Good Food Made Affordable With 29 Low-Cost Recipes To Try

Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These 29 budget-friendly recipes prove that great meals can be made without stretching your wallet. With smart choices and simple ingredients, you’ll have dishes that feel special without the extra expense. Good food should be for everyone, no matter the budget.

Minestrone Soup

If you want something warm and filling, a classic Italian staple is the answer. Packed with vegetables and simmered to perfection, Minestrone Soup is hearty and budget-friendly. A comforting bowl everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Have a busy weeknight and need a dish that’s quick to prepare yet full of flavor? Lay everything on a single sheet pan, and you’ve got a meal that saves you time both in preparation and cleanup. In the midst of this ease, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Birria Ramen

Blend Mexican spices with Japanese noodles for a bold, comforting dish. The rich broth and tender meat make Birria Ramen an irresistible fusion. It’s a trendy twist on tradition, easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Chicken Alfredo

Seeking lush, creamy comfort without a hefty price tag? Whip up a pot of something that’s both simple and sophisticated, all while being undeniably delicious. Chicken Alfredo is a go-to for a reason—it’s a creamy, hearty dish that’ll have everyone feeling like they’re dining out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Egg Drop Soup

A light, comforting broth with ribbons of egg, ready in minutes. Its silky texture and tasty warmth make it a go-to for any time of day. Egg Drop Soup is quick, effortless, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a rewarding meal.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Want the cheesy, spicy goodness of quesadillas without standing over the stove? Spread everything out on a sheet pan and toss it in the oven for a stress-free cooking method. Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas are your shortcut to a fuss-free dinner, with plenty of room for customization to suit your taste.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Garlic Knots

The irresistible aroma of garlic butter fills the kitchen as warm, pillowy knots bake. These twists are delicious, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients. Garlic Knots pair perfectly with any meal or make a rewarding snack. Fresh from the oven, they vanish fast—proof that simple is best.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re aiming for a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, here’s a dish that’s quick to cook and full of green goodness. Seared chicken adds protein, turning this into a balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry comes together faster than takeout, and it’s customizable to whatever you have in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

When comfort food calls, answer with something flavorful, starchy, and absolutely mouthwatering. Imagine potatoes transformed into a creamy, cheesy dish that’ll be a hit at any table, especially for those on a budget. Mississippi Mud Potatoes might just become your new favorite way to serve up this humble vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Cheeseburger Soup

Bring together the tasty flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a new and comforting way. This pot of goodness blends all your favorite burger elements, making it perfect for those times when you can’t decide between soup or a burger. Cheeseburger Soup is unique, delicious, and won’t strain your budget—it’s the best of both worlds.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Focaccia Bread

Ready to fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked bread? Roll up your sleeves for an Italian classic that doubles as a canvas for herbs and spices. Focaccia Bread is not only worthwhile to make but also easy on your wallet, proving that you don’t need to spend much to bake a masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Chicken Tamale Pie

Give in to a dish where South-of-the-border flavors meet the ease of a one-dish bake. It’s a hearty and flavorful option that’ll get everyone’s attention when you pull it out of the oven. Chicken Tamale Pie is an enjoyable spin on traditional tamales, packed with similar flavors but far less work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Mushroom Pizza

Pizza night just got more interesting with a topping that brings earthy flavors and hearty textures. Bake a pizza that’s easy on your budget and big on taste, perfect for any day of the week. Mushroom Pizza is a tasty twist on a classic that won’t leave your wallet thin.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Sometimes, a meal should feel like a warm hug without costing much. Tender chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce create a comforting casserole. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is nutritious, simple, and fuss-free. Just bake and enjoy hearty goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Take your love for fast food to the kitchen by creating a homemade twist on an iconic burger. It’s a crispy, crunchy wrap filled with all the flavors you know and love, perfect for when you’re hankering for a fun meal. Big Mac Crunchwrap is a playful dish that turns fast food inspiration into a budget-friendly meal you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Chicken Tikka Masala

Indulge in the rich flavors of a beloved Indian dish, simmered to creamy perfection. It’s a wonderful option for a cozy night in, serving up spiced and saucy chicken without the need for expensive ingredients. Chicken Tikka Masala is your ticket to a world of flavor without the cost of a plane ticket.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Breakfast Casserole

Start your morning off right with a dish that combines all your breakfast favorites in one bake. It’s ideal for leisurely weekends or mornings where you need to feed a crowd without too much hassle. Breakfast Casserole is a no-fuss dish that can be prepped ahead of time, making your morning routine smoother.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

General Tso’s Chicken

Craving some takeout-inspired heat and sweet? Whip up a dish that’s a favorite in the Western take on Chinese cuisine, known for its tangy and slightly spicy sauce. General Tso’s Chicken brings the excitement of your favorite restaurant dish to your dining table without the extra cost.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Miso Soup

A soul-soothing starter that’s simple to prepare, this traditional Japanese soup offers a tasty base for a nutritious and easy meal. Miso Soup is a testament to humble ingredients combining into a deeply enjoyable dish. It’s quick, healthy, and easy on your wallet—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Crispy, golden bites with fast-food flavor, made right at home. Perfect for kids or casual gatherings, no drive-thru needed. Chick-fil-A Nuggets bring familiar taste without the cost. A homemade copycat that truly delivers.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Broccoli Casserole

Sometimes you need a side that doubles as a comforting dish in its own right. It’s a green and creamy concoction that’ll have everyone eager to get their veggies. Broccoli Casserole makes a regular vegetable the star of the show, proving that sides don’t have to be dull or expensive.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Embrace bold Southwestern flavors in a soup that’s as colorful as it is delicious. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines protein, veggies, and a kick of spice, perfect for a robust meal everyone will enjoy. Chicken Tortilla Soup serves up comfort with a zingy twist, warming you up without requiring deep pockets.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Want a side that’s both fancy-looking and budget-friendly? Slice and roast these little spuds to crispy-edged perfection, creating an impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Mini Hasselback Potatoes turn an everyday staple into an extraordinary addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted Tomato Soup

There’s nothing quite like the taste of roasted tomatoes transformed into an enjoyably smooth soup. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with a comforting, home-cooked essence. Roasted Tomato Soup is a rustic, yet refined option for a meal that warms from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Recreate a restaurant favorite right at home, where tender chicken meets pasta in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Skip the dining out expense and impress with a homemade version that tastes just as indulgent. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta may sound fancy, but it’s quite practical and easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Egg Casserole

For those mornings when you want a protein-packed start without too much fuss, here’s your solution. Assemble it the night before, and by morning, you’re ready to bake a rewarding breakfast. Egg Casserole is a convenient and versatile way to begin the day; it’s a champion of make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Sesame Chicken

Enjoy a staple from the Chinese-American takeout menu with a sweet and tasty sauce that’s rich and coated over tender chicken pieces. It’s a dish that’s sure to be a family favorite, combining great taste and affordable cooking. Sesame Chicken lets you indulge the experience of a popular takeout choice in the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Corn Casserole

When you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and simple side that’s as comforting as it is delicious, consider this creamy treasure. It’s a golden bake that provides both flavor and texture, making it ideal for any family gathering. Corn Casserole is a creamy creation that brings coziness to every table, and it won’t have you spending much.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Breakfast Burritos

Kickstart your day with a portable and customizable morning favorite that’s ready whenever you are. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for those on-the-go mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Breakfast Burritos are easy to make in bulk and freeze for later, proving convenient cooking doesn’t have to be bland.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Burritos