When it comes to whipping up budget recipes, we’re all about getting the most bang for our buck without sacrificing flavor or resorting to eating instant noodles for the umpteenth time. Let’s face it, saving money is great, but so is eating something that doesn’t remind us of our college days. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 27 go-to meals that keep our wallets full and our stomachs full. These are the tried-and-true favorites we’re always turning to when we want to be smart with our cash but still feel like we’re treating ourselves to something good.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For a meal that’s easy on your wallet, this sheet pan dinner hits the spot. Just roast some Polish sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and sweet peppers with some seasonings. It’s super simple to make, and cleaning up is a snap. Plus, it’s a perfect solution for using up those veggies and saving some cash.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Looking for comfort food on a budget? Try the Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour and easy on your budget. You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re set to eat. And if you make too much, it’s no problem — you can freeze the leftovers. This casserole is a great pick for a meal that’s easy to make and won’t put a dent in your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole is a great choice when you’re watching your budget. It’s a smart way to use up ingredients like ground meat, rice, and bell peppers. You’ll find it easy to make, and it’s just as good when you eat it the next day. It’s perfect for stretching your food dollars and avoiding waste.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
When you need a budget-friendly meal for a busy day, slow cooker split pea soup is a great go-to. It’s simple: throw in your ingredients like split peas, broth, ham, and veggies, and let the slow cooker do its thing. You’ll end up with a hearty soup that’s easy on your finances. It’s perfect for using what you have on hand and keeping your bills low, without wasting anything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This dish is a great way to feed your family without spending a lot. Cabbage and sausage come together for a meal that’s full of flavor and light on your wallet. You’ll cook everything in just one pan, which means less cleanup. Cabbage is not only affordable but also stretches your meal further. Quick to cook and easy to love, this dish is a smart pick for anyone looking to eat well on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Turn simple ingredients into a hearty meal with this easy tuna noodle casserole. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to make their budget last, using pantry items to create a filling dish. With a short prep time and common ingredients like noodles, canned tuna, and frozen peas, this casserole is a great way to avoid extra trips to the store. Plus, it’s a meal that won’t break the bank and is always ready to be made with staples you likely have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
For a quick and budget-friendly meal, these pork chops are a great go-to. You’ll coat them in a mix of breadcrumbs and spices and then bake them until they’re just right. A bit of mayonnaise keeps the pork chops juicy with a crispy outside. And by baking them, you skip the need for frying, which saves on time. Buying pork chops in bulk can help save money, so this meal is not only easy to make but also easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a solid pick when you need something that’s quick to make and won’t cost a lot. You can have it ready in about 25 minutes, and it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. It’s great for taking to work or serving up quickly at home. Using pre-cooked chicken and ready-made dressing cuts down on time in the kitchen. It’s a stress-free dish that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is perfect for saving money and enjoying your veggies. Take frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix them with a creamy cheese sauce, and top with cheese and bacon before baking. It’s a dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, and the leftovers make for an easy meal later on. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty dish without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a budget-friendly meal that’s effortless to prepare. Start with some economical ground beef and add in staples like canned tomatoes. Just brown the meat, add it to the Crock Pot with the rest of the ingredients, and let it cook. You’ll end up with a filling soup that’s perfect for now and later, as it freezes well for future meals. This means you’ll be saving money on meals down the line, making it a clever choice for cost-conscious eating.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These garlic butter chicken bites are a great way to get the most out of your grocery budget. Using economical chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, you’ll quickly cook them and then coat them in a simple garlic butter sauce. They’re on the table in 20 minutes and you’ll only have to wash one pan. Serve them with some rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s easy on your finances. By sticking with basic ingredients, you’ll save money and reduce the need for frequent shopping trips.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Baked Ravioli
Baked ravioli is an excellent choice for an affordable and filling meal. Just layer frozen ravioli with your favorite marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a touch of dried herbs. After about an hour in the oven, you’ll have a bubbly, hearty dish. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting that doesn’t cost a lot. It’s also a clever way to use up any leftover veggies or cheese, so nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Try these bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats for a creative and budget-friendly meal. Mix canned chicken with bacon bits, cheese, and ranch seasonings, then spoon the mixture into halved cucumbers. They’re refreshing, quick to make, and won’t put a strain on your wallet. It’s a great recipe for using up ingredients and making sure everything in your kitchen is put to good use.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
White Bean Soup
This white bean soup is a perfect pick for keeping your food costs down. It’s as simple as combining canned beans with veggies and spinach, and in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a rich, creamy soup without using any actual cream. Blending the beans gives it that smooth texture. This soup is a smart choice for anyone wanting a meal that’s both nourishing and economical, especially since canned beans are such a cost-saver.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
If you’re looking for a meal that’s friendly to your finances, these canned chicken patties are just the ticket. With canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and a choice of sunflower seed meal or almond flour, plus a dash of spices, you can create a satisfying meal in about 20 minutes. Pair them with your favorite veggies or a fresh salad. They’re also perfect for storing for later use, making canned chicken an excellent option to keep protein costs low.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken pot pie soup is a comforting dish that’s easy on the wallet. It brings together all the comforting elements of a traditional pot pie — like chicken, veggies, and a hearty broth — without the need to make a crust. This soup is a less costly and easier alternative, still brimming with flavor. It’s also ideal for meal prep, so you can enjoy a quick, warming meal anytime. And it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken and vegetables, ensuring you get the most out of every grocery purchase.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
For a meal that’s easy on your budget and can be whipped up in 30 minutes, check out this creamy ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet. It combines budget-friendly ground beef with cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all in a single pan for easy cleanup. Adding a side salad rounds out the meal nicely. Using ground beef in versatile ways like this dish is a great strategy for stretching your food dollars.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli Casserole
Make the most of your budget with this broccoli casserole. It’s a cheesy and satisfying dish that uses simple, inexpensive ingredients like fresh broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese, topped off with cracker crumbs for crunch. It’s a smart way to serve up veggies in a way that everyone will love. Plus, it’s just as good when reheated, making it a perfect dish for meal prep and saving money.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Spice up your meal routine with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad without breaking the bank. Bake some chicken and bacon, char the jalapeños, and mix them with mayo or sour cream, hot sauce, and spices for a creamy salad with a kick. The crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch. Opting for homemade dishes like this instead of dining out can be a significant cost-saver.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This cheesy beef casserole is a smart choice for serving many without spending too much. It’s a straightforward recipe: heat up some cauliflower rice, brown the beef, mix with spinach, and bake. In half an hour, you have a filling casserole that’s ready to eat, and you can even freeze leftovers for later. Using frozen veggies and buying in bulk are great tactics for cooking on a budget, and this dish is a testament to that.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
Make the most of leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken with this Green Chile Chicken recipe. It’s a cinch to prepare and pairs well with rice or in tacos. In just 20 minutes using one skillet, you can combine chicken with green chiles, finely chopped jalapeño, cheddar, and spices for a dish that’s rich with flavor yet mild in heat. It’s an excellent dinner option that helps you stretch those food dollars by ensuring leftovers don’t go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
For a taste of Mexican cuisine without the high cost, try Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers. Just brine the chicken, add the toppings, and bake. It’s a meal that’s easy on your budget and can be served on its own, over rice, or in tortillas. Keeping things simple with affordable ingredients is the key to making your money stretch while still enjoying a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is a no-fuss dish that’s kind to your budget. Mix together some chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, and you’re set for a delicious casserole that’s ready to go in the oven in about 30 minutes. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side dish, and it’s perfect for freezing leftovers for later. Buying ingredients like spinach and chicken in bulk can lead to even more savings, making this recipe a smart choice for cost-conscious cooks.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried cabbage with bacon is a great dish for anyone looking to save money while still enjoying full flavors. It takes just 25 minutes to cook up cabbage and onions with bacon, and a hint of sweetness adds a nice depth to the dish. It’s easy to make and stores well, so you can keep enjoying it without spending extra. With cabbage and bacon, you get a lot of taste without a hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Canned salmon is an affordable staple that can liven up your meal plan. Whip up these mini spicy salmon patties for a cost-effective dinner option. Mix the canned salmon with eggs, your choice of ground pork rinds or panko for crunch, and jalapeños for a kick. A few additional spices will dial up the flavor. Canned fish like salmon is not only easy on the budget but also a great source of protein, ensuring you can create nutritious meals without a hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This chicken with creamy mushroom sauce is a great choice when you want something that seems special but still fits your budget. Just cook the chicken thighs, then top them with a sauce made from mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan. It’s a perfect meal for those times you want a touch of something extra without going overboard on spending. And by using ingredients you likely have on hand, you’re cutting down on costs and keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken Corn Soup
When you want a warm, filling soup without spending a lot, Chicken Corn Soup is the way to go. This soup combines chicken, creamed corn, and corn kernels in a savory broth and comes together in less than an hour. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is rich and satisfying. You can even make a big batch and freeze some for later, stretching your dollars further. This soup is also a great way to transform leftover chicken into a whole new meal, helping you save and reduce food waste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup