When you’re looking for cheap fast recipes, you want to make sure you’re not sacrificing quality for speed or cost. These 21 great options respect both your time and your wallet. We know life gets busy and sometimes you just need to whip up something quick and easy without breaking the bank. They are perfect for those hectic days when you still want to sit down to a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen or a fortune at the store.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your answer to crispy, flavorful pork without the hassle of frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, this is an excellent choice for a no-fuss weeknight dinner. It’s straightforward, quick, and appeals to the whole family. A great way to get a good meal on the table fast, showing that convenience and budget-friendliness can go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Throwing together sausages and veggies makes this sheet pan dinner a real winner for when you’re watching your budget. It’s all about mixing and matching — leftovers, sale items, you name it. Bake it all on one pan to cut down on your electric or gas bill. It’s a straightforward solution for a busy night, and you’ve got a meal that keeps on giving with leftovers good for another round.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
White Bean Soup
When you’ve got 40 minutes and need to make a meal stretch, this White Bean Soup has got your back. It’s simple: just veggies, beans, and one pot. You’re not just saving money; you’re saving time, too. Perfect for those evenings when you’ve got a lot on your plate but still want something good to put on the table.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Imagine the taste of stuffed bell peppers but without the hassle or the high cost. Ground meat, rice, and bell peppers come together in a casserole that’s easy on your wallet. It’s a smart choice for feeding the family well when you’re trying to save. Plus, it’s a time-saver, leaving you more moments to spend on what matters.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Affordable chicken pieces get a major flavor boost from garlic butter in this easy recipe. Quick to cook and perfect for pairing with just about anything — rice, veggies, you name it. Leftovers are just as great the next day, making your budget stretch even further.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These cucumber boats are a creative and budget-friendly meal option. Using canned chicken and affordable ingredients like bacon bits and a dash of ranch, you can whip up something fun and light on your wallet. They’re quick to prepare, making them a perfect pick for a low-cost, flavorful meal. Got leftover filling? It keeps well, giving you a head start on your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Frozen broccoli and cauliflower are the stars of this casserole, proving that budget-friendly ingredients can still make a rich and hearty meal. Topped with a homemade cheese sauce and bacon bits, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t break the bank. Quick to throw together, it saves you both time and money. Plus, it’s just as good leftover, whether you keep it in the fridge or freeze for later.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan meal of cabbage and sausage hits the spot when you’re looking for something hearty without spending much. It combines affordable veggies with pre-cooked sausage for a no-nonsense dinner. Pair it with bread or potatoes, or serve it on its own. It’s also great for using up any extra veggies, so you can stretch your grocery budget even further. Plus, leftovers are just as good for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Canned Chicken Patties
These canned chicken patties are a smart pick for a low-cost dinner that’s ready in no time. Combine canned chicken with breadcrumbs for a main dish that’s wallet-friendly and filling. You can add spices to taste, making it easy to switch things up. Serve with a side of veggies or salad, and enjoy a meal that’s straightforward and good. Patties are best served fresh but can be kept in the fridge and reheated for a quick bite.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried cabbage with bacon is a budget-friendly side that packs a lot of flavors. Combining affordable cabbage with the savory taste of bacon, it’s a simple addition to any meal. It’s especially good fresh, but you can easily reheat leftovers for a quick side. This dish proves that saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one-pan meal combines ground beef and cauliflower rice for a budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to make. It’s a great main dish for those watching their spending, and you can pair it with a side salad for a full meal. Leftovers are handy for a quick lunch or dinner, making your weeknights a little easier. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe is a fantastic way to serve up a good meal without overspending or spending hours in the kitchen. Opt for the generic store brand of refrigerated tortellini to keep costs low. And, save time by incorporating shredded cooked chicken — maybe from a leftover meal or a budget-friendly rotisserie chicken — adds flavor and protein without a big price tag. Ready in just 40 minutes using only one pot, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights. Shorten that time even more and use store-bought pre-chopped veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Broccoli Casserole
This broccoli casserole is an affordable way to enjoy your greens. Simply steam broccoli florets, mix with a creamy base and cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a main or a side, making it a great option for adding some veggies to your meal without a lot of cost. The leftovers keep well, so you’ve got a veggie-packed option ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Turn pantry staples into a comforting casserole with this easy tuna noodle recipe. It’s a budget-friendly solution for family dinners, using canned tuna, noodles, and peas to create a filling dish. Perfect for those nights when you want a good meal without a lot of effort. And if you have leftovers, they’ll save you from cooking for a few days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Get all the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie without the effort or cost. This soup is a warm, filling choice for dinner, perfect with a side of crusty bread. It’s easy to make and easy on your budget, ideal for those days when you need something comforting without a lot of fuss. Freeze any leftovers for a quick meal down the line.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Whip up this cheesy beef casserole for a filling meal that goes easy on your budget and comes together in only half an hour. Start with frozen cauliflower rice for convenience and cost savings, then add ground beef and spinach for a hearty dish. It’s a fantastic dinner choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor while keeping costs down. Plus, it’s easy to store leftovers in the fridge, making your next few meals a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
For a quick and budget-friendly meal, green chile chicken is a solid choice. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to keep costs low, and add canned green chiles for a kick. Whether you serve it over rice or tucked into tortillas, it’s a versatile dish that won’t strain your wallet. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for when you want something delicious without the high cost.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish brings the flavor of fajitas to your table without the usual expense. Marinate chicken in spices, then add cream cheese and peppers for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Top with mozzarella and broil for that perfect cheesy crust. It’s a budget-friendly way to spice up dinner time, and it pairs well with rice or tortillas. Plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Mix up a spinach chicken bake when you’re after a dinner that’s both light on the wallet and easy to make. Chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese come together for a dish that’s straightforward and fulfilling. It’s a great main dish that keeps well, so you can be sure to have a good meal option for days. This bake shows that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken corn soup is the way to go for a comforting and budget-friendly meal. It’s perfect for cooler nights when you want something warm and filling without spending a lot. Serve with a slice of bread for a complete meal that feels special without the hefty price tag. And if you have leftovers, they freeze well, so it’s a recipe that is a convenient choice for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Enjoy the richness of chicken simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce without worrying about your budget. This recipe is a fantastic way to make a meal feel special without the high cost, using affordable chicken cuts. Save money by using bone-in chicken thighs, which are typically cheaper than boneless. You can de-bone them before cooking or just keep the bone in. Pair the dish with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce. Leftovers reheat well, offering you a second chance to enjoy a luxurious meal without the luxury price.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce