10+ Easy Cheap Recipes for Delicious Meals on a Budget

Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. There are many easy cheap recipes that can help you enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. These recipes make it simple to create satisfying dishes using affordable ingredients that you likely already have at home.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, finding affordable meal options can ease the stress of budgeting. With a little creativity and the right recipes, you can whip up tasty dinners that everyone will love.

1) Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage

Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage is a simple and tasty dish. It combines ground beef, butternut squash, and green peppers. You can whip this up quickly, making it great for a busy weeknight.

To start, gather your ingredients. This dish has a rich flavor from the meat and veggies. Plus, the squash adds a nice touch of sweetness.

You cook everything in one pot, making cleanup easier. It’s filling and comforting, perfect for any family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 12 ounces)
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the butternut squash and green pepper, cooking until they soften.
3. Stir in the onion soup mix and diced tomatoes.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes until everything is cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2) Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Teriyaki chicken thighs are a tasty and simple dish. They have a sweet and savory flavor that everyone in your family will enjoy.

To prepare, start by marinating the chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce. This adds great flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Cook the marinated thighs in a skillet over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve them over rice or with noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a little cooking oil.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet.
4. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve with rice or noodles.

3) Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers

Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up quickly. It combines ground beef, beans, and peppers topped with cheesy cornbread. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.

You start by browning the meat and mixing in the peppers and beans. Then, you pour the cornbread mixture over the top and bake it until golden. The best part is that everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili with beans
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 package cornbread mix
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and poblano peppers.
3. Mix in the chili with beans and stir well.
4. Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish.
5. Prepare the cornbread mix with water and spread it over the beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden.

4) Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian dish. It combines pasta, beans, and vegetables in a savory broth. This soup is easy to make and perfect for a budget-friendly meal.

To prepare, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then add ground beef or sausage for extra flavor. Next, mix in diced tomatoes, broth, and beans. Let it simmer until warm.

Finally, stir in cooked pasta and serve. You can top it with grated cheese for added taste. This soup is both filling and delicious.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 3 cups diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup small pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add ground beef or sausage; cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and broth.
5. Mix in cannellini beans and season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add cooked pasta and stir well.
8. Serve hot, topped with cheese if desired.

5) Baked Feta Chickpeas

Baked feta chickpeas make a tasty and affordable dish that’s quick to prepare. You’ll enjoy the creamy feta combined with hearty chickpeas, making it a satisfying meal.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and cubed feta cheese. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes. The feta will soften, and the tomatoes will burst, creating a delicious sauce. Serve it warm with crusty bread or over rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 8 oz feta cheese, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, until feta is soft and tomatoes are burst.
5. Serve warm.

6) Monster Meatballs

Monster meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on the classic dish. They are larger than regular meatballs and pack a lot of flavor. You can enjoy them with spaghetti or even on their own.

Making monster meatballs is easy and budget-friendly. You’ll need ground meat, breadcrumbs, and some seasoning. The best part is that you can tweak the flavors to suit your taste.

For a little extra fun, consider adding cheese in the center. When you bite into them, you’ll find a delicious surprise!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: marinara sauce for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Form large balls with the mixture.
4. Press a little cheese into the center of each ball.
5. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite side.

7) Chicken Parm Pasta

Chicken Parm Pasta is a tasty and affordable meal that you’ll love. It combines juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness. You can easily prepare it with just a few ingredients.

To make it, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken or bake your own. Mix the chicken with pasta, marinara, and plenty of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake it until bubbly and golden.

This dish is perfect for a family meal. It’s easy to make and will satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy chicken parmesan in a new form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and marinara sauce.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

8) Simple Macaroni and Cheese

Simple macaroni and cheese is a quick and tasty dish perfect for busy nights. You can make it in just 25 minutes with staple ingredients you likely have at home. This recipe is easy, so anyone can try it.

Start by cooking elbow macaroni in boiling water. While that cooks, make a creamy cheese sauce using butter, milk, and your favorite cheese.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the macaroni.

Serve it hot for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is great)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions.
3. In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in milk and cheese until melted.
5. Drain the macaroni and mix with the cheese sauce.
6. Serve warm.

9) Cheesy Ramen Noodles

Cheesy ramen noodles are an easy and budget-friendly meal. You can whip this up in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something warm and tasty.

To make cheesy ramen, you need just a few simple ingredients. You’ll use instant ramen noodles and your choice of cheese. American cheese works great for its melting qualities.

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain most of the broth, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Break the cheese into pieces and mix it in with the hot noodles until melted.

This dish is not only quick but also satisfying. Enjoy your delicious cheesy ramen as a meal or a side dish!

Ingredients

• 1 packet of instant ramen noodles
• 1-2 slices of American cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ramen noodles as per the package instructions.
2. Drain most of the water, leaving 1-2 tablespoons.
3. Add cheese pieces to the noodles.
4. Mix until the cheese is melted.

10) Sloppy Joes II

Sloppy Joes are a classic, easy meal that you can whip up in no time. This version is hearty and tasty. You’ll need ground beef, onion, green pepper, and ketchup to make a delicious filling.

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and green peppers. Cook until everything is soft. Then, mix in garlic powder and brown sugar for extra flavor.

Next, stir in the ketchup. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. Serve it on hamburger buns or your favorite bread. Enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and green pepper. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic powder and brown sugar.
4. Mix in ketchup and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Serve on buns and enjoy!