Looking to keep your wallet happy without skimping on flavor? These 21 low-cost meals are great for anyone trying to stay on budget while still eating well. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these dishes prove that you don’t need to drop a ton of cash to have a good meal.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This meal is all about simplicity and economy. Grab some sausages and whichever veggies are most affordable, spread them on a sheet pan, and bake for 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a hearty meal. Best for those days when you’re looking for an easy dinner that goes easy on your wallet. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that can adapt to whatever you have on hand so you can reduce waste and further stretch your food budget.
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Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole takes the essence of stuffed bell peppers and turns it into an even more budget-friendly meal. Just layer bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce in a pan and bake for 45 minutes. It’s a clever way to enjoy the flavors of a more labor-intensive dish without the extra work or expense. A great option for feeding your family on a tight budget. The simplicity of this recipe also means less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
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Crock Pot Taco Soup
This soup is a budget-friendly powerhouse, combining affordable ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes with spices for a flavorful mix. Simply add all the ingredients to your crockpot and let it cook. This recipe is proof that you can make delicious, filling meals without spending a lot of money, perfect for those stretches between paychecks. It’s also a comforting solution for busy days, serving ready-to-eat meals that don’t require immediate attention or effort in the kitchen.
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Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cut cucumbers in half and hollow them out to create boats, then fill them with a mix of canned chicken, crispy bacon, and cheese, all dressed in ranch. This dish is quick to assemble, making it a perfect choice for a cost-effective dinner or snack. It stands out for anyone looking to enjoy a mouthwatering, affordable meal that’s also creative. Plus, it’s a fresh take on salads that adds excitement to your meals without any extra hassle or expense.
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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Combine frozen broccoli and cauliflower in a baking dish, pour over a homemade creamy cheese sauce, and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits before baking. Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole is a go-to for anyone seeking a hearty meal without spending a lot. It’s a smart choice for busy evenings, proving that budget meals can still be incredibly hearty.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sauté chicken bites in garlic butter sauce until golden and tender. This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and takes 20 minutes, making it a fantastic pick for a quick, flavorful, and budget-conscious meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something delicious but are mindful of your spending.
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Cabbage and Sausage
Slice cabbage and sausage, then sauté together in a pan for a quick, one-pan meal. Using pre-cooked chicken sausage helps keep costs and prep time low. This dish highlights how budget-friendly ingredients can come together to make a meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, perfect for stretching your dollar further. It’s an especially great option for those seeking to add more vegetables to their diet deliciously and affordably.
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Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Mix canned tuna, cooked noodles, and peas in a casserole dish, then top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden. This casserole is an excellent example of how pantry staples can create a comforting meal without a big price tag. It shows that budget-friendly cooking can still be delicious. This dish also serves as a stress-free way to prepare a meal that can last for days, reducing the need for frequent cooking.
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Canned Chicken Patties
Mix canned chicken with breadcrumbs and seasonings, form into patties, and fry until crispy. These patties are ready in about 20 minutes and showcase the convenience and affordability of canned chicken. It’s a smart solution for a quick, mouthwatering meal that won’t stress your budget or your schedule. Moreover, these patties can be a versatile base for various meals throughout the week, simplifying meal prep for time-strapped cooks.
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Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Simmer chicken, vegetables, and broth in a pot, then thicken with flour and milk to create a creamy soup that echoes the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie. Ready in about an hour, this soup is a comforting and economical way to feed a family. It showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into a meal that’s both warming and wallet-friendly.
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Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Brown ground beef and mix with cauliflower rice in a skillet, adding a creamy sauce to bring the dish together. This meal comes together in 30 minutes and serves as a low-cost, low-effort dinner option. It’s proof that a one-pan meal can be both cost-effective and delicious, perfect for budget-conscious cooks looking for easy cleanup. This skillet meal also makes it easier to enjoy a low-carb option without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank.
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Broccoli Casserole
Mix broccoli with a creamy cheese mixture, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly. This casserole requires minimal ingredients and prep, making it a quick, affordable option for a nutritious meal. It shows that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a mouthwatering, veggie-packed dinner. It’s an excellent way to convince picky eaters to enjoy their greens, marrying health and flavor in a budget-friendly package.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Combine diced chicken with jalapeños, cheese, and a creamy dressing for a spicy take on chicken salad. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for meal prep or a simple weeknight dinner. It blends the kick of jalapeños with the comfort of chicken salad for a meal that’s both cost-effective and packed with flavor. This salad is a fantastic way to add some excitement to your lunch routine, proving that eating on a budget doesn’t mean boring meals.
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Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Layer ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach in a baking dish, cover with cheese and bake. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole proves that budget meals can be both nutritious and filling. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to make a cheap, hearty dinner during the week. This dish also helps sneak in a serving of vegetables into a cheesy, comforting meal, making it easier to eat healthily on a budget.
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Green Chile Chicken
Sauté leftover or rotisserie chicken with canned green chiles and spices in a skillet for a quick and flavorful meal. This 20-minute dish is a perfect example of using cost-effective ingredients for a delicious dinner. It’s especially great for those looking to save time and money without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s a smart way to repurpose leftover chicken, reducing waste and stretching your food budget further.
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Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, bake with peppers and onions, then top with cheese and return to the oven until melted. This 30-minute meal is both affordable and bursting with flavor, perfect for a budget-friendly take on fajita night. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending a lot. This dish brings the excitement of restaurant-style fajitas to your kitchen without the added cost, making it a win for both your palate and your wallet.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
Combine chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until the chicken is cooked through. This one-dish bake is an efficient, budget-conscious meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. It’s a straightforward solution for a nutritious, low-cost dinner. The combination of protein-rich chicken and iron-packed spinach makes this meal a nutritional powerhouse, supporting a balanced diet without stressing your budget.
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fry bacon until crispy, then cook sliced cabbage in the bacon fat for added flavor. This simple, 25-minute dish is a cost-effective way to make a savory meal that pairs well with any protein. It highlights how combining budget-friendly ingredients like cabbage and bacon can result in a delicious meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for adding more fiber to your diet and easing the challenge of healthy eating on a budget.
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Chicken Corn Soup
Cook chicken, corn, and veggies in a savory broth for a hearty soup that’s ready in less than an hour. This one-pot meal is a budget-friendly option for a filling dinner, emphasizing the ease of creating a nutritious meal without a high cost. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something comforting. This soup also serves as a gentle reminder that wholesome, homemade meals can be both affordable and comforting.
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Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mix canned salmon with spices and fry until crispy. These quick, 30-minute spicy patties are a budget-friendly seafood option that’s both simple and flavorful. They’re an excellent choice for adding a bit of variety to your meals without overspending. These patties deliver a heart-healthy option that brings a little heat to the table, proving that eating well does not have to be expensive or bland.
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Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Brown chicken in a pan, then simmer with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce for a dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. This one-pan meal demonstrates that you can enjoy a rich, flavorful dinner on a budget. This recipe is for those seeking a simple yet hearty meal without the hefty price tag. It not only saves you money but also turns a weeknight dinner into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce