If you’re trying to save money but still want to eat well, you’re in the right place. These 23 cost-effective recipes are all about making the most of simple ingredients to create mouthwatering meals. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a great dish, and we’re here to show you how.
Easy Flatbread Pizza
Who knew you could whip up a pizza night on a budget? This easy flatbread pizza comes together in no time and is perfect for a quick dinner. You’ll be surprised at how something so simple can taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza
Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks are a game-changer for anyone looking to eat well without spending much. They’re hearty and satisfying, making them a great centerpiece for any meal. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
If you haven’t tried air fryer glazed carrots, you’re missing out. They’re a sweet and savory treat that cooks up in minutes, making them an ideal side dish for busy nights. And they won’t stretch your budget, either.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Flour Tortilla
Making flour tortillas from scratch is easier than you might think. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for wrapping up your favorite fillings. Best of all, they’re cost-effective and way better than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
For those busy mornings, a make-ahead egg casserole is a lifesaver. It’s packed with flavor, can feed a crowd, and saves you time and money. Just heat a slice, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Spaghetti Marinara
Spaghetti marinara is a classic dish that never disappoints. It’s simple, satisfying, and can be made with pantry staples. It’s proof that great meals don’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
French Bread
Baking your French bread might sound fancy, but it’s quite straightforward. It’s crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for any meal. Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost of buying it from a bakery.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a delicious twist on a classic side dish. They’re crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable to make at home. They’re a great way to add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Veggie Burger
Veggie burgers are a fantastic option for a budget-friendly meal that’s also hearty. They’re full of flavor, easy to make, and sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. And they’re kinder to your wallet than dining out.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Potato Casserole
Potato casserole is comfort food at its best. It’s warm, creamy, and perfect for feeding a large group without spending a lot. It’s a dish that proves simplicity is often the key to a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a colorful and nutritious option that won’t break the bank. They’re versatile, filling, and can be customized with whatever you have on hand. It’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Vegan Ratatouille
Vegan ratatouille is a vibrant dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s a great way to use up a bounty of vegetables, and it’s surprisingly affordable. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something wonderful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potato is a simple, nutritious, and cost-effective side dish. It’s naturally sweet, can be dressed up or down, and is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Cheesy zucchini casserole is a great way to enjoy your veggies. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a comforting flavor that everyone will love. And it’s an affordable way to make a hearty meal that satisfies you.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Easy Burrito
An easy burrito is the ultimate in convenience and budget-friendly cooking. It’s packed with flavor, can be filled with a variety of ingredients, and is perfect for on-the-go meals. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito
Baked Potato
A baked potato is a blank canvas for a delicious and affordable meal. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and satisfyingly filling. Dress it up with your favorite toppings for a meal that feels indulgent without costing a lot.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a staple in budget cooking for good reason. They’re rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect side or burrito filling. Plus, they’re incredibly cheap to make from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Sweetcorn Fritters
Sweetcorn fritters are a delightful treat that’s easy on the wallet. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for breakfast or as a side. And they’re a great way to make a little bit of corn go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Sweetcorn Fritters
Vegetable Stir Fry
A vegetable stir fry is a quick, nutritious, and wallet-friendly meal option. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a meal that comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
An egg and potato breakfast casserole is the perfect start to any day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can feed a crowd without costing a lot. It’s a great way to make breakfast special without spending a lot of time or money.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Vegetable Stew
Vegetable stew is a hearty and healthy meal that’s perfect for colder months. It’s packed with a variety of veggies and is incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s an economical way to make a big batch of food that can last for days.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy cauliflower casserole is a cozy and comforting dish that won’t drain your budget. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a deliciously crispy top. It’s a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a new and exciting way.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
7 Layer Salad
A 7 layer salad is a showstopper that’s surprisingly affordable to make. It’s fresh, and colorful, and can serve as a side or a main dish. It’s a great way to layer flavors and textures without layering on the cost.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad