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Home » Trending

Delicious Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love to Make

Published: Feb 2, 2025 by Yuan

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Feeding a family on a budget can sometimes feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning and creativity, making delicious meals that everyone will enjoy without spending too much is possible. Plenty of affordable ingredients can be turned into hearty, satisfying dishes that bring the family together around the dinner table. Let’s explore some easy, budget-friendly meal ideas.

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cheesy, comforting casserole combines fresh broccoli with creamy cheese for a dish that’s hard to resist. It’s an easy, satisfying side that pairs well with nearly anything. Perfect for a family dinner, and a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Creamy Tomato Sauce with a spoon in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce are perfect for a comforting family meal. This one-pan dish is easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and how much your family enjoys it.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Chinese Five Spice Chicken: Family Favorite Recipe

A white bowl filled with Chinese five spiced chicken thighs, rice, and broccoli.
Chinese Five Spice Chicken: Family Favorite Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This savory chicken dish is a hit at the dinner table, combining aromatic spices for a flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will ask for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Chinese Five Spice Chicken: Family Favorite Recipe

Delicious and Healthy Chicken Celery Stir-Fry Recipe

A dish of stir-fried chicken and celery pieces served on a white plate.
Delicious and Healthy Chicken Celery Stir-Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Packed with fresh veggies and lean chicken, this stir-fry is both nutritious and delicious. It’s a perfect way to get a quick, healthy meal on the table. A great option for those looking for a light, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Delicious and Healthy Chicken Celery Stir-Fry Recipe

Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs

A delicious plate featuring scrambled eggs mixed with fresh Chinese chives on a white plate.
Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This light and savory dish brings together the simple ingredients of eggs and chives for a quick meal. It’s a wonderful way to use fresh herbs and eggs for a satisfying dinner. Easy to prepare, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs

Basic Polenta

Basic polenta served in a white bowl.
Basic Polenta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Creamy, buttery, and incredibly versatile, polenta is an easy side dish that complements nearly any meal. It’s perfect for those on a budget who still want a delicious addition to their dinner. Serve it with your favorite sauce or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

These flavorful drumsticks are marinated in a blend of Colombian spices and cooked until tender. It’s a delicious way to enjoy chicken with a unique twist. Perfect for a family meal that’s both easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks

4 Bean Salad

A bowl of bean and onion salad with a wooden spoon.
4 Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A light, colorful side dish that’s simple to make and packed with healthy beans. It’s a great addition to any family meal, and the best part is it’s ready in minutes. Full of flavor, protein, and nutrition!
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Homemade meatballs served in a rich and savory gravy.
Meatballs and Gravy Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Juicy meatballs in a savory, flavorful gravy make for a hearty, satisfying meal. This dish is perfect when you want something comforting and filling for dinner. Serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete family meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

A slow cooker filled with mac and cheese with a gooey, cheesy topping.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is made easy in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dish the whole family will love. Serve it as a main course or side for a meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Spaghetti Casserole

A red dish of spaghetti casserole with a fork in it, to the side.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

A comforting twist on classic spaghetti, this casserole combines pasta, cheese, and sauce into a hearty, family-friendly dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is a surefire way to make dinnertime feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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me

Hey there! Welcome to SassyChopsticks.com!

I'm Yuan, a writer, world traveler, web developer, and photographer based in the U.S. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Malaysia to England, before I settled in Tennessee, where I've called home for nearly two decades.

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