If you’re looking to save some cash without skimping out on a good meal, these 23 cheap dinners are for you. Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or taste. In fact, with a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can whip up meals that are cost-effective and great to eat. Whether feeding yourself, your family, or a group of friends, these recipes are designed to keep your wallet happy.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This meal is a champion of budget cooking. Using sausages and any veggies you find on sale, you can whip up a filling dinner without spending much. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility — you can use leftovers or whatever veggies are in season and cheaper. Baking everything on one pan also means less electricity or gas used, saving you even more money. It’s perfect for a no-stress, low-cost meal. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
White Bean Soup
This White Bean Soup is a laid-back, cheap recipe that’s perfect for saving cash and it’s ready in just 40 minutes — ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a good meal without the hassle. It’s packed with fiber and veggies, and you only need one pot to whip it up.
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Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole is a smart way to enjoy the taste of stuffed bell peppers without the cost. By using ground meat (whatever’s on sale), rice, and bell peppers (especially when they’re in season and cheaper), you’re making a family-sized meal on a budget. Baking it all together cuts down on prep and cooking time, saving energy. This dish is a win for anyone looking to feed their family well for less. Keep this casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
With this soup, you’re mixing affordable staples like ground beef (buy it in bulk to save more), canned tomatoes, and spices to create a delicious meal that feels like a treat without the high price tag. Cooking it in a crockpot minimizes effort and energy use, which is great for your utility bill. It’s a great recipe for stretching your dollars further while still enjoying a hearty, flavor-packed meal. This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For a budget-friendly take on dinner, these garlic butter chicken bites use inexpensive chicken pieces sautéed to perfection. They’re an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful meal that doesn’t have to come with a high price. Serve them over rice or with a side of veggies for a complete meal. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; they’re great for tossing with pasta or veggies for a second meal. Talk about eating well on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan cabbage and sausage dish is a smart pick for a budget-conscious meal, combining affordable veggies with pre-cooked sausage for a hearty dinner. It’s a perfect main dish for those looking to eat well without spending a lot, and it pairs nicely with bread or potatoes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any extra veggies you have, reducing waste and stretching your groceries further. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 4 days, perfect for a quick reheat on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These cucumber boats are not just creative; they’re also cost-effective. Using canned chicken, which is cheaper than fresh, along with budget-friendly ingredients like bacon bits and a dash of ranch, you get a fun and inexpensive meal. It’s a great way to make a little go a long way, especially when cucumbers are in season and at their cheapest. Quick to prepare, these boats are perfect for a cheap, flavorful meal. Assemble the cucumber boats fresh, but if you have leftover filling, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days and use it as a quick meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup is a cheap recipe that’s easy for anyone to make, even if they’re just starting out in the kitchen. Toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, and you’re free to go about your day. It’s a cost-effective dish that can simmer on low or cook quickly on high, ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole makes use of frozen broccoli and cauliflower, which are often cheaper than their fresh counterparts, without sacrificing taste. Topped with a homemade cheese sauce and bacon bits for extra flavor, it’s a hearty meal that doesn’t cost much. It’s quick to prepare, too, meaning you save on time and energy costs. This dish proves that with the right ingredients, you can make a budget-friendly meal that’s still rich and fills you right up. This casserole can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve got a lot left over, it freezes well too. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Transform pantry staples into a comforting dinner with this easy tuna noodle casserole. It’s the perfect solution for a budget-friendly family meal, using canned tuna, noodles, and peas. This casserole is great as a main dish and can be served with a simple salad to round out the meal. It’s also a great recipe for beginner cooks because it’s easy to make but delivers a filling meal with minimal effort. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. If you have lots of leftovers, this dish lessens the need to cook daily.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
