29 Low Cost Meals I Made While Avoiding My Budget Spreadsheet

The spreadsheet was open, but the meals were more fun to deal with. These 29 low-cost options made avoiding numbers way too easy. They covered meals without blowing through what was left in the bank account. Nothing fancy, just dependable dishes that make skipping math feel like a smarter move.

Grilled Cheese

Simple sandwiches don’t need to be boring. Grilled Cheese brings a crispy layer outside with melted goodness inside, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect mix of textures that works any time of day, especially when paired with something warm. You’ll find it quick to prepare while sticking to a budget.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese

French Onion Casserole

You don’t need complicated recipes to make a hearty dish. French Onion Casserole layers simple ingredients into something truly comforting. It’s easy to throw together, yet it feels like you put in more effort than you actually did. This option is great when you need a filling meal for everyone at a low cost.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Asian Slaw

Sometimes, a quick side dish is all it takes to balance out a meal. Asian Slaw works because it’s crunchy and mixed with just enough flavor variety to make it interesting. It’s affordable, healthy, and can even stand as a light meal in itself. Plus, you can make it in bulk without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Skip pricey takeout for something just as lovely and more homemade. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos turn simple ingredients into something filling and flavorful. They’re a go-to when you need a vegetarian option that doesn’t rely on fancy items. These are easy to customize and stretch for multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Butter Chicken

Rich meals often come at a high grocery bill, but not this one. Butter Chicken gives you a creamy, flavorful dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s surprisingly quick to make at home and doesn’t require anything unusual to recreate. Leftovers, if any, get even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Amish Breakfast Casserole

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up an easy meal for breakfast or even dinner. Amish Breakfast Casserole combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a hearty bake. It’s budget-conscious but still feels like you’re getting something nice and filling. Perfect for serving a group with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Corn Fritters

Affordable and quick, these work great as a side dish or snack. Corn Fritters use staples you probably already have and turn them into handheld bites. They’re easy to batch-make, store, and reheat for later without much hassle. This is a fun way to stretch ingredients on a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Sesame Chicken

If takeout feels out of reach, here’s a flavorful option to try at home. Sesame Chicken gives you that comfort-food feeling without the high cost of delivery. It’s a cheaper spin on a beloved dish, but you won’t miss a thing. It’s also ideal for next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Cowboy Casserole

Stretch your budget with a dish everyone can enjoy. Cowboy Casserole makes use of basic, affordable items to create a filling and tasty meal. It’s the kind of thing you can customize easily to fit whatever you find on hand. This one works especially well for feeding a crowd without overthinking.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Korean Burgers

When you want something fun and different, try these out. Korean Burgers shake up dinner with bold, affordable flavors you can make quickly. They bring traditional elements into a burger in a way that feels exciting but stays simple. It’s an easy way to change up weeknight meals without spending extra.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Cashew Chicken

Here’s an option that feels special but won’t break the bank. Cashew Chicken gives you a mix of textures and cozy flavors made from ingredients you can find anywhere. It’s less expensive than ordering out while still feeling like a treat. This is a simple option for keeping meals both low-cost and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Mexican Casserole

Affordable dinners can still bring boldness to the table. Mexican Casserole layers items you probably already have into something rich and satisfying. It’s easy to make a big batch, so it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Minimal prep is needed, and it all bakes into one cohesive meal for just a few dollars.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

When you’ve got pasta and some leftovers in the fridge, this is a good way to combine them. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad offers a balance of carbs and protein in a versatile dish. You can serve it cold, making it ideal for make-ahead meals or quick lunches. It delivers both flavor and affordability at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Sourdough Bagels

Making your own bread items sounds complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Sourdough Bagels provide a hands-on option that’s fun and cost-effective. You’ll get something fresh and filling while avoiding pricey store-bought versions. Plus, the extra effort makes them feel more rewarded to eat.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

One-pan recipes are a lifesaver when you’re avoiding dishes. Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas give you a cheesy, filling meal that doubles down on affordability. Cooking this way makes it super easy to feed a family or save leftovers for later. It’s simple but doesn’t skimp on being hearty and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Garlic Knots

These work as a side or stand-alone snack for hardly any cost. Garlic Knots take pantry staples and turn them into something warm and satisfying. They’re flexible enough to pair with other dishes or eat alone. Baking them is quick, and they freeze well if you want extras for later.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Gnocchi

Making something from scratch might seem too much work, but not in this case. Gnocchi is surprisingly simple and uses only a handful of ingredients to pull it together. It’s filling, customizable, and won’t break your wallet. Freeze extras to stretch them across multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Stir fry recipes are a go-to for quick, affordable meals. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry combines basic pantry ingredients into something balanced and flavorful. It’s a fast way to get a mix of protein and veggies in one easy dish. This is a practical way to keep meals interesting without complicating your budget.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Here’s a fun breakfast idea that’s protein-packed and budget-friendly. Cottage Cheese Pancakes are light yet filling, making them a great start to your day. With just a few ingredients, they come together quickly and feel a little different from regular pancakes. They’re also versatile, working as breakfast or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Chicken Tikka Masala

Meals that seem fancy don’t always need an expensive grocery list. Chicken Tikka Masala is flavorful and comforting, and you can make it right at home for a fraction of the takeout cost. It’s affordable and worth learning to make if you want variety without spending much. The leftovers taste even better, which is a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Sourdough Bread

Loaves from the store might save time, but making your own is worth it. Sourdough Bread is budget-friendly and provides a fresh homemade option for your meals. It’s exciting to see the process from start to finish, especially knowing you saved money in the long run. With proper storage, it stays good for a few days or freezes well.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

General Tso’s Chicken

When you crave a takeout classic, this option is easy to recreate. General Tso’s Chicken brings a sweet and spicy balance that doesn’t require a deep pantry of supplies. Making it at home is cheaper than delivery and just as enjoyable. It’s a solid choice for quick meals or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Kimchi Stew

For something warming and packed with flavor, this dish works. Kimchi Stew uses everyday ingredients to create a bold, hearty meal. It’s surprisingly easy to pull together when you want a budget option that doesn’t feel bland. Leftovers reheat well and are even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Spaghetti Casserole

Combining pasta and convenience makes for the perfect dinner. Spaghetti Casserole brings together pantry staples in an easy-to-make dish that tastes great. It’s affordable and works well for meal prepping or serving a crowd. If you love simple, hearty meals, this is one to add to the rotation.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Combining spicy and cheesy flavors never gets old. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas are a fun meal idea that stretches basic ingredients into something memorable. They don’t take long to make, but they feel creative and a little different. It’s a good way to use up items and avoid waste.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Taco Casserole

Combining affordability with simplicity, this recipe checks all the boxes. Taco Casserole uses versatile and affordable ingredients that come together into one flavorful dish. It’s an easy dinner idea for days you want something filling without spending forever in the kitchen. Make-ahead or leftovers are just as good.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Mexican Rice

Affordable ingredients and easy steps make this dish a lifesaver. Mexican Rice works as a base, side dish, or even as a light meal on its own. It’s versatile, quick, and doesn’t cost much to make. You can easily prepare large portions, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding more people.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Taco Pasta Salad

Stretch ingredients and create something fresh with this idea. Taco Pasta Salad combines two classics into a budget-friendly dish that’s great for lunches or quick dinners. It’s easy to throw together with leftovers you have from other meals. Cold dishes are also great for saving time on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Chicken Tamale Pie

Casserole-style meals are perfect for keeping costs down. Chicken Tamale Pie combines pantry staples into a rich and comforting baked option. It’s an affordable way to change up dinner and add variety to your week. Plus, it comes together in one pan, so cleanup is easy too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie