Cheap dinners don’t have to be boring or taste like you’re cutting corners. In fact, with the right recipes, you can whip up meals that are so great that you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot without even buying a ticket. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget or just want to save some cash for a rainy day, these 21 dishes are perfect for anyone who loves good food without the high price tag.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
No need to spend a ton of cash to get tons of flavor with this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and canned tomatoes come together in one pot for a filling meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. This dish shows you can have a delicious dinner without breaking the bank, and it’s a great way to cut back on eating out. Add a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal, and reheat the leftovers for a quick and easy round two. Using affordable ingredients like rice and canned tomatoes keeps this casserole budget-friendly, and cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup. It’s a comforting meal that’ll feed the whole family without hurting your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan meal with sliced cabbage and pre-cooked chicken sausage is great for keeping your wallet full. It cooks for 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender, and you can eat it as-is or with rice or noodles. Mix it up with different proteins like sliced kielbasa, or add apples for a hint of sweetness. This cheap meal makes your food budget go further, and leftovers reheat well for easy lunches or dinners. Cabbage is an inexpensive veggie that bulks up this dish, so you can feed a crowd without spending a lot. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a budget-friendly pick that’s big on taste. With just chicken, garlic, butter, and a few pantry basics, you can whip up a delicious meal in 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and using up what you already have. Serve these bites over rice or veggies, and save any leftovers for a cold salad topper or reheated meal later on. This recipe helps make affordable chicken go further by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
This budget-friendly Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is always a great pick for a quick meal. You just need a few pantry staples like breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, and in about 25 minutes, you’ve got pork chops with a flavorful crust on the table. No expensive ingredients or complicated cooking is needed. Using affordable cuts of pork and ingredients you probably already have makes this recipe an easy way to feed your family a delicious meal without spending a lot. The shake-and-bake method creates a crispy coating without the need for deep frying, so it’s healthier too. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a classic dinner that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are an easy and cheap meal option. With just a few ingredients, like canned chicken, bacon, homemade ranch seasoning, and cucumbers, this dish is fresh and budget-friendly. Mix things up by swapping chicken for tuna or adding extra veggies. These boats are great for a light lunch or snack any time of day, and making extra filling means quick and easy meal prep all week long.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a budget-friendly dish that’ll make your savings happy. Frozen broccoli and cauliflower are mixed with a cheesy sauce, topped with bacon, and baked to perfection in about 30 minutes. You can even add diced chicken before baking. Double the recipe and freeze one for later, so you always have a cozy meal ready to go. Using frozen veggies is often cheaper than buying fresh, and they last longer in your freezer, reducing food waste and saving you money.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup is perfect for anyone looking to save time and money. Just toss ground beef, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, canned beans, and taco seasoning in your crock pot for a filling meal that’s delicious on its own or with crusty bread. Customize the heat with chili powder or jalapeños. Top it with a spoonful of sour cream to boost the flavors, and freeze leftovers for quick, savory meals later on. Using canned ingredients and cooking everything in the crock pot makes this meal budget-friendly and hands-off, great for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Baked Ravioli
Think lasagna is too much work? Try this Baked Ravioli on for size. Grab some frozen cheese ravioli, toss it with marinara sauce, throw on a bunch of cheese, and you’re practically done. It’s a great pick when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. And in just an hour, you’ve got a meal that feels like a win without spending a bundle. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’re living large on a small budget. Plus, using budget-friendly ingredients like frozen ravioli and store-bought marinara keeps your wallet full.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a great pick when you’re on a budget. It’s super easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking. Just toss split peas, carrots, celery, onion, and ham or bacon in your slow cooker and let it do the work. Cook it on low all day or high if you’re short on time. The best part? Leftovers taste just as good the next day, so you get more bang for your buck. Serve it with some bread for dipping or croutons on top, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s also freezer-friendly. Using cheap ingredients like split peas and veggies, this soup is a budget-friendly way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a win for your wallet. Mix any sausage with cheap veggies like potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers, and roast them for about 30 minutes until everything’s nicely cooked through. