Eat Plenty, Save Money

When it comes to living frugally and saving money, a lot of people begin by reassessing their food budget. You can really stretch your dollar if you know what to buy and what to make. With that in mind, here are 20 popular cost-saving dishes you should add to your repertoire. Be sure to share your own recommendations in the comments!

1. Tuna Salad

I have a soft spot in my heart for dishes that taste delicious, cost a few dollars, and feel really special. Tuna salad is one of those meals. The main ingredient, chunk light tuna, is one of the most inexpensive proteins you can buy, yet with some mayo, crunchy add-ins, and a squeeze of lemon, you've got a hearty, satisfying meal that feels fancy for just a few bucks.

2. Street Corn

Elote is a fun and delicious take on summer corn. Grilled, smoky corn is tossed with lime, cheese, and spices for a fresh and creamy treat that's big on flavor and low on cost. This pasta salad is a great way to enjoy that same elote taste with inexpensive frozen corn and pasta for all the flavor without the cost.

3. Cucumber Salad

Creamy cucumber salad is a cold, refreshing, tangy salad that is made with few ingredients and ready in just minutes. Just a few cheap ingredients make this salad rich, creamy, and ready to serve alongside anything this summer. Simple, light, and flavorful!

4. Zucchini Boats

Making stuffed zucchini boats is an economical way to create a filling, delicious meal with fresh summer zucchini. Flavorful, Italian-inspired ingredients are baked inside the zucchini for a satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is actually low in cost. This easy recipe makes the most of your garden or farmers market haul for an affordable weeknight dinner.

5. Tuna Patties

Canned tuna gets transformed into crispy golden patties in just minutes with this budget-friendly dinner recipe. Easy tuna cakes are made with an egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings for a crunchy outside and protein-packed inside. Serve these flavorful cakes alone or over a bed of greens.

6. Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a convenient, inexpensive dinner packed with flavor but doesn't have to be a budget buster. Brining the chicken and using a sweet and savory spice rub ensures each bite is juicy, full of flavor, and that you get that beautiful char from the grill. This is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that takes a simple cut of chicken breast and makes it a budget-friendly family meal.

7. Chicken Salad

Classic chicken salad is a delicious, budget-friendly staple that everyone should know how to make. Tender shredded chicken, a creamy, tangy dressing, and crunchy add-ins like celery and walnuts combine to make a fantastic chicken salad. It’s quick and easy to make at home, which makes it much cheaper than buying at the deli, and you can still enjoy that fresh, delicious taste.

8. Peach Cobbler

This peach cobbler is a classic, inexpensive dessert that is perfect to make with pantry staples and cheap peaches, no matter the season. This sweet, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth dessert is warm, nostalgic, and always delicious. Made with just basic ingredients, you’ll want to make this tasty peach cobbler any time of the year.

9. Three Bean Salad

Classic Three Bean Salad is a super frugal dish that brings together tender beans, tangy-sweet homemade dressing, and a little crunch from red onion. This perfectly balanced bite is made from cheap pantry staples and a super simple homemade dressing. It's an inexpensive, budget-friendly salad that's always a hit at BBQs or potlucks.

10. Grilled Cabbage

You’d never know how inexpensive this grilled cabbage is to make! For a budget-friendly veggie dish that’s truly big on flavor, you can’t beat this sizzled summer side. This irresistible grilled cabbage has a smoky char, chili garlic glaze, and a crispy Parmesan crust.

11. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob, cooked simply on the grill with nothing more than a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt, is one of the easiest and cheapest summer sides around. When steamed in its husk, the kernels stay juicy and tender, making this a frugal favorite for any meal.

12. Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini muffins are an inexpensive and delicious way to use up extra zucchini from your garden or fridge. These soft, moist muffins are slightly sweet and contain one serving of vegetables. They're the perfect snack or breakfast treat and are easy to make with simple ingredients. No need to peel the zucchini! Enjoy these zucchini muffins as an affordable, indulgent treat that won't break the bank.

13. Lemon Cream Pie

Lemon Cream Pie is an easy, inexpensive dessert made with sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and fresh lemon zest for a bright, creamy filling. This no-churn, make-ahead pie is an indulgent treat that doesn’t break the bank. This easy, versatile recipe is budget-friendly and can be customized in so many different ways.

14. Guacamole

Homemade guacamole is a fresh, creamy, and tangy dip that's also much cheaper than store-bought or restaurant guac. With just a handful of easy ingredients, you can make this bright and bold dip in minutes for an inexpensive way to eat deliciously! Use it as a dip for chips or a topper for meals.

15. Chicken Noodle Soup

This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is an inexpensive and hearty meal that tastes like rich, from-scratch goodness without the store-bought broth. It's made with basic ingredients including bone-in chicken, fresh herbs, and noodles, and only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on time before simmering away. Warm, comforting, and economical, this classic soup is your new favorite.

16. Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese is a timeless, budget-friendly comfort food. This creamy, cheesy pasta is made with a simple roux-based cheese sauce for a smooth, rich flavor. It's versatile, easy to customize, and an affordable option for weeknight dinners or when you're craving cheesy goodness on a budget.

17. Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a cheap, one-pot dish that is filling, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s also easy to make and doesn’t need any fancy or expensive ingredients, and it’s simple enough that even beginners can make it. Made with juicy chicken and fluffy, savory rice, this budget-friendly meal is also customizable with any vegetables you have on hand.

18. Creamy Tomato Pasta

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is an easy, inexpensive meal made with a handful of pantry ingredients and some items you likely already have in the fridge. It’s a creamy, garlicky, delicious pasta that’s comforting and satisfying without breaking the bank. Great for busy weeknights, this inexpensive pasta recipe will please everyone, including picky eaters.

19. Taco Soup

Taco Soup is the perfect inexpensive meal! It is packed with flavor and uses easy pantry staples. Made with colorful ingredients and filling textures, this soup is comforting without costing a lot of money. You can use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought and make this a budget-friendly family meal everyone will love.

20. French Dip Sandwich

Meaty portobello mushrooms and sautéed onions stand in for beef in these hearty vegetarian French dip sandwiches. Served with a savory broth made with budget-friendly ingredients, they're perfect for dipping and bursting with flavor. This easy recipe is as budget-friendly as it is delicious, and leftovers reheat beautifully.