, filling soup, thickened by pureeing part of the beans. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also filling and healthy, addressing the need for affordable meals that don’t compromise on nutrition or taste.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is an economical and flavorful dinner choice that uses simple ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and rice. The ingredients are mixed with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then baked until everything is thoroughly melded together. It’s a great meal that can feed a whole family without breaking the bank. This casserole is perfect for those who want a hearty meal that is both easy to prepare and cost-effective. It shows you can make a delicious and hearty dinner on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are the perfect solution for a quick, economical meal. Using canned chicken, which is often cheaper than fresh poultry, these patties are seasoned and pan-fried to create a crispy exterior with a tender interior. They can be served with any side dish, making them a versatile option for any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, these patties are a testament to the fact that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated recipes to prepare a meal that is savory and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple yet filling dish that combines the savory flavor of bacon with the sweet crunch of cabbage. It’s extremely cost-effective, using ingredients that are generally inexpensive and easy to find. Quick to cook, this dish is ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner. It’s a great choice for those seeking to make delicious, filling meals on a budget. The rich flavor of the bacon beautifully complements the mild taste of the cabbage, allowing you to save money without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is an affordable, stress-free meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to minimize their time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. With simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and homemade taco seasoning, this soup is both easy to prepare and easy on the wallet. Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it cook, freeing up your day for other activities. It’s a great recipe for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that maximizes convenience and minimizes costs.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a perfect choice for an economical, filling dinner. It combines cheese tortellini, rich chicken broth, leftover chicken, and nutritious vegetables like celery and carrots in one pot for easy cleanup. This meal is ready in just 40 minutes and is great for using up leftovers, making it both time-efficient and waste-conscious. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also feeds your need for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a great option for a budget-friendly, delicious meal that’s also easy to prepare. The recipe involves mixing broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, with a topping of extra cheese and crushed crackers for added texture. It cooks up in about 30 minutes, making it a quick solution for a busy weeknight. This casserole serves well as a main dish or a side and is a cost-effective way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, helping to stretch your dinner budget further.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is a smart, budget-conscious meal that’s packed with flavor. It layers ground beef, fresh spinach, and frozen cauliflower rice, topped with a generous amount of cheese for a comforting finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole is perfect for busy nights, requiring minimal prep and cooking time. It’s a great dish for families looking to eat well on a budget while maintaining a carb-conscious diet, proof that you don’t have to spend much to eat healthily and deliciously.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is perfect for a quick, cost-effective meal, using inexpensive ingredients like leftover chicken, green chilis, cream cheese, and heavy cream. This dish is prepared in only 20 minutes for a speedy dinner option that avoids the need for expensive grocery runs. Its rich flavors and simplicity make it a go-to recipe for saving time and money, all while keeping your meals exciting and varied. It’s also versatile, serving well over cauliflower rice or stuffed into tortillas, perfect for a low-cost, low-carb dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken infuses the excitement of fajita flavors into a simple, oven-baked dish that’s light on the wallet. It features chicken breasts seasoned with a mix of spices like chili and cumin, layered with cream cheese and colorful mini sweet peppers, and topped with shredded mozzarella. This meal is ready in about 30 minutes and is a great way to bring a flavorful, colorful meal to the table without a lot of effort or expense. It’s an economical choice that doesn’t skimp on taste, perfect for families who want to enjoy a delicious dinner without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is an uncomplicated, cost-effective approach to dinner, perfect for budget-conscious households. It uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, garlic, Italian herbs, cream cheese, and fresh spinach, all baked under a layer of mozzarella. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when time and budget are limited. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, making sure a creamy, comforting meal is always within reach.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a straightforward and affordable meal that brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table without the high cost. This dish features chicken thighs seasoned and cooked until golden, then smothered in a homemade creamy mushroom sauce. It’s prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a hearty dinner. Serve this over mashed potatoes or rice and enjoy every bit of the creamy sauce for a special dinner experience that’s both practical and pleasing without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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