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a nice touch. Swap sausage for chicken or tofu if you like. It’s a fast (just 30 minutes from start to finish), nutritious, cheap meal for busy nights. Serve it with a quick salad for a complete dinner. This meal is also perfect for leftovers, so you’ll have a great meal ready for tomorrow, too. Using a sheet pan for cooking means less cleanup, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a go-to on tight-budget, busy days. Mix canned tuna, egg noodles, frozen peas, and cream of mushroom soup, then top it with breadcrumbs and bake. It’s awesome by itself or with a simple salad. Swap the tuna for canned chicken or salmon. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t cost much. For extra crunch, sprinkle some fried onions on top before serving. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and they freeze really well if you want to save some for later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Broccoli Casserole
For an affordable, easy dish, try this Broccoli Casserole. Blend chopped broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. Mix in different cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan, or add cooked rice for more bulk. It’s a cheap way to get greens into your meals, showing you can eat healthy without spending a lot. Great with a side of garlic bread. This casserole can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and is freezer-friendly for longer storage. Using frozen broccoli and cream of mushroom soup keeps this recipe affordable and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is wallet-friendly and easy to make. In about 30 minutes, you have a great dinner ready. It’s good over rice or in tortillas. This dish is about enjoying flavorful meals without hassle or high costs. Squeeze some lime over it before serving for an extra zing. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can even freeze it to have a quick meal ready anytime. Using chicken breasts and pantry staples like fajita seasoning makes this dish budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a quick and budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. These patties can be enjoyed with veggies on the side or in a sandwich. For added flavor, mix in diced onions or bell peppers, or replace the canned chicken with canned salmon. This recipe makes smart use of pantry staples, helping you save money and reduce waste. Pair these patties with sweet potato fries for a complete and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Spinach Chicken Bake
The Spinach Chicken Bake is a great meal that won’t drain your wallet. Simply combine chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is delicious on its own or served alongside pasta or rice. For variety, you can replace the spinach with kale or add sliced mushrooms. This recipe is an excellent choice for cheap dinners that keep your wallet full.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a budget-friendly dream come true. Made with ground beef, cauliflower rice, heavy cream, and spices you may already have in your pantry, this meal is easy to prepare and easy on your wallet. Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for beef. Garnish with some fresh herbs before serving for a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a budget-friendly and comforting meal that can be prepared in less than an hour. With shredded chicken, canned corn, diced carrots, celery, and chicken broth, this soup is best served hot and pairs well with crusty bread for dipping. For a more substantial meal, add egg noodles or cooked rice. This soup is perfect for warming up without spending too much, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a fresh touch. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer, making it a great option for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a flavorful and affordable way to enjoy a delicious meal. With just a few ingredients like cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic, and spices, this dish comes together quickly and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. Sliced apples can be added for a touch of sweetness, or the bacon can be replaced with sausage for variety. A splash of vinegar adds an extra kick to this simple, budget-friendly meal. Leftovers reheat well, making this dish a smart choice for cheap dinners that keep your wallet full.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is a perfect choice for cheap dinners that don’t compromise on flavor. Using leftover chicken, green chiles, onion, garlic, and spices, this dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or use it as a filling for tacos for a fun and versatile meal. Top with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added flavor. This dish is great for meal prep, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Enjoy this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach without emptying your wallet. Combine ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, cheese, and seasonings, then bake for a filling meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This casserole is hearty and delicious on its own or can be served with a side salad for extra veggies. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef, making this dish adaptable to your preferences. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top adds a kick of heat for those who enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a budget-friendly winner that doesn’t skimp on taste. Combine shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings for a salad that’s far from boring. Enjoy it on its own, or wrap it up for a quick and easy meal. Adjust the heat level by adding more jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your preferences. Using canned chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken is also a great option that can save both time and money. It’s overall just a great choice for cheap dinners that keep your wallet full.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad