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?
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.
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
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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Indiana Chowder (Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe)
Egg noodles, beef, some spices and a few veggies and dinner is done!
Photo Credit:www.tablespoon.com
Sweet Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
Meatballs are cheap to make and do not have to be boring!
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.
Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com
Cheesy Burrito Casserole
Casseroles are a great way to make a filling meal when you have very little meat.
Photo Credit:www.simplisticallyliving.com
Simple Oven Tacos
Use any leftover ground meat to make these yummy tacos.
Photo Credit:www.freebiefindingmom.com
Chicken Marsala Crockpot Recipe
Chicken does not have to be boring or flavorless. This masala recipe sounds so good!
Photo Credit:equippinggodlywomen.com
Chicken, Mushroom and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green beans and chicken collide in the best casserole recipe
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!
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The EASIEST & Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - Happy Deal
Soup is another great way to spread out meat when you're short on cash.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Beef and Peppers
Stir fry is a great option when the grocery budget is tight.
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Three-Ingredient Crescent SausageBites
Got refrigerator crescent rolls? Buy the store brand, they are cheaper! Stretch out our ground meat with this recipe.
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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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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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Quick & Easy Texas Toast Pizza Recipe
Pizza on toast? Yes! Use up that bread. Think outside of the box.
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Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (better than P.F. Chang's)!
Lettuce wraps are another great way to stretch out your dollar.
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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Broccoli and Cheese Mini Quiches
Are eggs on sale? Grab them and make breakfast for dinner.
Photo Credit:wholenewmom.com
Gluten-free Dairy-free Chili Mac - a GREAT Easy One Pan Family Meal!
One pot meals are great when money is tight. Elbow noodles, some ground meat and cheese for the win!
Photo Credit:forthefamily.org
Slow Cooker Green Chicken - for the family
Flavorful chicken served over rice is always great when you're pinching pennies.
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Leftover Fried Rice Recipe - Healthy Use-What-You-Have Cooking
Use leftovers to make fried rice and save money.
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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Broccoli Cheese Soup
Another meatless soup that is easy on your pocketbook.
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.
Photo Credit:www.browniebites.net
30-Minute Shepherd's Pie
Meat and potato casseroles are always filling and stretch. Save leftovers for lunch.
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.
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.
Photo Credit:www.framedcooks.com
Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Use leftover ground protein and make a casserole like this one.
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.
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.
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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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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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Grab tater tots when they are on sale and use them in casseroles instead of potatoes.
Photo Credit:www.allrecipes.com
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are filling and cheap to make.
Photo Credit:fabulesslyfrugal.com
Cilantro Lime Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
Tacos are always budget friendly and are very versatile.
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!
Photo Credit:www.cozycountryliving.com
Loaded Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a very budget friendly dinner idea.
Photo Credit:www.freshouttatime.com
How To Make Sloppy Joes Sliders
Sloppy Joes are another great way to make ground hamburger meat less boring!
Photo Credit:homecookingmemories.com
Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad Recipe
Got Ramen? Use it to make a salad that is more filling than traditional Ramen.
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Recipes | The Best Tomato Basil Soup & The Best Grilled Cheese | Dinner Ideas
Meatless soup for the win... and this is super filling and budget friendly.
Photo Credit:www.thecountrycook.net
Easy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are another great way to stretch out meat for dinner.
Photo Credit:www.thepinningmama.com
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole • The Pinning Mama
Chicken, rice and cheese make the best casserole!
Easy Crockpot Ravioli
Take frozen ravioli and turn it into a lasagna type slow cooker meal.
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Easy Recipes: Chicken Artichoke Tomato Pizza
No more boring pizza and save on take out!
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Easy Taco Salad (30 Minute Meal)
Taco salad is filling and delicious when you're on a budget.
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Homemade Hawaiian Haystacks
Omit any of the items on this ingredient list that are out of your budget and it will still taste delicious.
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Easy Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Never order takeout when you're on a budget. This is a great at home stir-fry recipe.
Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com
Light Chicken and Pasta Dinner (Super Easy)
Chicken stretches far in this recipe.
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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.
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.