Our budget loves these 21 dinner recipes

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We’re rolling out dinner recipes that are a win for your budget, showing it’s totally doable to whip together meals that are kind to your wallet and still fill you up. These 21 prove that budget-friendly dishes don’t mean skimping on taste; it’s all about smart, flavorful choices.

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal is a go-to for saving money and effort. Mix sausage with sale-priced veggies on a single sheet for easy cooking and cleanup. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a quick, wallet-friendly way to feed the family. Great for busy nights, it’s a smart pick from our budget dinners list.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a standout for anyone looking to stretch their food budget. It deconstructs the classic stuffed bell pepper into a one-dish meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s an easy, budget-friendly solution for a filling meal, making it a favorite for nights when you’re looking for comfort without the extra hassle. Perfect for keeping your dinner plans simple and your expenses low.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These patties are a top pick for budget dinners we always keep bookmarked. Made from canned chicken, they’re ready in 20 minutes and incredibly versatile. Serve them with veggies or in sandwiches for an easy, wallet-friendly meal. They’re perfect for stress-free dinners that don’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This soup is a budget-friendly hero, utilizing simple, often on-hand ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes. Spices you likely have in your pantry add flavor without extra cost. Just throw everything in the crockpot for a meal that’s easy to make and easy on the wallet. It’s a fantastic choice for making the most of your grocery budget.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choosing this casserole means you’re opting for an affordable yet flavorful meal. It combines budget-friendly frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon bits, all ready in 30 minutes. This dish is a wise decision on busy nights, serving up great taste while keeping costs low.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish proves that budget-friendly meals can be quick and delicious. It uses economical ingredients like cabbage and sausage for a one-pan meal. Opting for pre-cooked chicken sausage saves both money and time. Plus, cabbage adds a nutritious boost. It’s an excellent option for stretching your food budget further.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn to this soup for a delicious family dinner that’s easy on your pocket. Made in one pot with simple ingredients, it turns the classic chicken pot pie into a soup. Ready in about an hour, it’s a great way to bring everyone to the table without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish with canned tuna and peas in it.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a meal that’s gentle on your finances and a crowd-pleaser, turn to this Tuna Noodle Casserole. It comes together in less than an hour, making it great for weeknight dinners. This casserole is straightforward, great for leftovers, and a smart pick for those seeking a quick, budget-friendly meal during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a meal that’s both budget-friendly and quick to whip up, these garlic butter chicken bites hit the mark. With just a few ingredients needed for the sauce, you can have a delicious meal ready in 20 minutes. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a great meal without a big spend.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These cucumber boats are a fantastic option for a low-cost dinner or snack. Made with budget-friendly ingredients such as canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, they’re quick to prepare. This recipe is best for anyone needing a fast and affordable meal option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This skillet meal is a solid choice for saving money. Ready in about 30 minutes and using inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice, it keeps things simple and budget-friendly. The one-pan approach also cuts down on cleanup, making it a hassle-free option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a total win for anyone on a budget. Whip it up in under an hour — super simple with minimal fuss to get it prepped, so it’s a great choice if you want to get something on the table without having to actively cook for hours on end.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Green Chile Chicken

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make the most of your food budget with this Green Chile Chicken recipe. It’s a speedy meal, ready in 20 minutes using just one skillet. With leftover chicken thighs or store-bought rotisserie chicken and cost-effective green chiles, you can create a flavorful dinner without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This baked chicken dish is perfect for a budget-conscious dinner. Combining chicken breasts with spices, cream cheese, and peppers, it’s a delicious and affordable meal option. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful way to keep your dinner costs down.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken salad is a great choice for an economical meal that’s also easy to make. With straightforward ingredients like chicken and jalapeños, it’s perfect for meal prep. This salad is a go-to for an appetizing dinner that has both flavor and value.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal is a brilliant pick for anyone looking for a flavorful dinner that’s easy on the wallet. Fried cabbage with bacon, ready in just 25 minutes, uses budget-friendly staples like cabbage and onion to create a dish that’s simple yet delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy a savory dinner without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken corn soup is great for keeping costs down while still enjoying a warm, hearty meal. Made with chicken, veggies, and a savory broth in less than an hour, all in one pot, it’s a cost-effective way to serve a filling and nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These spicy salmon patties are a great choice for a budget-friendly seafood meal. Made with economical canned salmon and spiced with jalapeño and cayenne, they’re ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, affordable meal solution that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking to save? This creamy spinach chicken bake combines cost-effective ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, and cheeses into a delicious one-dish bake. It minimizes cleanup and is perfect for a straightforward, wallet-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan chicken with creamy mushroom sauce is a fantastic option for those on a tight budget. Ready in 30 minutes, it pairs chicken with a lush mushroom sauce for a simple, inexpensive meal that doesn’t hold back on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is both easy to make and gentle on your budget. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach in a single dish for a no-fuss, affordable weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to feed your family without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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