These 20 Low-Budget Recipes Are Ones We Make All the Time

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These 20 Low-Budget Recipes Are Ones We Make All the Time

Looking to save money without skimping on flavor? Low-budget recipes are the way to go. They’re the kind of meals we whip up all the time because they’re just that good and easy to make. These 20 recipes are the ones you lean on when you want something great without all the fuss or a hefty price tag. They’re perfect for everyday cooking, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a white plate.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage recipe is a great go-to for anyone wanting to save some cash and time. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s made with wallet-friendly cabbage and sausage, plus whatever oil and a little butter you have on hand. With easy seasonings, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something good without all the fuss or expense.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot full of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Dive into this Crock Pot Taco Soup for a simple, wallet-friendly meal. Throw in some ground beef, cream cheese, and your usual spices, and let the pot do its magic. It’s a perfect pick for adding variety to your meals without breaking the bank or your back in the kitchen. Plus, cleanup’s a breeze with just one pot.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick, no-nonsense dinner, try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s all about mixing any veggies you’ve got with some sausage on a pan and baking it for 30 minutes. Great for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something good to eat. It’s simple, fast, and keeps the grocery bill low.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is your 30-minute solution to a flavorful dinner that doesn’t stretch your budget. It combines chicken breasts with cream cheese, spices, and peppers, proving quick dinners can still be packed with flavor. Perfect for any weeknight, it’s straightforward and fits right into your regular meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform a classic with the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole, a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and easy on your wallet. Ready in about 45 minutes, this dish is a smart choice for a family dinner, blending convenience with cost efficiency for a meal that pleases everyone any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great way to end the day, taking less than an hour to prepare. It’s straightforward, making it a stress-free option that’s also easy to reheat for meals tomorrow. A practical pick for families looking for comfort without complication.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole brings together frozen veggies, creamy cheese sauce, and bacon for a hearty meal. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to serve something warm and filling, making your weeknight dinners a bit more interesting without extra expense.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Three muffins on a white plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start your morning with Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins, a quick, protein-packed breakfast that’s ready in 30 minutes. Customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand for a practical, budget-friendly breakfast option that’s great for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Canned Chicken Patties

A white plate with broccoli and chicken patties.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are a lifesaver on busy nights, ready in just 20 minutes. Using affordable canned chicken, these patties are a versatile base for a variety of meals, showing that quick, budget meals can still bring variety to your table.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A bowl full of ingredients for jalapeño popper chicken salad.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick, budget-friendly meal, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great choice. It uses common ingredients like chicken and jalapeños for a meal that’s easy to make ahead. This salad is a smart, cost-effective option for adding a bit of spice to your lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese into a comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Ready to serve in no time, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending a lot or stressing over preparation. Perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

A pan full of chicken in a sauce with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken breathes new life into leftover chicken thighs, turning them into a flavorful meal in just 20 minutes. With green chile adding a kick, this one-skillet dinner is a quick and cost-effective way to whip up a weeknight meal that’s both easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings the classic comfort of a family dinner into a simple one-pot meal. With ingredients you likely already have and an easy prep process, this soup is a great choice for any busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick, one-pan meal that’s on the table in 30 minutes. Using budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice, this dish is a straightforward dinner solution that keeps things light on your wallet and heavy on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake pairs chicken with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a 30-minute meal that’s easy on the budget. It’s a fuss-free dinner option that easily fits into your weeknight rotation, providing a filling meal without the need for expensive ingredients or complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Stuffed cucumber boats with chicken and bacon on a white plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh and quick meal, ready in under an hour. Using cucumbers as the base for a flavorful chicken salad, this recipe combines affordability with creativity for a meal that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

A plate of mini spicy canned salmon patties with dill sauce.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties make for a quick, budget-conscious meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Spiced up with jalapeño and cayenne pepper, these patties prove that affordable ingredients can still result in a meal full of flavor, perfect for a cost-effective dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a straightforward, 30-minute dish perfect for any day of the week. It’s a one-dish meal that combines ground beef with frozen veggies for a dinner that’s both convenient and cost-efficient, making your evening mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick, 25-minute dish that pairs simple ingredients for a full-flavored experience. This recipe is a great choice for an affordable and filling dinner, perfect for adding some variety to your meal plan without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A pot of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is your answer to a creamy, comforting meal ready in 1 hour. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot dish with affordable ingredients for those nights when you crave something cozy and soothing without a lot of effort or expense.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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