Cheap dinners are the unsung heroes of weeknight meals, swooping in to save you from the abyss of a monstrous grocery bill. We’ve curated 23 recipes that keep your bank account unscathed while still making your taste buds do a happy dance. These meals are your budget’s reliable sidekick, always ready to save the day when you need to feed the family without financial ruin. Because, really, who needs the melodrama of expensive ingredients when you can whip up something fantastic for less?
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken brings a big flavor without breaking the bank. It’s a one-skillet recipe that is made with leftover chicken thighs or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Shred the chicken, combine it with jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and green chiles, and have a creamy and hearty dinner, ready in just 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or scoop into tacos for an easy dinner fix. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can cook once and eat twice or thrice — promise, we won’t judge.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is like your budget-friendly weeknight warrior. It combines cost-effective ingredients like ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese, all in one pan and 30 minutes. The flavors meld perfectly, serving a comforting dinner that keeps your belly and budget in check. Because at the end of the day, no one doesn’t want to feel like they’re dining out while dining in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is your go-to for those evenings when you want the comfort of lasagna but not the effort or expense that comes with it. This dish uses frozen cheese ravioli layered with marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, all baked to perfection in under an hour. It’s a cost-effective way to feed the whole family or prepare meals for a busy week ahead. Plus, it’s so easy to make it, so you can practically do it in your sleep — but we actually don’t recommend you snoozing while doing this. All in all, this meal is about enjoying the little comforts without the financial regret.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Reuben Bowls
Reuben Bowls turns the classic Reuben sandwich into a budget-friendly meal in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines the crispiness of browned deli corned beef with the crunch of coleslaw, the tanginess of sauerkraut, and the melty goodness of Swiss cheese, all without needing bread. Top it with the Thousand Island dressing before serving, and you’re set. They’re perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time (and finances) but still want something that tastes like more effort (and money) went into it.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a meal that promises comfort without the price tag drama. Shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a whole lotta cheese are baked under a blanket of tater tots. This dish is a masterclass in meal prep and is ready in under an hour. Cook it once, eat it twice — or even thrice. It’s the perfect strategy for pretending you’re on top of your weekly meals without trying too hard. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making dinner time less of a battle and more of a cakewalk.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is the epitome of easy, economical eating, ready in 40 minutes. This dish combines elbow macaroni with chunks of canned tuna, creamy mayo, sweet relish, mustard, and hard-boiled eggs to create a salad that’s hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own. It’s the perfect recipe for keeping your budget in check while still packing in those good old flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a smart way to dish up a delicious dinner without spending a fortune. Ready in 45 minutes, this one-pot meal combines bell peppers, rice, ground beef, and canned tomatoes for a full-flavored dinner that’s as easy on your budget. Plus, it saves on cleanup time, which is always a bonus. This casserole is about making your life easier, giving you more time to unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
In the battle against budget constraints and hunger pangs, Spinach Chicken Bake is your trusty ally. It’s made with chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, all baked into a creamy and flavorful dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Pair it with pasta or rice to make it go the extra mile. Because, let’s be honest — the month is long, the paycheck is short, and smooth moves like this will keep your budget and belly happy without a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Say hello to Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, where your dinner comes smothered in cheese and bacon — not your budget in fees. It features frozen broccoli and frozen cauliflower that are steamed and combined with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon before being baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s as friendly to your wallet as it is to your schedule. Plus, if you double the recipe, you have a foolproof plan for several meals, saving you from the siren call of more expensive, less wholesome options.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats is a quirky take on budget dinners. These boats feature chicken salad made with ingredients like canned chicken, bacon, and cheese that is scooped into hollowed-out cucumber halves. They’re super quick to put together, which is perfect when you’re trying to eat well but also trying to catch the latest episode of your favorite show on time. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter — picture the look on your friends’ faces when you say, “Tonight, we’re eating boats.”
