The 19 Low Cost Recipes I Turned to During a Week of Zero Motivation

ByMandy

When motivation took a vacation, these 19 budget-friendly recipes were the fallback plan that saved the week. They show up ready to fill the fridge without demanding a lot of effort or cash. Easy to pull together and easy on the wallet, they take the stress out of mealtime.

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of folded tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and herbs, garnished with cilantro.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These are perfect for days when you’re craving something quick and bold. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas bring a balanced mix of creamy and spicy flavors into a convenient handheld meal. They’re ideal for those moments when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This option blends smooth textures with a rich, natural sweetness. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a warm bowl that feels like a hug on days when you need something uncomplicated yet flavorful. Whether as a starter or the main dish, it’s perfect for keeping things simple while staying satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These are great when you’re in the mood for something hearty but not heavy. Meatball Sliders are small bites packed with flavor, giving you just the right amount for a quick meal or snack. With their easy assembly, they’re perfect for pulling together a meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When fast and familiar is what you’re looking for, this dish knows how to deliver. Sesame Chicken is one of those meals that give you a great balance of savory and sweet in less time than you think. It’s great for pairing with simple sides or enjoying on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding a fresh twist to an everyday favorite, this dish combines fun textures with bold flavors. Taco Pasta Salad feels like a casual meal that keeps things light but satisfying. It’s a reliable choice for a quick fix without sacrificing on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This dish offers variety without over-complicating things. Vegetable Stir Fry lets you enjoy bold flavors while staying super practical for busy days. It’s great for using up what you have in the fridge and turning it into something enjoyable and filling.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Mexican Casserole

A plated serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat, topped with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by a fork.
Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This recipe brings everything together into one super-simple dish. Mexican Casserole is perfect for nights when you need a quick meal with comforting textures and bold flavors that feel effortless. It’s a go-to for feeding everyone at once without worrying about complex steps.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A favorite for when you’re craving that bold bite. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings feature bold, dry flavors that make them fun to snack on at any time. They work well as a casual appetizer or something to munch on during downtime.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Sloppy Joe

Close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with ground meat, diced vegetables, and sauce in a toasted hamburger bun.
Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a no-fuss kind of meal, this brings everything you need into a bun. Sloppy Joe is all about bold flavors combined in the easiest way possible, offering a relaxed option for when you’re short on energy. It’s perfect for days when you just want comfort food without fancy prep.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

White Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty white bean soup topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Perfect for when you want something hearty but light. White Bean Soup blends simple ingredients into a filling dish that’s easy to make and enjoy. Without any heavy steps, it feels wholesome and practical for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Great for using simple ingredients without overthinking it. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry keeps things enjoyable with its mix of sweet and savory flavors thrown together quickly. It’s a dependable meal when you want something fast but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This recipe offers bold flavors in an easy-to-make dish. Hot and Sour Soup gives you the richness of comforting textures blended with a kick of spice. It’s the kind of quick option that feels rewarding and filling without requiring too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For when you love classic flavors but want them in snack form. Pizza Pinwheels take everything great about pizza and turn it into an easy-to-grab option that doesn’t require utensils. They’re perfect for a quick treat or something to share during downtime.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A quick alternative when you want something rich but simple. White Chicken Chili combines creamy textures with bold choices you can whip up in less time than thought. It’s that easy comfort meal for when you want minimal cleanup without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A dependable recipe when you need something nutritious and balanced. Minestrone Soup packs everything into one bowl without making things complicated. It’s hearty enough to stand as a main meal but light enough for those low-energy days.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Close-up of crispy, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs and served with a lemon wedge. The pieces are placed on a parchment-lined surface.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Keeping everything concentrated in one spot, this dish makes cleanup and prep easier than ever. Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken adds a bit of crunch to each bite without needing fancy techniques. It’s great for when you want something quick yet full of flavor without any extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining strong flavors but keeping everything easy to throw together, this recipe is all about convenience. Taco Soup is the kind of meal where all the best parts come together in one bowl without added fuss. It’s the choice for when you want bold flavors with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Zucchini Fritters

A stack of zucchini fritters topped with sour cream, thinly sliced shallots, and a sprig of dill.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These are easy to make and perfect for getting creative without taking much time. Zucchini Fritters deliver crispy textures in a simple format that feels fresh and easy. Ideal for snacking or for small meals, they’re practical without losing appeal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A reliable choice for days when you want something comforting but uncomplicated. Chicken Noodle Soup works every time with its simple flavors that cater to almost any mood. It’s a familiar dish that doesn’t ask for much effort but still feels rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

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