Let’s get real for a second: you want to feed yourself without watching your bank account shrivel up like a grape turning into a raisin. That’s where these quick thrifty recipes come in — where speed meets frugality, and they have a lovely little dance in your kitchen. This collection of 25 recipes is perfect for those of us who measure our cooking time in microwave minutes and our budgets in single-digit dollar dinners.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Throw everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is perfect when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. Cook it on low throughout the day or on high to get it done quicker. It’s a great way to enjoy a full meal without much work or expense.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Baked Ravioli
Need a great dinner without the long prep? Baked Ravioli is your answer. Just layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake. It’s simple, quick, and makes a filling meal in just an hour — perfect for those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites prove that simple ingredients can make a fantastic meal. Chicken pieces, garlic, butter, and pantry staples come together for a quick and easy dish. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s also great as leftovers, helping you stretch your budget further.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Whip up a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in just 25 minutes. It’s an affordable way to make lunches for the week, a quick dinner, or a dish to share at gatherings. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing cuts down on kitchen time, making it a practical choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
When you’re in a rush and need a great meal that’s easy on your wallet, Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your go-to. Ready in 25 minutes, this recipe uses pork chops and basic pantry items to create a crispy meal without frying. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights and keeps your grocery bill low.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Need a quick, wallet-friendly meal? Try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just throw together sausages, veggies, and whatever sale items you have, then pop it all in the oven. It’s a great way to save time and money, perfect for evenings when you’re swamped but still want a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is just what you need when you’re craving something hearty but are short on time or money. It combines ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and seasonings into a budget-friendly casserole that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for a family dinner and saves time, so you can focus on what matters.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great way to whip up a hearty dinner without much fuss. Mix creamy mushroom soup, milk, a bit of spice, shredded chicken, and corn in a dish, top it with cheese and tater tots, and bake. Ready in about 55 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings. It’s budget-friendly, you can make it ahead of time, and it freezes well. Everyone, kids and adults alike, will love this filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is perfect for those times when both budget and time are tight. With veggies, white beans, broth, and a handful of seasonings, you can have a comforting pot of soup ready in 40 minutes. It’s great for filling up without spending a lot, and you’ll have leftovers to spare.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a creative, economical choice when you’re pressed for time and funds. Mix canned chicken, bacon bits, ranch dressing, and cucumbers for a fun, light meal. They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and the leftovers make for great work lunches.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole offers a rich, hearty meal without breaking the bank. Use frozen broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon bits, and a homemade cheese sauce. It’s quick to assemble and goes easy on your wallet, making it a fantastic choice for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan Cabbage and Sausage meal is perfect when you need something quick and economical. It uses affordable cabbage and pre-cooked sausage for a filling dinner that’s ready in no time. Great for using up extra veggies, it also keeps well, so you can store leftovers for dinner tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a smart, quick meal option that won’t strain your budget. Combine canned chicken with breadcrumbs, add some spices, and you’ve got a main dish ready in a flash. Serve them fresh with veggies or salad for a hearty meal that’s easy to make any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is quick and affordable, making it a great side dish when you’re pressed for time. Just cabbage and bacon come together to make something delicious. It’s perfect for those busy days and the leftovers heat up well for later.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Try the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice when you need something quick and easy. This one-pan meal mixes ground beef and cauliflower rice into a tasty dish. It’s just right for a weeknight dinner, and the leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is quick to make and easy on the budget. It’s packed with tortellini and chicken and comes together in 40 minutes. Perfect for a cold evening when you need a warm, hearty soup fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is easy on your budget and great for getting more veggies into your meals. With just a few ingredients like broccoli, a creamy base, and cheese, it’s a straightforward dish that works as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great pick for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Just mix egg noodles, tuna, peas, and cheese, top it off with a crispy breadcrumb layer, and bake. Ready in about 55 minutes, it’s simple to make and perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal. Plus, it reheats well, so leftovers are just as good the next day. This casserole helps you feed your family well without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comfort of a classic dish but in less time. With ingredients like chicken breast, vegetables, and broth, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready quickly, ideal for those chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a complete meal that’s filling without being pricey. It’s perfect for busy evenings, and you’ll have leftovers to help out with meals the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Green Chile Chicken
Turn leftover chicken thighs into a great meal with this Green Chile Chicken recipe. It only takes 20 minutes to mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar, and green chiles in a skillet. This easy dish is perfect for a quick dinner that won’t hit your wallet hard. Plus, it’s simple to save and reheat for another meal, making your weeknights a bit easier.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Whip up a flavorful dinner with this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken in just 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with cream cheese, colorful sweet peppers, and mozzarella, then broiled to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to make, great for families, and stores well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is easy to whip up and easy on your wallet too. Mix chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in one pan, bake for about 40 minutes, and you’ve got a great meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty without too much effort or expense.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a simple, affordable way to fill up and stay warm. Just toss chicken breasts, corn, potatoes, and carrots into a pot, and in about an hour, you’ll have a hearty soup. Serve it with some bread, and you’ve got a full meal that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce makes a great dinner without costing a lot. It’s straightforward: chicken and mushrooms cooked in cream and spices. Serve this with mashed potatoes or rice to catch all the sauce. It’s a quick way to make dinner special without a big fuss or high cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce