CloseGet a healthy and delicious meal on the table with these cheap easy meals on a budget. These low-calorie, high-fiber dinners use inexpensive pantry staples like pasta and beans to help lower your grocery bill while still making delicious meals. Try our budget-friendly recipes like Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie or Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole, which are flavorful and can help you meet your nutrition goals.01of 14Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced LentilsView RecipeThis earthy bowl of lentils is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.02of 14Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper SauceView RecipeQuinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and pack them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.03of 14Spaghetti with Quick Meat SauceView RecipeInstead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy spaghetti with meat sauce on a weeknight. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. The recipe makes enough for eight servings. If you’re serving only four for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.04of 14Vegetarian Shepherd’s PiesView RecipeThese mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette.05of 14Cumin Chicken & Chickpea StewView RecipeThis quick, protein-rich chicken stew recipe draws flavor inspiration from shawarma with spices like cumin, paprika and pepper. Make a double batch and freeze it for a quick, healthy dinner. Serve the stew with couscous and steamed broccoli.06of 14Cornbread-Topped Chili CasseroleView RecipeIn this healthy casserole recipe—sometimes called tamale pie—the cornbread gets crusty at the edges, thanks to a cast-iron skillet. For the best texture, use yellow cornmeal with a medium grind. Serve with lime wedges for a little extra tang.07of 14Vegetable Weight-Loss SoupView RecipeA big bowl of this vegetable soup will leave you satisfied for hours without consuming a lot of calories, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Plus, it’s an easy way to boost your vegetable servings for the day—something all of us could benefit from. Top with a dollop of pesto before devouring this delicious vegetable soup and consider serving with a hunk of toasted whole-wheat bread to help round out the meal.08of 14Sausage & Peppers Baked ZitiView RecipeThis healthy baked ziti recipe doesn’t require any chopping and is made on the stovetop, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Using whole-wheat pasta adds fiber; opt for penne if whole-wheat ziti is hard to find.09of 14Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito BowlView RecipeThis flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.10of 14Vegetarian Baked ZitiView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea ZimmerThis vegetarian baked ziti features plenty of roasted veggies smothered in marinara, with melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese throughout. We like cauliflower, zucchini and peppers, but you could swap in any of your favorite roasted vegetables in their place.11of 14Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean HashView RecipeQuick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority.12of 14Tomato & Artichoke GnocchiView RecipeArtichoke hearts, olives and a splash of red-wine vinegar give this ultra-quick, healthy vegetarian gnocchi recipe pizzazz. For an additional hit of Mediterranean flavor, try topping with feta cheese.13of 14Black Bean TacosView RecipeMixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy five-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.14of 14Nonna’s Spaghetti & MeatballsView RecipeThe meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

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Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole

Get a healthy and delicious meal on the table with these cheap easy meals on a budget. These low-calorie, high-fiber dinners use inexpensive pantry staples like pasta and beans to help lower your grocery bill while still making delicious meals. Try our budget-friendly recipes like Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie or Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole, which are flavorful and can help you meet your nutrition goals.01of 14Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced LentilsView RecipeThis earthy bowl of lentils is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.02of 14Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper SauceView RecipeQuinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and pack them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.03of 14Spaghetti with Quick Meat SauceView RecipeInstead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy spaghetti with meat sauce on a weeknight. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. The recipe makes enough for eight servings. If you’re serving only four for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.04of 14Vegetarian Shepherd’s PiesView RecipeThese mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette.05of 14Cumin Chicken & Chickpea StewView RecipeThis quick, protein-rich chicken stew recipe draws flavor inspiration from shawarma with spices like cumin, paprika and pepper. Make a double batch and freeze it for a quick, healthy dinner. Serve the stew with couscous and steamed broccoli.06of 14Cornbread-Topped Chili CasseroleView RecipeIn this healthy casserole recipe—sometimes called tamale pie—the cornbread gets crusty at the edges, thanks to a cast-iron skillet. For the best texture, use yellow cornmeal with a medium grind. Serve with lime wedges for a little extra tang.07of 14Vegetable Weight-Loss SoupView RecipeA big bowl of this vegetable soup will leave you satisfied for hours without consuming a lot of calories, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Plus, it’s an easy way to boost your vegetable servings for the day—something all of us could benefit from. Top with a dollop of pesto before devouring this delicious vegetable soup and consider serving with a hunk of toasted whole-wheat bread to help round out the meal.08of 14Sausage & Peppers Baked ZitiView RecipeThis healthy baked ziti recipe doesn’t require any chopping and is made on the stovetop, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Using whole-wheat pasta adds fiber; opt for penne if whole-wheat ziti is hard to find.09of 14Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito BowlView RecipeThis flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.10of 14Vegetarian Baked ZitiView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea ZimmerThis vegetarian baked ziti features plenty of roasted veggies smothered in marinara, with melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese throughout. We like cauliflower, zucchini and peppers, but you could swap in any of your favorite roasted vegetables in their place.11of 14Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean HashView RecipeQuick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority.12of 14Tomato & Artichoke GnocchiView RecipeArtichoke hearts, olives and a splash of red-wine vinegar give this ultra-quick, healthy vegetarian gnocchi recipe pizzazz. For an additional hit of Mediterranean flavor, try topping with feta cheese.13of 14Black Bean TacosView RecipeMixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy five-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.14of 14Nonna’s Spaghetti & MeatballsView RecipeThe meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Get a healthy and delicious meal on the table with these cheap easy meals on a budget. These low-calorie, high-fiber dinners use inexpensive pantry staples like pasta and beans to help lower your grocery bill while still making delicious meals. Try our budget-friendly recipes like Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie or Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole, which are flavorful and can help you meet your nutrition goals.

01of 14Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced LentilsView RecipeThis earthy bowl of lentils is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.02of 14Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper SauceView RecipeQuinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and pack them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.03of 14Spaghetti with Quick Meat SauceView RecipeInstead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy spaghetti with meat sauce on a weeknight. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. The recipe makes enough for eight servings. If you’re serving only four for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.04of 14Vegetarian Shepherd’s PiesView RecipeThese mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette.05of 14Cumin Chicken & Chickpea StewView RecipeThis quick, protein-rich chicken stew recipe draws flavor inspiration from shawarma with spices like cumin, paprika and pepper. Make a double batch and freeze it for a quick, healthy dinner. Serve the stew with couscous and steamed broccoli.06of 14Cornbread-Topped Chili CasseroleView RecipeIn this healthy casserole recipe—sometimes called tamale pie—the cornbread gets crusty at the edges, thanks to a cast-iron skillet. For the best texture, use yellow cornmeal with a medium grind. Serve with lime wedges for a little extra tang.07of 14Vegetable Weight-Loss SoupView RecipeA big bowl of this vegetable soup will leave you satisfied for hours without consuming a lot of calories, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Plus, it’s an easy way to boost your vegetable servings for the day—something all of us could benefit from. Top with a dollop of pesto before devouring this delicious vegetable soup and consider serving with a hunk of toasted whole-wheat bread to help round out the meal.08of 14Sausage & Peppers Baked ZitiView RecipeThis healthy baked ziti recipe doesn’t require any chopping and is made on the stovetop, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Using whole-wheat pasta adds fiber; opt for penne if whole-wheat ziti is hard to find.09of 14Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito BowlView RecipeThis flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.10of 14Vegetarian Baked ZitiView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea ZimmerThis vegetarian baked ziti features plenty of roasted veggies smothered in marinara, with melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese throughout. We like cauliflower, zucchini and peppers, but you could swap in any of your favorite roasted vegetables in their place.11of 14Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean HashView RecipeQuick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority.12of 14Tomato & Artichoke GnocchiView RecipeArtichoke hearts, olives and a splash of red-wine vinegar give this ultra-quick, healthy vegetarian gnocchi recipe pizzazz. For an additional hit of Mediterranean flavor, try topping with feta cheese.13of 14Black Bean TacosView RecipeMixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy five-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.14of 14Nonna’s Spaghetti & MeatballsView RecipeThe meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.

01of 14Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced LentilsView RecipeThis earthy bowl of lentils is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.

01of 14

Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

View Recipe

4501476.jpg

This earthy bowl of lentils is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.

02of 14Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper SauceView RecipeQuinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and pack them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.

02of 14

Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and pack them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.

03of 14Spaghetti with Quick Meat SauceView RecipeInstead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy spaghetti with meat sauce on a weeknight. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. The recipe makes enough for eight servings. If you’re serving only four for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.

03of 14

Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce

Instead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy spaghetti with meat sauce on a weeknight. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. The recipe makes enough for eight servings. If you’re serving only four for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.

04of 14Vegetarian Shepherd’s PiesView RecipeThese mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette.

04of 14

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pies

3850360.jpg

These mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette.

05of 14Cumin Chicken & Chickpea StewView RecipeThis quick, protein-rich chicken stew recipe draws flavor inspiration from shawarma with spices like cumin, paprika and pepper. Make a double batch and freeze it for a quick, healthy dinner. Serve the stew with couscous and steamed broccoli.

05of 14

Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Stew

Middle Eastern Chicken & Chickpea Stew

This quick, protein-rich chicken stew recipe draws flavor inspiration from shawarma with spices like cumin, paprika and pepper. Make a double batch and freeze it for a quick, healthy dinner. Serve the stew with couscous and steamed broccoli.

06of 14Cornbread-Topped Chili CasseroleView RecipeIn this healthy casserole recipe—sometimes called tamale pie—the cornbread gets crusty at the edges, thanks to a cast-iron skillet. For the best texture, use yellow cornmeal with a medium grind. Serve with lime wedges for a little extra tang.

06of 14

Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole

3759207.jpg

In this healthy casserole recipe—sometimes called tamale pie—the cornbread gets crusty at the edges, thanks to a cast-iron skillet. For the best texture, use yellow cornmeal with a medium grind. Serve with lime wedges for a little extra tang.

07of 14Vegetable Weight-Loss SoupView RecipeA big bowl of this vegetable soup will leave you satisfied for hours without consuming a lot of calories, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Plus, it’s an easy way to boost your vegetable servings for the day—something all of us could benefit from. Top with a dollop of pesto before devouring this delicious vegetable soup and consider serving with a hunk of toasted whole-wheat bread to help round out the meal.

07of 14

Vegetable Weight-Loss Soup

Vegetable Weight-Loss Soup Recipe

A big bowl of this vegetable soup will leave you satisfied for hours without consuming a lot of calories, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Plus, it’s an easy way to boost your vegetable servings for the day—something all of us could benefit from. Top with a dollop of pesto before devouring this delicious vegetable soup and consider serving with a hunk of toasted whole-wheat bread to help round out the meal.

08of 14Sausage & Peppers Baked ZitiView RecipeThis healthy baked ziti recipe doesn’t require any chopping and is made on the stovetop, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Using whole-wheat pasta adds fiber; opt for penne if whole-wheat ziti is hard to find.

08of 14

Sausage & Peppers Baked Ziti

3758243.jpg

This healthy baked ziti recipe doesn’t require any chopping and is made on the stovetop, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Using whole-wheat pasta adds fiber; opt for penne if whole-wheat ziti is hard to find.

09of 14Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito BowlView RecipeThis flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.

09of 14

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl

This flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.

10of 14Vegetarian Baked ZitiView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea ZimmerThis vegetarian baked ziti features plenty of roasted veggies smothered in marinara, with melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese throughout. We like cauliflower, zucchini and peppers, but you could swap in any of your favorite roasted vegetables in their place.

10of 14

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

a recipe photo of the Vegetarian Baked Ziti in a pan

This vegetarian baked ziti features plenty of roasted veggies smothered in marinara, with melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese throughout. We like cauliflower, zucchini and peppers, but you could swap in any of your favorite roasted vegetables in their place.

11of 14Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean HashView RecipeQuick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority.

11of 14

Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean Hash

4525966.jpg

Quick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority.

12of 14Tomato & Artichoke GnocchiView RecipeArtichoke hearts, olives and a splash of red-wine vinegar give this ultra-quick, healthy vegetarian gnocchi recipe pizzazz. For an additional hit of Mediterranean flavor, try topping with feta cheese.

12of 14

Tomato & Artichoke Gnocchi

Tomato and Artichoke Gnocchi

Artichoke hearts, olives and a splash of red-wine vinegar give this ultra-quick, healthy vegetarian gnocchi recipe pizzazz. For an additional hit of Mediterranean flavor, try topping with feta cheese.

13of 14Black Bean TacosView RecipeMixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy five-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.

13of 14

Black Bean Tacos

5264543.jpg

Mixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy five-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.

14of 14Nonna’s Spaghetti & MeatballsView RecipeThe meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.

14of 14

Nonna’s Spaghetti & Meatballs

3757975.jpg

The meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!OtherSubmit

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