Make a low-cost yet delicious meal with these canned chicken patties, perfect for a quick dinner. Mixing canned chicken with breadcrumbs creates a cost-effective main course that’s both filling and easy to make. These patties can be customized with spices you already have, making them a versatile option for any taste preference. Serve with a side salad or veggies for a well-rounded meal. Best served fresh but can be kept in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a pan to maintain crispiness.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic dish in a more economical form with chicken pot pie soup. It’s a filling and budget-friendly choice for dinner, easily serving as the main course with some crusty bread on the side. This soup brings the coziness of home-cooked meals to your table with minimal effort. Just what you need after a long day. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, ensuring a comforting meal is always just a quick thaw away.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This creamy ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet is a low-cost, one-pan meal that simplifies dinner. It’s an excellent main course and perfect for those watching their budget. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy leftovers from the fridge within 3 days for an easy, quick meal. It’s also a stealthy way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet, pleasing even the pickiest eaters with its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli casserole is a delicious and affordable way to get your veggies in. Steam broccoli florets, mix with a creamy base, add cheese, and transfer to a casserole dish. Top with more cheese and crushed crackers for a crunchy finish. After 25-30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delicious casserole ready to be served alongside your favorite protein or salad. This dish is a great main or side, depending on your preference. And it’s particularly good for convincing picky eaters to enjoy their greens without spending a lot. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and you’ll always have a creamy veggie option on hand.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This jalapeño popper chicken salad is a budget-friendly and spicy kick on traditional chicken salad. It makes a great dinner that can spice up your meal routine without the high cost. Serve it on its own or as a filling for sandwiches. Best when fresh, but can keep in the fridge for a couple of days. This salad is a great way to break the monotony of typical meals, adding excitement to your meal routine without extra cost or calories.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
For a hearty and inexpensive meal, this cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach is a winner. Start by cooking the frozen steamable cauliflower rice according to package instructions, then set it aside. In a pan, heat some avocado oil and cook ground beef with chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until the beef is well browned. This recipe serves as a fantastic dinner option that is low on carbs and doesn’t skimp on taste, making it great for a family meal. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, making weekday dinners a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
Green chile chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s easy on your budget. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken with canned green chiles makes this a cost-effective meal. Serve over rice or with tortillas. Or, to change things up, load up some corn or flour tortillas with the chicken to whip up some chicken tacos.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This cheesy fajita baked chicken brings the excitement of fajitas without the cost, perfect for a budget-friendly dinner. Start by brining the chicken in a saltwater solution to ensure juiciness. Coat your chicken with spices and avocado oil, lay it in a baking dish, and top with cream cheese and peppers. Finish with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and bake until golden. A quick broil at the end gets that cheese perfectly bubbly. Serve with tortillas or over rice for a complete meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade dinner night at home while keeping an eye on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Mix chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese for a deliciously easy bake that’s light on the wallet. It’s a fantastic main course for anyone looking for low-cost dinners. Serve this as the main part of your meal with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Store in the fridge and enjoy for up to 4 days, keeping your meals simple and delicious. This dish proves that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried cabbage with bacon is a cost-effective side dish that can easily accompany any protein. It combines affordable cabbage with flavorful bacon, giving you a simple yet delicious way to add veggies to your meal without overspending. It’s best fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and it’ll still taste great when reheated. This dish is a great example of how budget-friendly ingredients can make for a hearty addition to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken corn soup is a hearty, comforting main course that is budget-friendly. It’s perfect for adding to the table on chilly nights without spending much. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a full meal. Perfect for freezing, you can keep this soup for up to 3 months, making it a go-to for when you need a quick, warming meal. This soup highlights how easy it is to create a nutrient-dense meal without a high cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These mini spicy canned salmon patties are a budget-friendly way to enjoy seafood. They make a great main dish for dinner, adding variety to your meal plan without breaking the bank. Serve them with a side salad or as sliders for a fun meal. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to a day and reheat them gently to maintain their texture.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Brown chicken and simmer in a creamy mushroom sauce for an indulgent yet budget-friendly dinner. It’s an impressive main course that’s surprisingly easy on your finances. Make it even cheaper by using bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Serve this with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Toss in a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce just before you wrap it up once the Parmesan is all melty and good to go. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce and chicken reheat well on the stove, transforming your next meal into a special occasion without the expense.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce