Budget Recipes Newsletter: 17 Budget Dinners to Make This Week

Welcome to this week’s Budget Recipes Newsletter! I’m thrilled to share a collection of affordable, easy-to-make dinners perfect for those busy or exhausting days when cooking feels like a chore. These 17 meals are designed to save you money and time while still delivering hearty, satisfying flavors. Each recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have, making them ideal for keeping your grocery budget in check. Let’s dive into these practical, no-fuss dinners you can whip up this week!

Deliciously Simple Dinners for Every Budget

These recipes focus on low-cost proteins like chicken, ground beef, and beans, paired with pantry staples to create filling meals without breaking the bank. Each one is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights.

1. Chicken and Rice Skillet

A one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver when you need something quick and hearty.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs (4), rice (1 cup), chicken broth (2 cups), onion (1, chopped).
• Instructions: In a large skillet, brown chicken thighs over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, then set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add rice and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Nestle chicken back in, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F).
• Why It Works: Chicken thighs are affordable and flavorful, while rice and broth stretch the meal to feed more.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Buy bulk rice and use homemade or store-brand broth.
• Serving Idea: Add a side of steamed frozen veggies for a complete meal.

2. Beef Taco Bowls

These bowls are customizable and perfect for using up whatever veggies you have on hand.

• Ingredients: Ground beef (1 lb), taco seasoning (1 tbsp), rice (1 cup), salsa (½ cup).
• Instructions: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, then drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning. Cook rice separately according to package instructions. Serve beef over rice and top with salsa.
• Why It Works: Salsa doubles as a sauce and seasoning, keeping the ingredient list short and costs low.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand salsa and buy ground beef in bulk.
• Serving Idea: Top with shredded lettuce or cheese if you have it for extra flavor.

3. Bean and Cheese Burritos

A vegetarian option that’s filling, cheap, and ready in 15 minutes.

• Ingredients: Canned black beans (1 can, drained), flour tortillas (4), shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup), salsa (½ cup).
• Instructions: Heat beans in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Spoon beans and cheese onto tortillas, roll up, and place seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy. Serve with salsa.
• Why It Works: Canned beans are a budget-friendly protein, and tortillas make this meal portable and kid-friendly.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Stock up on canned beans during sales.
• Serving Idea: Pair with a side of sliced bell peppers or carrots.

Quick and Affordable Slow Cooker Meals

The slow cooker is your best friend for hands-off dinners that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. These recipes require minimal prep and use budget-friendly ingredients.

4. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

This set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for busy days.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts (4), BBQ sauce (1 cup), onion (1, sliced), garlic powder (1 tsp).
• Instructions: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Mix BBQ sauce, onion, and garlic powder, then pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred and serve on buns or with rice.
• Why It Works: BBQ sauce adds bold flavor without extra spices, and onions are a cheap way to add depth.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand BBQ sauce and buy chicken in bulk.
• Serving Idea: Serve with coleslaw or mashed potatoes.

5. Pork and Potato Stew

A hearty, comforting dish that’s great for cooler evenings.

• Ingredients: Pork shoulder (1 lb, cubed), potatoes (3, diced), carrots (2, sliced), beef broth (2 cups).
• Instructions: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until pork is tender.
• Why It Works: Pork shoulder is an affordable cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in the slow cooker.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Buy pork on sale and use frozen carrots to save time.
• Serving Idea: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth.

6. Lentil Soup

This vegetarian soup is packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a cozy night in.

• Ingredients: Lentils (1 cup), diced tomatoes (1 can), onion (1, chopped), vegetable broth (3 cups).
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until lentils are soft.
• Why It Works: Lentils are dirt-cheap and filling, while canned tomatoes add a rich flavor.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Buy lentils in bulk and use store-brand broth.
• Serving Idea: Pair with a slice of toast for a complete meal.

Budget-Friendly Pasta Dinners

Pasta is a pantry staple that can be turned into delicious, low-cost meals with just a few ingredients. These dishes are quick and crowd-pleasing.

7. Spaghetti with Garlic Butter

A simple, comforting dish that’s ready in 15 minutes.

• Ingredients: Spaghetti (8 oz), butter (3 tbsp), garlic (2 cloves, minced), Parmesan cheese (¼ cup).
• Instructions: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a skillet, melt butter over low heat, add garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Toss pasta in the garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Why It Works: Butter and garlic create a rich flavor, and Parmesan adds a savory kick without needing much.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand pasta and cheese.
• Serving Idea: Serve with a side of frozen peas or broccoli.

8. Creamy Tomato Pasta

This dish feels indulgent but uses budget-friendly ingredients.

• Ingredients: Pasta (8 oz), marinara sauce (1 cup), cream cheese (4 oz), onion (1, chopped).
• Instructions: Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a skillet, sauté onion for 5 minutes, then add marinara and cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Toss with pasta.
• Why It Works: Cream cheese makes the sauce rich without needing heavy cream or expensive ingredients.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand marinara and cream cheese.
• Serving Idea: Pair with a simple green salad.

9. Tuna Pasta Bake

A hearty casserole that’s great for feeding a crowd.

• Ingredients: Pasta (8 oz), canned tuna (2 cans, drained), cream of mushroom soup (1 can), frozen peas (1 cup).
• Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Mix pasta, tuna, soup, and peas in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
• Why It Works: Canned tuna and soup are affordable and shelf-stable, making this a great pantry meal.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Stock up on tuna during sales.
• Serving Idea: Serve with sliced apples or a side salad.

Easy Vegetarian and Vegan Options

These plant-based meals are cheap, filling, and perfect for meatless nights.

10. Chickpea Curry

A flavorful dish that comes together in 20 minutes.

• Ingredients: Canned chickpeas (1 can, drained), coconut milk (1 cup), curry powder (1 tbsp), onion (1, chopped).
• Instructions: In a skillet, sauté onion for 5 minutes. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry powder. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over rice.
• Why It Works: Chickpeas are a cheap protein, and curry powder adds bold flavor without needing a long spice list.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand coconut milk.
• Serving Idea: Serve with rice or flatbread.

11. Veggie Fried Rice

A quick way to use up leftover rice and veggies.

• Ingredients: Cooked rice (2 cups), frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup), soy sauce (2 tbsp), oil (2 tbsp).
• Instructions: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Add rice and soy sauce, stirring until heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Why It Works: Frozen veggies are affordable and save prep time, while soy sauce adds umami flavor.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use any leftover rice from another meal.
• Serving Idea: Top with a fried egg if you’re not vegan.

12. Black Bean Soup

A warm, hearty soup that’s ready in 20 minutes.

• Ingredients: Canned black beans (2 cans), salsa (½ cup), vegetable broth (2 cups), cumin (1 tsp).
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Blend half for a thicker texture, if desired.
• Why It Works: Black beans are cheap and filling, and salsa adds flavor without extra cost.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Buy beans in bulk.
• Serving Idea: Serve with tortilla chips or bread.

Budget Dinners with Eggs and Potatoes

Eggs and potatoes are some of the cheapest ingredients around, and these recipes turn them into satisfying meals.

13. Potato and Egg Scramble

A quick, filling dish that works for dinner or breakfast.

• Ingredients: Potatoes (2, diced), eggs (4), onion (1, chopped), oil (2 tbsp).
• Instructions: Heat oil in a skillet and cook potatoes and onion for 10-12 minutes until soft. Beat eggs and pour into the skillet. Cook, stirring, until eggs are set, about 3-4 minutes.
• Why It Works: Eggs and potatoes are budget staples that make a hearty meal.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Buy potatoes in bulk and store in a cool, dark place.
• Serving Idea: Serve with a side of salsa or ketchup.

14. Cheesy Potato Bake

A comforting casserole that’s great for a crowd.

• Ingredients: Potatoes (4, sliced), shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup), cream of chicken soup (1 can), onion (1, chopped).
• Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender.
• Why It Works: Cream of chicken soup adds flavor and creaminess without needing extra ingredients.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand soup and cheese.
• Serving Idea: Pair with a simple salad.

More Hearty Budget Meals

These dishes use a mix of proteins and pantry staples for filling, affordable dinners.

15. Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

A savory, one-pan meal that’s ready in 20 minutes.

• Ingredients: Smoked sausage (1 lb, sliced), cabbage (½ head, chopped), onion (1, sliced), oil (2 tbsp).
• Instructions: Heat oil in a skillet and cook sausage and onion for 5 minutes. Add cabbage and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender.
• Why It Works: Smoked sausage is flavorful and affordable, and cabbage is a cheap, filling vegetable.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Buy sausage on sale and freeze.
• Serving Idea: Serve with mustard or mashed potatoes.

16. Chicken Noodle Soup

A classic comfort food that’s easy on the wallet.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs (2), egg noodles (2 cups), carrots (2, sliced), chicken broth (3 cups).
• Instructions: In a pot, cook chicken in broth for 15 minutes. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot. Add noodles and carrots, simmer for 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
• Why It Works: Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and add great flavor to the broth.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use frozen carrots to save time.
• Serving Idea: Serve with crackers or bread.

17. Chili Mac

A hearty, kid-friendly meal that combines chili and pasta.

• Ingredients: Ground beef (1 lb), macaroni (2 cups), canned chili beans (1 can), diced tomatoes (1 can).
• Instructions: Cook beef in a skillet for 7-8 minutes, then drain fat. Add beans, tomatoes, and uncooked macaroni. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
• Why It Works: Chili beans add bold flavor, and macaroni makes it filling.
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use store-brand beans and tomatoes.
• Serving Idea: Top with a sprinkle of cheese if you have it.

Tips for Stretching Your Grocery Budget

Here are some practical ways to make these meals even more affordable:

• Shop Sales: Check weekly ads for deals on chicken, beef, or canned goods. Stock up and freeze extras.
• Use Pantry Staples: Keep rice, pasta, and canned beans on hand for quick meals.
• Batch Cook: Double slow cooker recipes and freeze leftovers for another night.
• Swap Ingredients: Use what you have—frozen veggies for fresh, or any pasta shape in these recipes.
• Plan Meals: Make a weekly plan to avoid last-minute takeout and reduce waste.

These 17 dinners are all about keeping things simple, affordable, and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, these recipes will help you get a tasty meal on the table without stressing your budget. Try a few this week and let me know which ones become your go-to!