Save Your Money And Your Appetite With 29 Low-Cost Recipes

Great food doesn’t need a big budget, just the right ideas. With 29 affordable recipes, you’ll cook meals that feel like a splurge without the extra cost. Simple ingredients, smart techniques, and big flavors come together to keep your wallet and your plate full.

Zucchini Fritters

If you’ve got zucchini, you’re halfway to making these crispy treats. They’re perfect for a quick bite or even a side dish. Zucchini Fritters are a smart choice when you’re trying to eat well but keep things easy on the wallet. Just combine, cook, and enjoy—simple as that.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

White Bean Soup

Looking for something warm and filling? Try your hand at this hearty soup. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s packed with nutrition. White Bean Soup is ideal for those cooler days or when you just need a comforting meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves a creamy, comforting bowl of this classic dish. It’s a household favorite for all ages. With Mac and Cheese, you get to whip up a worthwhile meal without spending much. It’s the ultimate comfort food that doubles as a perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

You can enjoy the flavors of stuffed peppers without all the work. This casserole version throws everything into one dish for easy baking. Stuffed Pepper Casserole makes a colorful meal that won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have around.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Pasta Carbonara

This is a creamy delight, minus the cream! It comes together with just a few ingredients for a luxurious feel. Pasta Carbonara offers the taste of Italy without the cost of a plane ticket. Quick to make, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Spice up your dinner routine with these flavorful quesadillas. They combine chicken with a kick of Southwestern spices for a quick meal option. Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas are great for a casual meal or gathering. Wrap, cook, and slice up some fun tonight!
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Mashed Potatoes

Sometimes, you just need the smooth, buttery taste of homemade mashed potatoes. They’re so simple to make and go with almost anything. Mashed Potatoes are a staple that reminds you of home. They’re easy, fluffy, and always a hit around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

White Chicken Chili

This chili swaps out the red meat but keeps all the hearty flavors. It’s a lighter option that’s still rich in taste. White Chicken Chili can be a go-to when you want something a bit different but still filling. Serve it up hot with your favorite toppings for a customizable meal.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Perfect for a party or as a worthwhile snack, this creamy dip doesn’t disappoint. It pairs well with anything crisp. Spinach Artichoke Dip is your chance to bring restaurant-quality appetizer into your kitchen. Just a few scoops will get your gathering started right.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Pork Chops

Quick to cook and easy to season, pork chops are an underrated dinner star. They’re budget-friendly and can be dressed up or down. Pork Chops are perfect for a no-fuss meal that feels like you’ve tried harder than you did. Serve them up any night of the week for a quick, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Sourdough Bread

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread. Starting your sourdough is simpler than you might think, and it’s cheaper than store-bought. Sourdough Bread brings a little bit of gourmet into your everyday life. Enjoy it toasted with butter or as the base for your favorite sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Twice Baked Potatoes

Imagine potatoes, but twice as nice. These come stuffed with their own fluffy insides plus some extras. Twice Baked Potatoes are an impressive side dish that won’t tax your wallet. They’re perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a stay-home day.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Meatball Sliders

Small but mighty, these sliders pack a flavorful punch. They’re great for gatherings where you want to serve something hearty but casual. Meatball Sliders are fun, easy, and economical—ideal for feeding a crowd without stress. Pop them on some mini buns and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Southern Mash

Immerse in comfort with this down-home dish. It’s a creamy, dreamy alternative to standard sides. Southern Mash mixes up your side dish game with a touch of Southern charm. It’s a simple way to bring some homestyle cooking to your table without extra effort or cost.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Want to feel rich without spending a fortune? This spaghetti dish is your ticket. It’s packed with flavors that make it a standout at any meal. Million Dollar Spaghetti is the way to make your dinner special without visiting a fancy restaurant. It’s a pasta dish that promises a lot for a little.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Set it, forget it, and come back to something wonderful. This slow cooker meal delivers big on flavor with little fuss. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs turn a classic dinner favorite into an easy, hands-off meal that’s ready when you are. It’s perfect for those busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Cute and crispy, these mini potatoes are a hit at dinners and parties. Each one is a small burst of flavor in your mouth. Mini Hasselback Potatoes are easy to prepare, and because they’re small, they cook up fast. They make a perfect side dish or appetizer for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Spaghetti Bolognese

This is a hearty, meaty pasta that’s a favorite in many households. It fills you up without draining your wallet. Spaghetti Bolognese is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to put together. It’s a robust meal that brings everyone to the table, eager and ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Get ready for a cheesy, gooey treat that’s perfect for potato lovers. This dish is a pleasure for the eyes and the palate. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a sinful pleasure without the sin of high cost. They’re a great way to make a meal or a gathering a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Throw your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you’ve got a meal ready to go. This dish is flavorful and requires minimal effort. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s a dish that brings comfort and flavor home without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Mushroom Pizza

When you crave pizza but need a budget-friendly version, here’s your solution. This pizza uses mushrooms for a rich, umami flavor. Mushroom Pizza could be your Friday night regular. It’s an easy, make-at-home delight that gets everyone excited about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Bring a bit of the Southwest to your table with this vibrant dish. It’s flavorful, filling, and adds a twist to ordinary sweet potatoes. Southwest Sweet Potatoes are all about big flavor without a big price tag. They’re perfect for a wholesome meal that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Mushroom Stroganoff

This dish is a creamy, comforting alternative to the beef version but still keeps all the rich flavors you love. Mushroom Stroganoff is a vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s ideal for a cozy night in when you want something hearty but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Looking for a classic comfort food that takes minimal effort? This pot roast is tender, flavorful, and cooks while you’re away. With Slow Cooker Pot Roast, you can come home to a dinner that feels like someone cooked for you all day. It’s simple, worthwhile, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Orange Chicken

If you enjoy your dinner with a bit of sweet and sour kick, this dish brings just enough zing to excite your palate. Orange Chicken is a popular choice for a reason. It’s quick to make and offers a amusing change from the usual. It’s a dish with flavors that pop, ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Grab your favorite veggies and toss them into a quick, healthy meal. It’s as colorful as it is nutritious. Vegetable Stir Fry is perfect when you want something light yet worthwhile. Whip it up in minutes, it’s that easy. This is a dish that keeps you feeling good about what you’re eating.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Craving something with a bit of spice? These wings have a unique rub that gives them a mouth-watering kick. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings are perfect for game day or any casual get-together. They’re easy to make at home and sure to be a hit with spice lovers.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Penne Alla Vodka

When you want to impress without too much stress, this pasta dish does the trick. It’s creamy and just slightly boozy. Penne Alla Vodka is a great way to add a bit of flair to your standard pasta night. It’s surprisingly simple to make and always feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

One pan, no fuss, and you’ve got a meal that’s both sweet and appetizing. This sheet pan meal makes cleanup a breeze. Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s balanced, tasty, and cooks all at once, which means less mess and more enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe