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    Home / Collections

    Try These 21 Budget Main Dishes to Stop Overspending

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 29, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Are you tired of overspending on meals but still want delicious and satisfying dishes? In my upcoming blog post, I'll be sharing some fantastic Budget Main Dishes that are not only easy on the wallet but also bursting with flavor. Get ready to discover budget-friendly recipes that will help you save money without compromising on taste!

    Frito Chili Pie

    A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
    Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    This Frito Chili Pie is a wallet-friendly choice, perfect for budget main dishes to stop overspending. It's a hearty dish featuring a flavorful chili base topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheese, offering a satisfying meal that won't break the bank. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, this dish is ideal for busy days when you need a comforting yet affordable dinner option. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of Frito Chili Pie without overspending.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

    Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are a great choice for budget-conscious meals. With tender chicken cooked to perfection in the slow cooker and a variety of toppings, they offer a delicious and economical dinner option. Perfect for budget main dishes to stop overspending, this recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Enjoy the convenience and affordability of Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos without compromising on taste.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
    Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The Sloppy Joe Casserole is a budget-friendly twist on a classic favorite, ideal for those looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. Combining the familiar taste of Sloppy Joe filling with layers of cheese and bread, this casserole offers a hearty and satisfying meal option. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending. Enjoy the comfort and affordability of Sloppy Joe Casserole without breaking the bank.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Air fried chicken with honey sauce on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are a budget-friendly and convenient option for a quick dinner. With the air fryer, you can achieve crispy chicken without excess oil, making it a healthier and economical choice. Enjoy tender and flavorful chicken thighs with a golden crust in no time, perfect for budget main dishes to stop overspending. This recipe offers convenience, flavor, and affordability all in one dish.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

    A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
    Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a budget-friendly and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy days. It combines tender chicken with sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors, creating a delicious meal without breaking the bank. With the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a tasty dinner with minimal effort, making it ideal for budget main dishes to stop overspending. Treat yourself to the affordability and deliciousness of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken today.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

    A plate of stuffing with chicken on a table next to a skillet.
    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish is a budget-friendly and comforting meal that's perfect for busy nights. It combines tender chicken with savory stuffing and a creamy sauce, offering a satisfying dinner option without overspending. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of Chicken and Stuffing Casserole without breaking the bank.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

    Ground Pork Burgers

    Two burgers on a plate with lettuce and tomatoes.
    Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These Ground Pork Burgers are a budget-friendly and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers. Packed with savory flavors and cooked to perfection, they're a satisfying budget main dishes to stop overspending. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they're perfect for a quick and delicious dinner any day of the week. Enjoy a budget-friendly burger option that's full of flavor and easy to make at home.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The Baked Stuffed Pork Chops are a budget-friendly and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Stuffed with a savory filling and baked to perfection, they offer home-cooked comfort budget main dishes to stop overspending. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they're ideal for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the affordability and deliciousness of Baked Stuffed Pork Chops.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    Cream Cheese Chicken

    A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
    Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The Cream Cheese Chicken is a budget-friendly and creamy dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce, it offers a flavorful budget main dishes to stop overspending. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish, which is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it's a weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence, it's a great budget-conscious option for delicious Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg

    Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates.
    Air Fryer Chicken Leg. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These Air Fryer Chicken Legs are a budget-friendly and flavorful option for a quick dinner. With the air fryer, you can achieve crispy skin and juicy meat without excess oil, making them a healthier and economical choice. Enjoy the convenience of cooking chicken legs in the air fryer, perfect for budget main dishes to stop overspending. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they're a great budget-conscious choice for a delicious meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a budget-friendly and convenient option for a quick meal or snack. With the air fryer, you can achieve crispy and tender chicken without deep frying, making them a healthier choice as well. Enjoy the simplicity and affordability of this dish, perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. These chicken tenders are sure to become a family favorite for budget main dishes to stop overspending.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Wet Burrito

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The Wet Burrito is a budget-friendly and hearty dish that's perfect for satisfying your cravings without overspending. It features a flavorful filling wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in sauce, offering a satisfying meal option perfect for budget main dishes to stop overspending. With its quick preparation time and comforting flavors, this burrito is ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of Wet Burrito without breaking the bank.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Chicken Nuggets

    Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
    Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Nuggets are a budget-friendly and kid-friendly option for a quick and tasty meal. With their crispy coating and tender chicken inside, they're sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy the convenience of these nuggets, perfect for a snack or a meal, without breaking the bank. They're a practical choice forbudget main dishes to stop overspending while satisfying everyone at the table.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
    Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Pot Pie is a classic and budget-friendly comfort food option. With its flaky crust and creamy filling, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect for budget main dishes to stop overspending. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of homemade Chicken Pot Pie without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a practical choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a comforting yet affordable meal option.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

    Ground Pork Stir Fry

    A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
    Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This Ground Pork Stir Fry is a budget-friendly and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and easy meal. With tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it offers a satisfying and nutritious option for budget main dishes to stop overspending. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this stir fry, ideal for busy days when you want a tasty meal without a lot of prep time. It's a practical choice that won't break the bank.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
    Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops are a budget-friendly and tasty alternative to traditional pork chops. With their crispy coating and tender meat inside, they're sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of these pork chops, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal without overspending. They're a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending that everyone will love.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta is a budget-friendly and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick dinner. With succulent shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it offers a delicious and satisfying meal option. Enjoy the convenience of this pasta dish, ideal for busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending without compromising on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Pan-Fried Pork Chops

    Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs.
    Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pan-Fried Pork Chops are a budget-friendly and delicious option for a satisfying meal. With their golden crust and juicy meat, they're sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the simplicity and affordability of these pork chops, perfect for a quick and tasty dinner without overspending. They're a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending while satisfying your appetite and your budget.
    Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

    Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
    Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This Crock Pot Chili for Two is a budget-friendly and convenient meal option. With minimal ingredients and slow cooking in the crock pot, you can enjoy a flavorful chili without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for two servings, it's a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal. This chili is sure to become a favorite for cozy dinners at home without breaking the bank.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Ground Pork Tacos

    Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground Pork Tacos are a budget-friendly and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. With seasoned ground pork, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas, they're perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy the convenience and affordability of these tacos, ideal for budget main dishes to stop overspending without compromising on taste. They're a practical choice that's sure to please everyone at the table.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

    Panko Chicken Breast

    Panko chicken on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Panko Chicken Breast is a budget-friendly and delicious option for a quick and easy dinner. With its crispy coating and tender chicken inside, it's sure to satisfy your cravings without overspending. Enjoy the convenience and affordability of this dish, perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without a lot of prep time. It's a practical choice for budget main dishes to stop overspending that everyone will enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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