21 Budget Recipes That Keep You Fed Without Overthinking Cost

Rising grocery costs don’t stand a chance against recipes that know how to stretch a dollar. We pulled together twenty-one budget-friendly meals that keep you fed and satisfied without making you track every cent. We lean on smart ingredients, bold seasoning, and techniques that deliver more flavor than they cost. With our picks, dinner stays hearty, doable, and way easier on your wallet.

A close-up of saucy, glazed BBQ burnt ends in a foil tray, showing dark, caramelized pieces of meat coated in barbecue sauce. — Poor Man’s Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Ground Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

A steady simmer keeps the turkey tender while the squash softens naturally. The pot thickens cleanly without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Pot roast cooked in a Dutch oven until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. — Dutch Oven Pot Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Heavy cast iron braises the roast until it falls apart. The tight lid helps the flavor deepen slowly.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast

One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Chicken and vegetables roasted together in one pan until browned and tender. — One Pan Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High oven heat browns the chicken while the veggies roast soft. One pan keeps timing simple and cleanup fast.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Sheet pan chicken thighs roasted with lemons and potatoes until crisp. — Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Lemons brighten the thighs as the potatoes crisp beside them. The sheet pan cooks everything evenly in one go.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Boneless turkey breast slow cooked until juicy and easy to slice. — Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low heat protects the lean breast and keeps it moist. The slow cooker holds temperature steady for worry-free timing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Crispy chicken-fried chicken topped with creamy white gravy. — Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot fry sets a crisp crust while the meat stays juicy. The gravy comes together smooth in the same pan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Pulled Pork Chili

Slow-cooked pork breaks down into a smoky, meaty base. The chili simmers thick without losing texture.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Chili

Ground Turkey Stroganoff

A quick sauté keeps the turkey tender before the sauce turns creamy. Everything cooks fast for easy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

BBQ chicken sliders made in the slow cooker with tender shredded meat. — Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow cooking softens the chicken so it shreds clean. The BBQ sauce reduces glossy with zero babysitting.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

Chicken Shawarma

High heat caramelizes the seasoning while the chicken stays juicy. Resting the slices keeps the flavor bright.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air fryer steak bites coated in garlic butter with browned edges. — Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hot air sears the steak cubes quickly for crisp edges and tender centers. The butter melts clean without burning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops

Oven baked pork chops coated in BBQ seasoning with caramelized edges. — Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Oven heat browns the chops evenly while keeping the interior moist. The simple glaze sticks tight without overcooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Airflow firms the crust while holding moisture inside the chops. The method delivers reliable doneness every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow cooked beef shanks simmered until the meat turns fall-apart tender. — Slow Cooker Beef Shanks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Long, low heat softens the shanks into deep, rich meat. The broth thickens steadily with no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Strong airflow sears the patties while keeping the centers juicy. The quick cook prevents the dryness common with turkey.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Foil Pack Sausage and Potatoes

Foil traps steam to soften the potatoes while the sausage browns. The setup cooks evenly right over the fire.
Get the Recipe: Foil Pack Sausage and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs

Slow cooked beef and barley soup with short ribs cooked until tender. — Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Short ribs break down slowly, giving the broth deep flavor. Barley stays firm thanks to gentle heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs

Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver

A bowl filled with a brown, chunky spread garnished with a sprig of parsley. A knife lies beside the bowl and slices of cucumber and crackers are in the background on a light-colored surface. — Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A quick sauté keeps the liver smooth before chilling firms the texture. The mix stays rich without turning pasty.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

A baked dish in an orange pan topped with citrus slices and rosemary sprigs, surrounded by cut grapefruit, lemon, and orange halves. — Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A fast simmer keeps the chicken tender while the sauce brightens sharp. Rosemary lifts the flavor without overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Mushroom Soup Baked Pork Chops and Rice

A plate of baked chicken topped with melted cheese and crushed chips, served over a bed of seasoned rice. — Mushroom Soup Baked Pork Chops and Rice. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

The oven cooks the chops and rice together, keeping everything moist. The soup thickens into a simple, steady sauce.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup Baked Pork Chops and Rice

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Cubed chuck crisps under slow heat before turning sticky and bold. The long cook melts the fat for tender bites.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Burnt Ends