I Relied on 19 Low Cost Recipes When Hosting Got Expensive

Hosting a crowd can drain the wallet fast, which is why 19 low-cost recipes like these saved the day more than once. They keep things simple without making the spread look skimpy. Guests stay happy, and your budget stays in check. It’s a win for both your table and your bank account.

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.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hosting friends got easier with this creamy chicken bake that’s hearty and filling. Marry Me Chicken Casserole combines simple flavors into a cozy meal. It’s perfect when cooking for a group. Great choice for a budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup elegantly garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant chives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warming your guests up doesn’t have to break the bank. Egg Drop Soup is light yet comforting and perfect for chilly nights. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare quickly. The flavor and texture appeal to nearly everyone.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These budget-friendly Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders provide the perfect blend of crisp and tang. They’re easy to share and great for picky eaters. Perfect for casual hosting without spending much. They’re a crowd-pleaser on game day or next-level snacking time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who doesn’t love tacos at a gathering? Baked Beef Tacos offer the crunchy shells paired with hearty beef filling that brings people together. They’re low-cost, flavorful, and super easy for feeding a crowd. Perfect for any hosting plan.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Cheese Quesadilla

A person lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board. Nearby are bowls of guacamole and salsa on a light-colored table.
Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes simple dishes steal the show. Cheese Quesadilla is your go-to option for a quick, budget-friendly snack or meal. It works great on busy hosting nights. Easy to make yet loved by almost everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think of an affordable way to upgrade a dinner table. Garlic Knots are warm, buttery, rich in taste, and ideal for sharing with family and friends. They’re cost-effective yet feel a bit special and indulgent. Guests can’t resist reaching for seconds or relishing the taste.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A serving of creamy chicken pot pie casserole with vegetables, lifted on a fork, with a flaky crust and garnished with herbs.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food gets a makeover with Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, great for big tables. It offers a filling option without costing much. Hosting becomes easier when flavors and affordability mix so well. It’s perfect for gatherings or family nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Personal-sized pizzas for parties? Yes, please. Easy Flatbread Pizza makes hosting fun and creative without costing much. You can customize each one, keeping guests engaged in the process. Affordable, simple, and always loved.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold flavors paired with delicious textures make this dish stand out. Kung Pao Chicken brings an affordable spin to take-out style meals. It feels special, but is actually easy to tackle at home. Perfect when you want something distinct yet practical.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Feeding a group on a budget gets easier with this hearty option. Lentil Soup is warm, filling, and packed with protein without being heavy on your wallet. This dish is great for cold nights or comforting meals. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Affordable meals don’t have to skimp on flavor! Best Lemon Pasta brings bright flavors with minimal effort. Whether serving dinner guests or just yourself, it’s an easy go-to option. This dish proves that hosting doesn’t mean spending too much money.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon.
Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining flavorful sausage with simple ingredients makes for a perfect group meal. Sausage Casserole is hearty and affordable, making it ideal for hosting on a budget. It’s great for feeding a crowd without much fuss. Easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mixing ramen with flavorful broth takes typical hosting meals up a notch. Birria Ramen adds a fun twist for guests while keeping costs manageable. It’s something different that gets people excited. Bold yet surprisingly simple to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

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.

Hosting doesn’t get easier than with this classic. Sloppy Joe is messy in the best way, inexpensive, and super easy to serve up. Great for casual gatherings or kid-focused events. Affordable without compromising satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Roasted Tomato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of roasted tomato soup topped with toasted bread chunks, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Affordable hosting feels possible with dishes like Roasted Tomato Soup. Rich and filling, it’s great paired with simple sides or served alone. Low-cost recipes like this keep dinner creative. Perfect for casual dinners or low-key sharing moments.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables.
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

One-pan meals simplify hosting nights. Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe combines sweet notes with hearty ingredients that feel welcoming. It’s budget-friendly and cuts down on cleanup time. Ideal for group dinners without endless effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

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.

Few dishes balance flavor and cost as well as White Bean Soup does. Hosting becomes a breeze with meals like this that stretch budgets further. Pair it with bread for something more filling or serve it alone. Perfect choice for sharing during colder nights.
Get the Recipe: White Bean 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.

Keep it fun and handheld without overspending. Pizza Pinwheels take classic flavors into easy-to-share bites perfect for groups. Hosting just got easier without skipping flavor. They’re quick, entertaining, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

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.

Rich yet affordable, this soup feels perfect for hosting events. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup brings warmth and depth to your table while keeping costs low. Perfect for cozy gatherings with friends or family. It’s simple and always well-received.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

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