Winner, Winner, 25 Budget Dinners That’ll Make Penny-Pinching Look Easy

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Winner, Winner, 25 Budget Dinners That’ll Make Penny-Pinching Look Easy

Feeling the pinch every time you hit the grocery store? Well, these budget dinners are here to rescue you from financial despair. These meals are both flavorful and financially friendly, making every bite a celebration without emptying your wallet. Finally, a way to eat well while still affording your overpriced lattes.

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Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a great fit for quick, thrifty recipes that make dinner easy without busting your budget. Toss split peas, ham, carrots, onions, and broth into your slow cooker and let it do the rest. You’ll end up with a hearty soup packed with flavor and perfect for a cold day. This soup is a great full meal that’s easy on your wallet and saves you time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is perfect for quick, thrifty recipes that help you speed through dinner without spending much. Just layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake it until bubbly and golden. This dish takes about an hour from start to finish and is super easy to throw together. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need a filling meal without spending too much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for quick recipes that let you whip up dinner without emptying your wallet. These bites are made with chicken pieces, garlic, butter, and a few pantry staples, coming together in just 20 minutes. Serve them with rice or veggies for a quick, easy meal that’s also great as leftovers. This dish is a great way to make a delicious meal without much prep or expense, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect dinner option for stretching your budget without skimping on flavor. It can be made in 25 minutes using pre-cooked chicken, pasta, Caesar dressing, and veggies. It’s a great way to prepare lunches for the week, a quick dinner, or something to bring to a gathering. This salad is a great way to make a filling meal without spending too much time or money in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice will let you breeze through dinner without high costs. This one-pan meal combines ground beef and cauliflower rice into a hearty, creamy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for busy evenings. If you have leftovers, you can store them and enjoy the same flavors the next day, making your meal prep even easier. You’ll appreciate how this dish combines convenience and flavor in one simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

No need to bust your budget when you make this Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It combines diced chicken, Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, green peas and onions, all seasoned with thyme, parsley, garlic powder, and paprika. Flour is added to thicken the soup, followed by chicken broth, and cooked until the potatoes are tender. Perfect for hectic evenings when you need a quick, hearty meal, it’s ready in under an hour and easy on your budget, making it a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a perfect budget-friendly meal. Just toss sausages and veggies onto a sheet pan and bake. This meal is ready in about 30 minutes, giving you a great home-cooked meal without much effort. It’s a great way to use whatever veggies you have in the fridge, making it perfect for saving money. Plus, you’ll appreciate how easy cleanup is with this one-pan wonder.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great way to quickly whip up a hearty dinner at little cost to your wallet. Mix creamy mushroom soup, milk, shredded chicken, and corn, top with cheese and tater tots, and bake. Ready in less than an hour, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something filling. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prep ahead, and freezes well for ready-made meals later.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are another smart, budget-friendly choice. Mix canned chicken, bacon bits, and homemade ranch seasoning, stuff them into the cucumber boats, and enjoy a fun, light meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. They’re super quick to assemble and can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins. These boats are a fresh and delicious way to keep dinner interesting without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is perfect when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend a lot. This dish gives you all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each one. It mixes ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and seasonings into an easy casserole in less than an hour. Perfect for family dinners, it’s quick and saves you time to relax. You’ll love how it stretches simple ingredients into a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for quick, budget recipes that allow you to breeze through dinner without high costs. These chops are ready in just 25 minutes and use basic pantry items for a crispy, flavorful meal without frying. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner. The crispy coating adds a great texture, making these chops a hit with the whole family. Plus, they’re easy to pair with any side dish.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is great when both time and money are tight. With veggies, white beans, broth, and a few seasonings, you’ll have a comforting soup ready in 40 minutes. It’s perfect for filling up without spending much, and if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge to enjoy the same great flavors for another time. You’ll enjoy how this simple soup turns basic pantry staples into a warming dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole makes dinner fancy without breaking the bank. This dish combines frozen broccoli and cauliflower with crispy bacon bits and a homemade cheese sauce, all baked together for a rich and hearty dinner. It’s quick to assemble and budget-friendly, perfect for any weeknight when time and money are tight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is what you need for an easy and filling meal. This one-pan meal combines affordable cabbage and pre-cooked sausage into a hearty, filling dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect for using up extra veggies and stores well for leftovers, making your meal planning even easier. You’ll love how this dish combines simple ingredients into a delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, saving you both time and money.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup makes dinner easy without busting your budget. It’s packed with cheese tortellini, shredded chicken and veggies, making it a hearty and budget-friendly choice. Ready in 40 minutes, the rich broth and tender chicken make it a great option that’s easy to prepare. It stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating on days when you’re too busy to cook. Serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is just what you need when you want to speed through dinner without spending much. It combines steamed broccoli with a creamy base of mushroom soup, eggs, and sour cream, topped with cheddar cheese and crushed buttery crackers. You’ll bake this mixture until golden and bubbly, creating a comforting dish that’s hearty and packed with veggies. Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a hearty dish without spending much, making dinner times easier and healthier.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

No need to go overboard with your spending with Green Chile Chicken. This dish is a breeze to make with shredded cooked chicken thighs mixed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green chiles. It takes only 20 minutes to make, and the combination of creamy cheese and spicy green chiles makes it a flavorful meal. This recipe is a great solution for a quick, affordable dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. Plus, it allows you to use the leftover chicken you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is the perfect pick when you want to simplify dinner without high expenses. Combine chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in one pan and bake for 30 minutes. The creamy texture with spinach and chicken makes it a hearty option. It’s perfect for busy nights without too much effort or expense. This recipe is a great way to have a nutritious meal that’s both quick and cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Whip up dinner without emptying your wallet with the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe. This dish mixes egg noodles, canned tuna, frozen peas, and cheddar cheese with a crispy breadcrumb top, making it a hearty meal that’s easy on the wallet. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a low-effort meal and great for busy nights. Plus, it reheats well, so leftovers make for a quick and convenient meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach keeps dinner affordable and easy. It’s filling and ready in about 30 minutes, combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into a hearty meal. Great for busy nights, it’s light on the wallet and a smart choice for anyone looking to save time and money while enjoying a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are perfect when you need something filling without spending too much. These patties combine canned chicken, Parmesan cheese, ground sunflower seed meal, eggs, and spices to create a main dish that’s ready in a flash. Serve them fresh with veggies or a salad for a hearty meal any day of the week. This recipe is perfect when you need a quick, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or convenience.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon lets you handle dinner like a pro without spending a lot. This easy side dish combines cabbage and bacon for a quick, affordable meal perfect for busy days. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a breeze to prepare, and the leftovers heat up well for another meal. You’ll love how this dish turns basic ingredients into a delicious and pleasing dinner in just 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make dinner easy on your wallet when you whip up Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. In just 30 minutes, seasoned chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella are all baked together in just a single baking dish. It’s perfect for busy families, easy on your budget, and a great way to serve something delicious without spending too much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup lets you tackle dinner without burning a big hole in your wallet. Just throw chicken breasts, creamed corn, potatoes, and carrots into a pot, and you’ve got a hearty meal in about an hour. The combination of chicken and vegetables makes this a hearty and comforting soup. Serve with bread for a wholesome meal that’s easy on the budget and effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dinner is straightforward and inexpensive when you make this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Chicken thighs are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce for a filling, flavorful dinner on a weeknight. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a quick and easy way to make dinner special without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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