Stretch your grocery budget without giving up flavor with these 37 easy budget meals. These recipes use simple, affordable ingredients that turn into filling and tasty dinners. Cooking is quick and straightforward, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These meals prove that great food doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Try Asian-inspired turkey burgers for a quick and satisfying dinner that packs plenty of flavor. Simple seasonings give the turkey a bold taste without using expensive ingredients. These burgers cook fast, are filling, and make a low-cost meal that feels special on any night.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Creamy Pea Pasta
Make creamy pea pasta for a fast and hearty meatless dinner that the whole family can enjoy. Sweet peas and a smooth sauce come together with simple pantry staples to create a flavorful and filling meal. This is an easy and affordable recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a satisfying budget-friendly dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Try lasagna roll-ups for a fun and speedy way to serve a classic favorite without spending hours in the kitchen. Layers of cheese, sauce, and noodles create a rich and comforting dish using simple, low-cost ingredients. This is a filling and budget-friendly meal that tastes indulgent but won’t hurt the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Nicoise Omelet
Make a Nicoise omelet for a quick and protein-packed breakfast-for-dinner that works any night. Eggs, vegetables, and a few simple seasonings come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s both filling and affordable. This is a budget-friendly recipe that’s easy to prepare and satisfying enough for the whole table.
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Omelet
Lemon Butter Pasta
Whip up lemon butter pasta for a bright and creamy dinner that is simple to make with pantry staples. The tangy lemon and rich butter create a flavorful sauce without needing fancy or costly ingredients. This is a low-cost meal that comes together fast and delivers satisfying flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Bake mac and cheese with tomato and bacon for a rich twist on a classic comfort dish that won’t break the budget. Pantry-friendly ingredients turn into a creamy and hearty casserole that fills everyone at the table. This is a tasty and affordable meal that makes a simple dinner feel special and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Make chicken tortellini soup for a hearty and quick dinner that’s full of flavor and easy on the wallet. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a savory broth come together using simple ingredients to create a meal that satisfies without fuss. This is a budget-friendly recipe that’s filling, comforting, and perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Cook a cheesy beef and rice casserole for a hearty, one-pot dinner that stretches your ingredients and your budget. Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese combine into a rich and satisfying dish that fills the whole family. This is an easy-to-make budget meal that delivers comfort and flavor without costing much.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Caprese Panini
Make a caprese panini with melty cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil for a fast and flavorful meal. It comes together quickly with everyday ingredients that are easy on the budget and satisfying to eat. This is a low-cost recipe that works as a quick lunch or simple dinner without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Cacio e Pepe
Try cacio e pepe for a pasta dish that’s simple, fast, and full of cheesy flavor without expensive ingredients. A mix of cheese and cracked black pepper creates a creamy and satisfying sauce that comes together in just minutes. This is a budget-friendly recipe that feels special but is easy to make and affordable for any night.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Make roasted butternut squash soup for a creamy and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly affordable. Roasting the squash brings out natural sweetness while simple seasonings create a smooth and comforting soup. This is an easy-to-make budget recipe that fills the table with flavor without using expensive ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Try shortcut chicken salad for a fast, no-cook meal that’s both filling and easy on the wallet. Canned chicken mixes with everyday ingredients to create a creamy and satisfying dish. This is a budget-friendly recipe that comes together in minutes and works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Cook chicken stew with biscuits for a hearty dinner that stretches your ingredients and satisfies the whole family. Tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy biscuits combine in a savory broth that tastes rich without costing much. This is a low-cost meal that’s filling, comforting, and simple to make any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Make pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner that won’t break the budget. Canned tuna mixes with bold, simple ingredients to create a dish that is fresh and filling. This is an easy-to-make budget recipe that turns pantry staples into a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Try hot ham salad sandwiches for a warm and simple meal that’s easy on the wallet. Crispy ham mixes with a savory sauce to create a filling and satisfying sandwich. This is a budget-friendly recipe that comes together quickly and tastes more expensive than it costs.
Get the Recipe: Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Chicken and Dumplings
Make chicken and dumplings for a comforting dinner that uses simple, low-cost ingredients. Leftover rotisserie chicken pairs with soft dumplings and savory broth for a meal that fills and satisfies without much effort. This is an easy-to-make budget recipe that feels hearty and special on any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cook chicken egg roll in a bowl for a fast, one-pan meal that’s filling and flavorful. Tender chicken and crisp vegetables combine with simple seasonings for a tasty and affordable dinner. This is a low-cost recipe that comes together quickly and satisfies without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Make semi-homemade chicken enchiladas for a cheesy and satisfying dinner that uses rotisserie chicken to save time and money. Simple ingredients come together to create a filling dish that stretches easily for the family. This is a budget-friendly recipe that’s hearty, easy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Carrot Ginger Soup
Try carrot ginger soup for a smooth and flavorful meal that is easy to make with pantry staples. Sweet carrots and a hint of ginger blend into a creamy soup that is both filling and affordable. This is a low-cost recipe that works as a starter or main dish and comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Make creamy sun-dried tomato salmon for a fast and tasty dinner that feels rich but stays budget-friendly. Tender salmon cooks quickly in a garlic and Parmesan sauce that uses simple ingredients. This is an easy low-cost recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes special without costing much.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Cream Of Celery Soup
Make creamy celery soup for a smooth and comforting meal that uses simple ingredients. The natural flavor of celery shines in a rich and filling broth that doesn’t cost much. This is an easy low-cost recipe that comes together quickly and makes a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Celery Soup
Roasted Asparagus Soup
Try roasted asparagus soup for a flavorful, creamy dish that highlights simple, affordable ingredients. Roasting the asparagus brings out deep flavor before blending it into a smooth and filling soup. This is a low-cost recipe that works as a light dinner or a starter that tastes special without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus Soup
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Make tuna and tomato pasta for a fast and filling weeknight meal that’s easy on the budget. Canned tuna, tomatoes, and simple pantry ingredients come together to create a satisfying and flavorful dinner. This is a cheap recipe that cooks in about 25 minutes and is perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Tenders
Cook chicken tenders coated in corn flakes for a crispy and flavorful dinner that doesn’t use expensive ingredients. The chicken stays juicy while the crunchy coating makes a simple meal feel special. This is an easy-to-make budget recipe that works for kids or adults and comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Bacon Egg Salad
Make bacon egg salad for a quick and filling meal that uses simple, affordable ingredients. Creamy eggs and crispy bacon create a satisfying combination that feels more expensive than it is. This is an easy low-cost recipe that comes together fast and works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Cook pasta with tomatoes and creamy ricotta for a fresh, filling, and inexpensive dinner. A few pantry staples turn into a flavorful and satisfying meal in about 30 minutes. This is a cheap recipe that makes weeknight meals simple without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Make lentil soup in the Instant Pot for a healthy, protein-packed meal that is budget-friendly. Lentils and simple vegetables come together quickly to create a hearty and filling dish. This is an easy low-cost recipe that works for dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Try potato corn chowder with a touch of smoky bacon for a rich and filling soup that won’t cost much. Potatoes, corn, and simple seasonings create a creamy and satisfying meal. This is a budget-friendly recipe that makes a hearty dinner or a filling starter.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Make Kung Pao chicken salad for a bold and flavorful meal that stays inexpensive and easy to prepare. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing come together in a satisfying salad. This is a low-cost recipe that works for lunch or dinner without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Honey Habanero Tacos
Cook honey habanero tacos for a fast and spicy twist on a classic ground beef dinner. Simple ingredients turn into a flavorful and filling meal that won’t cost much. This is a cheap recipe that’s quick to make and perfect for taco night any day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Make lemon marinated chicken kebabs for a fresh and flavorful meal that uses simple, affordable ingredients. The chicken soaks up tangy lemon and basic seasonings before grilling or cooking for a tender and juicy dinner. This is an easy low-cost recipe that comes together quickly and tastes satisfying without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Make a Southwest tortilla pie with chicken, beans, corn, and melted cheese layered between crisp tortillas. Simple, inexpensive ingredients create a bold and filling dish that works for lunch or dinner. This is a cheap recipe that comes together easily and delivers big flavor without costing much.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cook Mexican skillet quinoa for a one-pan meal that’s full of protein and flavor without being expensive. Quinoa, beans, corn, and salsa come together in a quick and filling dinner. This is a low-cost recipe that is hearty, satisfying, and easy to make any night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Let the slow cooker make tomato lime chicken for a hands-off dinner that is tender and flavorful. Simple ingredients like tomato, lime, and chicken create a bright and satisfying meal without spending a lot. This is a budget-friendly recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for filling the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Make air fryer tortilla pizza for a fast, crunchy, and cheesy meal that costs very little. Crisp tortillas replace traditional dough and cook in minutes with your favorite toppings. This is an easy low-cost recipe that works for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Try Mediterranean chicken with orzo for a flavorful and filling dinner using affordable ingredients. Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, orzo, and a touch of feta cheese come together in a simple and satisfying meal. This is a low-cost recipe that tastes special without needing expensive items.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Make buffalo chicken salad with spicy chicken, fresh greens, and a creamy dressing for a fast and satisfying meal. Simple ingredients come together to create a bold and filling dish without costing much. This is an easy low-cost recipe that works for lunch or dinner and fills the table with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad