Having budget meal recipes on hand is key to enjoying great food while managing your expenses. These 19 easy and affordable recipes will seamlessly fit into your daily routine. We focus on using simple, accessible ingredients to make dishes that are filling, delicious, and cost-effective. Don’t skip these recipes, or you’ll miss a chance to make your meals simpler and more affordable.
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is an excellent pick for an affordable and fast meal. It’s an easy recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes, using cost-effective ingredients like cabbage and sausage. Simple seasonings from your pantry round out this dish, making it a smart choice for those looking to save without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a great choice for those on a budget. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef and cream cheese, along with common spices, making it both affordable and easy to prepare. Add your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, to enhance the flavor. The soup’s one-pot preparation means less hassle and more savings.
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, wallet-friendly meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, you can use any veggies you have on hand, helping to cut costs. Everything cooks on one sheet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a practical choice for a busy day and keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a great way to start the day without breaking the bank. They’re ready in just 30 minutes and packed with protein. These muffins are also customizable, allowing you to use what’s already in your kitchen for a cost-effective breakfast option.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties provide a quick, budget-friendly meal solution. They’re ready in 20 minutes and utilize affordable canned chicken. Versatile and economical, these patties pair well with various sides or can be enjoyed in sandwiches, offering a low-cost, enjoyable meal option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for a hearty meal, especially when you’re watching your budget. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare, using affordable ingredients like frozen broccoli and cauliflower. The creamy cheese sauce and bacon add extra flavor, making this simple dish a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a straightforward, comforting dish that’s easy on your budget. It combines potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese into a delicious meal. You can even prepare it in advance for a stress-free dinner, making it a great choice for both your wallet and your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a 30-minute meal that combines chicken breasts with spices, cream cheese, and peppers. Its easy preparation and cost-effective ingredients make it a great option for a flavorful dinner that won’t stretch your budget.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s simple to make. It features everyday ingredients like chicken and jalapeños. This salad can be prepared ahead of time, offering a great way to enjoy a flavorful lunch or dinner without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick, one-pan meal, perfect for a budget-friendly dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes and uses affordable ground beef and cauliflower rice. This dish is a practical option for an easy dinner that’s kind to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Green Chile Chicken is an excellent choice for utilizing leftover chicken thighs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this one-skillet dish is both time-saving and budget-friendly. The green chile adds great flavor, making it a smart pick for an easy and economical meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick and creative 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
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in a simple recipe that takes only 30 minutes to prepare. It’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, offering a cost-effective and easy meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a comforting choice, ideal for family dinners. It requires just one pot and is ready in an hour. The simple ingredients make it a great option for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, offering warmth and enjoyment without a high cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a simple, 30-minute dish that’s great for any night. It’s a one-dish meal combining ground beef and frozen vegetables, blending convenience with cost-efficiency. This casserole is both affordable and easy to make.
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 using simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion. This recipe offers a delicious meal that’s also affordable, making it a practical option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are perfect for a quick, cost-conscious meal. Taking only 30 minutes to prepare, they use affordable canned salmon. The addition of jalapeño and cayenne pepper enhances the flavor without the need for expensive spices, making them a wise choice for those on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
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 a great option for a cozy meal on a busy night or a relaxed weekend. This soup is straightforward to make and results in a dinner without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Keto Chicken Nuggets
These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a simple, 30-minute dish made with canned chicken. They are easy to bake and provide a crispy exterior with a tender interior. These nuggets are a great choice for a quick, low-cost meal that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets