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Eat Well, Spend Less: 15 Scrumptious Dinner Recipes Under Budget

November 14, 2025 by Donna Dizon Leave a Comment

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Sometimes, the need arises to make groceries stretch a little more. Maybe it’s the rising cost of food, perhaps it’s circumstances, maybe it’s just the wiser option.

But for most people, cheap meals are a necessity occasionally.

These 15 budget-friendly dinner recipes will help families put tasty meals on the table without taking a second mortgage.

Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Mans Stew.
Image Credit:onmykidsplate.com.

A good, hearty hamburger stew is always a welcome sight on the table. As a bonus, this one lets the slow cooker do almost all the work.

Poor Man’s Stew 

Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Image Credit:thecookinchicks.com

Throw some basic ingredients into a casserole dish for this super-easy tuna noodle casserole. It can even be prepped ahead of time for a good meal on a busy day.

Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

Poor Man’s Lobster Roll

Poor Mans Lobster Roll.
Image Credit:theshortordercook.com

Just because a meal is cheap doesn’t mean it can’t be a bit fancy. One simple substitution makes this poor man’s lobster roll an affordable substitution for the New England staple.

Poor Man’s Lobster Roll 

Semi-Homemade Buffalo Chicken Alfredo

Semi Homemade Buffalo Chicken Alfredo.
Image Credit:pinkninjablog.com.

Using only three ingredients, this budget-friendly dinner recipe couldn’t get much easier. It’s a hearty dish offering a little zing to a traditional family meal.

Semi-Homemade Buffalo Chicken Alfredo 

Walking Taco Casserole With Doritos

Walking Taco Casserole With Doritos.
Image Credit:windingcreekranch.org.

In retrospect, taco casserole seems obvious. This version lets Doritos do the heavy lifting, adding a flavor punch to a classic dish.

Walking Taco Casserole With Doritos 

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole.
Image Credit:copykat.com.

A nice, hearty tater tot casserole is always a great idea, budget or otherwise. This one adds a south-of-the-border twist to liven things up just a little.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole 

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz Cracker Chicken.
Image Creit:bakingbeauty.net.

Shake and bake is a tried-and-true option for a basic meal. However, this dish is anything but basic. It’s loaded with flavor and only takes five ingredients to make.

Ritz Cracker Chicken 

7 Can Soup

7 Can Soup.
Image Credit:yellowblissroad.com.

One great thing about cheap recipes is that they are often easy to make. This one might be the easiest, as you only have to open seven cans and cook it.

7 Can Soup 

Baked Chicken & Potatoes 

Baked Chicken & Potatoes.
Image Credit:livingchirpy.com.

Some people shy away from budget recipes because they aren’t usually focused on being healthy. This baked chicken and potatoes recipe only uses four natural ingredients and doesn’t need to rely on any sauces that increase the calorie count.

Baked Chicken & Potatoes 

Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe

Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe.
Image Credit:boulderlocavore.com.

What proper list of budget-friendly dinner recipes doesn’t include ramen noodles? This affordable recipe ditches the basic seasoning pack for a tasty, tangy, spicy flavor that the family will go wild for.

Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe 

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe .
Image Credit:quichemygrits.com.

Sure, some hamburger meat and a can of Manwich will provide a cheap, easy meal. But did you know you can make a delicious homemade sloppy joe sauce that still keeps things affordable and easy?

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe 

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti.
Image Credit:budgetdelicious.com.

This slow-cooker chicken spaghetti recipe is easy and affordable. The blend of herbs and spices really sinks in, giving it loads of flavor.

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti 

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry.
Image Credit:princesspinkygirl.com.

Here is another ramen option that backs off on the spiciness a little but not on the flavor. It takes under 30 minutes to make, so it’s quick and cheap.

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry 

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole.
Image Credit:amandascookin.com.

Look no further than this bacon cheeseburger casserole for a great, hearty meal. Blending mac n’ cheese with bacon cheeseburgers is the perfect way to fill tummies with warmth and food without emptying the bank account.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole 

Sausage Tray Bake

Sausage Tray Bake.
Image Credit:glutenfreetranquility.com.

If you want something different from the standard oven-baked options, this sausage tray bake is the way to go. It still hits that sweet spot of hearty and filling while being different enough to keep things interesting for the family.

Sausage Tray Bake

25 Savory Dishes for Pickle Lovers

Man holding refrigerator cucumber pickles in a jar outdoors.
Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock.

Ok… who loves pickles?

Or rather… who doesn’t love pickles?

If you do love pickles then you should look through these recipes and see which one of these pickle recipes will satisfy your pickle cravings.

These are the best recipes for pickle lovers!

25 Savory Dishes for Pickle Lovers

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