Who says cheap can’t be delicious? 17 budget-friendly feasts

Photo of author

| Published:

Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and here are 17 budget-friendly meals to prove it. These dishes are not only easy on the wallet but are also packed with flavor and fun to make. You can enjoy amazing meals without spending a lot. So, who says cheap can’t be delicious with these budget-friendly feasts?

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bet you never thought pasta could double as a chip! Crisp them up in the air fryer for a budget snack solution. Affordable feasts don’t get more innovative than this. And yeah, Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the conversation starter you need at your next friendly gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty and homey, this meal brings a touch of German cuisine to your budget-friendly feasting lineup. Let the Slow Cooker German Pot Roast tenderize while you tackle your day’s tasks. It’s like your taste buds are going on a Euro trip! Affordable fare has never been more comforting or satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Rainbow Chia Pudding

Rainbow Chia Pudding with dark background in a glass.
Rainbow Chia Pudding. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Indulge in this jar of joy with colors and nutrition that say ‘high-end’ without the price tag. With Rainbow Chia Pudding, you’re joining the league of smart, budget-friendly feasts. These layers of mighty seeds and fruit puree are the proof. Plus, they’re good enough to brighten any day on a dime.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Chia Pudding

Chicken on The Ritz Casserole

A spoonful of chicken casserole with a Ritz cracker topping.
Chicken on The Ritz Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Casserole Night just got a tasty twist with this dish that’s diligent about keeping your coins. Chicken on The Ritz Casserole isn’t just a feast for the senses, it’s a budget-friendly delight. It’s like a hug in a dish, all warm and friendly to your finances. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good crunchy topping?
Get the Recipe: Chicken on The Ritz Casserole

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries on a white wooden board.
White Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Turn those fresh strawberries into something special without the splurge. With White Chocolate Covered Strawberries, you’re looking at the classy side of budget-friendly meals. They’re a sweet steal for a treat after a meal or just because. Who knew saving could taste so indulgent?
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

There’s nothing like a tried-and-true pasta and beef combo to keep both your stomach and wallet full. This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is proof positive that budget-friendly can bring people to the table. It’s the kind of hearty that makes everyone ask for seconds. And it’s all about making your dollar stretch with taste to boot.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

A picture of the best chip dip with potato chips on a tray.
Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Jonesing for that creamy, signature dip, but is your wallet giving you the side-eye? This Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip is your ticket to flavor town on a budget-friendly feast agenda. The snacking is high-end, but trust me, the spending is not. It’s the ultimate couch companion for your chip-dipping pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A crock pot full of sausage, peppers, and marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Set your slow cooker in the morning and come home to the aromas of a great choice in budget-friendly feasting. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers reminds us that good food doesn’t need to be fancy or pricey. It’s all in the slow simmer. Plus, it’s a comfort dish that fills you up without emptying out your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Green bean casserole being served with wooden spoon.
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

When you put ‘green bean’ and ‘hamburger’ in the same sentence, you know it’s about comfort without the cost. So go ahead and scoop some more of this Green Bean Hamburger Casserole onto your plate. It’s one of those budget-friendly meals that remind you of home. And it’s big on flavor without being big on expense.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Cucumber Avocado Smoothie

A green smoothie with cucumbers, cilantro and avocado on a wooden cutting board.
Cucumber Avocado Smoothie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Shake up your smoothie game with ingredients that are kind to both your body and budget. Cucumber Avocado Smoothie represents the smarter side of budget-friendly feasting. It’s green, it’s creamy, and it screams premium without the price. Who said wholesome needs to be expensive?
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Avocado Smoothie

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken on a plate with rice and sauce.
Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Here’s a cheesy, savory dish that’s ridiculously easy to make and kind to your finances. Say hello to Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken, a staple in the hall of fame for budget-friendly feasts. It’s a little spicy, a lot cheesy, and all satisfying. And the crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says quick meals have to be uninspiring or unkind to your savings? These 25-Minute Black Bean Burgers come to the rescue. As part of your budget-friendly feast array, they’re a testament to the glory of homemade fast food. Hook, line, and sinker, they’re a veggie-packed path to satisfying eats.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate with a fork.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Craving that Sunday chicken but not feeling a dent in your paycheck? Whip up some Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. It’s comfort cuisine that showcases the best of budget-friendly meals. Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and no tipping required.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings.
Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ever wanted to explore South American cuisine without the cost of a plane ticket? Colombian Cheese Arepas have joined your budget-friendly feast compilation. They’re cheesy, they’re warm, and they’re proof that simple ingredients can take your palate on an adventure. And yes, you can serve up a global experience from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Side dishes shouldn’t be side thoughts, especially when it comes to saving cash. Parmesan Crusted Potatoes make a stellar sidekick in your budget-friendly feasting adventures. Crispy edges, soft centers, and a cheesy touch — it’s the budget delicacy you’ve been craving. And best of all, it’s proof that the simple things in life are often the best.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Power up your breakfast or snacks without giving up on saving pennies. These savory Egg Bites fall snugly into your budget-friendly meal plan. Gone are the days of pricey cafe bites, because who doesn’t want a bite of savings? Plus, they’re as nourishing as they are wallet-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Mocha Donuts

Image shows Mocha donuts on a wooden board with one missing a bite.
Mocha Donuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Have a hankering for a coffee-flavored treat? Try your hand at these Mocha Donuts. Part of the budget-friendly meal club, they make fancy coffeehouse sips edible. And they’re a testament that a small price tag can still yield big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mocha Donuts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.