10 Affordable Flavor-Packed Meals

If you think budget-friendly food means bland and boring, you’ve got it all wrong. The best thing about cooking at home is that you call the shots. Recipes become more affordable, healthier, or perfectly portioned with just a few tweaks. Feed your family or survive on a tight budget with these 10 dishes.

Fajitas

This is a simple dish, assuming you have chicken at home already. All you’ll need for this is a few bell peppers, an onion, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortillas. Just bake your veggies for about 20 minutes, cook your chicken through, mix everything together with a $.50 package of fajita mix, and serve it up. 

Tacos

It’s the same concept as fajitas, but all you need is ground beef or turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, sour cream, and tortillas. Just cook your meal as you normally would your tacos, serve them, and enjoy. This is a great way to have a fun and simple dinner one night at home without much effort or expense.

Tennessee Chicken

Got a crock pot? Then, this meal is basically free since the ingredients are kitchen staples. Toss in chicken, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, Italian seasoning, and cream cheese. Let it simmer on low for eight hours, then serve over penne with a sprinkle of parmesan. Pure comfort in a bowl!

Roasted Chicken And Broccoli

A whole chicken is a budget-friendly superstar—roast it in the oven or toss it in the crock pot with olive oil and seasonings. Pair it with roasted broccoli, lightly coated in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. In just 25 minutes, you’ve got a hearty, home-cooked meal!

Bowtie Pasta

Saute some garlic in olive oil on low heat, then let juicy cherry tomatoes soften in the pan. While they simmer, cook up a batch of bowtie pasta. Toss everything together, top with basil and parmesan, and enjoy a dish that’s as easy on your budget as it is on your taste buds.

Hearty Veggie Stir-Fry

A bag of frozen vegetables and a few pantry staples can create a delicious, budget-friendly stir-fry. Saute the veggies in a hot pan with a splash of soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can have it with rice or noodles for a quick, flavorful meal.

Budget-Friendly Pancake Feast

Pancakes aren’t just for breakfast—they’re a cheap and satisfying meal any time of day! Mix up a simple batter with flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of baking powder. Cook until golden brown, then top with butter, syrup, or whatever fruit you have on hand for a sweet treat.

DIY Loaded Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are cheap, filling, and endlessly customizable. Bake a few spuds until tender, then load them up with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and whatever toppings you have—leftover veggies or even last night’s chili. It’s the best lazy dinner when you just want to fill up your stomach.

Easy Garlic Butter Noodles

No sauce? No problem. Cook up a pot of spaghetti, then toss it with melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add a dash of parmesan if you have it, and you’ve got a ridiculously easy, flavorful dish for just pennies per serving!

Savory Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage is one of the cheapest veggies out there, and it can turn into a surprisingly tasty dish. Saute shredded cabbage with garlic, soy sauce, and a dash of vinegar until tender. Serve it over rice or toss in some scrambled eggs for a quick and filling meal.