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    Home » Cheap dinner ideas

    23 Cheap Recipes Straight from Grandma’s Kitchen

    Published: Sep 14, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    These 23 recipes are simple and budget-friendly, straight from Grandma's kitchen. They bring back the warmth of home-cooked meals and are perfect for anyone looking to save money while enjoying hearty dishes. From comforting casseroles to easy desserts, these meals are sure to please the whole family. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets. From very cheap, to non-expensive, and lots in between.

    One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

    A bowl of creamy chicken soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken soup is loaded with tender ditalini pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. It's a warm and comforting dish that everyone in the family will love. Perfect for chilly days or when you just want something hearty and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pasta Bake

    Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Chicken pasta bake with bacon is a creamy casserole that comes together in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple and satisfying. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it's a great option for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

    Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crock pot chicken pot pie is a warm and satisfying meal featuring juicy chicken and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish cooks slowly in the crock pot, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home, bringing a taste of comfort straight from Grandma's kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This tortellini dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It's tossed in a skillet with lemon, garlic, fresh basil, and olive oil, creating a delicious meal. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe brings a taste of home right to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Zucchini Leek Soup

    Zucchini Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Through the Fibro Fog.

    This zucchini leek soup is comforting and full of healthy greens, potatoes, and herbs. It's a tasty dairy-free option that's great for a light lunch or dinner. Plus, it comes together quickly in just 30 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    One Pot Chicken And Rice

    One Pot Chicken And Rice Dinner from Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This one pot chicken and rice dish is simple and uses real ingredients, cooked in either a dutch oven or a cast iron skillet. It starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, making it an easy option for a cozy Sunday dinner. Everyone in the family will enjoy this hearty meal.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata features a delicious mix of lemon, chicken broth, capers, and dijon mustard that everyone in the family will enjoy. It requires just a little bit of prep work, and after a few hours in the slow cooker, you'll have a tasty meal ready to serve. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken and Noodle Casserole

    Chicken and Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Chicken and Noodle Casserole is a comforting meal that everyone enjoys. It's rich and cheesy, filled with chicken and veggies, and has a crunchy topping of buttery crackers that adds a nice touch.

    Get the Recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    Maple Dijon Chicken is a great choice for dinner tonight. It features tender chicken baked alongside butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli, all cooked on a single pan. This dish is not only healthy and tasty, but it's also simple to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is an easy way to whip up a healthy and filling meal. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty. Just toss everything on a sheet pan, and you'll have a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

    Creamy Loaded Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy potato soup is packed with bacon and roasted Yukon gold potatoes, along with roasted garlic and a mix of dried herbs. It's a simple and comforting dish that brings the flavors of a loaded baked potato right to your bowl. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make.

    Get the recipe

    Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes

    Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

    "Meat and Potatoes" is a simple and budget-friendly dish that comes together in just one skillet, so there's no need to worry about extra sides. This hearty meal is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a filling dinner without spending a lot. It's a classic comfort food that brings back memories of home-cooked meals, making it a great choice for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef

    Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

    Ukrainian cabbage rolls are stuffed with a delicious blend of ground beef, ground pork, and rice. They are easy to make and are great for a filling meal. This dish brings a comforting taste of home cooking that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheeseburger Casserole

    Easy Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dude That Cookz.

    This homemade cheeseburger casserole is a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, onions, tomato puree, cheese, and some spices, you can whip up a hearty meal that everyone will love. It's a comforting dish that brings the flavors of a cheeseburger right to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Chicken

    Cheesy Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

    Cheesy chicken is an easy and beloved casserole that the whole family will love. It's perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick and filling. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this dish is bound to be a regular at your dinner table.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker recipe is full of flavor and is super easy to prepare. Just throw everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Your family will love it, and it's perfect for keeping things simple.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Mayo Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker mayo chicken is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table, including the kids. It's an easy dish that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

    Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner.
    Photo Credit: Sense & Edibility.

    Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage is a tasty twist on the classic Irish-American dish, featuring tender corned beef brisket paired with roasted cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. It's all brought together with a zesty mustard vinaigrette for a satisfying meal.

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    Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    One-Pan Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    These meatballs are packed with flavor from a mix of dried herbs and made with panko breadcrumbs and finely chopped onions, which keep them nice and tender. After shaping the meatballs, the rest of the dish comes together quickly and easily.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Autumn Chicken

    Slow Cooker Autumn Chicken Dinner.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker chicken dinner is a simple and healthy one-pot meal. It combines chicken thighs, onions, and sweet potatoes, all cooked together until everything is tender and flavorful. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without putting in a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and spinach with pasta in a rich tomato sauce. It's perfect for family dinners or when you have friends over. This recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Simple chicken breasts can be turned into a delicious balsamic chicken with just a few ingredients. The combination of balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic gives this dish a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. It's an easy meal that brings a taste of home cooking to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole,.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Walking Taco Casserole is a simple and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. It combines all the cheesy goodness of a walking taco and can be made in a cast iron skillet in just 30 minutes. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    More Cheap dinner ideas

    • Cabbage roll in a bowl.
      14 Cheap Ground Beef Meals That Feed a Crowd
    • Tortellini casserole.
      19 Affordable Dishes for When You Want to Impress (Fast)
    • Chicken barley pualo.
      19 Budget-Friendly Chicken Dinners That Don’t Taste Cheap
    • French onion pork chops.
      18 Cheap Meals That Feel Like Fine Dining at Home
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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