Start fresh: 19 budget-friendly recipes for the new year

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Dive into the new year with 19 tasty recipes that won’t break the bank. From delicious slow-cooked sausage and peppers to elegant roast chicken, these budget-friendly recipes are all about starting fresh and savoring good flavors without spending too much!

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Kick off the New Year with a cozy and budget-friendly evening featuring the Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner, bringing together seasonal vegetables and succulent proteins roasted to perfection on a single pan. This simple recipe not only saves you money but also time, making cleanup a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken sausage, potatoes, and bell peppers on a sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

Start the New Year right with this cheap and cheerful Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner—a lifesaver for busy nights. Toss your favorite chicken sausages and a colorful array of veggies onto a sheet pan for a quick, affordable, and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect solution for those looking to balance flavor and frugality without sacrificing time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

A crock pot full of sausage, peppers, and marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Let your slow cooker do the work with the Cheap and Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers—a hassle-free way to enjoy the classic combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and a hint of spice, all without breaking the bank. Set it and forget it for an affordable and comforting dinner, providing a stress-free start to the New Year.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Dive into the comfort of Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas, an affordable twist on a classic favorite, offering a delicious start to the New Year. Let the slow cooker work its magic, melding the flavors of tender chicken and gooey cheese into a budget-friendly delight. The hardest part is waiting for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen, marking the beginning of a year full of satisfying meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Dive into a sea of flavor without diving deep into your pockets. The Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies recipe is a wallet-friendly delight, pairing tender salmon fillets with a rainbow of roasted vegetables for an affordable, wholesome dinner. With minimal ingredients, this dish proves that budget-friendly can also mean deliciously nutritious, setting the tone for a healthier New Year.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with the Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback—a fancy-sounding yet surprisingly cheap and easy-to-make dish. Enjoy a burst of flavor as mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil infuse every succulent bite, providing a delicious start to the New Year without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Start the New Year on a simple and affordable note with the Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. This easy-to-make, one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken with sweet potatoes for a comforting and budget-friendly dinner that’s ready in a snap. It’s a family-friendly solution that won’t break the bank, setting the stage for a year of delicious, economical meals.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Salmon, sweet potato, and broccoli on a sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies

Indulge in the delicious harmony of sweet and savory with the Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies. This affordable recipe brings together the richness of maple and the tang of Dijon mustard for a budget-friendly feast, making it a delightful way to welcome the New Year. With minimal prep, you can savor the flavors without the stress of a complicated cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Embrace the charm of simplicity and affordability with the Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Featuring juicy pork chops and an array of roasted vegetables, it creates a hearty and satisfying meal without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice to start the New Year on a delicious and budget-friendly note. With leftovers that taste just as good, it’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Roasted chicken and potatoes in a cast iron skillet.
Greek Roast Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Greek Roast Chicken

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with the Greek Roast Chicken—an affordable recipe that marries the bold flavors of Greek cuisine with the simplicity of a roast chicken. It offers a budget-friendly escape to the dinner table, setting a delicious tone for the New Year. The aroma of garlic, lemon, and herbs will make your kitchen feel like a Greek taverna.
Get the Recipe: Greek Roast Chicken

Slow cooker salsa chicken with rice and beans on a plate.
Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Spice up your New Year’s dinner routine without spicing up your budget. The Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken brings together the bold flavors of salsa with tender shredded chicken, creating an affordable and hassle-free meal. With minimal prep, you’ll have a fiesta on your plate in no time, setting the stage for a year filled with flavorful yet budget-friendly dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with Tuna Pesto Pasta, a cheap and cheerful dish that combines the heartiness of tuna with the vibrant flavors of pesto. It’s a budget-friendly option that brings a touch of sophistication to your weeknight dinner, setting a delicious precedent for the New Year. With ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s a quick and affordable gourmet experience.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

A bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is shown on a rustic wooden cutting board with parsley and a red linen.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Warm up with the comforting Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger—an affordable and nourishing option for chilly nights, making it a perfect start to the New Year. This budget-friendly soup combines simple ingredients with a hint of ginger for a soothing and flavorful experience. Perfect for batch cooking, it’s a wallet-friendly solution for busy weeks, ensuring you begin the year with wholesome meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Keep it simple and savory with Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. This budget-friendly recipe features crispy-skinned chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, creating an affordable and flavorful main dish. The cast-iron method adds an extra layer of flavor and ensures juicy, succulent chicken every time, making it a delicious start to the New Year.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Transport your taste buds to Italy with the Italian Chicken Cutlets—an affordable and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine to your dinner table without breaking the bank. With a golden, crispy exterior and tender interior, these cutlets are a budget-friendly taste of la dolce vita, providing a flavorful beginning to the New Year.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey Smash Burgers

Indulge in the satisfying simplicity of Turkey Smash Burgers. This cheap and cheerful recipe delivers a flavorful twist on the classic burger, using affordable ground turkey for a budget-friendly meal that’s big on taste. The smashing technique ensures a perfect sear, creating a juicy burger that won’t break the bank, making it a delightful way to welcome the New Year.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sausage and Peppers

Embrace the savory goodness of Sausage and Peppers, a no-fuss and affordable dish that pairs succulent sausages with sweet bell peppers. It’s a budget-friendly option that satisfies both the palate and the wallet. This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, providing a delicious start to the New Year.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

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

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Take a culinary journey with the Ground Pork Stir Fry—a budget-friendly recipe that combines the versatility of ground pork with vibrant vegetables, creating a quick and affordable stir fry for any night of the week. With a savory sauce tying it all together, this stir fry is a wallet-friendly way to explore international flavors, setting the tone for a year filled with culinary adventures.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Simplify your dinner routine with the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. This cheap and easy recipe brings together ground beef and sweet potatoes in a one-pan wonder, offering a budget-friendly and satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s the perfect solution for busy evenings, ensuring you start the New Year with delicious and economical meals.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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