Budget-Friendly Recipes

Our weekly menu always has a few extra budget-friendly recipes and leftovers on it this time of year.

The holidays, vacations, Christmas presents, big meals to prepare for, and more all put an extra strain on wallets, so any type of relief can make a world of difference. 

Thankfully, some of my favorite autumn and winter meals are also budget-friendly. Here are 25 of our BEST recipes that won’t hurt your wallet:

Soups and Stews

Soup helps to stretch the family grocery budget while filling us with fresh, whole-food ingredients you carefully choose yourself. I often double or triple soup recipes because they taste better the next day and freeze well. So, right after dinner, stash your leftovers in the fridge or freezer to save for future delicious meals.

1. Creamy Chicken + Mushroom Soup

As the weather cools down, warm up with a bowl of nourishing Creamy Chicken + Mushroom Soup packed with whole food ingredients such as protein-rich chicken thighs, immune-boosting mushrooms, and various sautéed vegetables.

2. Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup

Lemon + artichoke lovers are going to be in pure bliss with this bright, zesty, beautiful soup. It’s also a nutritional powerhouse with all of the fresh produce! 

3. Chickpea Soup with Turkey Meatballs

Despite the less expensive ingredients, this soup is loaded with bright flavors and crave-worthy homemade meatballs, making it every bit as delicious as it is good for you.

4. Clean Eating Creamy Bean Soup

Beans are incredibly nutrient-dense and filling. I usually keep lots of canned beans in my pantry (stocking up when on sale) because they are AWESOME when I need to create a meal in a hurry.

5. Buffalo-Style Chicken Chili

My family is full of buffalo lovers, so this chili is a hit every time we make it for dinner! It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and the celery adds a nice crisp fresh element, while the blue cheese adds a bit of creaminess.

6. Greek Chicken Soup

This comforting soup is filled with important vitamins and cozy vibes. You’ll love the slightly creamy, bright-tasting, satisfying chicken soup.

7. Southwest-Style Chicken and Corn Chowder

I’m a sucker for comfort foods in the fall and winter months. This chowder works well with a big family, as everyone can pile their own toppings to create something they really enjoy!

8. Chicken Vegetable Packed Soup

Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is really SO simple and easy, perfect for busier and colder days. It’s also easily customizable, so feel free to alter the recipe to fit your tastes.

Casseroles

Hot bubbly casseroles are not only filling and cozy, but they can be much kinder to the wallet! Like soups, these taste just as good as leftovers, so be sure to make extra and utilize these recipes for meal prepping!

9. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Casserole

This spaghetti squash lasagna tastes just as good as the classic dish. Spaghetti squash is a satisfying and nourishing lower-carb “vessel” for any type of creamy sauce, marinara sauce, meat sauce, buttery herb sauce, or melted cheese you may be craving!

10. Loaded Veggie + Chicken Casserole

Here’s a great way to use any leftover veggies or cooked chicken you have sitting in the fridge. No need to go out and buy a bunch of extra ingredients. 

11. Hot N’ Hearty Melty Cabbage Casserole

Cabbage is a very underrated vegetable. In terms of price per cup, a report by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has shown it to be the second most economical cooked vegetable in terms of price per edible cup. Talk about affordable!

12. Crockpot Egg Casserole

Eggs are another economical option for big families.

13. Breakfast Egg + Cauliflower Protein Packed Casserole

Start your day with a full serving of veggies while also enjoying an incredibly flavorful and satisfying breakfast! Not only do eggs keep the brain healthy, but they’re an excellent protein source.

Creative Dishes

Here are seven more meals using affordable ingredients and creative options for cheaper breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. 

14. Instant Pot Cabbage with Sausage or Pepperoni

Cabbage is often on sale, so I try to grab some whenever it is to incorporate it into our weekly meals. Mixed with some sausage or pepperoni, this recipe is a hit among the kids! Plus, it’s low in calories and high in nutrients and fiber.

15. French Onion Meatloaf

A savory and ultra-satisfying meatloaf that’s infused with the rich flavors of French onion and an incredible combination of caramelized onions, lean ground beef, and a hint of thyme, all topped with a golden-brown crust of Gruyère cheese and onions. 

16. Greek Inspired Lemon Chicken

Our Greek Inspired Lemon Chicken is bursting with bright flavors and couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Minimal ingredients are needed for MAXIMUM flavor!

17. Sheet-Pan “Fried” Rice

This meal can be ready in less than 20 minutes, and brown rice is an inexpensive whole grain packed with fiber and a long list of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

18. Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a creative and tasty plant-based meal idea for the new week! Sweet potatoes are considered a “superfood” because of all the vitamins and minerals they contain.

19. Broccoli + Sausage Frittata 

This frittata is an easy choice for breakfast OR dinner, so be sure to keep the recipe on hand for days when you just don’t have extra time to spend in the kitchen.

20. Strawberry Baked Pancakes

A simple one-dish baked pancake recipe that’ll feed the whole family in the morning while putting a smile on their faces! Pretty soon, it’ll be a staple on your weekly menu!

Treats

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean you have to forgo tasty treats. In fact, there are several dessert recipes that use very few and affordable ingredients.

21. Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Overnight oats make just as delicious desserts as they do breakfasts. These Apple Pie overnight oats are basically a hug in a jar. PERFECT for the holiday season.

22. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Not only do overnight oats save you time in the morning, but they’re also much easier to digest than unsoaked oats. Plus, pumpkin is super filling and satisfying thanks to its high fiber and low-calorie content. 

23. 2 Ingredient Mango Sorbet

Sweet, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make with only 2 ingredients! A healthy and fun treat for the kids to help with. The result is an absolutely dreamy texture and flavor!

24. Snickers Candy Bar Banana Pops

Are there any PB + Chocolate lovers hanging out around here? If so, this one is for you! And bananas have some pretty amazing benefits and are packed with potassium, which most of us don’t get enough of.

25. 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies

You’ll only need just 3 simple ingredients to make these indulgent, utterly delicious, ooey-gooey cookies! We make these often at our house as after-school snacks and even a quick grab-go breakfast once in a while.

As you can see, eating healthy doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive. In fact, there are dozens of amazing recipes that taste amazing while providing plenty of fiber and nutrients without stressing your wallet. 

Be sure to tag me in your creations! I want to see how your meals turn out! Happy cooking, CRUSHers. 

Leave a Comment Below: