Budget-friendly dinners are a great way to keep your bank account happy while still eating well. We all know how easy it is to overspend on meal delivery when life gets busy or when cooking feels like a chore. But with these simple and cost-effective recipes, you can whip up a meal that’s just as good as your favorite delivery without breaking the bank.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days when you want a great meal without worries or a high price tag. With simple ingredients like mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, and spices you probably already have, you can whip up these Shake and Bake Pork Chops in just 25 minutes. The best part? You can use affordable pork cuts, making this a fantastic way to enjoy a special meal without breaking the bank. This approach not only saves you money on ingredients but also cuts down on dining-out expenses.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Baked Ravioli

This Baked Ravioli is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s reminiscent of lasagna, but with a lot less effort. Using frozen cheese ravioli cuts down on prep time, and layers of marinara sauce and melted cheeses create a great meal that’s easy and comes together in 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and Sausage is a one-pan meal that’s easy on your wallet. Sliced cabbage and pre-cooked chicken sausage cook together until the cabbage is tender. It’s great on its own or served with rice or noodles. Mix things up by using a different protein or adding apples for a hint of sweetness. This budget-friendly dish stretches your food dollar and tastes awesome. Leftovers reheat well, making lunch or dinner the next day a breeze. Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable that goes a long way, and paired with affordable chicken sausage, this meal is a cost-effective way to feed your family.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is perfect when you want to save cash without giving up flavor. Made with cheap ingredients like bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and canned tomatoes, this one-pot meal is ready in just 45 minutes. It’s a filling dish that shows you don’t need to spend a fortune for a flavorful meal. Plus, it can help you cut back on eating out. Pair it with a simple green salad for a well-rounded dinner, and enjoy the leftovers that reheat easily. Using budget-friendly ingredients and cooking everything in one pot saves both money and time on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a budget-friendly choice that’s big on taste. With just chicken, garlic, butter, and a few pantry basics, you can whip up a delicious meal in 20 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights and using up what you already have on hand. This means you can create delectable dishes without spending a ton. Serve these bites over rice or mixed veggies, and save any leftovers for a cold salad topping or reheated meal later on. Chicken is an affordable protein option, and this recipe helps stretch it further by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a great pick when you’re on a budget. It’s super easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking. Just toss the split peas, carrots, celery, onion, and ham or bacon in your slow cooker and let it do the work. Cook it on low all day or high if you’re short on time. The best part? Leftovers taste just as good the next day, so you get more bang for your buck. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s also freezer-friendly. Using cheap ingredients like split peas and vegetables, this soup is a budget-friendly way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Dinner doesn’t get easier or more budget-friendly than this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just toss inexpensive vegetables like zucchini and broccoli with sausage on a sheet pan and bake. It’s not only quick, cutting your time in the kitchen, but also versatile, allowing for any type of sausage or veggies you have on hand. This meal is perfect for those looking for a nutritious dinner without spending a lot. Plus, the leftovers are great for lunch the next day, stretching your food budget even further.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Spice up your mealtime with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties, a budget-friendly way to enjoy a burst of flavor. You’ll need ingredients like canned salmon, eggs, diced jalapeño, and cayenne pepper. Make a homemade lemon dill aiolo to go with this. Canned salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and is often more affordable than fresh fish. These patties are a great way to spice up mealtime without breaking the bank. Plus, they cook quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a budget-friendly dish that’ll make your savings happy. Frozen broccoli and cauliflower are mixed with a cheesy sauce (made with milk, cheese, and pantry seasonings), topped with bacon, and baked to perfection in about 30 minutes. Enjoy it on its own, or add some grilled chicken to make it even heartier. You can even stir in diced chicken before baking. This casserole shows how frozen veggies can be both cheap and delicious. Double the recipe and freeze one for later, so you always have a cozy meal ready to go. Using frozen vegetables is often cheaper than buying fresh, and they last longer in your freezer, reducing food waste and saving you money.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup is a great choice for anyone looking to save time and money. Just toss ground beef, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, canned beans, and taco seasonings in your crock pot for a filling meal that’s delicious solo or with crusty bread. Customize the heat by adjusting the chili powder or throwing in some jalapeños. This soup is all about easy, wallet-friendly cooking. Top it with a spoonful of sour cream to boost the flavors, and freeze leftovers for quick, delicious meals down the road. Using canned ingredients and cooking everything in the crock pot makes this meal budget-friendly and hands-off, perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

