If you’re looking to stretch your dollar without skimping on flavor, these budget dinners are your go-to guide for feeding your family well. We’re all about getting the most out of every meal, and this list of 25 dishes is packed with options that do just that. Think hearty and easy-to-make meals that won’t have you watching the pot all evening or the pennies in your wallet.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Enjoy the flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the typical high cost of a delicious meal. This casserole combines affordable ground meat, rice, and bell peppers into a budget-friendly, family-size dinner. It’s efficient to make and keeps well, ensuring you get the most out of your time and ingredients. Also, reheating this dish is a breeze, making it perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a low-cost, hearty meal prepared with minimal steps. Toss ingredients into the cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll be greeted with a comforting soup that’s easy on your budget. It’s a fitting choice for anyone new to cooking since all you have to do is chop the ingredients and add them to the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Made of budget-friendly ingredients, Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well. This recipe combines sausages and veggies in one pan, making for easy cleanup and a hearty meal. The dish is also versatile, allowing you to use any seasonal veggies you have on hand or even leftovers, so you won’t have to head to the grocery for ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan Cabbage and Sausage dish combines cost-efficient veggies with flavorful sausages for a filling meal that won’t hurt your pocket. It’s a straightforward dish that only takes 30 minutes to whip up, making it a perfect dinner option for maximizing your time and grocery budget. Plus, it can be stored for up to 3 days, so you can serve it with rice the first night and potatoes on another.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a creative way to do budget dining, especially when cucumbers are at their lowest price. They only take 30 minutes to make and use ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Get dinner on the table in a snap with this pork chop recipe. It’s a no-brainer method for getting that crispy coating everyone loves, all without having to fry anything. In just 25 minutes, you’ve got a main dish that’s a hit with everyone, especially when you’re short on time. It’s also a great pick for new cooks or anyone looking for a quick, cost-effective way to feed the family well on a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole recipe uses frozen vegetables to keep costs low without sacrificing flavor. It’s topped with a rich homemade cheese sauce and crispy bacon bits. It’s not only affordable but also quick to prepare, only taking 30 minutes out of your day! Store it in the fridge for easy reheats within 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage of up to 3 months.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Transform simple pantry items into this comforting Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. This dish is great for a budget-friendly meal, as it combines ingredients you most likely already have at home — canned tuna, noodles, and peas. It also keeps well in the fridge, lasting up to 3 months, so you’ve got a meal ready for the next few days instead of just one dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a budget-friendly dish made with chicken pieces cooked in a garlic butter sauce. Serve over rice or alongside veggies for a complete dinner that’s as easy on your wallet as it is filling. This dish also doesn’t take too much effort or time since it comes together in one pan within 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Baked Ravioli
For a comforting meal that won’t break the bank or take all night to make, try this baked ravioli. It’s like a simplified lasagna. Using frozen ravioli means you can skip a bunch of steps and still end up with a great dish in about an hour. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending a lot or spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is the perfect mix of affordability and convenience as it is made with canned tomatoes, a mix of spices, and ground beef, which is cheaper than many meat cuts. It’s cooked in a crockpot for 4 hours on high heat or 6-7 hours on low heat, allowing all of the flavors to come together and create a hearty dinner. It can be stored for up to 5 days or frozen for 2 months, so you can stretch this meal for a long time!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is a standout choice for anyone looking to stretch their dollars. It’s made with inexpensive ingredients like dried white beans, vegetables, and spices, so it’s full of nutrition while keeping you well within your budget. This soup is not only easy on your wallet but also quick to prepare — all you’ll need is one pot and 40 minutes from start to finish to create this delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
With Canned Chicken Patties, you can create a low-cost yet delicious meal. These patties mix canned chicken with sunflower meal and spices for a versatile dinner option. They can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and in the freeze for 3 months, but they’re best served fresh with a side salad or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Enjoy the comforting taste of a classic Chicken Pot Pie Soup, but make it easier to make and more budget-friendly. This version comes as a soup instead of a pie, so you won’t have to spend time or money on making the crust. It’s a great pair with fresh bread, and a perfect meal to leave in the fridge for up to 4 days so that you’ll have a meal ready anytime.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one-pan Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet brings together affordable ingredients for a low-cost meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The main ingredients you’ll need include ground beef, cheese, rice, aromatics, and spices, all of which are pantry staples. Ready in half an hour, this filling meal is easy to pair with a side salad. Plus, it’s a clever way to sneak more veggies into your family’s dinner!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole transforms affordable ingredients into a rich, cheesy dish that’s easy on your budget. With broccoli, eggs, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup, you get a delicious casserole that pairs well with any protein. It’s especially good for encouraging picky eaters to enjoy their greens. Store leftovers in the fridge, and you’ve got a go-to veggie dish that’s ready to reheat.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
For a budget-friendly dish that adds a spicy touch to the dinner table, try this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It’s made with only a few simple ingredients like chicken, jalapeños, and mayonnaise. Serve it alone or as a sandwich filling for a versatile dining option.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole combines affordable ingredients like frozen cauliflower rice, spinach, and ground beef for a budget-friendly but filling dish. Cook the cauliflower rice according to package instructions before mixing it with browned beef and seasonings — it’s that easy! This dish is ready to enjoy in 30 minutes and keeps well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is a budget-friendly dish that’s quick to prepare, using leftover or rotisserie chicken and canned green chiles for a flavorful meal. It’s versatile, best paired with rice or in tacos, and is a great way to make a delicious dinner without spending a lot. Serve it up in minutes for a meal that’s easy on the wallet and great on taste.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken brings the flavor of Mexico to your dinner table without the high restaurant prices. Brine the chicken, cover it in spices, then bake it with cream cheese, peppers, and mozzarella. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a meal that you can enjoy several ways — over rice or with tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Combine chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese for a Spinach Chicken Bake that’s easy on the budget. This dish pairs well with vegetables or a salad or can be enjoyed all on its own. Plus, leftovers are easy to store and reheat for up to 3 months as long as you put them in the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple, budget-friendly dish that complements any main protein. It’s a great way to add vegetables to your meal without stretching your budget. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup combines chicken, canned cream corn, corn kernels, and herbs to create a hearty dinner that won’t burn a hole through your pocket. It’s a great recipe for using up leftover chicken. This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a quick solution for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a great way to enjoy salmon, turning pantry staples into a cost-effective dinner. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to spice up your dinner routine since these patties are made with cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, mustard, and jalapeño.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe yields a chicken dish that’s rich in texture and flavor but light on the pocket. Season the chicken, cook it in a pan, then cook the mushrooms in the same pan to create a flavorful and creamy sauce. It’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice, with leftovers easily reheated for another delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce