Extra easy budget dinners are ideal for anyone looking for simple, affordable meals that are hard to mess up. These 19 recipes use basic, cost-effective ingredients and are straightforward to prepare. They’re perfect for busy students, working parents, or anyone wanting to spend less time in the kitchen. With these meals, you can enjoy good food easily and without stretching your budget.
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup is great for easy, low-cost dinners. It uses budget-friendly ground beef and cream cheese for a rich taste. You probably already have the needed spices, which saves money. You can add toppings like sour cream if you like. This soup cooks quickly in one pot, making it a great choice for saving time and money.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is quick and won’t break the bank. It takes just 30 minutes to make. To save money, you can sub in or sub out the veggies based on what you have on hand. It’s all cooked on one pan, so cleaning up is easy. This meal is perfect for busy days and keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are fast, easy, and cheap. They take 20 minutes to make and use affordable canned chicken. These patties are good with veggies or in sandwiches. They’re a great choice for a quick, low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is a quick, budget-friendly meal. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes. This one-pan dish uses affordable cabbage and sausage. You can use any cooking oil and a bit of butter for flavor. The seasoning mainly includes pantry staples, making it a cost-effective choice.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Try this Twice Baked Potato Casserole for a simple, comforting meal. It’s made with basic ingredients like bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheese. You can even prepare it ahead of time. It’s a dish that is perfect for a stress-free, economical dinner with leftovers for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is easy and quick, ideal for a family dinner. You only need one pot to make this creamy, hearty soup. The ingredients are straightforward. It’s ready in 1 hour, great for both busy weeknights and relaxing weekends.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick, budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to make and uses common ingredients like chicken and jalapeños. You can make it in advance for meal prep. This recipe is perfect for a cost-effective lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a simple 30-minute meal. It combines chicken breasts, spices, cream cheese, and peppers. The preparation involves easy layering. It’s a cost-effective choice for a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a quick, economical option. They only take 30 minutes to make. Using canned salmon keeps the cost down. The jalapeño and cayenne add flavor without needing expensive spices.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is an easy 30-minute dish. It uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower, which are budget-friendly. The creamy cheese sauce and bacon add flavor. This casserole works well for weeknights or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
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 ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice. The dish is easy to make and perfect for a budget-friendly dinner.
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. It’s a 30-minute dish, great for weeknights. Its simple baking process makes it an economical choice. This dish is both easy to prepare and gentle on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a simple, 30-minute one-pan dish. It features chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce. The cooking method is straightforward. This recipe is both easy to make and cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are quick and unique. They use cucumbers to hold a chicken salad made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese. Ready in under an hour, they’re affordable and extra easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach takes just 30 minutes. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to make. With ground beef and frozen vegetables, it’s perfect for any night. This dish combines affordability and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick, flavorful 25-minute meal. It uses simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion. This recipe is a practical choice for busy evenings. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a comforting one-pot meal. It’s creamy and ready in 1 hour. This soup is ideal for a cozy meal on a busy night or a relaxed weekend. It’s easy to make and warms you up perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Keto Chicken Nuggets are a 30-minute dish made with canned chicken. They’re easy to bake and budget-friendly. The nuggets are crispy outside and tender inside. They’re a great choice for a quick, low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
This Green Chile Chicken is a great way to use leftover chicken thighs. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s cooked in one skillet. The green chile adds flavor without extra cost. This dish is easy on the wallet and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs