Easy budget meal recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to cook good food easily and affordably. These 19 recipes are foolproof, making them great for beginners or those who don’t want to spend a lot. You’ll find a variety of dishes here, from filling casseroles to quick, one-pan meals. They’re all about making cooking simple, enjoyable, and light on the wallet.

Crock Pot Taco Soup

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a great pick for anyone looking for an easy and affordable meal. Made with budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, and spices you probably already have, it’s a straightforward recipe. You can add toppings like sour cream for extra flavor. The soup cooks in one pot, making it a quick and low-cost option.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for a quick, budget-friendly meal. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare. You can use any vegetables you have, which helps save money. Cooking everything on one pan means less cleaning. This meal is great for busy days and keeps costs down.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and Sausage is an excellent choice for a fast, affordable meal. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and uses cheap ingredients like cabbage and sausage. You can cook it with any oil and a bit of butter. The seasonings are mostly basic pantry items, making it a cost-effective and simple dish.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are great for a quick and budget-friendly start to the day. These muffins come together in just 30 minutes and are high in protein. They’re also customizable, letting you use ingredients you already have at home.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is an easy choice for a hearty meal, ready in 30 minutes. It’s made with budget-friendly frozen broccoli and cauliflower. The addition of a creamy cheese sauce and bacon brings flavor to this simple dish, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

These Canned Chicken Patties offer a quick and budget-friendly way to prepare a meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, these patties use affordable canned chicken. They pair well with veggies or in sandwiches, making them a versatile and low-cost option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a straightforward and comforting dish, using simple ingredients like potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese. You can even prepare it ahead of time. This casserole is great for a stress-free dinner that’s gentle on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick and budget-friendly meal. It’s simple to make with common ingredients like chicken and jalapeños. You can prepare it in advance, making it a great choice for an economical lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a straightforward 30-minute meal. It combines chicken breasts with spices, cream cheese, and peppers in an easy layering method. This dish is a cost-effective way to enjoy a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green Chile Chicken is perfect for using leftover chicken thighs. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s cooked in one skillet. The addition of green chile provides great flavor without added expense, making it an easy and budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a fast, budget-conscious meal option. Taking only 30 minutes to prepare, they use affordable canned salmon. Jalapeño and cayenne pepper add flavor without the need for expensive spices, making them a great choice for an economical meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a comforting choice, perfect for family dinners. It requires just one pot and is ready in an hour. The ingredients are simple, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick, one-pan meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it uses affordable ground beef and cauliflower rice. This dish is an easy, budget-friendly dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in a simple 30-minute preparation. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering an easy and budget-conscious meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick and unique meal. They use cucumbers to hold a chicken salad made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese. Ready in under an hour, they are both affordable and straightforward to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a simple 30-minute dish. It’s a one-dish meal that combines ground beef and frozen vegetables, making it perfect for any night. This casserole is both affordable and easy to make, blending convenience with cost-efficiency.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a flavorful 25-minute meal that uses simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion. This recipe is a practical option for busy evenings, offering a delicious meal that is also affordable.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a comforting, creamy one-pot meal. Ready in 1 hour, it’s ideal for a cozy meal on a busy night or a relaxed weekend. This soup is straightforward to make and provides a warm, enjoyable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto Chicken Nuggets are a simple 30-minute dish made with canned chicken. Easy to bake, they offer a crispy outside and tender inside. These nuggets are a great choice for a quick, low-cost meal that’s enjoyable for all.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets