We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their favorite budget-friendly dinner staples. Here's what they said:
1. Crispy Cheddar Chicken
"Super easy: Just halve some chicken breasts, and dip them in milk, cheddar, and crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs. Then bake." —powitspaige
2. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
"Ground beef can be expensive, so I substitute half the meat for minced mushrooms, and nobody ever notices. Just toss mushrooms in a food processor and pulse. After you brown the beef, add the mushrooms, seasonings, and tomato sauce. This also works with taco meat, chili, and sloppy joes." —MarcosMommy
3. Slow Cooker Enchilada Soup
"For leftovers, shred the chicken and use it for burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or tostadas." —Lori O.
4. Fish in Lemon & Butter Sauce
"So simple, and works with with pretty much any white fish." —Annie Galveston, Facebook
5. Easy Fried Rice
"This takes less than 10 minutes if you use day-old rice and frozen peas and carrots." —Jamie Silver, Facebook
6. Pesto Chicken Bake
"I love the store-brand pesto at Trader Joes and Whole Foods, but it's also pretty cheap and fast to make your own." —Elizabeth Nadal, Facebook
7. Whole Wheat Penne With Sausage & Peppers
"I use any produce that's about to turn, always with lots of garlic and olive oil." —Rhiannonelan
8. Crock-Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
"Two ingredients: salsa + chicken. That’s it! Use it for tacos, salads, or even by itself." —Kenzie G.
9. Shakshuka
"The best part is the rich, tomato-y sauce — with eggs baked right in." —Imit2
10. Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork
"Sweet and spicy. You can use a cheaper cut of meat and know that the Crock-Pot will break it down over several hours."—Diana Mia Gonzales, Facebook
11. Cheesy Olive Bread
"Olive bread is a big favorite with my family. Cheesy, salty, bready goodness." —Jessica B.
12. 15-Minute Penne Rosa
"It’s very similar to the penne rosa at Noodles and Company. But I leave out the shrimp and use frozen spinach, unless the fresh stuff is on sale." —venus236
13. Tuna Casserole
"This version is a little healthier (no canned soup or heavy cream) but still just as tasty as the stuff I ate growing up." —Jan Bennett, Facebook
14. Curried Chickpeas With Spinach
"This was my go-to cheap meal in college." —Lisa Arielle Evans, Facebook
15. Homemade Chicken Shwarma
"This too!" —Lisa Arielle Evans, Facebook
16. Slow Cooker Pinto Beans With Rice and Salsa
"Every month, I make a big batch of brown rice and a big batch of (dried) pinto beans in the Crock Pot. Then I portion both of them out in 16-ounce containers. For a quick meal, toss one serving of rice, one serving of beans, and 8 ounces of your favorite salsa in a skillet. Heat through, and serve with your favorite taco toppings in a tortilla." —Samantha T.
17. Easy Rigatoni Bake
"You can change it up by adding Parmesan cheese, meat (like ground turkey), or bell peppers for sweetness." —Kristine Elizabeth L.
18. Chicken or Turkey Lettuce Wraps
"Topped off with ranch or Sriracha." —Aymee Jay
19. Sloppy Joe Casserole
"Even better on the second day." —Lydia Blake, Facebook
20. Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Tacos
"Spend a few minutes chopping, then pile everything onto a baking sheet and roast." —Pauline Moran, Facebook
21. Baked Tilapia in Foil or Parchment
"Serve with a green salad and enjoy!" —Leah L.
22. Vegetarian Lentil Chili
"Cheap, filling, and even my carnivore husband doesn't miss the meat." —Mary Shipley, Facebook
23. Easy Chicken Curry
"Cilantro on the top, over rice, and boom." —Chelsea T.
24. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
"Top off with Parmesan cheese or prosciutto. So easy!" —Jessica Pick, Facebook
25. Red Beans & Rice
"Adding chorizo makes this even better." —Lindsay Biram, Facebook
26. Sweet Potato, Shrimp & Kale Skillet
"I'll buy fresh shrimp if they're on sale, otherwise, frozen works just fine." —Diane Barney, Facebook
27. Kielbasa Hash
"Serve over rice, with noodles, or on its own. Leftovers are still good reheated at work the next day." —Mabel
