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.
$600 Summer Costco Grocery Haul
Wondering what it takes to feed a large family (for cheap) in the summer? Check out our summertime grocery haul where we buy in bulk!
LARGE FAMILY COSTCO GROCERY HAUL
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.
Egg noodles, beef, some spices and a few veggies and dinner is done!
Meatballs are cheap to make and do not have to be boring!
Stuffed shells are delicious. Omit the meat if your budget is super tight.
Casseroles are a great way to make a filling meal when you have very little meat.
Use any leftover ground meat to make these yummy tacos.
Chicken does not have to be boring or flavorless. This masala recipe sounds so good!
Green beans and chicken collide in the best casserole recipe
Aldi has some of the best chicken prices... make dinner on a budget with this flavorful recipe!
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.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Beef and Peppers
Stir fry is a great option when the grocery budget is tight.
Got refrigerator crescent rolls? Buy the store brand, they are cheaper! Stretch out our ground meat with this recipe.
Beef stew is always budget friendly. Add more veggies to stretch out the recipe even more!
Rice really helps to stretch a meal out. Make a bowl with your rice, veggies and protein to really stretch your dollar out.
Pizza on toast? Yes! Use up that bread. Think outside of the box.
Lettuce wraps are another great way to stretch out your dollar.
Pasta is an excellent and filling dinner option when you're on a budget.
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!
Flavorful chicken served over rice is always great when you're pinching pennies.
Use leftovers to make fried rice and save money.
Use delicious vegetables like butternut squash to make soup. Meatless meals are usually cheaper.
Another meatless soup that is easy on your pocketbook.
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.
Lasagna soup takes less meat to make than a full pan of lasagna. This is a great way to have lasagna on a budget.
Chicken, noodles, pasta and a few vegetables in a casserole dish and dinner is done.
Use leftover ground protein and make a casserole like this one.
Meatloaf is always a filling dinner idea. Serve it with potatoes or rice to stretch the meal out even more.
This is a super cheap dinner idea for when you're broke and have little money to spend on groceries.
Potatoes are another starch that are filling and help stretch out a meal. You can't go wrong with this recipe.
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.
Grab tater tots when they are on sale and use them in casseroles instead of potatoes.
Chicken and dumplings are filling and cheap to make.
Tacos are always budget friendly and are very versatile.
Tacos do not have to always be served in a shell or tortilla.... make them into cups!
Vegetable soup is a very budget friendly dinner idea.
Sloppy Joes are another great way to make ground hamburger meat less boring!
Got Ramen? Use it to make a salad that is more filling than traditional Ramen.
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.
Enchiladas are another great way to stretch out meat for dinner.
Chicken, rice and cheese make the best casserole!
Take frozen ravioli and turn it into a lasagna type slow cooker meal.
No more boring pizza and save on take out!
Taco salad is filling and delicious when you're on a budget.
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.
Chicken stretches far in this recipe.
Spaghetti is something that will feed a crowd on a budget. Make it for your family and eat it for days.
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!
I need to try the Crockpot Ravioli! It sounds so good and anything made in the slow cooker is my kind of meal 🙂
It is amazing. I’ve been making it for years now and we love it!
What a great roundup! Who doesn’t need to budget from time to time? Saving this! Thanks for joining the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!
Lots of great ideas on here, I need to get busy in my kitchen!
Oh my! Great ideas! Pinned and tweeted. We love partying with you and we appreciate you stopping by! Please take a minute to stop by next week, so we can pin and tweet your new creation. The party starts on Monday at 7 pm! Have a great Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
Meal planning can be so hard. Thank you for sharing this great recipe round-up and for linking up at the #HomeMattersParty!
Very awesome list. I need!! 🙂 Best wishes for the weekend. Linda @Crafts a la mode