26 Dirt Cheap Meals For When You’re Broke ‘Til Payday

Looking to save money without skimping on flavor? These budget-friendly recipes are here to prove that you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student, a busy parent, or simply looking to cut down on grocery costs, these frugal recipes make use of simple, inexpensive pantry staples that are likely already in your kitchen. From quick and easy meals perfect for busy weeknights to comforting dishes that will warm your soul, these recipes are a lifesaver for anyone looking to stretch almost any amount left at the end of their food budget!

If you’re on the hunt for super easy, wallet-friendly dinners to elevate your weekday meal routine, look no further. These recipes are designed to help you keep your expenses light without compromising on taste or quality. So, whether you’re tightening your belt or simply looking to make the most of your food budget, these frugal go-to recipes are sure to become your new kitchen favorites.

American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

American chop suey is a delicious dish that’s popular in the New England region. Also known as American goulash, this dish is meaty and tasty.
Get the Recipe: American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake is filled with chicken, pasta, corn and beans. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken and this cheesy chicken bake is a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Swedish Meatballs

Try making these delicious copycat Ikea Swedish meatballs at home and enjoy the same great taste as the ones you find in the store.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms is a perfect winter warmer and comfort food. It’s also a tasty, easy crockpot beef recipe which will be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Pork egg roll in a bowl is a low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. This is an easy recipe with ground pork, veggies, and other flavours which is sure to satisfy a craving for Asian food.
Get the Recipe: Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Taco stuffed zucchini boats offer a little of everything – nutrition, meat, veggies, a pop of Mexican seasoning, and of course a tasty meal!
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Taco macaroni and cheese is a simple 30-minute meal that you can make in one pot. South-of-the-border flavors combine with cream cheese and pasta to make this hearty dish. It’s a brand new take on classic mac ‘n cheese.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Dirty Rice with Sausage

Dirty rice with sausage is a one-pot wonder that’ll satisfy even the hungriest of crowds. Ground beef, sausage, and a touch of Cajun seasoning come together in one pot for an easy, flavor-packed meal!
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice with Sausage

Easy Pork Chop Casserole

Pork Chop Casserole makes a delicious one-pan meal to serve any night of the week. Enjoy tender and juicy pork chops cooked in creamy rice for a satisfying family dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pork Chop Casserole

Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

Hawaiian Meatballs are a 3-ingredient meatball that is made with pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, and frozen meatballs. It makes a delicious and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

Baked Beans With Ground Beef

This baked beans with ground beef recipe is the best southern baked beans you’ll ever make! It’s easy, delicious, and full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans With Ground Beef

Orecchiette With Sausage And Broccoli

This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli is a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner. Ready in 30 min + made with 5 simple ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Easy Orecchiette with Sausage And Broccoli

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Cheesy, creamy, and packed with broccoli, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a recipe loaded with onion, garlic, and 3 cheeses, then topped with buttery crackers!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are loaded with Thai spices and flavors. Top them with all the goodies, and you’ve got yourself a yummy dinner the family will love in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Grilled Bratwurst

Perfectly crispy and charred on the outside and juicy on the inside, this delicious Grilled Bratwurst recipe is going to blow your mind!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bratwurst

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Hearty and nourishing, this ground beef zucchini casserole is a feel-good comfort food your whole family will love. Deliciously cheesy, high protein, and packed with healthy veggies.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Chicken And Dumplings With Tortillas

This rich and creamy chicken and dumplings with tortillas recipe delivers all the delicious and heart-warming flavors and aroma of country home-style cooking but is easier and quicker to make. It is the perfect comfort food to serve your family on a cold winter day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Dumplings With Tortillas

Creamy Taco Soup

This creamy taco soup recipe is loaded with ground beef, flavorful taco spices, corn, and beans, and you can dress it up with all your favorite toppings!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Taco Soup

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is an easy one-pot dinner. All of the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls but without the effort!
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Grilled Hot Dogs

Deliciously grilled hot dogs that sizzle with every bite. Perfectly charred, juicy, and packed with flavor. A great grilling basic recipe!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

The Best Meatloaf

This is the easiest meatloaf recipe! It comes out tender and juicy every time. Serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies for a classic dinner!
Get the Recipe: The Best Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are easily one of the best slow cooker recipes. They’re so flavorful and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Hobo Casserole

A tasty hobo casserole, easy to make with simple ingredients. Make by the campfire or in your kitchen. Delicious, the family will love it.
Get the Recipe: Hobo Casserole

Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef and cabbage makes an easy skillet dinner loosely inspired by an Asian stir fry. With tons of texture, aromatic spices, and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is such an easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal the whole family will love! An elevated one-pot meal!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Quick, easy and healthy ground beef stir fry recipe featuring fresh vegetables and a homemade garlic ginger stir fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry