When it comes to dining well on a budget, we know that it's not always obvious (or easy). But focusing on good, simple ingredients; knowing what the cheapest cuts of meat are; and going for meals that utilize in-season, inexpensive produce can go a long way. One of our favorite hacks is to buy large quantities of frozen chicken thighs, frozen shrimp, and other meats that freeze well from place like Costco. It's an investment up front, but saves lots of money down the line, and since the food is frozen, we don't get sick of those flavors, either. To that same end, anyone who can spare a Saturday once every 2-3 months can put together a ton of these 20 Freezer-to-Crock-Pot Meal Ideas, which mean there will be ready-to-go fully-prepped meal packs in the freezer waiting for us. Even better: Do it with a group of friends, so everyone goes in on the cost of the ingredients and everyone gets the maximum amount of variety.
Relatedly, we're a big fan of these 6 Kid-Friendly Family Dinners for Under $5, which make budgeting a breeze, and these 50 Easy, Budget-Friendly Baby Food Recipes for Every Age & Stage, which are great for moms looking to DIY their own baby food, which definitely takes time but also saves a bunch of cash, if that's an option. Then there's 20 Thrifty Casseroles to Keep Dinner Under Budget, which are so perfect (and most of which freeze really, really well, too -- in case we want to make a double batch now to make our lives easier later). Also check out these 40 Easy Make-Ahead Breakfasts on a Budget, which really help us cut down on the cost of expensive frozen breakfast items, including those Eggo waffles that we love but which are ridiculously expensive compared to making and freezing our own (like... 10x more expensive). Also super worthwhile, especially for families where one or more member thinks a meal "isn't a meal" without meat: 12 Crock-Pot Recipes That Make 'Budget' Cuts of Meat Taste Amazing.
Weeknight Spaghetti with Clams
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A whole pack of frozen clams costs only about $7, so add pasta and some roasted veggies on the side, and there's a great, healthy meal $15 right there. This recipe for Weeknight Spaghetti with Clams is an absolute winner.
Moroccan-Spiced Roast Chicken
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A whole chicken is only about $6, which leaves some extra room in the budget to invest in some spices and extra veggies. This recipe for Moroccan-Spiced Roast Chicken involves sweet potatoes, a pound of cauliflower, and red onion, so it's a complete meal.
Easy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry
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This Easy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry is super easy to make, and combines plenty of vegetables with delicious pork tenderloin, which is only $4 for a pound. Serve with rice or noodles, which can absorb the sauce.
Turkey Burgers
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Ground turkey meat is healthier and cheaper than beef, at about $4 a pound. Make this great recipe, The Juiciest Turkey Burgers, for a family of four with toasted buns, sweet potato fries, and roasted broccoli for under $15.
Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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This recipe for Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes is delicious, and especially great served with a sliced avocado and some hot sauce. Double the amount of cumin for a little boost of flavor -- and serve with sauteed veggies for an even bigger boost of vitamins.
Crispy Butter Dijon Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs
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This recipe for Crispy Butter Dijon Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs is so incredibly flavorful and delicious, and chicken thighs are a very inexpensive cut. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Vegetarian Lasagna
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This great recipe for the Best Vegetable Lasagna involves making a super-simple DIY sauce, which is very easy and considerably cheaper than buying the jarred kind. This makes 12 servings, so it's great for lunch and dinner the next day.
Smoky Shrimp and Rice Pilaf
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Shrimp may seem expensive, but buy bulk bags of frozen shrimp, which last ages, and they can be a great value. This Smoky Shrimp and Rice Pilaf is really delicious, and great when served with a side salad.
Beef Kofta Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables
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These Beef Kofta Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables are so incredibly easy, and are a very well-rounded dinner. It's great served with Spanish rice, and all together, this meal is $11 for the whole recipe.
Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls
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These Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls are extremely tasty and even though rice is cheaper than quinoa, quinoa adds such a big protein boost, it's worth the extra expense -- and the whole meal will still cost under $15.
Roasted Drumsticks with Tomatoes
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Chicken legs are one of the less-expensive part of a chicken, and these Roasted Drumsticks with Tomatoes are incredibly tasty. Serve with baby new potatoes and some steamed asparagus for a totally rounded meal.
One Pot American Goulash
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This recipe for One Pot American Goulash is such a great recipe, and even with the red wine, the whole recipe comes to under $15 -- and even less if a bottle of Trader Joe's two buck chuck is picked up instead of something pricey.
Dump-and-Bake Ravioli Casserole
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While this recipe for Dump-and-Bake Ravioli Casserole is as easy as humanly possible, it calls for jarred marinara sauce. But it's easy to DIY some for way less money -- although the original recipe still comes to far under $15 for a family of four. Serve with a side salad or some sauteed broccoli.
Creole White Beans with Chicken
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This recipe for Creole White Beans with Chicken keeps the seasoning simple by using a class everyone from New Orleans loves, Zatarain's. It's a great, all-purpose seasoning that is easily found on Amazon.
Thai Coconut Curry Braised Chicken Thighs
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Bold and rich, this Thai Coconut Curry Braised Chicken Thighs recipe can be adjusted for preferred spiciness levels by lowering or adding to the curry paste. Serve with a side salad for something light to go with.
Bay Scallops With Pasta, Butter, And Lemon
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A pound of frozen bay scallops is just $6 at Wal-Mart, and this recipe for Bay Scallops With Pasta, Butter, And Lemon is really delicious. Add a side salad and some toasted garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Pork Chops with Peaches and Walnuts
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This recipe for Pork Chops with Peaches and Walnuts is fantastic, easy, and under $15. It also takes about 15 minutes to make, which makes it great for weeknights. Ideal served with mashed potatoes and some green beans.
Shrimp Tacos
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This recipe for Shrimp Tacos are absolutely delicious. Buying taco seasoning is cheaper on one night, but if this is a recipe the family loves, consider making a DIY blend with bulk spices -- it's way cheaper over time.
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
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These Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs are less than $2 a serving, and they're really delicious. The recipe author says it can be made with Guinness instead of apple sauce. They're also great with mashed potatoes.
Southern Ham And White Beans
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This is a great, budget-friendly, and classic meal: Southern Ham And White Beans. Serve with braised collard greens and cornbread -- the Jiffy brand box mix is often just 50 cents a pop at the local store.
