26 recipes for affordable meals

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't cook something special. From mouth-watering chicken thighs to delicious vegetarian dishes, these recipes will help you cook delicious meals on a budget. This collection features simple meal ideas for everyday meals; feel free to change or omit any ingredients to suit your budget.

Red beans with sausages and rice

Add some sliced ​​smoked sausage to your bowl of rice and red beans for a smoky flavor and extra protein to your diet.

Tuscan Chicken Chops with White Beans

You only need a handful of ingredients for this delicious and filling lunch. White beans seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs complete the dish while keeping it affordable.

Pizza with potatoes and smoked brisket

There's nothing like carbohydrates to keep you full. The smoked brisket adds an extra kick to this potato pizza. Delicious!

Oven-baked chicken with lemon and garlic

This recipe demonstrates how simple, delicious, and affordable a chicken dinner can be. These chicken halves are tender and juicy, and the extra ingredients are minimal, keeping the dish affordable.

Fried instant noodles with mushrooms

Instant noodles are a fantastic option for a budget-friendly dinner. But instead of eating them as is, we'll top them with fresh mushrooms and a pat of butter.

Bistro pate and egg sandwiches

These simple sandwiches seem much more sophisticated than they actually are. They can be made with just a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have.

Fried rice with vegetables and bacon

Using meat as a side dish, rather than the main course, is an easy way to save on groceries. Bacon plays a key role in this homemade takeout classic.

Meatballs in tomato sauce

Of course, you'll need two types of ground meat to make these meatballs, but the recipe makes 8-10 servings, meaning you can have two dinners with your family.

Minestrone soup

Soup is a great way to eat better when you're on a budget. One steaming bowl of Ellie's soup packs five types of vegetables and protein-rich beans without breaking the bank.

Pork carnitas

Melissa uses a slow cooker for this inexpensive, Mexican-Texas-inspired dinner. Roll the meat into tortillas and serve with salsa and guacamole.

Bowl with rice, fried egg and vegetables

We bet you have rice on your shelves and eggs in the fridge right now, meaning you're halfway to a filling and delicious meal.



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Shakshuka with chickpeas

Eggs and chickpeas come together to create a protein-rich dish that will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet.

Rice and Chicken Casserole with Teriyaki Sauce

Combine everything you love about chicken teriyaki (including rice) in a baking dish for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly dinner.

Turkey and Spaghetti Casserole

Using leftovers will help you stay on budget. This recipe turns leftover turkey into a bubbling pot of cheesy pasta (with a hint of pickled jalapeños).

Lentils with fried eggs

Lentils and eggs are two of the most affordable sources of protein; combine them for a super-simple dinner.

Beef flank in ginger marinade

Grilled flank steak is a great option for feeding the family if you're on a budget. Although flank steak is an inexpensive cut, it's lean and tender. Like any beef steak, flank steak can be deliciously marinated.

Vegetarian Enchilada

These easy-to-make enchiladas are filled with readily available beans. Serve with rice (which you probably already have on your shelves), and dinner is ready.

Broccoli Soup with Baked Cheddar Cheese on Toast

A simple, cheesy, delicious and economical lunch that everyone will love.

Cowboy-style pork cutlet

Anyone who shops on a budget will tell you that pork chops are always on their grocery list. So it's always a good idea to learn how to cook them differently.

Oven-baked chicken thighs with oranges

Although chicken thighs are cheaper than chicken breasts, they're just as tasty (if not more so). Plus, they stay juicy when cooked. Win!

Penne with spicy arrabbiata sauce

Instead of the usual penne with tomato sauce, Valerie adds a spicy kick with ground red pepper. This is a hearty dish you're sure to make again and again.

Spaghetti with marinara sauce

This super-simple dinner becomes extra special when you make your own marinara sauce from a can of tomato puree.

Spaghetti with garlic and kale

This simple pasta is a great way to incorporate healthy greens like kale, Swiss chard, escarole, or mustard greens into your diet.

Fried broccolini with chicken and ginger

If your pantry is stocked with Asian-inspired ingredients (like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds), you can make this dish with just a few inexpensive ingredients.

Vegetarian burger with bean patty

If you're looking to save money, try vegetarian options. Ree swapped ground beef for black beans to create a budget-friendly burger the whole family will love.





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