Budget meals are the way to go when we’re talking about our weekly meal lineup. These 20 recipes hit the mark for saving money without skimping on flavor. They’re all about using what you’ve got, keeping things simple, and not blowing your budget. Perfect for anyone who’s looking to cut down on costs but still wants to whip up something great for dinner.
Cabbage and Sausage
This meal is a solid pick for anyone looking to save money without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and uses affordable ingredients like cabbage and sausage. You can cook it with your choice of oil and just a bit of butter. The recipe uses simple seasonings from your pantry, making it a great budget-friendly option for weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Choose this Crock Pot Taco Soup for a hassle-free and cost-effective meal. It’s made with inexpensive ingredients such as ground beef and cream cheese, plus spices you likely already have. You can throw in toppings like sour cream to add more flavor. Since it all cooks in one pot, you save time and money, making it a perfect choice for your weekly meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For a quick and affordable dinner, try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. You can use any veggies you have on hand, which is great for saving money. Since everything cooks on one pan, cleanup is a breeze. This recipe is a practical way to keep your weekly meal costs down.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This 30-minute Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken combines chicken breasts with cream cheese, spices, and peppers for a flavorful dinner without stretching your budget. It’s a straightforward dish that works well for any weeknight meal, proving that you can enjoy great flavors without spending a lot or taking too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole turns a classic dinner idea into an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is a hearty and cost-effective option for family dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Ready in 30 minutes, the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole uses budget-friendly frozen veggies and combines them with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon for a hearty meal. It’s a simple choice for those evenings when you want something warm and filling without spending a lot, making it a great addition to your weekly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a quick, budget-friendly way to start your day. Taking only 30 minutes to make and high in protein, these muffins allow for customization with ingredients you already have, making them a practical choice for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Canned Chicken Patties
These Canned Chicken Patties are ready in 20 minutes and make use of affordable canned chicken for a quick meal solution. They’re versatile enough to pair with veggies or tuck into sandwiches, showing that convenient, budget meals don’t have to compromise on variety.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is both quick to prepare and light on the wallet. Using common ingredients like chicken and jalapeños, this salad can be made in advance and is a cost-effective meal choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese into a comforting dish that you can even prepare ahead of time. This casserole is a great way to enjoy a stress-free dinner that keeps your budget in check, perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Green Chile Chicken makes great use of leftover chicken thighs, transforming them into a flavorful meal in just 20 minutes. Cooked in one skillet and flavored with green chile, this dish proves that you can create a delicious dinner quickly and affordably, making it a smart choice for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings the comfort of family dinners into a one-pot meal that’s ready in an hour. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this soup is a warm and inviting option for busy weeknights, combining ease with the pleasure of a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a fast, one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Using budget-friendly ground beef and cauliflower rice, this dish keeps dinner easy and affordable. It’s a practical dinner solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a 30-minute meal that pairs chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It’s an easy-to-make dinner that fits perfectly into your weeknight routine for a budget-friendly way to fill up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a creative and quick meal, ready in under an hour. Using cucumbers as a base for a flavorful chicken salad made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, this recipe is both affordable and straightforward, making it a great addition to your budget meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a quick, budget-conscious meal, ready in 30 minutes and using affordable canned salmon. With the added kick of jalapeño and cayenne pepper, these patties bring flavor without the need for expensive ingredients, making them a smart choice for a cost-effective meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
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 perfect for any night. It’s a one-dish meal that combines ground beef with frozen vegetables for a convenient and cost-efficient dinner, blending ease with budget-friendly ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick, 25-minute meal that brings together simple ingredients for a flavorful experience. This recipe is a practical choice for an affordable and filling dinner, perfect for adding a bit of variety to your weekly meal plan without increasing the budget.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, comforting choice that’s ready in 1 hour. It’s an easy one-pot meal with affordable ingredients meant for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Keto Chicken Nuggets
These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a simple, 30-minute meal option that’s both kid-friendly and budget-friendly. Made with canned chicken for convenience, these nuggets bake up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, proving that quick, low-cost meals can still be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets