47 Meals That Are Cost-Effective

I love finding ways to make great meals without spending a fortune. Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. These recipes help stretch ingredients, cut costs, and keep everyone satisfied.

A spoonful of tomato egg drop soup over a bowl, showing diced tomatoes and green onions.

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background. — Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This skillet meal blends familiar taco flavors with pasta for a hearty, one-pan dinner. It uses affordable ingredients you might already have, helping you stretch your budget. The cooking time is short, making it great for busy nights. It’s an easy way to feed the family without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices. — Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Teriyaki chicken in the air fryer is quick to prepare and doesn’t require pricey ingredients. The short cooking time helps keep energy use low, saving money beyond the grocery bill. It pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. This is a dependable option for flavorful dinners on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Greek Chicken Gyros

A hand holding a chicken wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and white sauce in a tortilla. — Greek Chicken Gyros. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These gyros are an easy way to make a fresh, filling dinner at home without takeout prices. The ingredients are simple and widely available, keeping costs low. Most of the work is in quick assembly, making it ideal for busy schedules. It’s a smart choice for creating a restaurant-style meal affordably.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros

Beef Pot Pie

Beef pot pie is a warm, hearty dish that can be made using budget-friendly cuts of meat and vegetables. The recipe makes a complete meal in one dish, reducing the need for extras. Leftovers store well, giving you more value for your effort. It’s perfect for making a filling dinner without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

This soup uses just a handful of inexpensive ingredients but still delivers a comforting bowl. It’s quick to cook, making it easy to fit into a busy day. Pairing it with bread or rice turns it into a complete meal. It’s a simple way to keep dinner costs down while still enjoying something warm.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Marinated chicken breasts cook quickly in the air fryer and use affordable pantry staples. The short cooking time helps save on both time and energy. They’re easy to pair with low-cost sides like vegetables or pasta. This makes them a budget-friendly protein for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Chicken Roll Ups

A wooden spoon holds a piece of cheesy lasagna above a glass baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley. — Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These roll ups are made with simple ingredients that don’t strain the grocery budget. The recipe is quick to assemble and bakes in under an hour. They’re hearty enough to be the main course without needing expensive side dishes. This is an easy way to make a filling dinner for less.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

A baking dish filled with meatballs covered in melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a white surface. — Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These sliders use soft rolls and meatballs for a crowd-pleasing dinner or snack. They’re simple to make with low-cost ingredients and feed several people without much effort. The recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time. It’s a practical choice for stretching your food budget.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chicken dish cooks in the slow cooker, using affordable ingredients that come together into a full meal. The long, hands-off cooking time makes it convenient for busy days. It pairs well with rice for an inexpensive dinner. It’s a cost-conscious way to enjoy a flavorful main dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken tenders in the air fryer are quick to make and use budget-friendly ingredients. The recipe requires minimal oil, keeping costs and mess down. They’re easy to serve with affordable sides like salad or fries. It’s a wallet-friendly meal option that works for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Boneless chicken thighs are one of the most affordable cuts of meat and cook quickly in the air fryer. The recipe keeps prep simple and cleanup minimal. They’re versatile enough to pair with a variety of inexpensive sides. This makes them perfect for keeping dinner costs low.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

These personal-sized pies are a fun twist on the classic while still being cost-effective. They use simple ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. They bake in under an hour and store well for leftovers. It’s a practical choice for affordable comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Making lasagna in individual portions keeps cooking time shorter and portions manageable. It uses pantry staples like pasta, sauce, and cheese, which are easy on the budget. These can be baked ahead and reheated for later meals. It’s a budget-conscious way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This one-pan meal combines beef and cabbage into a hearty dinner using low-cost ingredients. The cooking process is quick, making it great for weeknights. Cleanup is minimal since it’s all made in one skillet. It’s a smart way to keep dinner filling without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Homemade chicken nuggets are a budget-friendly alternative to frozen or takeout. They use basic ingredients and cook quickly. Pair them with affordable sides for a complete meal. It’s an easy, cost-conscious choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This stir fry uses affordable tofu and vegetables for a plant-based dinner option. Cooking is quick, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s flexible enough to use whatever vegetables are on sale. This helps keep your grocery bill low while still enjoying a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker chicken tacos are easy to make with inexpensive cuts of meat and simple seasonings. They cook hands-off, saving time and energy. You can use low-cost toppings and tortillas to stretch the meal. It’s a great way to feed a group without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This stir fry uses ground pork, an affordable protein, along with vegetables for a balanced dinner. It comes together quickly in one pan for easy cleanup. The ingredients are simple and adaptable to sales. It’s a dependable option for budget-friendly meals.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This small-batch chili uses budget-friendly beans and ground meat. It cooks slowly for rich flavor without much hands-on time. The recipe is portioned to avoid waste, which helps save money. It’s a practical dinner for keeping costs low.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish combines beef and broccoli for a quick, flavorful meal using simple ingredients. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and works with affordable cuts of beef. Cooking in one pan keeps cleanup fast and easy. It’s a cost-conscious choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The tuna melt is made with pantry staples like canned tuna and bread, keeping costs low. Cooking in the air fryer makes it fast and energy-efficient. It’s a warm, filling meal that’s easy on the budget. This is a smart option for quick, affordable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A blue bowl of cooked chicken breasts garnished with chopped herbs on a light fabric backdrop. — Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken thighs are one of the most budget-friendly meats, and cooking them in the slow cooker makes them tender with little effort. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables. It’s a reliable option for affordable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background. — Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients like chicken, stuffing mix, and vegetables. It’s quick to assemble, and the oven does most of the work. The recipe makes a filling main dish in one pan. It’s a cost-conscious comfort food for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This meatloaf recipe is inspired by a restaurant favorite but made at home for less. It uses affordable ground meat and pantry staples. Baking it in the oven keeps preparation simple. It’s a hearty, budget-friendly dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole offers the flavors of Sloppy Joes in an easy, baked dish. It uses inexpensive ingredients and can feed several people. The cooking time is short, making it great for weeknights. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate. — Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This breaded chicken breast is simple to prepare with budget-friendly pantry staples. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings. The recipe pairs well with affordable sides like rice or vegetables. It’s a wallet-friendly way to make a crisp, flavorful main dish.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mac and cheese in the slow cooker is a hands-off way to make a filling meal on a budget. The ingredients are simple and affordable. It’s a great option for feeding a group without much work. This dish also reheats well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This fish dish uses a short list of affordable ingredients for a quick weeknight meal. It bakes in under 30 minutes, keeping energy use low. The recipe pairs easily with low-cost sides like rice or vegetables. It’s a budget-conscious way to enjoy seafood.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans. — Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Stuffed pork chops are an easy way to make a hearty dinner using budget-friendly ingredients. The recipe bakes in the oven, keeping preparation simple. It’s filling enough to serve on its own or with inexpensive sides. This is a practical choice for an affordable main course.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This pasta bake uses simple, low-cost ingredients for a hearty dinner. Most of the cooking is hands-off in the oven. It makes enough for leftovers, which helps stretch your budget. It’s a dependable choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole is made with budget-friendly ingredients and is easy to prepare. Baking it in one dish makes cleanup quick. The recipe is filling and can feed several people. It’s a cost-conscious dinner option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls. — Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef stew is a classic, hearty meal that can be made with affordable cuts of beef and vegetables. Cooking it slowly enhances the flavor without extra expense. The recipe makes multiple servings, helping stretch your budget. It’s perfect for cold nights when you want something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs. — Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork chops are an affordable protein that cook quickly in a skillet. This recipe uses pantry staples, keeping ingredient costs low. It’s an easy meal for nights when time and money are tight. It’s a reliable choice for simple, budget-friendly dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry. — Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This noodle dish uses inexpensive ingredients like vegetables, meat, and rice noodles. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy nights. The recipe can feed several people for a low cost. It’s a practical way to make a filling dinner without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tacos are made with ground pork, one of the most affordable meats available. They cook quickly and can be customized with low-cost toppings. The recipe works well for feeding a group without spending much. It’s a budget-friendly option for taco night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Divan is a creamy casserole made with affordable chicken and vegetables. It bakes in one dish, keeping cleanup easy. The recipe is hearty enough to serve as a full meal. It’s a smart option for budget-conscious cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate. — Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork burgers are a low-cost alternative to beef burgers. They cook quickly and use simple ingredients. You can serve them with affordable sides like fries or salad. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a burger night at home.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a hearty dish made with budget-friendly ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and pie crust. It’s a complete meal in one dish. The recipe can be made ahead and reheated, helping stretch your grocery budget. It’s a practical choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork chops are coated with panko for a crisp finish without expensive ingredients. They cook quickly, making them great for weeknights. The recipe pairs well with affordable sides. It’s a cost-conscious way to make a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta uses shrimp and tomatoes for a simple yet budget-friendly seafood dish. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and easy to prepare. The recipe pairs well with low-cost bread or salad. It’s a practical choice for affordable weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken legs are one of the most affordable cuts of meat, and cooking them in the air fryer makes them quick and easy. The recipe uses simple seasonings. Cleanup is minimal, making it great for busy nights. It’s a wallet-friendly option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate. — Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is an economical way to feed several people. It’s quick compared to oven roasting and requires little hands-on time. The leftovers can be used for other meals, stretching your budget further. It’s a smart choice for affordable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Wet Burrito

This burrito recipe uses affordable ingredients like beans, rice, and ground meat. It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal. The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s a cost-conscious way to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frito chili pie is an easy, budget-friendly meal made with simple ingredients. It’s quick to assemble and can feed a crowd without much expense. The recipe works well for weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a practical way to keep dinner costs low.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chicken dish uses a small list of budget-friendly ingredients to make a creamy main course. It cooks in under an hour, making it weeknight-friendly. The recipe pairs well with inexpensive sides like rice or vegetables. It’s a cost-conscious choice for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a fun, quick meal that uses affordable chicken pieces. It cooks fast and pairs easily with low-cost sides. The recipe is easy to make in batches for multiple servings. It’s a wallet-friendly option for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken skewers cook quickly in the air fryer, keeping prep time and energy use low. They use simple, budget-friendly ingredients. The recipe is easy to pair with inexpensive sides like rice or vegetables. It’s a practical choice for affordable weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer