Cheap meals are a smart way to save money and keep the family fed. But let’s be honest—it’s easy to fall into a rut making the same dishes on repeat.
I’ve had plenty of those “What am I supposed to make with this?” moments while staring at my pantry. Sound familiar?
The good news is cheap meals don’t have to be boring or time-consuming.
With a little creativity, you can whip up something that’s easy, delicious, and totally budget-friendly—no fancy skills or ingredients required.
I’ve put together a list of 15 cheap meal ideas that are easy, fun, and perfect for busy nights. You’re going to love how simple and tasty these are!
Tips for Making Cheap Meals
- Plan Ahead: Create a weekly meal plan using ingredients you already have.
- Shop Sales: Check store flyers for discounts on meats, produce, and pantry staples.
- Batch Cook: Make large portions and freeze leftovers for quick, budget-friendly meals later.
- Stick to Simple Recipes: Use fewer ingredients to keep costs low and cooking easier.
- Cook One-Pot Meals: Save money (and cleanup time!) with casseroles, soups, and stews.
15 Cheap Meals to Make Tonight Without Breaking the Bank
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs always feels like a win—simple, cozy, and a family favorite.
When I have the time, I like to make meatballs and sauce from scratch. You’ll need spaghetti, marinara sauce, ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, an egg, and some basic seasonings like garlic powder and Italian herbs.
I mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, an egg, and the seasonings, roll them into small balls, and cook them in a skillet until they’re golden.
Then I let them simmer in marinara sauce while I cook the spaghetti.
But some nights call for shortcuts. Frozen meatballs are a lifesaver! I just toss them in the sauce and let them heat through while the pasta cooks.
2. Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of my star recipes for a quick and easy dinner. Leftover rice works best since it soaks up all the flavors, and you can add whatever you have on hand.
I usually grab frozen peas, carrots, and broccoli for the veggies, but fresh ones like bell peppers or zucchini work too.
Sometimes, I’ll add leftover chicken or a scrambled egg to make it heartier. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for clearing out the fridge!
3. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is one of those meals that is simple and easy on a budget.
A loaf of bread, some cheese slices, and tomato soup are all you need to make this timeless classic.
When I make grilled cheese, I butter the bread generously and toast it in a skillet until it’s golden brown and crispy.
The cheese gets all gooey. Sometimes, I’ll even sprinkle a little garlic powder on the bread for extra flavor.
For the soup, I’ve found a great 15-minute homemade recipe that’s super easy and tastes amazing.
It’s a game-changer compared to canned soup, and it pairs perfectly with the grilled cheese. Dunk that sandwich in, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy night meal!
4. Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
Sheet pan chicken and veggies are my go-to when I want something hearty, healthy, and easy to clean up. It’s so easy to make a lazy shawarma, teriyaki chicken, or fajitas like above!
Everything cooks on one pan, which means fewer dishes—a total win in my book!
For a simple garlic chicken, I usually grab drumsticks or thighs, depending on what’s on sale, and toss them in oil with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
For the veggies, I use whatever I’ve got—carrots, broccoli, potatoes, zucchini, or even frozen green beans if fresh is running low.
I chop everything into bite-sized pieces, season them with the same spices, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake it all together at 400 degrees for like 25 minutes.
5. Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast for dinner is always a hit and such a fun way to mix up the routine.
There’s something about flipping pancakes or scrambling eggs in the evening that feels like a little treat.
Plus, it’s super affordable—eggs, a bit of flour for pancakes or waffles, and maybe some fruit or bacon if you’re feeling fancy.
At our house, we usually go all out with scrambled eggs, pancakes, and hash browns. But if I’m pressed for time, I’ll stick to something simple like eggs and toast.
Adding chocolate chips or fresh berries to the pancakes always makes the kids smile and keeps things exciting.
6. Homemade Chili
There’s nothing better than coming home to a big pot of homemade chili that’s been simmering all day.
It’s one of those meals that warms you up from the inside out—and it’s easy on the budget, too!
I usually start with ground beef or turkey, but you can totally skip the meat and just load it up with beans to save even more.
Toss in canned beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and whatever spices you like, and let the crockpot do its thing.
We love serving our chili with cornbread (because who doesn’t love cornbread?) or tortilla chips for dipping.
And let’s not forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a handful of green onions make it feel like a little chili masterpiece.
7. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is pure comfort food—a warm, cheesy hug in a casserole dish. It’s saucy, satisfying, and super simple to make.
All you need is a box of ziti or penne, a jar of marinara, and some mozzarella cheese. If I have ricotta or cream cheese on hand, I’ll mix a little in for an extra creamy touch.
After cooking the pasta, I toss it with marinara sauce, layer it in a baking dish, and top it with a thick layer of mozzarella.
Then it’s in the oven at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The smell alone is enough to have everyone asking when dinner’s ready!
8. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are one of those nostalgic meals that always hit the spot. They’re quick, affordable, and a family favorite around here.
I like to brown up some ground beef or turkey as the base, then mix up the really simple sauce.
If you’re short on time, canned or jarred sloppy joe sauce works just as well and makes things even easier!
Once the meat is coated in the thickened sauce, it’s ready to load onto hamburger buns.
9. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a favorite in my house, and making them in the crockpot keeps things super easy.
I use large bell peppers with the tops cut off (save those tops for the filling), ground turkey, crushed tomatoes, basil or fresh herbs, chopped onion, cooked rice, seasoned salt, and some Italian seasoning for that classic flavor.
What I love about this recipe is how everything comes together in the crockpot, and you don’t even have to turn on the oven.
The crushed tomatoes make a rich, flavorful sauce, and the rice and turkey filling are hearty and healthy.
10. Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a warm, hearty option that’s perfect for using up random things in your fridge or pantry.
I start with a base of broth (chicken, veggie, or beef—whatever’s on hand) and throw in whatever veggies I need to use up. Carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and even a can of diced tomatoes all work perfectly.
Sometimes I’ll add a handful of pasta, rice, or lentils to make it more filling. And for seasoning, I keep it simple with some garlic, thyme, and a bay leaf or two.
Let it simmer for a while, and your house will smell amazing.
11. Rice and Beans
Rice and beans might sound simple, but it’s a total lifesaver when you’re short on time and money.
I always keep a bag of rice and a few cans of beans in my pantry because they’re cheap, versatile, and packed with protein.
I like to cook the rice with a little chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor, then mix in the beans (usually black or pinto).
I’ll season everything with garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and sometimes I’ll toss in some corn or diced tomatoes to make it more interesting.
This meal is perfect on its own, but it’s also a great base for taco bowls, burrito fillings, or even as a side dish for grilled chicken.
12. Homemade Pizza (Air Fryer Pizza Bagels!!)
Homemade pizza is one of our favorite budget-friendly dinners, and it’s so much fun because everyone gets to join in.
I usually grab store-bought pizza dough or flatbreads for the base and some jarred pizza sauce—super easy and no fuss.
Then, we set up a little topping station and let everyone get creative. It’s the best way to use up leftover veggies, meats, or those random bits of cheese hiding in the fridge.
My kids get a kick out of making designs with pepperoni or adding way too much cheese, while I load mine up with veggies and maybe a little bit of balsamic glaze if I’m feeling fancy.
Once the pizzas are topped, we bake them until the crust is golden and the cheese is perfectly bubbly.
13. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Cheesy tater tot casserole is one of those dinners that always hits the spot. I usually start with ground beef, but turkey, chicken, or sausage work just as well—whatever I have in the fridge.
Once the meat’s browned, I mix it with some broth, half and half, and a little flour to make it nice and creamy.
For the veggies, I just grab whatever frozen ones I’ve got lying around—peas and corn are my usual picks.
Then I season everything with paprika, garlic, Italian seasoning, and other seasonings to bring it all together.
It all goes into a dish, topped with shredded cheese and, of course, a big layer of tater tots.
Into the oven it goes, and before you know it, the tots are golden, the cheese is all melty, and dinner is ready.
14. Tacos
Chicken tacos are my go-to when I need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. All you need are chicken breasts, tortillas, some cheese, and whatever toppings you want.
I throw the chicken breasts into the crock pot with seasonings, set it on low, and it’s ready to throw in the shells when I get home from work.
Put it out on the table, let everyone load their tacos up as they please, and you’ve got an inexpensive, easy meal for dinner.
Wanna change things up? The same filling can be used for rice bowls or quesadillas!
15. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are one of the easiest meals to throw together, and you can make them your way every time.
Bake them in the oven or use your Instant Pot if you’re in a hurry—they’ll come out soft, fluffy, and ready for all the toppings.
Once they’re done, the fun part starts! I like to set up a “potato bar” with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, and leftover chili or beans.
More Cheap Meal Ideas to Keep Your Wallet Happy
If you’re looking for even more inspiration for cheap meals, check out these posts packed with budget-friendly dinner ideas!
Easy Ground Beef Dinners is full of hearty, affordable recipes that can be cheap to make. And for those busy nights, Weeknight Dinner Ideas offers simple, delicious meals that are quick to make and easy on the wallet.
Final Thoughts
You can make cheap meals that are easy, tasty, and totally satisfying with just a little creativity and a few pantry staples.
Whether it’s a hearty chili, a quick stir-fry, or a one-pan chicken and veggies, these recipes show that saving money in the kitchen can still be fun and delicious—no fancy ingredients or stress required!
Next time you’re planning your meals or wondering what to make with what you’ve got, keep these cheap meals in mind.
A great dinner doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and with these recipes, you’ll feel good knowing you’ve stretched your budget and made something everyone will enjoy.
