5 Deliciously Cheap Dinner Ideas

There’s one certainty in life: we all have to plan and figure out what’s for dinner. If you’re short on funds or just sticking to an extreme budget, going out isn’t an option every night. We’ve come up with some deliciously cheap dinner ideas to help you whip up a yummy feast any day of the week.

Comforting Casseroles

For most people, there’s nothing like a good, hot meal at the end of a busy day. It’s nice to have something nourishing and comforting that leaves you satisfied. When tight on money, it’s easy to gather ingredients and create something filling without breaking the bank.

Keep these ingredients stocked in your pantry and freezer:

Cream-based soups including cheese, chicken, celery and mushroom.
Baking mix like Bisquick.
Bulk hamburger and chicken.
Frozen or canned vegetables.

One cheap casserole idea is a traditional tater tot casserole. It’s a popular recipe resurrected from the ’70s, but it’s an easy meal you can diversify with whatever meat you have on hand, all for under $12.

Chicken Goes With Anything

Chicken can get pricey at the grocery store, so pounce whenever it goes on sale. Stocking up ahead of time and freezing what you can’t immediately use is a great way to keep your weekly meals cheap. You can grill, bake, boil, broil or fry chicken, making it a diverse choice. Keep inexpensive side dishes on hand like vegetables, pasta and potatoes.

Ready-to-Eat Rice

Rice is a cheap food source that’s high in fiber and a good filler for most meals. It’s a great item to have on hand and has a lengthy shelf life. Stash it in your pantry as a foundation for quick, cheap and delicious dinners throughout the week. Here’s an inexpensive and tasty Red Jambalaya Fried Rice meal you can throw together tonight.

Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner

Beef can be a budget-friendly meal base and you can easily find it on sale. Chuck eye steaks are inexpensive choices that cook down tender and can be used for:

Fajitas.

Beef and noodles.

Stroganoff.

Soup bases and broths.

The possibilities are endless. Don’t forget about hamburger, too. It’s a staple to have for spaghetti, tacos and a tasty meatloaf. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and a can of green beans for a low-cost meal.

Taters and Veggies

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you can make a variety of delectable meals with vegetables. Potatoes are great to keep on hand as they’re cheap and filling, and contribute to a variety of meals, such as:

French fries with sloppy joes.
Potato salad with hot dogs.
Cheesy potatoes with kielbasa.
Scalloped potatoes with pot roast.
Potato pancakes and fried chicken.

Try doing a meatless Monday and create a vegetable medley along with a side salad and a French baguette. Vegetable lasagna is a delicious, low-cost dinner that uses canned veggies, sauces and pasta from your cupboard.

Keeping meals cheap and tasty doesn’t have to be too challenging. Load up your freezer and cupboards with the essentials when prices are low. Plan your shopping list now and prep for some tasty table-ready dishes. Your family and your budget will thank you.

~Here’s to Your Success!