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29 Hearty Recipes That Stretch Every Dollar

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Finding cheap recipes is a great way to make delicious meals without using a lot of money. These ideas show you how to use simple and affordable ingredients to create dishes that are full of flavor and will keep you full. You can make everything from hearty soups and stews to filling casseroles and pastas that your whole family will enjoy eating. Cooking on a budget does not mean you have to give up having tasty and satisfying food for dinner.

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Brothy Weeknight Butter Beans

A bowl of cooked lima beans mixed with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped herbs, and a light broth, garnished with fresh basil and parsley, with a spoon resting on the side.
Brothy Weeknight Butter Beans. Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

A pot of Brothy Weeknight Butter Beans is a cozy and simple dish that can be ready in about thirty minutes, and it is great for serving with crusty bread to soak up all the tasty broth.
Get Recipe: Brothy Weeknight Butter Beans

Caldo de Verduras (Mexican Vegetable Soup)

A bowl of soup filled with vegetables and chunks of avocado, garnished with a lime wedge and cilantro. The backdrop includes a halved lime, cilantro leaves, and whole chili peppers, all placed on a wooden table. A spoon is visible next to the bowl.
Caldo de Verduras. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A bowl of Caldo de Verduras is a hearty Mexican vegetable soup that is packed with different vegetables and a lot of flavor, making a very nutritious and satisfying meal that is great for lunch or a light dinner.
Get Recipe: Caldo de Verduras

Salpicon de Pollo (Cold Mexican Chicken Salad)

Two tostadas of Salpicon de Pollo topped with avocado slices and surrounded by cilantro leaves and jalapenos.
Salpicon de Pollo. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The dish called Salpicon de Pollo is a cold Mexican chicken salad that is dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette, making a refreshing and light meal that is perfect for using up any leftover chicken you might have.
Get Recipe: Salpicon de Pollo

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

A bowl filled with baked ziti pasta topped with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and sprinkled with grated parmesan, with fresh herbs and a tomato in the background.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

You can make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with rich marinara sauce, lots of melted cheese, and noodles for a very cheesy and comforting Italian meal that is simple to prepare and always popular with the whole family.
Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Enfrijoladas

A plate of enfrijoladas, topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro, is displayed on a wooden table. Nearby are bowls containing sliced jalapeños and crumbled cheese, with a keychain and cilantro leaves scattered alongside some pinto beans.
Enfrijoladas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

For Enfrijoladas, soft tortillas are covered in a smooth and creamy bean sauce to make a vegetarian dish that is both very easy to put together and also full of great flavor for a simple dinner.
Get Recipe: Enfrijoladas

Leftover Chicken Curry and Vegetables

A white plate with brown rice, mixed vegetable curry including broccoli, squash, and tofu, garnished with a lime wedge. A fork rests on the plate’s edge.
Leftover (Turkey or) Chicken Curry and Vegetables. Photo credit: Art of Natural Living.

This recipe for Leftover Chicken Curry and Vegetables is a smart way to turn yesterday’s chicken into a completely new meal by cooking it with vegetables in a flavorful curry sauce that everyone will enjoy.
Get Recipe: Leftover Chicken Curry and Vegetables

Ensalada de Atún (Mexican Tuna Salad)

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy tuna salad, garnished with a sprig of cilantro, is placed on a wooden platter alongside square and triangular crackers. The tuna salad has visible chunks of tuna, diced tomatoes, onions, and green herbs.
Ensalada de Atun. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ensalada de Atún is a quick and tasty Mexican-style tuna salad that is both healthy and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a simple lunch that everyone in your family will like.
Get Recipe: Ensalada de Atún

Provolone Grilled Cheese

Two slices of golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich with melted cheese oozing out, served on a white plate. One slice is stacked and partially eaten, showing the gooey inside.
Provolone Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Caramel & Cashews.

A Provolone Grilled Cheese sandwich uses melty provolone cheese between slices of sourdough bread, creating a warm and crispy meal that is a more flavorful version of a classic comfort food for lunch or dinner.
Get Recipe: Provolone Grilled Cheese

Bean Tacos Dorados

A plate of crispy tacos garnished with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, onion rings, and guacamole, set on a rustic wooden table. Slices of lime and a bowl of extra lettuce and diced tomatoes are on the side, along with fresh cilantro.
Bean Tacos Dorados. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Bean Tacos Dorados are filled with refried beans and then fried until the tortilla is golden and perfectly crispy, making a very satisfying and crunchy Mexican meal that is sure to be a hit at your table.
Get Recipe: Bean Tacos Dorados

Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta {Crockpot}

A bowl of hearty vegetable pasta soup with rotini, tomatoes, spinach, white beans, grated cheese, and fresh basil leaves, garnished with black pepper. A spoon is placed inside the bowl.
Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta {Crockpot}. Photo credit: Haute Healthy Living.

This Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta is made easily in a crockpot with beans, spinach, and pasta in a creamy broth for a very filling and comforting meal that is perfect for a simple family dinner any night.
Get Recipe: Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

Tostaguac

A colorful plate holds a crispy tostada topped with layers of guacamole, black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing and appetizing dish.
Tostaguac. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Tostaguac is a fun meal that combines crunchy tostada shells with creamy, homemade guacamole for a very tasty snack or light lunch that is both easy to make and really enjoyable to eat.
Get Recipe: Tostaguac

Easy Flavorful Lentil Stew

A white bowl filled with lentil stew containing chunks of meat, carrots, and herbs, garnished with fresh parsley. The bowl sits on a white surface next to a black spoon and a gray napkin.
Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

You can make an Easy Flavorful Lentil Stew that is both hearty and full of great taste, working perfectly as a vegetarian dish or you can add meat to it for a filling dinner.
Get Recipe: Easy Flavorful Lentil Stew

Baked Potato Flautas

Potato flautas on a white plate topped with lettuce and tomatoes.
Potato Flautas. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These Baked Potato Flautas are a perfect cheap meal or appetizer that uses only a few simple ingredients, and they are a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes you have in your fridge.
Get Recipe: Baked Potato Flautas

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

A close-up of creamy penne pasta mixed with sliced sausage and diced tomatoes, all coated in a rich orange sauce, with a wooden spoon stirring the dish.
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta combines sliced sausage and noodles in a rich, cheesy sauce for a comforting and filling dish that you can have ready for your family to eat in just about thirty minutes.
Get Recipe: Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

Papas a la Mexicana (Mexican-Style Potatoes)

Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings.
Papas a la Mexicana. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The dish called Papas a la Mexicana is made with potatoes cooked with tomatoes and onions, giving you an authentic Mexican side that is perfect for stuffing into tacos or eating alongside your main course.
Get Recipe: Papas a la Mexicana

Tuna Fried Rice

A close-up of a bowl of fried rice with diced carrots, green peas, chopped green onions, and pieces of meat, with a pair of chopsticks resting on the edge.
Quick and Easy One Pan Tuna Fried Rice. Photo credit: Pure & Simple Nourishment.

Tuna Fried Rice is a quick wonder that mixes canned tuna with rice, vegetables, and eggs in a tasty sauce, creating a healthy and complete meal that you can make in one pan in just minutes.
Get Recipe: Tuna Fried Rice

Mexican Molletes

A plate with three molletes surrounded by cilantro and a decorative Mexican napkin.
Molletes. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Mexican Molletes are made with toasted bread that is topped with warm refried beans and melted cheese, making a very simple and tasty meal that works well for a quick breakfast, a snack, or a light lunch.
Get Recipe: Molletes

Chicharrón en Salsa Verde

Pork rinds cooked in green sauce sitting in an oval clay bowl.
Chicharron en Salsa. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

In Chicharrón en Salsa Verde, crispy pork rinds are simmered in a tangy and spicy tomatillo sauce, creating a very quick and mouthwatering Mexican dish that is packed with a lot of exciting flavor.
Get Recipe: Chicharrón en Salsa Verde

Ground Beef, Potato, and Green Bean Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole in a glass dish, featuring ground meat, green beans, melted cheese, and potatoes. A blue spoon and a green plaid towel are nearby on a light-colored countertop.
Ground Beef, Potato, and Green Bean Casserole. Ohoto credit: Graceful Dame.

This Ground Beef, Potato, and Green Bean Casserole is a savory one-pan dinner that combines all its ingredients without using canned soup, making a hearty and homemade meal that is perfect for a family weeknight.
Get Recipe: Ground Beef, Potato, and Green Bean Casserole

Espagueti Rojo (Mexican Red Spaghetti)

A plate of red spaghetti topped with a dollop of cream, crumbled cotija cheese, and a parsley garnish. Next to the plate are a small bowl of cream, a few utensils, and a sprig of fresh herbs on a light tablecloth.
Espagueti Rojo. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Espagueti Rojo is a Mexican red spaghetti that has a vibrant and flavorful sauce, making a hassle-free and perfect weekday meal that is a great way to say goodbye to having a boring dinner.
Get Recipe: Espagueti Rojo

Herb & Garlic Breakfast Potatoes

A bowl of golden, roasted potato wedges garnished with fresh herbs, served next to a small dish of creamy white dipping sauce.
Herb & Garlic Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

You can make these Herb & Garlic Breakfast Potatoes with just a few ingredients, resulting in a mouth-watering side dish that is bursting with flavor and can be eaten at any time of the day you like.
Get Recipe: Herb & Garlic Breakfast Potatoes

Potato Tacos Dorados

Potato Tacos Dorados on a white plate topped with green lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled red onions.
Potato Tacos Dorados. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Potato Tacos Dorados are super crunchy tacos filled with yummy mashed potatoes, and you can top them with your favorite salsa for a very simple and tasty meal that is also really affordable to make.
Get Recipe: Potato Tacos Dorados

Queso con Chile (Cheese and Chile)

Queso con Chile served in a decorative blue plate next to pinto beans and a cactus salad.
Queso con Chile. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Queso con Chile is a simple yet delicious Mexican dish that features a comforting blend of melted cheese in a savory tomato and chile sauce that is perfect for dipping chips or topping other foods.
Get Recipe: Queso con Chile

Cube Steak Recipe

A plate with two pieces of Salisbury steak covered in brown gravy and cooked onion slices, with a fork resting on the side.
Cube Steak Recipe. Photo credit: Organically Addison.

This Cube Steak Recipe cooks the steak with gravy and onions until it is tender and full of flavor, creating a comfort food classic that you can have ready to eat in just twenty minutes.
Get Recipe: Cube Steak Recipe

Bean Pozole

A close-up of a bowl of Mexican pozole verde, showcasing a hearty soup made with hominy, pinto beans, and shredded cabbage. The dish is topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, and cilantro, with a hint of lime visible on the side. A spoon rests in the bowl, ready to eat.
Bean Pozole. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A bowl of Bean Pozole is a hearty and wholesome stew that uses just a few simple ingredients, making it an ideal quick and tasty plant-based soup that you can top with your favorite things.
Get Recipe: Bean Pozole

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A close-up of a hotdish casserole featuring golden, crispy tater tots on top of ground beef, green beans, and creamy sauce, served in a dark bowl.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

An Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a low-cost and family-friendly meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and filling dinner that everyone from kids to adults will really enjoy eating together.
Get Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Calabacitas a la Mexicana (Mexican Squash)

Calabacitas a la Mexicana on a crunchy tostada
Calabacitas a la Mexicana. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Calabacitas a la Mexicana is a quick and tasty dish made with Mexican squash that is perfect for filling tacos or topping tostadas, making a meal that is both very easy and affordable.
Get Recipe: Calabacitas a la Mexicana

Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with chunky beef and vegetable soup, featuring visible pieces of meat, carrots, celery, and potatoes in a light, savory broth.
Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Go Gluten Freely.

You can make a Hearty Ham and Bean Soup quickly in your Instant Pot, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful soup that is perfect for a simple dinner after you have had a very long day.
Get Recipe: Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Easy Shrimp and Broccoli

A bowl of shrimp stir-fry with broccoli, drizzled in sauce and topped with sesame seeds and thin red chili threads, served in a gray bowl.
Easy Shrimp and Broccoli. Photo credit: Plates by Nat.

The recipe for Easy Shrimp and Broccoli is a stir-fry with tender shrimp and fresh broccoli in a thick, flavorful sauce that is perfect for serving over a bed of rice or with noodles for dinner.
Get Recipe: Easy Shrimp and Broccoli

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