40 Affordable Recipes for Cooking Large Meals on a Budget

Feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week shouldn’t break the bank. With a little planning and these 40 budget-friendly recipes, you can whip up delicious and satisfying large meals without emptying your wallet. I’ve included a variety of cuisines, ingredients, and cooking methods to prepare large meals on a budget while keeping things interesting.

Large Meals on a Budget

Creating large meals on a budget often means wrestling with rising grocery prices, time constraints, and the pressure to maintain both quality and quantity while keeping costs low. This list of affordable recipes tackles these challenges by providing simple recipes to create satisfying meals without compromising your budget.

When your family gathers around the dinner table with growling stomachs while your wallet feels painfully light, preparing budget-friendly can feel like an impossible puzzle to solve. Create delicious meals using these cost-effective recipes that combine healthy ingredients with pantry staples for maximum savings.

1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Toss chicken, peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning and roast until tender, then serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings. The affordability comes from using inexpensive chicken thighs and readily available vegetables. This meal is packed with protein and vitamins, supporting muscle growth.

2. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Combine chicken, BBQ sauce, and a few spices in your slow cooker and let it simmer until the chicken shreds easily. Chicken thighs are budget-friendly, while the slow cooker does the work. This recipe makes a huge batch, perfect for meal prepping sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole

To prepare a large batch, combine cooked chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and vegetables in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly. Canned chicken and rice are inexpensive staples that form the base of this comforting dish. Casseroles are ideal for meal prepping as they can be easily portioned and reheated, perfect for hosting relatives or friends.

4. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Parmesan is rich in protein, ready-to-use fat, and nutrients that support bone health. When combined with protein-packed parmesan, this air fryer dish makes a quick and affordable way to make a classic dish. Bread chicken, cook in the air fryer until golden brown, then top with tomato sauce and cheese and cook until the cheese is melted.

5. Chicken Noodle Soup

Simmer chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth for a comforting and nourishing soup. Chicken backs and necks are inexpensive and add great flavor to the broth. Warm and soothing, this soup is perfect for a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather.

6. Chili Con Carne

Brown ground beef with onions and peppers, then add beans, tomatoes, and chili spices and simmer until thickened. Ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, and canned beans and tomatoes are pantry staples. Perfect for game day, tailgates, or a cozy night in, chili freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping large batches.

7. Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Cooking meatloaf and mashed potatoes together in the Instant Pot is a time-saver cheap meal you can make in large batches, as it reduces cooking time and energy costs. Combine meatloaf ingredients, shape, and place in the Instant Pot with a trivet. Place potatoes in a separate container on top of the trivet, pressure cook, and then mash the potatoes.

8. Shepherd’s Pie

Top a mixture of ground beef and vegetables with mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown. Ground beef and potatoes are inexpensive pantry staples. This dish provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

9. Beef Stew

Simmer chunks of beef with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich broth until tender. Using tougher cuts of beef, like chuck roast, makes this stew more affordable. You can easily make a large batch of this tender beef and flavorful broth on cold days.

10. Sloppy Joes

Here’s a classic American comfort food that’s perfect for casual gatherings. Brown ground beef with onions and peppers, then add a tangy tomato-based sauce and serve on buns. Ground beef is an affordable source of protein, and the sauce is made with inexpensive pantry staples.

11. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow cook a pork shoulder with BBQ sauce and spices until it shreds easily, then serve on buns. Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat that’s perfect for slow cooking. Pulled pork freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping.

12. Chicken Stuffing Bake

This casserole uses inexpensive chicken pieces and stuffing mix. The combination of savory chicken, flavorful stuffing, and creamy sauce makes for a hearty and comforting meal. Combine cooked chicken, stuffing mix, and a creamy sauce in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.

13. Orzotto With Pancetta and Peas

Orzotto is a cheaper alternative to risotto, and this version includes pancetta and peas for added flavor. Sauté pancetta, then add orzo and cook until toasted. Add broth and cook until the orzo is almost done, then stir in peas and Parmesan cheese.

14. Spicy Bean Burgers With Lime Yogurt

These bean burgers are healthier alternatives to meat burgers. The combination of spicy beans, flavorful spices, and creamy lime yogurt makes for a delicious meal. To make this protein-packed dish, mash beans with spices and form into patties, then cook until browned and serve on buns with lime yogurt.

15. Ham and Potato Soup

This soup is packed with nutrients and provides sustained energy. Combine diced ham, potatoes, onions, and broth for a creamy and comforting soup. Ham hocks or leftover ham can be used in this recipe, making it a great way to save on grocery costs.

16. Parmesan Tilapia

Tilapia is an affordable white fish that cooks quickly and easily. The crispy parmesan crust adds flavor and texture to the flaky fish. For a protein-packed meal, coat tilapia fillets with parmesan cheese and bake or pan-fry until cooked through.

17. Easy Sausage Casserole

This casserole is a budget-friendly option for making large meals, as it uses inexpensive sausage, potatoes, and vegetables. This dish provides protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Combine cooked sausage, potatoes, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.

18. Vegetarian Chili

When you need to whip up something for surprise guests, beans and corn are inexpensive, clean eating ingredients. To make a large batch, just combine beans, corn, tomatoes, and chili spices for a hearty and flavorful chili. The best part is that the dish is packed with protein, fiber, and iron, as well as rich and satisfying flavors.

19. Mac and Cheese

Cook macaroni and cheese sauce made with milk, cheese, and a roux. Pasta and cheese are cheap pantry staples while also being good sources of carbohydrates and calcium. You can easily make a large batch of this creamy and cheesy dish for busy days.

20. Vegetable Curry

Simmer a variety of vegetables in a flavorful curry sauce made with coconut milk and spices. Frozen vegetables and canned chickpeas make this dish affordable yet nutritious. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this dish is a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

21. Pasta Primavera

 Pasta primavera is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins. Perfect for a light dinner, simply toss pasta with a variety of seasonal vegetables and a light sauce.

22. Bean and Cheese Burritos

Fill tortillas with beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Burritos are a great meal prep option as they can be easily assembled and wrapped. This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.

23. Vegetable Frittata

Whisk eggs with a variety of vegetables and bake until set. Frittatas are a great meal prep option as they can be made ahead of time and reheated. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is a good source of protein and vitamins.

24. Quinoa Salad

Here’s a great option for a light lunch or side dish. When cooking a large meal, simply combine cooked quinoa with vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing. Quinoa is a nutritious and relatively inexpensive grain, making it a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

25. Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Aside from giving a nutty flavor and pleasing crunch, sesame can help lower cholesterol levels due to its rich content of plant compounds. Simply combine chicken, honey, sesame seeds, and other sauce ingredients in the Instant Pot and pressure cook until the chicken is cooked through.

26. Tuna Casserole

Creamy and satisfying, this casserole is a classic comfort food. When you need a quick and easy meal for potlucks, combine canned tuna, pasta, cream of mushroom soup, and peas in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly. This dish provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

27. Salmon Patties

Combine canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then form into patties and pan-fry until golden brown. Canned salmon is a budget-friendly source of omega-3 fatty acids. The flavorful and satisfying patties can be served on buns or with a salad.

28. Creamy Tuna Pasta

Canned tuna and pasta are pantry staples that form the base of this creamy and comforting dish. The creamy sauce and flavorful tuna make for an easy meal packed with protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. Cook pasta and then combine it with canned tuna, a creamy sauce, and your favorite vegetables.

29. Slow Cooker Taco Soup

A slow cooker makes this soup incredibly easy and budget-friendly, as you can use less expensive cuts of meat and canned goods. The combination of ground meat, beans, corn, and taco seasoning creates a comforting soup. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low until the flavors have melded.

30. Clam Chowder

To make this classic New England favorite, combine clams, potatoes, onions, and cream for a creamy and comforting soup. Canned clams are a cheap option for making clam chowder. This soup is packed with nutrients and provides sustained energy.

31. Pizza Omelette

This creative dish is an affordable way to use up leftover pizza toppings. The combination of eggs, cheese, and pizza toppings makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whisk eggs, then add your favorite pizza toppings and cook like an omelet.

32. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Roast a whole chicken with lemon, herbs, and root vegetables for a flavorful and impressive meal. Chicken is a lean protein source, and roasted vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. This bright and refreshing dish is best for a special occasion.

33. Pad Thai

Stir-fry rice noodles with tofu, vegetables, peanuts, and a sweet and savory sauce. Tofu is a budget-friendly protein source, and Pad Thai is a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying meal.

34. Sesame and Spring Onion Stir-Fried Udon With Crispy Tofu

This stir-fry is an inexpensive and flavorful meal, using readily available ingredients. The combination of chewy udon noodles, crispy tofu, and a savory sesame and spring onion sauce makes for a satisfying meal. Stir-fry tofu until crispy, then add udon noodles, vegetables, and sauce and stir-fry until heated through.

35. Quick Fix Tortellini Soup

This soup is a budget-friendly option, as it uses inexpensive tortellini and canned goods. The combination of flavorful broth, tender tortellini, and vegetables makes for quick, large meals. To make a large serving, combine the ingredients in a pot and simmer until the tortellini is cooked through.

36. Easy Arroz Con Pollo

You can make a large serving of this classic Spanish dish using inexpensive chicken pieces and rice. The combination of flavorful chicken, saffron-infused rice, and vegetables makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish provides protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

37. Adobo Chicken With Ginger

A large batch of this budget-friendly Filipino dish uses inexpensive chicken pieces and whole food ingredients. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and peppercorns creates a tangy and savory flavor. Chicken adobo is a good source of protein.

38. Breakfast Burritos

Eggs and potatoes are inexpensive and readily available ingredients. Perfect for a grab-and-go meal, scramble eggs with cheese, potatoes, and your favorite toppings, then wrap them in tortillas. Breakfast burritos are a great meal prep option as they can be easily assembled and wrapped.

39. Air Fryer Falafel Salad

Cooking falafel in the air fryer is a quick way to make this Middle Eastern staple. The combination of crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing makes for a healthy and satisfying salad. Just cook falafel in the air fryer until crispy, then serve over a bed of salad with your favorite dressing.

40. Easy Pumpkin Soup

Ending this list with a budget-friendly soup, as it uses canned pumpkin and readily available ingredients. The large serving of this creamy and flavorful pumpkin soup is perfect for a fall or winter meal. This soup provides vitamins, fiber, and some carbohydrates.

Conclusion

With these 40 budget-friendly recipes, you’ll discover the joy of creating delicious large meals on a budget that bring smiles to everyone’s faces without draining your bank account. Start your journey to stress-free, affordable cooking today by bookmarking these recipes and trying our crowd-pleasing yet affordable recipes.