For a comforting meal that won’t drain your wallet, try this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It combines pantry essentials like canned tuna and cream of mushroom soup with noodles and frozen peas for a dish that’s both appetizing and budget-friendly. It’s a perfect option for making a big meal with minimal cost, and the leftovers taste even better, making your effort last. Great for busy weeknights, this casserole makes sure you can serve a great dinner without the stress of last-minute shopping.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a budget-friendly way to start your day. Made with cheap cottage cheese, eggs, and any leftover veggies you have, these protein-packed muffins are ready in about 30 minutes. They’re a smart pick for anyone looking to make their grocery budget go further while cutting down on food waste. Pair these muffins with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete breakfast, and freeze extras for quick, easy meals on hectic mornings. Using cottage cheese as a protein source is much cheaper than buying meat, and these muffins are a great way to use up leftover veggies that might otherwise go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are an easy and cheap meal option. With just a handful of ingredients like canned chicken, bacon, homemade ranch seasoning (made with pantry staples), and cucumbers, this dish is both fresh and budget-friendly. Keep things interesting by swapping chicken for tuna or adding extra veggies. These boats are perfect for a light lunch or snack any time of day, and making extra filling means quick and easy meal prep all week long. Using canned chicken and making your own ranch seasoning helps keep costs low, while cucumbers are an inexpensive vegetable that adds a refreshing crunch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Broccoli Casserole

This Broccoli Casserole is the definition of comfort food that fits right into your budget. Made with affordable ingredients like frozen broccoli and cream of mushroom soup, it’s a wholesome way to get some extra greens in your diet without overspending. This dish shows that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Serve it with some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both hearty and kind to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken is the answer when you’re after a delicious meal that’s easy on the pocket. Just layer chicken, bell peppers, onions, and seasoning in a dish, bake, and you’re done. It’s a simple way to get a fantastic meal on the table with minimal expense or effort. Serve over rice or in tortillas for a customizable dinner. This recipe highlights how, with just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both affordable and a crowd-pleaser, saving you from the temptation of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

These Canned Chicken Patties are a game-changer for quick, cost-effective meals. Perfect alongside vegetables or in a sandwich, these patties utilize pantry staples to create a delicious meal that won’t hurt your budget. Serving them with a homemade sauce made from pantry staples like mayonnaise and mustard can add flavor without the need for expensive store-bought sauces. It’s a clever way to save money and make the most of the ingredients you may already have.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Dive into this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice for a meal that’s budget-friendly and delicious. With just a few ingredients, including budget-wise ground beef and cauliflower rice, you can create a delicious dinner without the hefty price tag. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a creamy, comforting meal while sticking to a budget. This dish is a testament to the fact that you can make hearty, flavorful meals without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Corn Soup

Chicken Corn Soup is a cozy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for warming up your day. With ingredients like shredded chicken, canned corn, and veggies, it’s a hearty soup that comes together quickly and doesn’t cost much. Making your own chicken broth using leftover chicken bones is not only budget-friendly but also adds great flavor to soups. Serve it hot for a comforting meal. This soup is great for making a big batch without a big bill. You’ll have a delicious meal ready for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a budget-friendly meal that’s sure to impress. Ingredients include chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Opting for chicken thighs over breasts can also save money; thighs are often cheaper and more flavorful. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone or can be served over a bed of pasta or rice to stretch it further.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a fantastic dish for those looking to enjoy great flavors without spending a lot. With just a few ingredients, this dish is both simple to make and hearty, proof that budget meals can still be packed with taste. It’s a great option for a quick dinner that’s easy on the wallet, giving you a delicious way to enjoy vegetables. This dish shows that you don’t need to spend a lot to create a meal that’s rich in flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Chile Chicken

Green Chile Chicken is a delicious and affordable way to enjoy dinner. You’ll need leftover chicken, canned green chiles, onion, garlic, spices, sour cream, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Using leftover chicken for this dish makes it both budget-friendly and a great way to reduce food waste. Serving it with rice or as taco filling allows you to stretch the chicken even further. This dish is a testament to how leftovers can be transformed into a delicious, new meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a hearty and delicious dish that combines ground beef with cauliflower rice and spinach, topped with melty cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without spending a lot, perfect for feeding a family on a tight budget. This casserole is proof that you can make nutritious, delicious meals without the high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a budget-friendly dish that packs a punch of flavor. Made with shredded chicken, jalapeños, and cream cheese, it’s a spicy take on chicken salad that’s both delicious and economical. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, giving you a flavorful way to stretch your food budget further. This salad shows that with a few inexpensive ingredients, you can create a meal that’s anything but boring, adding excitement to your meal plan without adding strain to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad