29 Budget-Friendly Dinners That Won’t Break the Bank

Dinner doesn’t have to be expensive. This collection of low-cost dinners proves you can enjoy hearty, flavorful dishes while keeping your grocery bill in check.

Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham and Cheese Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in our hearty and filling ham and potato casserole, the perfect recipe for foodies craving a tasty weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

TikTok Spaghetti

A dish of spaghetti and meatballs in a casserole dish.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the viral sensation – the easiest TikTok Spaghetti, made with six simple ingredients for a hearty family meal.

Get the Recipe: TikTok Spaghetti

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Crockpot Salisbury Steak recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak! Tender beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy with simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken and Noodle Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Chicken and Noodle Casserole is an easy, family-friendly dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crunchy cracker topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Easy Cheesy Beef And Bean Casserole

Beef and Bean Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This easy cheesy beef and bean casserole is perfect for a quick, tasty, and satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Beef And Bean Casserole

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a showstopper of a dish that’s both visually beautiful and bursting with flavor. With its crispy edges, creamy lemon sauce, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and pine nuts, it’s a satisfying addition to any table, offering a unique, delicious vegetarian option.

Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Tuna Noodle Casserole with Crushed Potato Chips

Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Tuna Casserole is a fantastic choice for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Its creamy, hearty goodness is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Hamburger Casserole is the ideal weeknight dinner when you want a comforting, all-in-one meal that the whole family will love. With classic cheeseburger flavors and a creamy, cheesy finish, it’s a dish you can count on to satisfy any craving.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Dirty Rice with Sausage

Dirty Rice recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Learn how to make Dirty Rice And Sausage at home. This hearty one-pot dish features ground beef, long-grain rice, and cajun seasoning.

Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice with Sausage

Ham & Noodle Casserole

Ham and cheese casserole in a white baking dish.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

We love this quick and easy Ham & Noodle Casserole. Tender pasta, topped with a simple egg and cream sauce and finished with Swiss cheese.

Get the Recipe: German Ham & Noodle Casserole

Classic Bolognese

Bolognese recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Ultimate Bolognese Sauce recipe is rich, hearty, and easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Get the Recipe: Classic Bolognese

Easy German Cheese Spaetzle

German Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle) recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This deliciously decadent German cheese spaetzle recipe, also known as Käsespätzle, is sure to become one of your favorite German recipes!

Get the Recipe: Easy German Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle)

Easy Crockpot Chicken And Rice

Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe! It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and veggies, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chicken And Rice

Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff is a deliciously simple dinner that’s perfect for busy families. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you serve it over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Slow CookerSwedish Meatballs recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are all about making comfort food simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have tender meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving them over potatoes, noodles, or with a side of veggies, this dish makes family dinners easier and more delicious.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in this comforting and delicious chicken noodle soup recipe made in a Dutch oven. Perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots

Big Mac Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Making this Homemade Big Mac Sauce at home gives you all the flavor you love with the convenience of your own kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, perfect for burgers, fries, and more. It’s a great way to take a meal from basic to next-level!

Get the Recipe: Easy Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots

Tortellini Soup

Tortellini soup in a bowl with a spoon.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Whip up this easy Tortellini Soup for a warm, satisfying meal. It’s a simple, one-pot recipe that combines veggies, broth, and tortellini.

Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate Crockpot Barbecued Meatballs recipe, featuring tender homemade meatballs smothered in savory barbecue sauce. Perfect for easy, flavorful meals!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Lazy Lasagna

Lazy Lasagna recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our cheesy Lazy Lasagna is easy to make, perfect when you need a last-minute delicious comfort meal the entire family will love.

Get the Recipe: Lazy Lasagna

15-Minute Korean Beef Bowl

Korean Beef Bowl recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover an easy twist on the classic Korean beef bowl recipe. This ground beef dish combines rich flavors of aromatic spices into a flavorful meal.

Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Beef Bowl

Classic Minestrone

Pot of vegetable soup with a ladle and served bowls on the side.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Warm up with a bowl of hearty vegetarian Minestrone packed with fresh veggies and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in!

Get the Recipe: Classic Minestrone

Ground Beef Taco Casserole

A spoonful of mexican casserole on a plate.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spice up taco night with this easy Taco Casserole recipe! Everybody will be asking for seconds of this spin on a Mexican favorite.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Taco Casserole

Grandma’s Easy Shepherd’s Pie

A plate with a piece of meat and vegetables on it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make dinner a breeze with our easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Easy Shepherd’s Pie

French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our one-pot French Onion Pasta combines the hearty richness of classic French Onion Soup with the comforting flavors of a creamy pasta dish.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta

A spoon full of pasta with vegetables and herbs.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Baked Feta Pasta went viral on TikTok. With 7 ingredients and easy prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing, delicious pasta dinner!

Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Chicken Meatloaf with Barbecue Sauce

Chicken Meatloaf recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This juicy barbecue chicken meatloaf is easy to make, tender, and loaded with flavor. Simply the perfect comfort food for busy days.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatloaf with Barbecue Sauce

Smash Burger

Smash Burger recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Whip up a delicious Smash Burger in just 20 minutes! Crispy edges, juicy centers, and customizable toppings make them a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Smash Burger

Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our easy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers recipe for a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

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