These budget meals rely on tried-and-true ways to slash your food costs. From using cheaper cuts of meat to going meatless to using produce that's in season, these budget recipes will feed your family for less without sacrificing one bit of flavor.
1. Baked Ziti Recipe
Stephanie Gallagher
This baked ziti recipe is easy, inexpensive and can even be made in advance. What's more, you can vary this recipe a hundred different ways, adding mushrooms, bell peppers, ground beef, etc.
2. Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Stephanie Gallagher
A combination of ground beef and ground pork gives this meatloaf recipe great flavor. Crushed Goldfish crackers provide a unique and cheesy binder that makes this meatloaf a winner with kids.
3. Hot Dog Chili
Stephanie Gallagher
Using hot dogs in place of beef cubes or chicken not only cuts the cost of this chili, it makes it taste just like a chili dog in a bowl. Kids love this hot dog chili.
4. Chicken Enchiladas
Stephanie Gallagher
Rotisserie chicken breast and jarred salsa save time and money in this tasty chicken enchiladas recipe. Look for a good-quality salsa verde for the best flavor.
5. Chicken Pasta Bake
Stephanie Gallagher
This chicken pasta bake is so tasty, it's worthy of serving to company. And believe it or not, this dish serves 8-10 people using just 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts. Cheap and yummy!
6. Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Stephanie Gallagher
This beef and broccoli has all the flavor of the traditional Chinese food carryout recipe, but instead of using steak, this recipe uses deli roast beef, a time-saver and a cost-cutter.
7. Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage
Stephanie Gallagher
This baked macaroni and cheese recipe gets a kick of extra flavor from Italian sausage. Although the recipe calls for three kinds of cheese, feel free to use a shredded cheese blend or all cheddar cheese, if it's cheaper.
8. Pigs in a Blanket
Stephanie Gallagher
Easy, cheap and kid-friendly, pigs in a blanket are one of my "go to" recipes when I don't have time to think about what to cook. Serve with broccoli au gratin.
9. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Stephanie Gallagher
Frozen, pre-cooked meatballs makes this recipe for sweet and sour meatballs a cinch to prepare. Serve with rice.
10. Tater Tot Casserole
Stephanie Gallagher
There's a reason this tater tot casserole is a classic: It's hearty, comforting and easy to make. Best of all: This casserole is inexpensive, using ground beef, canned soup and frozen tater tots.
