Looking for budget-friendly dinner ideas to save for later? You’re in the right place. These 19 affordable meals won’t break the bank. Whether you need quick weeknight dinners or want to enjoy homemade meals on a budget, these recipes have you covered.
These recipes focus on saving you money without sacrificing flavor. These budget-friendly ideas are easy to make and won’t put any unnecessary strain on your wallet.
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a smart choice for anyone looking to save on dinner costs. It’s made with affordable ground beef and cream cheese and uses spices you probably already have. This soup is not only budget-friendly but also simple to make in one pot, saving you time and effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a cost-effective and comforting meal, perfect for anyone on a budget. It’s a one-pot dish that’s ready in just 60 minutes. Ideal for a warm, homemade dinner without spending much, it’s an excellent recipe for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great solution for a low-cost, hassle-free meal. Ready in just half an hour, it lets you mix and match veggies based on what you have, which helps save money. It’s all cooked on one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is an economical meal that’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes. It’s made with affordable ingredients like cabbage and sausage and seasoned with common pantry staples. This dish is a straightforward, budget-friendly choice for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is both easy and budget-conscious. It combines ground beef and frozen vegetables, making it a practical dish for any night of the week. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-dish meal combines both simplicity with affordability.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick, flavorful meal that can be ready in 25 minutes. Using simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion, it’s an economical option for a hearty evening meal. This recipe is great for those busy evenings when time and budget are important.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Try this Twice Baked Potato Casserole for a simple, comforting meal. It’s made with basic ingredients like bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheese. You can even prepare it ahead of time. It’s a dish that is perfect for a stress-free dinner with leftovers for dinner tomorrow, too.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup offers a comforting family dinner with the ease of one-pot cooking. This creamy, hearty soup uses straightforward ingredients and is ready in just one hour. It’s an excellent choice for those evenings when you need a warm, budget-friendly meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are both fast and affordable, taking only 20 minutes to make. Utilizing budget-friendly canned chicken, these patties can be served with veggies or in sandwiches, making them a great versatile option for a quick, low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick and budget-friendly meal. Made with common ingredients like chicken and jalapeños, you can prepare it in advance for meal prep. This recipe is perfect for a cost-effective lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a simple 30-minute meal. It combines chicken breasts, spices, cream cheese, and peppers. The preparation involves easy layering, and it’s a cost-effective choice for a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a quick, economical option. They only take 30 minutes to make and use affordable canned salmon. The jalapeño and cayenne add flavor without needing expensive spices.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is an easy 30-minute dish. It uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower, which are budget-friendly. The creamy cheese sauce and bacon add flavor. This casserole works well for weeknights or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick one-pan meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cauliflower rice. The dish is easy to make and perfect for a budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake combines tender chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. This 30-minute dish is perfect for weeknights. Its simple baking process makes it budget-friendly. It’s easy to prepare and won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This 30-minute, one-pan dish features chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s straightforward to cook. This recipe is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats offer a quick and unique meal. They use cucumbers to hold a chicken salad made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese. Ready in under an hour, they’re an affordable and effortless option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Keto Chicken Nuggets are a 30-minute dish made with canned chicken. They’re easy to bake and won’t cost you much. These nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a great choice for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
This Green Chile Chicken is a practical way to use leftover chicken thighs. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s cooked in a single skillet. The green chile adds flavor without adding extra cost. This dish is both budget-friendly and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs