Looking for cheap eats that’ll keep your wallet happy? You’re in luck because these 23 recipes are so budget-friendly, your accountant might just bust out a high-five. Get ready to cook meals that’ll make you feel like a financial wizard in the kitchen. And don’t worry, there’s no need to be a math whiz to figure out these savings.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
In just 25 minutes, create a hearty meal with this Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Utilizing common pantry items like breadcrumbs and spices, this recipe achieves a tender pork chop in a flavorful crust that’s worth a lottery win. Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a classic dinner that’s easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is your weeknight hero, ready in less than an hour and easy on the budget. It’s the kind of meal you prep ahead, pop in the oven, and have everyone at the table nodding in approval. And hey, if you’ve got leftovers, they freeze perfectly, which means you’re set for another meal without spending more cash. It’s a great choice for a no-fuss dinner that gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This budget-friendly dish is ready in just 45 minutes, featuring ingredients like bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and canned tomatoes into a one-pot meal. It’s a smart choice for families as it minimizes cleanup and cost, especially with the ingredients keeping things affordable. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete dinner that’ll make you feel like you won the lottery.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
Enjoy a wallet-friendly meal with this one-pan cabbage and chicken sausage dish, which you can make in only 30 minutes. Customize it with different sausage types like kielbasa, or add mustard for a deeper flavor. Cabbage bulks up the meal, allowing you to serve more people for less cost. Pair this dinner with rice or noodles for a filling and winning meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Quick and cost-effective, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can be made in 20 minutes using chicken, garlic, butter, and some pantry staples. This dish will make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot, especially on hectic weeknights, because of how quick and affordable it is. Any leftovers work great as a salad topper, stretching your dollar further.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Set it and forget it with this Crock Pot Taco Soup. Ground beef, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning merge into a delicious stew that’ll taste like a lottery win. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without hassle or expensive ingredients, and you can customize the spiciness to your taste. Top with sour cream and serve with bread for an extra touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Baked Ravioli
This dish simplifies the classic lasagna by using frozen cheese ravioli and marinara sauce, making it more budget-friendly. Combine the ravioli with sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an hour to create a hearty meal that’ll make you feel like you’ve won the lottery. It’s perfect for a no-stress dinner, not only for one night but several, since you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a lottery win for both your stomach and your wallet. Ready in about 30 minutes, it combines vegetables with bacon and a cheesy sauce. No need for fresh vegetables — this recipe uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower, a much cheaper alternative for those watching their budget. This dish can be doubled and frozen for up to 3 months, so you’ve got a dinner you can easily reheat for a long time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is both an economical and effortless jackpot, great for anyone new to cooking and looking for an affordable meal. Add split peas, vegetables, and ham to your slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s one way to make a nutritious dinner that gets better the next day, with leftovers that taste great reheated.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh, inexpensive way to create a dinner that looks like a million bucks. With canned chicken, bacon, and cucumbers, this dish is not only light on the wallet but also on preparation. Just fill the hollow cucumbers with your salad mix made of bacon, canned chicken, sour cream, and spices, and you’ll be done in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Mix sausages with frozen veggies on a single sheet pan for an easy, quick dinner. This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner ticks all the boxes — it only 30 minutes to make, it’s made of affordable ingredients, and there’s minimal cleanup involved. A recipe that’s worth a grand prize win, it’s perfect for a nutritious, low-cost meal, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole combines canned tuna, egg noodles, and frozen peas for a comfort dish that’s easy on your budget. With an inexpensive ingredient list and only a 55-minute cooking time, this dish is so good you’ll feel like you’ve won the lottery. Serve with vegetables or bread for a dinner that’ll leave you full and sated.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is a jackpot-worthy dish, ready in about 30 minutes. Baked with cheeses, spices, and mini sweet peppers it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Serve it over rice or in tortillas, and add a squeeze of lime for a fresh burst of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that’s easy on your budget and can be stored for later.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties make a quick and affordable meal that’s so good, you’ll find it a worthy reward after a long day. Combine canned chicken with ingredients like onions and peppers, and serve with veggies or in a sandwich for a versatile dish. These patties are a smart use of pantry items, helping you stretch your budget while still enjoying a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is an affordable choice that comes together in half an hour. Combine chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, and bake until bubbly. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone or can be paired with pasta or rice for a fuller meal. It’s economical, easy to make, and great for those looking to save money, making it a triple-win recipe.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a cost-effective dish that brings together shredded chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, and seasonings for a lively flavor. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or wrapped up for a quick meal. Adjust the heat to match your taste, and enjoy a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare. With its flavor, effortless preparation, and affordability, it’s a triple-peat winner for a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is a budget-friendly dish that combines broccoli with cream of mushroom soup and breadcrumbs in less than an hour. It’s an affordable way to include greens in your diet. Serve it with garlic bread for a filling meal that tastes like a huge reward. This casserole is great for leftovers and can be easily frozen for future use.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet mixes ground beef, cream cheese, and mushrooms with cauliflower rice and spices for a low-cost meal that’s easy to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option for a busy weeknight. The dish is made with spices such as red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and tomato paste, making it a winner in the flavor contest. Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance the meal without increasing the cost.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting choice that won’t stretch your budget. Made with ingredients like shredded chicken, canned corn, and vegetables, this dish is so delicious, you’ll think you’ve struck gold. It cooks in less than an hour and pairs well with crusty bread or noodles. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, so you can save them for reheating on a rainy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon combines simple ingredients for a quick and budget-friendly meal. This dish is perfect as a standalone meal or a hearty side dish. Leftovers reheat well, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious dinners. Though it only contains 6 ingredients, including cabbage, bacon, salt, and pepper, this cheap dinner is a flavorful meal that’ll make you feel luckier than a lottery winner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is a quick 20-minute meal that’ll make budget-conscious chefs feel like they’ve won the lottery. Utilizing leftover chicken, green chiles, and basic spices, it can be served over rice or as a taco filling. Top with sour cream and cilantro for extra flavor. This dish is not only economical but perfect for meal prep, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This jackpot-worthy Cheesy Beef Casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach for a hearty meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s cost-effective and filling, perfect on its own or with a side salad. You can even add red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired. This recipe yields 8 servings, so if you have any leftovers, store them for delicious dinners for the next 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
White Bean Soup
Roll up your sleeves for this White Bean Soup that’s ready in just 40 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a busy evening when you want something good to eat without spending a lot. This one-pot meal doesn’t just save you time; it saves you money too. Your accountant might just want the recipe after you tell them how little it costs to make a dinner that’s packed with veggies and fiber.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup