21 Low-Cost Recipes That Will Make Your Life So Much Simpler
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Stretching your grocery budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen. These low-cost recipes are packed with simple ingredients and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to save a little extra cash, these easy dishes will make your life so much simpler and a whole lot tastier too.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Light, fluffy, and bursting with a citrus kick, this cilantro lime rice is the perfect complement to grilled meats, tacos, or burrito bowls. It’s a simple, low-cost recipe that adds incredible flavor without any hassle. With budget-friendly ingredients and easy prep, this rice is a go-to for stress-free meals that don’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
For a low-cost dinner that feels like comfort food magic, this cheeseburger pie is a winner. Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have, it’s an easy, budget-friendly meal perfect for hectic weeknights. This simple yet delicious dish is a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Herb-Crusted Chicken
This herb-crusted chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that’s easy on the budget and perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful blend of herbs and seasonings, delivering a crowd-pleasing meal that won’t break the bank. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and packed with flavor, what more could you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Ready in just 30 minutes, this Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet combines a creamy tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella for a hearty meal. It’s a budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for lazy nights, offering big flavor without breaking the bank. Simple to make and packed with taste, it’s a filling dinner that will keep both your wallet and your stomach happy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Popeyes Coleslaw
This copycat Popeyes coleslaw is a refreshing, budget-friendly side dish that’s perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing come together in minutes with just a handful of affordable ingredients. It’s simple to make yet packed with crisp, tangy goodness that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
For an affordable dinner that satisfies, this green bean hamburger casserole is hard to beat. Made with budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, green beans, and cheese, this comforting casserole is a fantastic option when you need a filling meal that’s easy on the wallet. It’s warm, hearty, and great for feeding a hungry family.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
This salsa chicken is a low-cost, flavor-packed recipe that makes life so much simpler. With just chicken breasts and salsa, you can create a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and works great for batch cooking or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
Looking for a budget-friendly chip dip that’s quick and easy? Lawson’s Chip Dip requires just three ingredients and five minutes to whip up. Creamy, tangy, and perfect for pairing with chips or veggie sticks, this simple recipe delivers big flavor without breaking the bank, ideal for both entertaining and casual nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This ground beef and cabbage stir fry is an ideal choice for a simple, low-cost dinner. With just a few pantry staples and budget-friendly beef, this one-pan meal is fast, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you need a delicious meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
3-Ingredient Onion Dip
For a low-cost snack or party dip that’s always a hit, this 3-ingredient onion dip is a must-try. Made with just pantry staples, this creamy, savory dip is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with chips or veggie sticks. It’s the ultimate no-fuss recipe that’s as easy on your budget as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Onion Dip
Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
This easy, creamy coleslaw is a perfect low-cost side dish that’s simple to prepare. Crisp cabbage and a tangy dressing come together in minutes, making it ideal for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. With just a few ingredients, this budget-friendly dish delivers fresh flavor every time.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
For an affordable dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this ground beef and broccoli stir fry is the answer. With simple ingredients and a savory sauce, it’s a delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget. Fast, filling, and low-cost, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Homemade Sauerkraut
This homemade sauerkraut is an incredibly budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for adding tangy flavor to your meals. Made with just cabbage and salt, this simple recipe requires minimal effort but delivers big results. It’s a versatile side dish that’s loaded with probiotics and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut
Carrot Raisin Salad
Packed with crunchy carrots, sweet raisins, and a light dressing, this carrot raisin salad is a refreshing and budget-friendly option. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick side dish that’s both filling and easy to make. This simple, no-fuss recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Cabbage Fritters
With warm curry spices and served with a tangy garam masala yogurt sauce, these cabbage fritters bring bold flavor to your weekly menu without breaking the bank. They’re an affordable and creative way to transform simple ingredients into a tasty, filling meal. Perfect for when you want something delicious and budget-friendly, these fritters are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
These air fryer sweet potato wedges are a simple, budget-friendly snack that’s ready in no time. Lightly seasoned and air-fried to crispy perfection, they make a fantastic alternative to traditional fries. Affordable ingredients and minimal prep make this an easy side dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
4-Ingredient Guacamole
This 4-ingredient guacamole is a simple, budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for tacos, nachos, or snacking. Just mix avocados, lime juice, salt, and salsa, and you’ve got a creamy, flavorful dip in minutes. It’s a simple fix that’s packed with fresh flavor and light on cost.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
This fried cabbage and sausage skillet is a budget-friendly meal that makes hectic weeknights a whole lot easier. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s quick to make in under 30 minutes, proving that affordable meals don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Egg Drop Soup
With just basic ingredients like eggs, broth, and seasonings, this easy egg drop soup is the perfect comforting meal for busy days or chilly evenings. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an affordable, flavorful dish that’s quick and simple to prepare. Minimal effort and maximum taste, this soup will quickly become a go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Braised Cabbage
Level up humble cabbage to new heights with this braised cabbage recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, the cabbage becomes tender and infused with savory flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this budget-friendly dish is a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage
Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites
These tuna salad cucumber bites are the perfect low-cost recipe that makes life so much simpler. Thick slices of fresh cucumber are topped with spicy, dairy-free tuna salad for an easy, no-fuss snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need a light lunch, this budget-friendly recipe comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites