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your best bet for a quick, flavorful meal without a hefty price tag. In just 20 minutes, you can cook up these chicken bites seasoned with garlic and butter, giving a simple yet delicious flavor. They’re perfect for those days when you’re so busy you barely have time to think about dinner. And if you’re looking for a way to make leftovers exciting, toss them on a salad or mix them into pasta tomorrow. It’s like giving your budget and pantry a night off.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
In just 25 minutes, Shake and Bake Pork Chops put a delicious meal on your table without much effort or expense. These pork chops get a quick coating of mayo and breadcrumbs for a perfect crunch — shake, bake, and you’re done. Serve them with some simple sides like mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a meal that feels complete but isn’t a complete hassle. It’s the perfect dish for when you want to impress but don’t want to spend all evening tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken brings the sizzle without the financial fizzle. In just 30 minutes, whip up a dish brimming with the flavors of cheese, spices, and sweet peppers, all while keeping your budget intact. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something fast and flavorful but don’t want to splurge at a restaurant. If you have leftovers, they make for the best lunch, ensuring you feel budget-savvy the next day. It’s a weeknight win that’ll make you feel like you’re dining out — even when you’re not.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a stress-free, economical way to make a nutritious and delicious meal. Just toss split peas, carrots, celery, and ham into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. This soup is gentle on your wallet and rich in nutrients, serving a hearty dinner you can feel good about. It’s especially perfect for those busy days when you can barely find time to breathe, let alone cook. This soup practically makes itself, showing that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is all about making life easier. Throw everything in one pan and bake. That’s it. There are no magic tricks or hidden steps — just pure, straightforward goodness. In 30 minutes, you’re serving a plate full of sausages, zucchini, broccoli, and peppers. Perfect for those evenings when you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show than stand over a stove. It keeps your energy and grocery bills in check, which is great for you, the planet, and your budget.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole has all the makings of a weeknight wonder. Combining pantry staples like canned tuna and egg noodles with peas in a creamy sauce? It’s comfort food without the complicated budgeting. Ready in less than an hour, it’s faster than a last-minute grocery run and much cheaper than takeout. It’s the kitchen equivalent of a high-five — quick, easy, and surprisingly good. Perfect for feeding the masses or ensuring you’ve got a meal for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is a simple, cost-effective meal perfect for days when your budget is barely hanging on. This one-pan dish mixes cabbage, sausage, onions, and spices, all in one pan and 25 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for a no-stress meal that still feels like a treat. Plus, the minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is where budget meets flavor in a slow cooker dance-off. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll toss some ground beef, canned tomatoes, and a sprinkle of seasonings, set the timer, and just walk away. Hours later, you’ve got a hearty soup that feels like a cheat meal without the splurge. It’s a great choice for lazy cooks who still want to impress. The leftovers are like money in the bank — the flavors will just get richer the next day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are your budget-friendly answer to a gourmet craving. Made with canned chicken, eggs, and other pantry staples, these patties are economical and surprisingly easy to whip up. Ready in just a few shakes of a lamb’s tail — okay, just about 20 minutes — you’ll combine the ingredients, form the patties, and cook right on the stovetop. Serve them on their own, with veggies or stuffed into a sandwich for a solid meal. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can prep ahead and relax on those nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is where budget meets flavor in a no-holds-barred throwdown. It’s packed with shredded chicken, fiery jalapeños, cream cheese, and a pinch of your favorite spices, tossed with a creamy homemade dressing. This dish is budget-friendly and perfect for a light dinner or lunch. Quick, easy, and with that much-needed heat, this salad can liven up your meal without emptying your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is the Clark Kent of budget dining — mild-mannered, unassuming, but secretly awesome. This dish combines broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and breadcrumbs for a quick and thrifty meal solution. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a great sidekick to garlic bread or can stand alone for a no-stress dinner. Freeze it for those future “I can’t even think about cooking” days. Think of it as your culinary ace in the hole: delicious meals without the hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, under a layer of melted cheese into a meal that’s easy on the pockets and heavy on the satisfaction. It takes about 30 minutes to whip up, perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up for the week. It’s comforting, hearty, and won’t drain your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the straightforward answer to your “What the heck do I make tonight?” dilemma. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes, this dish brings the rich taste of bacon and the crisp freshness of cabbage to your plate without breaking the bank. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s downright cost-effective. Because anything with bacon is a winner, and when it’s easy on your wallet, it’s a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon