Jump into the world of delicious thrifty recipes and see how they flip the script on budget meals. It’s all about getting more bang for your buck and still having a blast in the kitchen. These 21 recipes are proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to whip up something great. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a good deal and is ready to show that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring.
Cabbage and Sausage
This budget-friendly meal combines cabbage, sausage, and onions for a nutritious dinner that won’t strain your wallet. It’s all cooked in one pan within 30 minutes, meaning less time cooking and cleaning. This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick, affordable way to enjoy a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Kick off your day with just 20 minutes of prep, and let your Crock Pot transform budget-friendly ingredients like beans, corn, and tomatoes into a flavorful taco soup. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days, serving a hearty meal without the hassle or high cost. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy to gather around the table and bond over food.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
Transform canned chicken into a delicious dinner with this simple recipe. In 20 minutes, mix the chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices to create patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with your favorite sides, in a salad, or as a sandwich filler. It’s a clever way to make a low-cost ingredient stand out.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This dinner is all about ease and flavor. Just take your favorite sausages and a mix of vegetables, toss them on a sheet pan, and let the oven do its work. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a vibrant, savory meal on the table. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you’re tight on time but still want to serve up something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Broccoli Casserole
Dive into the simplicity of this Broccoli Casserole. You only need a handful of ingredients: broccoli, a creamy sauce, and crushed butter crackers for texture. It takes just 50 minutes to bake, making it a solid choice for those who are new to cooking or prefer not to spend all evening in the kitchen. It’s a filling dish that keeps both your stomach and wallet full.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole takes the essence of stuffed bell peppers and turns it into an effortless meal. By mixing all the ingredients together and baking them, you save time without sacrificing flavor. In just 45 minutes, you have a dish that’s brimming with the goodness of peppers, cheese, tomato, ground meat, and rice.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Whipping up this Tuna Noodle Casserole couldn’t be simpler. You combine noodles, canned tuna, and a creamy mixture, then bake until bubbly and golden. Ready in about an hour, it’s the epitome of comfort food that doesn’t ask much from you, either in terms of ingredients, budget or effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Imagine getting the full flavor of fajitas without a lot of work. Season chicken breasts, layer them with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and a sprinkle of mozzarella, then bake. In 30 minutes, you’re enjoying a dish that’s flavorful and extra filling. It’s a great way to serve up a restaurant favorite in a new way without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Transform the classic comfort of a chicken pot pie into a budget-friendly creamy, savory soup in just an hour. It’s as simple as combining chicken, a selection of vegetables, and a rich base. This recipe is a godsend for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Get all the flavors of twice-baked potatoes without the extra effort. This casserole layers potatoes with melted cheese and crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s bound to be a hit. It’s an uncomplicated, budget-friendly way to bring a bit of indulgence to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This salad remixes the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers into a lighter yet equally savory dish. With chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy dressing, it’s a fantastic pick for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s easy to put together and a great option for meal prep during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These spicy salmon patties are a creative and delicious way to use canned salmon. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick, versatile dinner option. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce or as the star of a meal, accompanied by sides of your choice.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is a veggie-packed wonder, featuring broccoli and cauliflower with the added richness of cheese and bacon. Ready in 30 minutes, it uses frozen vegetables to keep things affordable and easy. It’s a delicious, stress-free way to enjoy your veggies
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Here’s a one-pan meal that combines the heartiness of ground beef with the lightness of cauliflower rice. Throw in some mushrooms and cheese, and in 30 minutes, you have a creamy, appetizing skillet dish. It’s a fantastic pick for those nights when you need something quick and easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Green Chile Chicken
This dish takes either leftover or rotisserie chicken and gives it new life with the addition of green chilies. It’s a quick, 20-minute meal that’s versatile and packed with flavor. Whether you use chicken thighs or any other cut, this recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, hearty meals can be simple and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
This one-pan dish combines chicken, cheese, and spinach, baked to perfection in 30 minutes. It’s an easy, nutritious dinner that won’t leave you stressed about cleanup. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for something straightforward and easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Enjoy tender chicken thighs smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, all from one pan and ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that pairs well with any side dish. This recipe is a perfect example of how you can create a rich, flavorful dinner without spending a lot or spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These cucumber boats filled with a bacon ranch chicken salad are quick to assemble and refreshing to eat. Using precooked chicken speeds up the process, making this dish a no-stress meal. It’s also great for making ahead of time for those busy days.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This dish brings together ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach under a layer of melted cheese for a creamy, filling casserole that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect one-skillet meal for those hectic evenings that don’t skimp on flavor. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also makes for great meal prep so you have delicious leftovers on hand for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Cook up a batch of this fried cabbage with bacon for a dinner that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Starting with bacon to set the base and then adding cabbage to soak up all the delicious bacon goodness, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s a simple yet effective way to bring both veggies and protein to your dinner table without spending much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This sweet potato and red pepper soup is the epitome of comfort food made easy. Just a few ingredients simmered on the stove transform into a rich, flavorful soup in about an hour. It’s a great pick for those days when you want something comforting and filling without the hassle. Plus, it’s as kind to your budget as it is to your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup