Budget dinners just got a whole lot more exciting, and these are recipes you simply can’t afford to miss out on. We wholeheartedly believe that great meals don’t require a big budget. Whether it’s a solo dinner or a table full of hungry mouths, these 20 recipes hit the mark every time, proving that you don’t have to break the bank for some really great meals.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a quick and affordable option for dinner. In just 20 minutes, you can prepare these savory chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce right on the stovetop. Pair them with rice and vegetables for a filling meal or atop a salad for something lighter.
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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This recipe is a go-to for anyone looking for an uncomplicated, budget-friendly dinner. You’ll arrange the sausages and veggies onto the sheet pan, bake them until perfectly caramelized, and in 30 minutes, dinner is served. Make it more budget-friendly by using the veggies you have on hand. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, especially if you want to enjoy a hearty dinner without the long prep or cleanup.
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Canned Chicken Patties
Turn canned chicken into crispy, juicy patties in just 20 minutes. This recipe guarantees a delicious dinner that’s both easy on your wallet and your time. You’ll mix the ingredients, shape them into patties, and cook them right on the stove. Pair these patties with a salad, steamed veggies, or add them to a sandwich.
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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole bakes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a hearty meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Using frozen veggies makes this dish both convenient and budget-friendly. It’s an effortless dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious and hearty dinner without much prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
In just one pan and under 30 minutes, you can cook a filling meal with this Cabbage and Sausage stir fry. Using fully-cooked chicken sausage cuts down on cost and cooking time, while the cabbage adds bulk and nutrients at a low price. This dish is hearty, affordable, and a great way to incorporate veggies into your meals.
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Chicken Corn Soup
Create a comforting bowl of soup by simmering tender chicken and hearty vegetables in a creamy broth. This one-pot meal is ready in under an hour, combining ease with flavor for a dinner that’s perfect on busy evenings. With simple steps and common pantry ingredients, it’s accessible for cooks of any experience level. If you have leftover chicken or veggies, this recipe becomes even more convenient, ensuring a quick and delicious dinner solution.
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Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Whip up this one-pan meal in 30 minutes for an easy and budget-friendly dinner. Mixing ground beef with cauliflower rice and mushrooms, topped with cheese, this skillet meal hits the spot when you’re looking for comfort food in a hurry. It’s an easy and practical recipe that’s perfect for anyone starting out in the kitchen or if you’re aiming to keep dinner costs down.
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Crock Pot Taco Soup
Start by browning ground beef, then let it simmer with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning in your Crock Pot. By dinner, you’ll have a hearty soup that cooked itself for you. This meal is a practical option for busy days. You’ll use simple pantry stapes and enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending all day in the kitchen.
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Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Get a taste of fajitas without the complicated steps with this 30-minute chicken dish. Here, chicken breasts are seasoned with fajita spices, then topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and baked until golden. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that won’t break the bank.
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Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Prepare these high-protein cucumber boats filled with bacon ranch chicken salad in 30 minutes. Scoop the chicken salad into halved cucumbers, season, and you have a fresh, quick meal or snack. Using pre-cooked chicken speeds up the process, and you can even prepare these boats a day ahead for convenience. This recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a meal that’s both affordable and effortless to put together.
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Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Here’s a recipe that turns canned salmon into spicy mini patties in just 30 minutes. You’ll mix the ingredients, form them into patties, and cook them right on the stovetop. They’re also very versatile, as you can use any type of canned protein and adjust the spiciness to your liking. Serve them with your favorite dip for a practical recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, especially when you need something that’s effortless and easy on the wallet.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Try this creamy salad for a fun spin on traditional jalapeño poppers. With only 20 minutes of prep time, it combines chicken, bacon, mayonnaise, and jalapeños into a salad that’s surprisingly affordable and very easy to make. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a straightforward dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping. Make this on those busy days and have a ready-made meal to enjoy when you need it.
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This meal comes together in 25 minutes and ensures you get a good dose of veggies and protein in one go. Crisp bacon, then cook cabbage in the same skillet to soak up all the delicious flavors. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup later, making this a smart pick for a quick and affordable dinner.
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Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a solid pick for nights when you’re looking for something quick, easy, and good for your budget. It’s ready in under an hour, straightforward to whip up, and the leftovers taste just as great the next day. Perfect for those evenings when you want a no-stress meal that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is your go-to for a meal that’s easy on the wallet and simple to make. With a prep time of just 50 minutes, it’s perfect for beginners in the kitchen or anyone who’d rather spend less time cooking and more time enjoying their evening.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup gives you all the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the hassle, making it a top choice for budget-friendly dining. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s creamy, filling, and straightforward to make, using ingredients you likely already have. This soup is just the thing for those nights when you need a little comfort without the complication.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
This easy bake mixes chicken, cheese, and spinach for an affordable and flavorful dinner. It’s a straightforward dish that packs both protein and veggies, perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty yet simple. Ready in about 30 minutes and requiring minimal cleanup, this recipe simplifies your dinner routine while being easy on your wallet.
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Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In just 30 minutes, cook chicken thighs in a rich mushroom sauce for a meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. This one-pan dish is a fantastic choice for a budget-friendly dinner any night. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or veggies, creating a full meal without the complicated steps or ingredients. Simple and cost-effective, this recipe is great for a cozy dinner at home.
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Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
This one-skillet recipe is a great way to repurpose chicken thighs or any chicken you have on hand. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the heat of the green chilies as they add a new flavor profile without extra cost. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish is perfect when you need a budget-friendly dinner solution that’s both easy and practical.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This one-skillet dinner combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all under a layer of melted cheese in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both affordable and filling, making sure you get a homemade dinner on the table without any stress. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can store your leftovers and enjoy the same great flavors for another day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach