We’re all about adding budget recipes to our meal plan that not only save you money but also make mealtime simple and enjoyable. These 21 recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to stretch their food budget without sacrificing flavor or variety. We’re keeping it easy with dishes that are straightforward to prepare, so you can add some cost-effective options to your weekly meal plan.
Cabbage and Sausage
This recipe is a keeper for when you’re watching your budget but still want something good to eat. It takes less than 30 minutes to get it on the table, and you only need a handful of basic ingredients like cabbage, sausage, and a few seasonings. It’s great for those days when you want a decent meal without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a smart pick when you’re aiming for something that’s both easy on the budget and quick to make. They’re on the table in 20 minutes, combining chicken with a delicious garlic butter sauce that’s simple yet flavorful. With minimal ingredients and effort required, this dish stands out as a fast, affordable choice for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Talk about easy! This Crock Pot Taco Soup is as simple as it gets for saving money and effort. Throw in some ground beef, cream cheese, and whatever else you like in there, then let the crock pot do its thing. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for adding your own spin with whatever toppings you fancy. Great for anyone looking to whip up something good without much effort or a big price tag.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a solid pick for any weeknight. It’s quick, taking less than an hour to whip up, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. It’s easy to make and reheats well, making your life easier and keeping your wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole makes mealtime easy and affordable, coming together in 30 minutes with budget-friendly frozen veggies. With a creamy cheese sauce and bacon adding rich flavor, it’s the perfect dish for those seeking a nutritious meal without spending too much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
For a weeknight win, especially if you’re not too confident in the kitchen, try this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It’s ready in 45 minutes, skipping the trouble of stuffing peppers but still delivering all their rich goodness in an easy casserole form. It’s budget-friendly and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
When you’re after something that’s both easy to make and easy on the budget, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is just the thing. Ready in 30 minutes and adaptable based on whatever veggies you have, it’s the epitome of convenience. Plus, cooking everything on one pan means less cleanup. It’s the perfect, worry-free way to get a hearty meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Start your day right with these Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. They’re ready in about 30 minutes and use simple ingredients, likely already in your pantry. Packed with protein from the cottage cheese, they’re a smart, budget-friendly breakfast option. Easy to make and kind to your wallet, these muffins show you don’t need to spend a lot for a great start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate budget dinner pick, whipping up a delicious family meal in just 50 minutes. It’s simple for beginners and ideal for those looking to keep kitchen time short without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
For a quick and cost-effective meal, Canned Chicken Patties are the way to go. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re flexible enough to pair with veggies or make into sandwiches. They help keep your meal costs low, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a good meal without a big spend.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole brings all the comfort you want in a dinner, featuring simple ingredients like potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese. It’s also great for meal prep, allowing you to relax and enjoy your evening. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad offers a delicious and budget-friendly choice for lunch or dinner. Made with straightforward ingredients such as chicken and jalapeños, it’s cost-effective and can be prepared in advance to save time.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken combines chicken breasts, spices, cream cheese, and peppers in a meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an affordable and flavorful dinner, perfect for keeping meal costs low while still enjoying an appetizing dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is a great way to turn leftover chicken thighs into a budget-friendly meal in just 20 minutes. This one-skillet dish revives leftovers and is an easy and cost-effective dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is perfect for family dinners, requiring only one pot and ready within an hour. With basic ingredients, this soup is a great pick for busy nights or a cozy weekend meal, bringing the classic taste of chicken pot pie to your table affordably.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Ready in just 30 minutes, the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice makes dinner easy. Using budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice, this meal is both affordable and flavorful. A one-pan dinner that simplifies your evening while keeping costs low.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake offers a delicious dinner without a big price tag. Ready in 30 minutes, it mixes chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a dish that’s perfect for feeding the family on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a cool, quick meal. Stuff cucumbers with chicken, bacon, and cheese, and you’ve got dinner ready in no time. They’re cheap, easy, and switch up the dinner game without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Whip up this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach in just 30 minutes. It’s a no-worry, one-dish meal that combines beef with some veggies. It saves you time and money, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple and easy-to-make recipe, ready in about 25 minutes. Just cabbage, bacon, and onion, and you’ve got a meal that’s easy on your wallet. Great for when you need something quick and don’t want to spend much.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is your pick for a comfy meal that’s easy to make. It takes about an hour, but it’s super simple and doesn’t cost much. Perfect for a chill night in without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup