28 Dinners Under $3 Per Serving

Dinner time doesn’t have to cost a fortune to taste amazing. Here at The Stay At Home Chef, we’re all about restaurant-quality recipes you can easily make at home. With a few pantry staples and a little creativity, you can put a hearty meal on the table without spending more than $3 per serving. These recipes are proof that affordable can still mean flavorful, filling, and family-approved.

We’re talking comfort food classics, one-pan wonders, and cozy soups that make the whole house smell incredible, without stretching the grocery budget too far. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking for two, or trying to keep costs down for a big family, these meals will keep everyone full and happy without breaking the bank.

A closeup view of a ladle of chicken and dumplings being scooped from the pot.

1. Chicken and Dumplings

This one’s all about cozy vibes. It’s got tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth that just feels like home.Money-saving tip: Stretch the meal by using shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s often cheaper per pound than any cut.

Snag the Recipe

Closeup of Chicken Pot Pie Casserole plated.

3. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

All the goodness of pot pie, but way easier. It’s a creamy chicken filling topped with buttery biscuitsMoney-saving tip: Use frozen veggies and leftover chicken to keep costs low and dinner stress-free.

Take a Peek at the Recipe

4. Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats a big pot of chicken noodle soup, especially when it tastes like comfort in a bowl.Money-saving tip: Frozen mixed veggies work just as well as fresh, and they’re cheaper too.

Snatch the Recipe

Closeup of cheeseburger casserole on a plate with a fork.

5. Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole

Think cheeseburger night, but in casserole form, and no drive-thru. It’s beefy, cheesy, and total weeknight comfort food.Money-saving tip: Swap in some mushrooms or bell peppers for part of the beef to stretch your dollar and sneak in veggies.

Drive-Thru to the Recipe

Cheap Eats Meal Plan

If planning dinner every night feels like a full-time job, we’ve got you covered. Our Cheap Eats Meal Plan takes out all the guesswork. We’re talking ready-to-go grocery lists and done-for-you menus so you don’t have to think twice about what’s for dinner. It’s budget-friendly, stress-free, and makes weeknights so much easier.

12. One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this one pot dinner is a total crowd pleaser.Money-saving tip: Use store-brand shredded cheese to keep the flavor big and the cost small.

Scoop up the Recipe

13. Sloppy Joes

Sweet, tangy, and messy in the best way, these Sloppy Joes are always a hit.Money-saving tip: Skip the buns and serve over rice for a cheaper twist.

Grab the Recipe

I know how tough it can be to come up with dinner ideas night after night, especially when you’re trying to keep costs down. That’s why I love meals like these. They’re comforting, budget-friendly, and nobody at the table feels like they’re “cheap eats.” You get full bellies, happy faces, and more room in your grocery budget for fun extras like dessert or a fancy coffee.

Creamy potato soup served into a white bowl.

14. Creamy Potato Soup

Rich and velvety potato soup that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl.Money-saving tip: Leave the skins on the potatoes to save time and get more nutrients.

Warm Up with the Recipe

Wooden spoon filled with goulash being held over a stockpot.

15. American Goulash

This nostalgic pasta dish is hearty, saucy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.Money-saving tip: Buy pasta in bulk for the best price and store it in airtight containers.

Dish Up the Recipe

A plate filled with cooked and seasoned sausage and vegetables.

16. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

An easy all-in-one dinner with roasted sausage and colorful veggies that makes cleanup simple.Money-saving tip: Use whatever veggies are on sale or in season to keep costs low.

Slide Into the Recipe

17. Pasta e Fagioli

Hearty pasta and beans in a flavorful broth that feels like an Italian hug in a bowl.Money-saving tip: Dried beans are cheaper than canned and make a big batch if you have time to soak them.

Stir Into the Recipe

24. Easy Fried Cabbage

Simple, buttery, and surprisingly hearty, fried cabbage is quick to make and full of flavor.Money-saving tip: Buy a whole head of cabbage instead of pre-shredded bags for major savings.

Sizzle into the Recipe

Shot of Creamy Vegetable Soup in large pot.

25. Creamy Vegetable Soup

A cozy bowl of creamy veggie soup that is both filling and easy on the wallet.Money-saving tip: Frozen mixed vegetables make this budget-friendly and a breeze to throw together.

Ladle Up the Recipe

A close up view of a plate of hobo casserole.

26. Hobo Casserole

Layers of beef, potatoes, and veggies baked into a hearty, no-frills dinner that feeds a crowd.Money-saving tip: Swap fresh potatoes for frozen diced hash browns to save prep time and a little cash.

Dig Into the Recipe

A plate filled with Slovak Haluski, with a fork set on the plate.

27. Haluski

Buttery noodles tossed with sautéed cabbage make this simple, filling Eastern European classic.Money-saving tip: Cabbage is one of the cheapest vegetables year-round, so stock up when it’s on sale.

Head Over to the Recipe

A hand holding chopsticks scooping out some chicken fried rice from a bowl.

28. Chicken Fried Rice

Better than takeout and a perfect way to use up leftover rice, this fried rice is fast, filling, and budget-friendly.Money-saving tip: Make extra rice earlier in the week so you can turn the leftovers into this easy dinner.

Wok Over to the Recipe

Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to feel limiting. With these 28 dinners, you’ve got comfort food, quick weeknight favorites, and plenty of cozy meals that keep both your family and your wallet happy. Each recipe proves you can serve up something hearty and flavorful without spending more than $3 per serving.

And if you want to make life even easier, don’t forget to check out our Cheap Eats Meal Plan. We’ve done all the thinking for you. Each week is complete with grocery lists and ready-to-go menus so dinner feels less like a chore and more like a win. Save this roundup to Pinterest or bookmark it for later, because these are recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

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