Looking for cheap dinners that are friendly to your wallet? You’re in the right spot. These 21 meals are great for anyone trying to stretch their budget a bit further. The recipes are perfect for those busy nights when you want something simple yet still filling and flavorful. They’re all about using ingredients that won’t break the bank, and the best part is that they’re really easy to put together!
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
If you’re watching your budget, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. It’s super easy, especially for beginners. Just put your stuff in the slow cooker and let it do its job. Cook it on low all day or on high if you’re in a hurry. The best part? The leftovers are just as good the next day, so your money goes even further. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a comforting meal. This soup can also be frozen, so you can have a quick, hearty meal ready for those days you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and sausage mixed in one pan is a budget-friendly meal that fills you up. Cook sliced cabbage and pre-cooked chicken sausage until the cabbage is soft. It’s good alone or with rice or noodles. Swap the sausage for another protein or add apples for sweetness. This meal stretches your food dollar and still tastes great. Try it with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic combo. Leftovers reheat well, which is a convenient option for lunch or dinner the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Give this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole a try if looking to save some cash. It’s made with cheap ingredients like bell peppers, rice, and ground meat. You only need 45 minutes and one pot to make it, which means you save time and don’t have to buy a bunch of stuff. It’s a solid meal that shows you don’t need to spend a lot for something good. Plus, it can help you eat out less. A side of simple green salad goes perfectly with this casserole. Easily refrigerated, this casserole reheats well for appetizing leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you want something that doesn’t cost much but still tastes great, go for these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. You just need chicken and a few things from your pantry. It’s ready in 20 minutes, making dinner quick and easy. This recipe is perfect for using up what you already have, so you can have great meals without spending a lot. These bites are great on top of a bed of rice or mixed veggies. Keep any leftovers in the fridge and enjoy them cold in a salad the next day or reheated.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
These Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are perfect for a budget-friendly start to your day! They take about 30 minutes to make and use cottage cheese, which is cheap and packed with protein. You can also add any leftover veggies you have, which saves money and cuts down on waste. These muffins are a smart choice for anyone looking to make their grocery budget stretch. Pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete breakfast. They freeze well, too, so you can enjoy a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
For an easy and affordable meal, try these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. You only need a few ingredients, like canned chicken, bacon, homemade ranch seasoning, and cucumbers. Switching chicken for tuna or adding veggies can keep it interesting. Using canned chicken helps keep the cost low while still making meals that are fresh and great. They’re perfect for a light lunch or as a snack any time of the day. Consider making extra filling to have on hand for quick and easy meal prep throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole will make your savings happy! It’s got frozen broccoli and cauliflower in a cheesy sauce, all topped with bacon and bakes in about 30 minutes. It’s great by itself or with some grilled chicken to make it even heartier. You can even mix in diced chicken before baking. It shows you how frozen veggies can be cheap and great. Serve it hot for a cozy meal. This casserole is also freezer-friendly, so you can bake a double batch and save one for later.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is perfect for anyone trying to save time and cash. Throw ground beef, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and spices into your crock pot. It’s filling all by itself, but adding crusty bread makes it even better. Like it spicy? Add more chili powder or some jalapeños. This soup is all about easy cooking that’s kind to your wallet. A dollop of sour cream on top really brings out the flavors. It’s great for meal prep, as the soup freezes well and can be reheated for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
This budget-friendly Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is always a great option for a quick meal, requiring just a handful of pantry staples like mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, and a mix of common spices. In about 25 minutes, you can have pork chops on the table that are coated in a flavorful crust without the need for expensive ingredients or complicated cooking techniques.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a win for your budget. Mix any sausage with cheap veggies like potatoes or carrots 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.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a go-to on tight-budget, busy days. Mix canned tuna, noodles, 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 add cheese for extra richness. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t cost much. If you want something crunchy, 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 broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. Mix in different cheeses or add rice for more bulk. It’s a cheap way to get greens into your meals, showing you can eat healthily without spending a lot. Great with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the casserole. This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and is freezer-friendly for longer storage.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is wallet-friendly and easy to make. Just layer chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, spices, and cream cheese in a dish and bake. 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.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are quick, budget-friendly, and super delicious! Mix canned chicken with breadcrumbs and spices, then fry until crispy. They’re great with veggies on the side or in a sandwich. Try adding diced onions or bell peppers, or swap salmon for a different flavor. These patties are a smart way to use pantry staples, saving cash and reducing waste. Serve them with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a dream for anyone on a budget! With ground beef, cauliflower rice, cream, and spices, you can make a meal that’s easy on your wallet. It’s good as is or with cheese on top for more flavor. Using ground turkey instead of beef works great, too. This dish is all about enjoying a hearty dinner without spending a lot. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can really brighten up the dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is budget-friendly and perfect for a comfy meal. With chicken, corn, veggies, and broth, it’s ready in less than an hour. Best served hot, maybe with some bread for dipping. Add noodles or rice for a fuller meal. This soup is great for warming up without spending too much. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a fresh touch. Plus, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage, making it a great option for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake yields a great meal without draining your wallet. Combine chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese, and bake until melty. It’s delicious alone or alongside pasta or rice. Swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for variety. This dish makes it easy to add a little luxury to your table without a big bill. Grate a little extra cheese on top right before it’s done baking. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating beautifully in the oven or microwave for a quick meal anytime.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Spice up your meals with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Combine canned salmon with jalapeño, cayenne, and breadcrumbs. Fry them for a quick, spicy snack or meal in 30 minutes. They go well with coleslaw or in pita pockets. Not into salmon? Use canned tuna or chicken instead. This is a flavorful, economical way to enjoy canned fish. Serving them with a dollop of tartar sauce or yogurt dip is perfect for cooling down the heat. These patties can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days, making them a great make-ahead option for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is great for saving money. You just need cabbage, bacon, and some spices. It’s quick and flavorful, awesome on its own or as a side. Add sliced apple for sweetness, or swap bacon for sausage for a change. Simple, affordable, and delicious, it’s sure to please everyone. Try it with a splash of vinegar for an extra kick of flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated and taste just as good reheated the next day, so you can make sure that nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is a fantastic budget-friendly pick. Use leftover chicken, add green chiles and spices, and you’ve got a flavorful dish in 20 minutes. It’s versatile, too — serve it over rice or in tacos for a fun meal. This dish is quick, easy, and full of taste without costing a lot. Top it with a bit of sour cream and chopped cilantro for a creamy, fresh finish. It’s also great for meal prep, as you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer-term enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Dive into Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach without breaking the bank. Just mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese and bake for a filling meal in 30 minutes. It’s great as it is or with a side salad for extra greens. Swapping beef for turkey or chicken is no problem. This casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly way to feed your family. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for those who like a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a win for both your taste buds and your wallet. Mix chicken, jalapeños, and creamy dressing for a salad that’s far from boring. It’s great on its own or wrapped up for a quick meal. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeños or some hot sauce. It’s a delicious, cost-effective meal that keeps things interesting. Serve it over crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad