Our bank account always loves these 21 budget meals

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We’re all about budget meals that won’t make our bank accounts cringe. We’re proving that you can whip up great dishes on a tight budget, showing that great taste doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. These 21 recipes are perfect for anyone who loves good food but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. From quick dinners to easy lunches, we’ve got you covered.

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Bold and budget-friendly, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal without spending too much. It’s ready in 45 minutes, and you only need one pot, making cooking and cleaning super easy. This dish is all about keeping things simple and affordable, ensuring you get a filling dinner that’s kind to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your go-to for a meal that’s easy on the wallet and quick to whip up. Grab some chicken, toss it in garlic butter sauce, and in 20 minutes, you’ve got yourself a meal that proves eating well doesn’t have to be expensive.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Three muffins on a white plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those mornings when you need a quick, cost-effective boost, these Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are just the ticket. They’re ready in 30 minutes, packed with protein, and you can add whatever you like to make them your own. They’re a smart pick for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing a good start to their day.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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.

Check out these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats for an easy and cheap way to tackle lunch or a quick bite. They’re made with simple stuff like canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, and they’re ready before you know it. Perfect for a speedy, low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a win for saving money without skimping on flavor. It’s a mix of budget-friendly frozen veggies, cheese sauce, and crispy bacon bits, all ready in about 30 minutes. Great for those busy nights when you want something delicious but easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is a real money saver, using ingredients like chicken breasts, spices, cream cheese, and peppers to create a meal that’s both flavorful and light on the wallet. It’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t cut corners on taste. Your family will love it, and so will your bank account.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

If you’re trying to keep your spending in check, this Crock Pot Taco Soup is a game-changer. It’s made with basics like ground beef, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes, along with spices you’ve probably got in your kitchen already. Just throw everything in the crock pot, and you’re set. It’s super easy and won’t hit your wallet hard.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

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.

Here’s the deal with the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner: it’s your go-to for a meal that’s easy on the bank. Grab some sausage and whatever veggies are on sale, toss them on a pan, and roast them up. It’s all done in 30 minutes, and you save a bunch because you’re using what’s cheap. Plus, cleanup’s a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish with canned tuna and peas in it.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those nights when you’re short on time and cash, the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole has got you covered. Whip it up in less than an hour with next to no effort. It hits the spot for dinner tonight and is just as good for lunch tomorrow. This is how you stretch those dollars without missing out on a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious, budget-friendly family dinner that can be made and served in under 1 hour. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Mixing cabbage and sausage in one pan creates a meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare. Choosing pre-cooked chicken sausage keeps costs and cooking time low. It’s a nutritious, flavorful way to stretch your dollars further.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are a smart choice for saving money. Ready in 20 minutes, these patties are versatile and stress-free. Serve them with veggies or in sandwiches for a meal that’s kind to your budget and your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a game-changer for anyone keeping an eye on their spending. The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice comes together in about 30 minutes with budget-friendly ground beef and cauliflower rice. Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and less stress, making it a straightforward way to serve up a meal that’s easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is best for those watching their spending. With chicken, veggies, and a rich broth, it’s cooked in under an hour in just one pot. A great option for a nutritious dinner that doesn’t cost a lot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake mixes cost-effective ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, and cheeses in a one-dish bake. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a simple, affordable meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties is a budget-friendly seafood option. Made with canned salmon and spiced with jalapeño and cayenne, they’re ready in 30 minutes for a quick, cheap meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon 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 an affordable meal ready in 25 minutes. Using inexpensive ingredients, it’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This one-pan Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce meal is a budget-conscious choice. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines simplicity, affordability, and flavor for a dinner that’s easy to love and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Green Chile Chicken

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken makes the most of your budget with a 20-minute, one-skillet meal. Using leftover chicken and green chiles, it transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner that saves you money.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a no-stress, affordable meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach come together in a single dish, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s a simple option that proves a delicious dinner doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is the way to go for a budget-friendly, easy-to-prepare meal. It combines chicken and jalapeños into a delicious salad that’s perfect for meal prep. Choose this for a lunch that is flavorful without dipping too deep into your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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