Cheap Dinner Recipes (2024)

Getting dinner on the table when you’re on a budget can be hard. I am always on the hunt for cheap dinner recipes.

As a busy mom easy recipes are something that I need.

I do not like to spend a lot of time preparing meals, heating up the kitchen, or fixing anything that requires a ton of ingredients. Plus, I like to prep on a budget. Can you relate?

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Shopping and preparing meals on a budget can be a daunting task. But seriously with a little thought and preparation it is a battle we can all overcome!

We have put together a list of recipes that are perfect to make when you’re broke.

Large Family Costco Grocery Haul and Weekly Meal Plan

Here is what a large family grocery haul looks like for our family of seven. Also get a quick look at out meal plan for the week.

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Baked Puerto Rican Chicken and Authentic Puerto Rican Rice

This is so easy to make and very inexpensive. Your family will love it.

50 Cheap Dinner Ideas

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50 Easy Recipes When You're on a Budget

When you're broke you need access to recipes that will meet your budget needs. All of these recipes are cheap to make and use common ingredients you likely already have on hand.

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Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com

Indiana Chowder (Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe)

Egg noodles, beef, some spices and a few veggies and dinner is done!

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Photo Credit:www.tablespoon.com

Sweet Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs

Meatballs are cheap to make and do not have to be boring!

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Photo Credit:www.amomstake.com

Easy Freezer Meal: How to Make Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are delicious. Omit the meat if your budget is super tight.

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Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com

Cheesy Burrito Casserole

Casseroles are a great way to make a filling meal when you have very little meat.

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Photo Credit:www.simplisticallyliving.com

Simple Oven Tacos

Use any leftover ground meat to make these yummy tacos.

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Photo Credit:www.freebiefindingmom.com

Chicken Marsala Crockpot Recipe

Chicken does not have to be boring or flavorless. This masala recipe sounds so good!

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Photo Credit:equippinggodlywomen.com

Chicken, Mushroom and Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans and chicken collide in the best casserole recipe

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Photo Credit:cincyshopper.com

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Aldi Meal)

Aldi has some of the best chicken prices... make dinner on a budget with this flavorful recipe!

Soup is another great way to spread out meat when you're short on cash.

Stir fry is a great option when the grocery budget is tight.

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Photo Credit:www.freebiefindingmom.com

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is always budget friendly. Add more veggies to stretch out the recipe even more!

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Photo Credit:www.budgetbytes.com

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls

Rice really helps to stretch a meal out. Make a bowl with your rice, veggies and protein to really stretch your dollar out.

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Photo Credit:www.craftymorning.com

Quick & Easy Texas Toast Pizza Recipe

Pizza on toast? Yes! Use up that bread. Think outside of the box.

Lettuce wraps are another great way to stretch out your dollar.

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Photo Credit:www.simplyrecipes.com

Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

Pasta is an excellent and filling dinner option when you're on a budget.

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Photo Credit:pistachioproject.com

Broccoli and Cheese Mini Quiches

Are eggs on sale? Grab them and make breakfast for dinner.

One pot meals are great when money is tight. Elbow noodles, some ground meat and cheese for the win!

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Photo Credit:forthefamily.org

Slow Cooker Green Chicken - for the family

Flavorful chicken served over rice is always great when you're pinching pennies.

Use leftovers to make fried rice and save money.

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Photo Credit:www.loveandlemons.com

Butternut Squash Soup

Use delicious vegetables like butternut squash to make soup. Meatless meals are usually cheaper.

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Photo Credit:cookieandkate.com

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Another meatless soup that is easy on your pocketbook.

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Photo Credit:www.simplyrecipes.com

Baked Ziti Recipe

Omit the meat in the pasta casserole recipe if your budget won't allow it. Removing the meat will not compromise the flavor at all.

Meat and potato casseroles are always filling and stretch. Save leftovers for lunch.

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Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

CrockPot Lasagna Soup {Cheesy & Delicious}

Lasagna soup takes less meat to make than a full pan of lasagna. This is a great way to have lasagna on a budget.

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Photo Credit:www.simplejoy.com

Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole Recipe

Chicken, noodles, pasta and a few vegetables in a casserole dish and dinner is done.

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Photo Credit:www.framedcooks.com

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Use leftover ground protein and make a casserole like this one.

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Photo Credit:divascancook.com

Easy Man-Pleasing Meatloaf

Meatloaf is always a filling dinner idea. Serve it with potatoes or rice to stretch the meal out even more.

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Photo Credit:www.bunsinmyoven.com

Sour Cream Rice Bake

This is a super cheap dinner idea for when you're broke and have little money to spend on groceries.

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Photo Credit:www.southyourmouth.com

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Potatoes are another starch that are filling and help stretch out a meal. You can't go wrong with this recipe.

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Photo Credit:www.gimmesomeoven.com

5-Ingredient Chili

Chili is a great way to stretch your dollar and it usually makes a lot of food. Freeze your leftovers for another meal or eat them for lunch all week. I love recipes that allow me to cook once and serve multiple times.

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Photo Credit:mylitter.com

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Grab tater tots when they are on sale and use them in casseroles instead of potatoes.

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Photo Credit:www.allrecipes.com

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are filling and cheap to make.

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Photo Credit:fabulesslyfrugal.com

Cilantro Lime Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Tacos are always budget friendly and are very versatile.

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Photo Credit:www.freshouttatime.com

Easy Meals To Make: Recipe for Taco Cups

Tacos do not have to always be served in a shell or tortilla.... make them into cups!

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Photo Credit:www.cozycountryliving.com

Loaded Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a very budget friendly dinner idea.

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Photo Credit:www.freshouttatime.com

How To Make Sloppy Joes Sliders

Sloppy Joes are another great way to make ground hamburger meat less boring!

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Photo Credit:homecookingmemories.com

Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad Recipe

Got Ramen? Use it to make a salad that is more filling than traditional Ramen.

Meatless soup for the win... and this is super filling and budget friendly.

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Photo Credit:www.thecountrycook.net

Easy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are another great way to stretch out meat for dinner.

Chicken, rice and cheese make the best casserole!

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Easy Crockpot Ravioli

Take frozen ravioli and turn it into a lasagna type slow cooker meal.

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Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com

Easy Recipes: Chicken Artichoke Tomato Pizza

No more boring pizza and save on take out!

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Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com

Easy Taco Salad (30 Minute Meal)

Taco salad is filling and delicious when you're on a budget.

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Photo Credit:picky-palate.com

Homemade Hawaiian Haystacks

Omit any of the items on this ingredient list that are out of your budget and it will still taste delicious.

Never order takeout when you're on a budget. This is a great at home stir-fry recipe.

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Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com

Light Chicken and Pasta Dinner (Super Easy)

Chicken stretches far in this recipe.

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Photo Credit:shewearsmanyhats.com

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti is something that will feed a crowd on a budget. Make it for your family and eat it for days.

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Photo Credit:www.pink-parsley.com

Bean and Cheese Burritos

Basic burritos are always a win at my house when it comes to dinner.

What easy meals are you preparing for dinner? Share your thrifty ideas!

Crystal VanTassel-Lopez

Blended family. Wife to Lenny. Homeschool mom. Large family- eight boys and one girl... ONLY five still at home. Texas born and raised.

Cheap Dinner Recipes (2024)
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