19 Low Cost Recipes That Got Us Through The Tightest Grocery Week

When the fridge looked like it had trust issues, this list came through. These 19 low cost recipes helped meals feel normal even when the budget wasn’t. They work quietly in the background while you do mental math in the cereal aisle. And yes, leftovers still showed up like dependable coworkers.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

When you’re looking for a hearty dish that’s easy on the wallet, Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a great choice. This one-pan meal is perfect for filling up without breaking the bank. It’s packed with flavors and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken brings simple, fulfilling comfort to your table without the extra cost. This dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t ask for anything fancy. It’s a great option when you need something quick but still filling. Perfect for when your budget is tight and you’re craving a little extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Twice Baked Potatoes

If you’re craving a filling meal that’s light on your budget, Twice Baked Potatoes are a great choice. You can easily make them in batches to stretch your ingredients. They’re customizable, meaning you can adjust them based on what you already have. Whether for a side or the main, they’ll keep everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

When dinner needs to come together fast without much fuss, Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas has you covered. It’s a no-hassle meal that still hits the spot. Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, keeping things simple and mess-free. You’ll enjoy the crunch without the high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Sausage Casserole

Sausage Casserole makes for a filling meal that works well on a tight budget. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. It’s easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry. When you need a hearty meal without overspending, this is the perfect go-to.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

Mushroom Soup

If you need a quick, warm meal that doesn’t require much, Mushroom Soup is a solid pick. This soup is comforting and can be made with affordable ingredients you probably already have. It’s easy to adjust the ingredients based on what’s available. Whether served on its own or with a side, it’s sure to fill you up.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a budget-friendly way to turn simple ingredients into a filling meal. You don’t need to go overboard to make this dish a hit. It’s packed with fulfilling elements that require little prep time. For an affordable, easy dinner, this recipe hits the mark every time.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Taco Soup

When you’re looking for a simple, affordable meal, Taco Soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s filling, comforting, and doesn’t call for expensive ingredients. With minimal prep, it’s an easy choice for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s so easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Sloppy Joe

Sloppy Joe is a classic for a reason, it’s quick, filling, and doesn’t cost much to make. Perfect for when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend a lot. This dish works well when you’re cooking on a budget, and it’s always a hit. Just throw it together and serve on your favorite buns.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

White Bean Soup

When the week gets tight, White Bean Soup is a go-to. It’s filling, easy, and can stretch for several meals. You can count on it to provide comfort without breaking the bank. Perfect for when you want something hearty without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A solid choice for a meal that takes minimal effort, Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a lifesaver. Let it cook low and slow, and you’ll have a fulfilling dish ready to go. It’s great for busy days when you need something simple. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables are perfect when you need something quick and budget-friendly. Simply chop, toss, and let the oven do the work. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand. You’ll love how easy it is to make a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Taco Salad

This salad gives you that taco vibe with less effort. It’s one of those meals that’s fresh, filling, and doesn’t take long to throw together. Customize it based on what’s in the fridge. Taco Salad is a great way to stretch your groceries while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

Mushroom Pizza

When pizza cravings hit, Mushroom Pizza is an affordable and satisfying option. It’s easy to make at home with what you’ve got in the pantry. You can throw it together quickly and still enjoy that pizza comfort. It’s a budget-friendly way to have pizza night without the takeout cost.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip works as both a snack and a light meal. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. Perfect for stretching a little into something that feels like a treat. This dip is the kind of thing that feels like a splurge, without the splurge price.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Tuscan Pasta

This is the kind of meal that gets you through when you need a filling dish without spending much. Tuscan Pasta is easy to prepare and hits the spot. You can make it with basic pantry items and still feel like you’ve got something special. A simple pasta dish that feels just right for those tight weeks.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Vegetable Stir Fry

When you need to make something fast, Vegetable Stir Fry has your back. It’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies while keeping things light. Stir-fries are versatile and can be adjusted based on what’s available. It’s one of those meals that comes together quickly and is easy to stretch.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Roasted Tomato Soup

This soup is perfect for when you need something warm and comforting without too much cost. Roasted Tomato Soup is simple to make and full of rich flavors. You can stretch it to serve a crowd without needing expensive ingredients. It’s just the kind of meal that’s both cozy and easy to make on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole is a great way to turn pasta into a hearty meal without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect comfort food that you can make with pantry staples. This casserole is easy to prep and makes enough to feed the whole family. It’s a go-to when you want something filling and simple.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole