I Rely On These 29 Low-Cost Meals When Money’s Tight But I Still Want Good Food

When your wallet’s on life support but your appetite isn’t, these 29 cheap meals step up like dependable friends who don’t ask for gas money. They hit the spot without asking for much. They’re easy to keep around. You’ll start looking forward to being broke just a little bit.

General Tso’s Chicken

This recipe is perfect when you want something flavorful without spending a lot. It’s a mix of bold flavors that feel both savory and hearty. General Tso’s Chicken is a cheap choice when you’re craving a takeout-style meal. Works well with any sides.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Gnocchi

Soft, pillowy bites that feel like pure comfort on a budget. Gnocchi is one of those meals that makes you feel full and happy without much effort. You don’t need many items to make it either. It’s simple, filling, and easy to tweak based on your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Focaccia Bread

Perfect when you want something filling and versatile. Focaccia Bread can pair with soups, salads, or even stand alone as a snack. You get a soft texture mixed with a bit of crispiness on top. Budget-friendly and works in many situations.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Korean Burgers

These take regular burgers to another level without costing much. Korean Burgers mix sweet and savory into something fulfilling. They’re easy to make and have a unique twist that makes them feel special. Great for a casual and affordable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Garlic Knots

An affordable way to boost any meal or snack time with something comforting. Garlic Knots are soft, flavorful, and easy to share with others. They don’t require much effort or cost. A simple idea that fits any budget.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Pork Chops

A hearty option that doesn’t need much to shine. Pork Chops are a cheap and quick way to get a meal that feels substantial. They cook quickly and can adapt to whatever extra ingredients you have. Perfect if you’re in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Easy Cornbread Casserole

The kind of meal that blends simple and affordable flavors into something comforting. Easy Cornbread Casserole uses minimal ingredients and still feels filling. It’s great if you’re looking for something that can feed a group. Budget meals at their best.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Sometimes all you need is something bread-like to round out a meal. Dinner Rolls are simple, fluffy, and a perfect sidekick to most dishes. They’re cheap and easy to make, even if you have limited ingredients. A go-to for affordable home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Tonkotsu Ramen

When you want a rich meal without the takeout price, this works perfectly. Tonkotsu Ramen feels hearty and can be made with what you already have at home. It’s filling, warm, and easy to customize. Cheap but tastes like something much pricier.
Get the Recipe: Tonkotsu Ramen

Hashbrown Casserole

A mix of textures makes this dish feel special while staying affordable. Hashbrown Casserole is hearty while still simple to throw together. It’s something you can stretch out for multiple meals. A budget-friendly way to keep everyone full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

When you want something quick and full of flavor, this is a great solution. Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and easy to make in larger quantities. They are super convenient and fit perfectly into a budget-friendly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Beef Enchilada Casserole

A layered dish that doesn’t take a lot of money to prepare but still feels hearty. Beef Enchilada Casserole combines a mix of simple ingredients into a filling and shareable meal. It’s easy to stretch out and leaves everyone satisfied. Affordable and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Chow Mein

When you want something hearty without takeout costs, this works beautifully. Chicken Chow Mein comes together quickly and doesn’t call for too much effort. It feels like a real treat for how little it costs to make. A great standby for affordable eating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Roasted Tomato Soup

A reliable, comforting choice when you’re working with a tight budget. Roasted Tomato Soup builds a deep flavor out of just a few items you probably already have. It’s warm and pairs well with bread or crackers. Simple, low-cost, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Chicken Divan Casserole

This is a great way to turn simple ingredients into something hearty and shareable. Chicken Divan Casserole feels like comfort food that doesn’t break the bank. It’s creamy, filling, and perfect for stretching into leftovers. Great for busy, budget-conscious people.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan Casserole

Best Lemon Pasta

A refreshing option that feels both light and filling. Best Lemon Pasta doesn’t take much to make and works well as a main dish or alongside something bigger. It’s a quick win if you’re craving something unique yet budget-friendly. Perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Leek and Potato Soup

This soup is a simple and filling option anyone can make on a budget. Leek and Potato Soup combines just a few ingredients but creates amazing results. Perfect for cold days or when you need something hearty. Great to pair with simple bread too.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Beef Chili

It’s a classic for a reason: hearty, affordable, and full of flavor. Beef Chili uses everyday ingredients and easily feeds several people. You can also tweak it depending on what extras you have on hand. A solid, cheap dinner choice anytime.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Pizza Pinwheels

A fun and budget-friendly twist on traditional pizza. Pizza Pinwheels are super easy to make and work as either a snack or a full meal. They don’t require many ingredients but are always a crowd-pleaser. A good choice when money’s tight but pizza sounds great.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

These are easy to make and feel like something special despite being affordable. Mini Hasselback Potatoes are crispy and flavorful without a lot of effort. They work great as a snack, side, or even part of a larger meal. Cheap and practical all-around.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Thai Coconut Curry

This is a flavorful but inexpensive way to shake up your meal rotation. Thai Coconut Curry doesn’t take much to make, but it feels like a restaurant meal at home. It’s filling, warm, and versatile with whatever extra ingredients are handy. Perfect on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Curry

Potato Soup

A cheap and filling meal that’s quick to throw together. Potato Soup uses simple ingredients but creates a hearty dish. It’s great for feeding a family without spending too much. Pairs nicely with bread or crackers if you have some lying around.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Sesame Chicken

Good when you’re craving those classic takeout flavors but need to stay on a budget. Sesame Chicken has a nice mix of sweet and savory and doesn’t cost much to make. It’s simple to prep and pairs well with just about anything. A solid weeknight dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Hasselback Potatoes

They might look fancy, but they’re actually affordable and simple to make. Hasselback Potatoes combine crispy edges and a soft center for a great texture. All you need are basic ingredients you probably already have. A fun, cheap twist on regular baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Kung Pao Chicken

This works great when you want bold flavors without restaurant-level prices. Kung Pao Chicken brings a nice combination of savory and spicy in a way that feels filling. It’s easy to throw together with ingredients on hand. A solid pairing with rice or similar sides.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

If you’re looking for something hearty and affordable, this hits the spot. Mississippi Mud Potatoes combine soft and crunchy textures into a filling dish. It works great as a side but can stand alone too. Definitely worth trying when money’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Classic comfort food that’s as affordable as it is reliable. Chicken Noodle Casserole is warm, hearty, and perfect for feeding a group. You don’t need much to make it, and leftovers stretch it even further. Great when you’re craving simple home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Miso Soup

Great for a quick and fuss-free budget meal that feels wholesome. Miso Soup uses basic ingredients to create something warm and flavorful. It’s light but leaves you feeling full. Ideal for adding a side like rice or bread if you have it.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Easy Flatbread Pizza

A straightforward way to satisfy pizza cravings on a budget. Easy Flatbread Pizza works with just a few ingredients and can be customized however you like. It’s fast, cheap, and a great option for quick meals or snacks. Perfect for using up leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza