Even with the rising cost of food, enjoying a satisfying meal doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a student watching every penny, living alone for the first time, or just trying to lower your grocery bill, here are 16 meals to make on a budget. When creating a meal plan, plan around what’s on sale in your store’s circular and coupons, and look at what you have in the pantry. These dinner recipes feature pantry items and proteins that are typically on sale and will help you stretch your dollar while serving a meal everyone will enjoy.
Chicken Tot Casserole
“My husband loves tater tots. But I wanted to spice them up a bit. I have made other tot casseroles, but this casserole is real comfort food. Hubby loves it.” – Tracie
Meatball Grinders
“These are so good and easy to make. The best thing about it is you can make this in your slow cooker.” – Shirley
Sweet & Sour Pork Chops
“I’ve made this recipe for over 25 years. It’s a quick and easy recipe and the aroma will have everyone drooling while it’s cooking! I guarantee there won’t be any leftovers!” – Audrey
My Mother’s One-Pan Cheesy Beef Dinner
“My Mom told me to always have ground beef, cheese, and onion around in my kitchen… here is something she made quite often.” – Terri
Pasta alla Alfredo
“A quick and easy homemade American-style creamy fettuccine alfredo!” – Kevin
Pepperoni Pizza Dogs
“My grandkids love these and they are fast and easy to make. Yummy too.” – Barbara
BBQ Sloppy Joe Sliders
“For years I just made my mother’s Sloppy Joe recipe. Then one day I decided to try it with some BBQ sauce. My family loved it so well that’s the only way they want it fixed. It is super quick and easy to prepare. It goes great with slaw and chips.” – Virginia (Ginger)
Chili Cheese Burritos
“This is a dish my mom taught me. It’s really quick and easy, and my family loves it.” – Jamie
Crock Pot Cubed Steak
“When cooked in the slow cooker, cube steak is fork-tender. I love to start this in the morning and it’s ready for dinner.” – Marcia
Meatballs and Brown Gravy
“These Meatballs and Brown Gravy are a quick and delicious meal any night of the week. Served over rice and a vegetable it is a perfect meal on a budget.” – Debbie
Ham and Beef Sliders
“I love sliders! There are so many different things you can do, the sky’s the limit! This particular version is a family favorite. Like a hot ham and cheese sandwich plus a cheeseburger all in one! I will sometimes bake the beef beforehand. Then when it’s dinnertime, assemble the sliders.” – Chrissy
Cheesy Taco Skillet
“I have been making this for my family for a long time. We love it! It really stretches the food budget without giving up on flavor or having small servings!” – Chrissy
Ground Beef Casserole
“Something easy and quick to make, yet so yummy!” – Kim
Family Favorite Salmon Patties
“I have been making these tasty salmon patties for many years. My family especially likes the lemon-dill sauce with them. They are good with or without the sauce. Yummy… They are really good the next day cold on a bun with lettuce and a slice of tomato. If there are any left, that is… lol!” – Carol
Kielbasa Pasta Casserole
“I had several jars of spaghetti sauce that I got on sale and needed to use. Came out very good!” – Thelma
Chicken Spinach & Artichoke Arrabbiata With Pasta
“I made this one night when I had not much in the house. The ingredients came together for a fabulous meal. Try it with shrimp or other seafood.” – Karen