Dinner time doesn’t have to cost a fortune to taste amazing. Here at The Stay At Home Chef, we’re all about restaurant-quality recipes you can easily make at home. With a few pantry staples and a little creativity, you can put a hearty meal on the table without spending more than $3 per serving. These recipes are proof that affordable can still mean flavorful, filling, and family-approved.
We’re talking comfort food classics, one-pan wonders, and cozy soups that make the whole house smell incredible, without stretching the grocery budget too far. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking for two, or trying to keep costs down for a big family, these meals will keep everyone full and happy without breaking the bank.
1. Chicken and Dumplings
4.89 from 45 votes
This one’s all about cozy vibes. It's got tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth that just feels like home.Money-saving tip: Stretch the meal by using shredded rotisserie chicken. It's often cheaper per pound than any cut.
All the goodness of pot pie, but way easier. It's a creamy chicken filling topped with buttery biscuitsMoney-saving tip: Use frozen veggies and leftover chicken to keep costs low and dinner stress-free.
Nothing beats a big pot of chicken noodle soup, especially when it tastes like comfort in a bowl.Money-saving tip: Frozen mixed veggies work just as well as fresh, and they’re cheaper too.
Think cheeseburger night, but in casserole form, and no drive-thru. It's beefy, cheesy, and total weeknight comfort food.Money-saving tip: Swap in some mushrooms or bell peppers for part of the beef to stretch your dollar and sneak in veggies.
If planning dinner every night feels like a full-time job, we’ve got you covered. Our Cheap Eats Meal Plan takes out all the guesswork. We’re talking ready-to-go grocery lists and done-for-you menus so you don’t have to think twice about what’s for dinner. It’s budget-friendly, stress-free, and makes weeknights so much easier.
Creamy pasta with bacon and parmesan that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.Money-saving tip: Use regular bacon instead of pancetta for the same flavor at a lower cost.
Cheesy chicken, bacon, and pasta all cooked in one pot for the ultimate easy dinner.Money-saving tip: Skip the chicken breasts and use thighs which are often cheaper and just as flavorful.
Cheesy, saucy, and baked until bubbly, this pasta bake is pure comfort food.Money-saving tip: Buy block mozzarella and shred it yourself since it melts better and often costs less.
ll your favorite taco flavors baked into a family-sized casserole that is fun to serve.Money-saving tip: Stretch the ground beef with a can of black beans to make it go further.
Juicy chicken with peppers and onions cooked to perfection and ready to wrap in warm tortillas.Money-saving tip: Buy a family pack of chicken and freeze what you do not use right away.
Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this one pot dinner is a total crowd pleaser.Money-saving tip: Use store-brand shredded cheese to keep the flavor big and the cost small.
I know how tough it can be to come up with dinner ideas night after night, especially when you’re trying to keep costs down. That’s why I love meals like these. They’re comforting, budget-friendly, and nobody at the table feels like they’re “cheap eats.” You get full bellies, happy faces, and more room in your grocery budget for fun extras like dessert or a fancy coffee.
14. Creamy Potato Soup
4.93 from 27 votes
Rich and velvety potato soup that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl.Money-saving tip: Leave the skins on the potatoes to save time and get more nutrients.
This nostalgic pasta dish is hearty, saucy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.Money-saving tip: Buy pasta in bulk for the best price and store it in airtight containers.
An easy all-in-one dinner with roasted sausage and colorful veggies that makes cleanup simple.Money-saving tip: Use whatever veggies are on sale or in season to keep costs low.
Hearty pasta and beans in a flavorful broth that feels like an Italian hug in a bowl.Money-saving tip: Dried beans are cheaper than canned and make a big batch if you have time to soak them.
Savory ground beef in a creamy sauce served over rice makes a quick and hearty dinner.Money-saving tip: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to save money and add protein.
Crispy bread, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings make pizza night fast and fun.Money-saving tip: Buy a bakery loaf of French bread instead of frozen garlic bread for a cheaper base.
Loaded with veggies, beans, and pasta, this soup is filling and full of flavor.Money-saving tip: Skip the fresh herbs and use dried ones from your pantry to save a few dollars.
I first started trying to stick to a tight grocery budget back in 2008. I shopped all the sales I could and used coupons. It was exhausting and time consuming to save money. Very few people have time for that nowadays. This is why I’m determined to do all the thinking for you and help you out with your dinner plans on a budget. Honestly, even with a bigger budget, these are the recipes I reach for most often, because they keep both my family and my wallet happy.
21. Slow Cooker Ham and Beans
5 from 1 vote
A hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that cooks low and slow until the beans are tender and flavorful.Money-saving tip: Use the leftover bone from a ham dinner to add flavor without buying extra meat.
Creamy tomato sauce with a little kick coats tender pasta for a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.Money-saving tip: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to keep it lighter on both calories and your budget.
Simple, buttery, and surprisingly hearty, fried cabbage is quick to make and full of flavor.Money-saving tip: Buy a whole head of cabbage instead of pre-shredded bags for major savings.
A cozy bowl of creamy veggie soup that is both filling and easy on the wallet.Money-saving tip: Frozen mixed vegetables make this budget-friendly and a breeze to throw together.
Layers of beef, potatoes, and veggies baked into a hearty, no-frills dinner that feeds a crowd.Money-saving tip: Swap fresh potatoes for frozen diced hash browns to save prep time and a little cash.
Buttery noodles tossed with sautéed cabbage make this simple, filling Eastern European classic.Money-saving tip: Cabbage is one of the cheapest vegetables year-round, so stock up when it’s on sale.
Better than takeout and a perfect way to use up leftover rice, this fried rice is fast, filling, and budget-friendly.Money-saving tip: Make extra rice earlier in the week so you can turn the leftovers into this easy dinner.
Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to feel limiting. With these 28 dinners, you’ve got comfort food, quick weeknight favorites, and plenty of cozy meals that keep both your family and your wallet happy. Each recipe proves you can serve up something hearty and flavorful without spending more than $3 per serving.
And if you want to make life even easier, don’t forget to check out our Cheap Eats Meal Plan. We’ve done all the thinking for you. Each week is complete with grocery lists and ready-to-go menus so dinner feels less like a chore and more like a win. Save this roundup to Pinterest or bookmark it for later, because these are recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
