Dinner can be cheap without looking like it’s going through something. This collection of 21 proves it’s possible to hold onto flavor, mood, and decency while keeping things easy on the wallet. They won’t make you feel like you’re rationing joy for the week. Even with prices in mind, every plate still comes out looking like it belongs at a real table. These meals may cost less, but they don’t act like it.

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin. — Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Creamy Radish Salad

For those looking for something fresh, Creamy Radish Salad is a game changer. It’s a blend of crunchy radishes mixed with a creamy dressing that feels luxurious. The combination is surprising and delicious, perfect for a quick side dish. Enjoy this salad with just about any meal without breaking the bank. It’s an easy way to incorporate radishes into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal

A cozy breakfast option, Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal makes mornings enjoyable. The flavor of apples and pecans mixed with baked oats provides a hearty start to your day. Cut into squares and enjoy a nutritious breakfast that keeps you full for hours. Great for meal prep, this dish is both economical and delicious. Perfect for busy mornings, it’s a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Classic Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti topped with two meatballs, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and basil garnish. — Classic Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Everybody loves Classic Meatballs for dinner. They’re a mix of flavors that go great with pasta or on their own. Cheap to make and versatile, they fit into any weekly meal plan. From kids to adults, everyone appreciates this hearty dish. Whether served on spaghetti or as a snack, they never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs

Creamed Peas

An old favorite, Creamed Peas bring nostalgia to the table. Perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes, they’re both comforting and budget-friendly. With a creamy texture and sweet peas, it’s an easy side to complete any dinner menu. Bring back childhood memories by whipping up this simple yet flavorful dish. Versatile and loved by all generations.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas

Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Slow cooker sausage and peppers garnished with grated cheese and chopped parsley. — Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you need a set-it-and-forget-it meal, Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers does the trick. Just mix everything and let the slow cooker work its magic. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that doesn’t require much prep but tastes like you’ve been working in the kitchen all day. Great for busy nights, this meal is a staple in any home. Enjoy without fuss, and leftovers are welcome.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

A baking sheet with several smashed roasted potatoes, garnished with herbs and grated cheese, arranged in rows. — Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Want something different as a side? Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is the answer. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these potatoes are a tasty twist to regular sides. Simple and budget-friendly, they can improve any meal. Easy to prepare, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Everyone will ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Cabbage and Bean Soup

A spoonful of creamy cabbage and white bean soup is held above a bowl. — Cabbage and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

This comforting bowl stretches small grocery items into something fulfilling. Cabbage and Bean Soup focuses on wholesome simplicity for meal prepping or larger gatherings. Light on costs but heavy on portions, it makes feeding people in a more affordable way totally doable. The combination of spices keeps things hearty without feeling too heavy. It’s a recipe you’ll want to bookmark for times when meals need stretching.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Bean Soup

Poor Man’s Meal

Here’s a classic that won’t hurt your wallet, Poor Man’s Meal is great for tight budgets. This hearty dish mixes simple spices into something tasty and filling. Perfect for nights when money is tight but you still want something fulfilling. It’s easy to whip up and feeds the whole family. Save money without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Meal

Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Bowl of Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde with toppings and a spoon on a white wooden table. — Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a hands-off approach to cooking, Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde fits the bill. Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it cook to perfection. Pork and green chiles blend into a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Great for busy days, it’s ready when you are with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Enjoy with rice or tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Beef and Barley Soup

A filling and nutritious option, Beef and Barley Soup is perfect for stretching your dollar. Combining beef and barley in a rich broth, it’s great for lunch or dinner. This soup provides warmth with every bite and is easy to make without costing much. Enjoy a bowl of comfort food that’s healthy and easy on the wallet. It’s perfect for batch cooking and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Creamy Spinach Orzo

For an easy yet elegant dish, try Creamy Spinach Orzo. The blend of spinach and orzo makes a quick, nutritious meal that won’t break the bank. This dish is rich in flavor and simple to prepare, ideal for busy nights. Great for family dinners, it’s both delicious and affordable, fitting any budget. Pair it with a salad or protein for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Corned Beef Fritters

An innovative way to use leftovers, Corned Beef Fritters are both tasty and resourceful. These fritters transform leftover corned beef into a crispy delight. Easy to make, they provide a quick and inexpensive meal. Perfect for lunch or as an appetizer, they’re quick to prepare and loved by all. Great way to minimize waste while enjoying a delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl. — Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a simple meal? Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a winner. Combining ricotta and tomatoes with pasta creates a comforting dish that’s easy to whip up. This meal is perfect for those rushed weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something quick and cheap. Versatile and loved by everyone, it fits into any meal plan. Enjoy with a sprinkle of herbs for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon. — Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon adds layers of depth to mealtime without adding to costs. It’s a smart recipe for using fewer ingredients to deliver something filling and packed with taste. Quick prep and affordability make it ideal for stretching leftovers too. Stretching food has never felt easier without losing any flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Make good use of leftovers with Leftover Roast Beef Stew. This stew transforms last night’s roast beef into a flavorful and filling meal. Perfect for stretching your budget, it’s easy to make and incredibly tasty. Enjoy a warm, comforting dish without spending extra. Ideal for meal planning, it’s a practical choice for any family.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Ham Fried Rice

If you need a quick meal, Ham Fried Rice is perfect. Using ham and rice for a flavorful dish, it’s ready in no time. Great for using leftover ham, this meal is budget-friendly and kid-approved. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s simple and fulfilling. Enjoy a hearty dish without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl. — Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a healthy yet economical dish, try Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Combining wheat berries, tuna, and tomatoes makes a nutritious meal that’s light yet filling. Perfect for lunch or a side, it’s easy to prepare and kind to your wallet. Enjoy a fresh and tasty dish anytime. This salad is a great addition to any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate. — Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you need something vibrant, Mexican Street Corn Soup hits the mark. Inspired by street food, it’s a flavorful and affordable meal. Mixing corn with spices creates a rich dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Spice up your meals without spending a fortune. Enjoy every spoonful and feel satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A piece of cornbread on a plate next to a few potatoes. — Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a twist on a classic, try Sweet Potato Cornbread. This dish blends sweet potatoes with cornbread for an interesting flavor. Easy to make, it’s perfect as a side dish that doesn’t cost much. Enjoy it with soups or stews for a complete meal. Great for gatherings or family dinners, it’s a winner at any table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives. — Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a quick dinner idea? Greek Spaghetti is a fantastic option. Mixing spaghetti with flavors inspired by Greece, this pasta dish is both delicious and wallet-friendly. Simple to make, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast. Loved by all ages, it’s a great way to enjoy spaghetti with a twist. Pair it with a salad for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate. — Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a hearty yet easy breakfast, try Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Combining sausage and other ingredients, this casserole is perfect for mornings when you need something filling. Great for feeding a crowd, it’s simple to make and kind to your budget. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning. Enjoy a delicious breakfast without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage