Crazy Cheap Eats: 29 Recipes For When You’re Short on Cash

When you’re short on cash, it can be tough to find affordable and tasty meals. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered; these dishes are not only delicious but also won’t put a dent in your wallet. So the next time you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, give one of these recipes a try!

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy, bite-sized pockets of cheesy goodness, perfect for snacking on a budget. These pizza rolls are your go-to when you’re looking for crazy cheap eats that still satisfy your cravings. They’re quick to make and won’t break the bank, making them a favorite for budget-conscious foodies.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When time and money are tight, this make-ahead egg casserole comes to the rescue with a hearty and budget-conscious breakfast. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and perfect for busy mornings when you need a satisfying meal that won’t stress your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Flour Tortilla

Someone placing a tortilla on a stack of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Flour tortillas are your budget-friendly best friends when it comes to creating easy burritos, wraps, or quesadillas. Versatile and pocket-friendly, these tortillas open up endless possibilities to whip up delicious and affordable meals that hit the spot when you’re short on cash.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking to try something unique and budget-friendly? Cauliflower steaks are simple, tasty, and won’t strain your budget. Whether you’re using them as a side dish or a main course, these steaks offer a flavorful and economical twist to your meals. They’re perfect when you want something different without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a tender and sweet side dish that won’t break the bank, air fryer glazed carrots are the way to go. They’re the perfect addition to your meals when you’re aiming to elevate your veggie game without splurging. These carrots are easy to prepare and a wallet-conscious choice for adding a touch of sweetness to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasted to perfection, these sweet potato cubes are a healthy and wallet-friendly side dish option. When you’re short on cash, these little cubes of deliciousness come to the rescue, offering a satisfying and nutritious choice that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Create personalized pizzas with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. A budget-friendly alternative to takeout. When you’re craving pizza but don’t want to break the bank, these easy flatbread pizzas are your solution. They’re customizable, affordable, and a fun way to enjoy pizza night without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Vegetable Stew

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hearty, nourishing, and budget-friendly, vegetable stew is comfort food at its finest. When you’re short on cash but longing for a satisfying and flavorful dish, this stew delivers a bowlful of goodness without straining your finances. It’s the ultimate choice for those seeking crazy cheap eats that warm the soul.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy, golden hash browns are a breakfast staple that won’t put a dent in your wallet. When you’re looking for a budget-friendly breakfast, hash browns are the way to go. They’re simple to prepare, delicious, and the perfect addition to your morning routine when you’re short on cash.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, vegetable stir fry is the budget-conscious way to enjoy a delicious meal. When time is of the essence and you’re watching your budget, this stir fry is a fantastic option. It’s a colorful mix of veggies that brings taste and affordability to your table, making it the ideal choice for a quick, wallet-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple yet satisfying, these breakfast potatoes make for a tasty morning meal without draining your finances. Breakfast potatoes are a lifesaver for those tight on cash. They’re straightforward, hearty, and a delicious way to start your day without splurging on breakfast options.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Freshly baked French bread, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for sandwiches or dipping into soups without costing a fortune. French bread is a fantastic choice for those seeking crazy cheap eats. It’s versatile, cost-effective, and an ideal option for sandwiches, soups, or just as a snack.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce – a timeless favorite that’s easy on the wallet and big on taste. Spaghetti marinara is the epitome of crazy cheap eats that everyone loves. It’s classic, flavorful, and won’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for those budget-conscious meals.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A nutritious and cost-effective side dish, baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet satisfying addition to any meal. Baked sweet potatoes are a smart choice when you’re looking for nutritious and budget-friendly options. They’re simple, tasty, and a versatile addition to any meal without straining your budget.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can’t go wrong with a cheesy zucchini casserole when you’re in the mood for crazy cheap eats. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and won’t drain your wallet. This dish is a top pick for those looking to satisfy their comfort food cravings without splurging.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A wallet-friendly twist on the classic burger, these veggie patties are made from budget-friendly ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Veggie burgers are a go-to when you’re craving a burger but want to keep it budget-friendly. They’re flavorful, cost-effective, and a tasty option for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bell peppers stuffed with a hearty filling, baked to perfection, and easy on your budget. Stuffed peppers are a budget-friendly way to enjoy a wholesome and delicious meal. They’re hearty, filling, and an excellent choice for those looking for crazy cheap eats without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

An oldie but a goodie – a baked potato is a budget-friendly blank canvas for your favorite toppings, making it a versatile and cost-effective meal option. Baked potatoes are a timeless classic when you’re short on cash. They’re versatile, customizable, and an excellent base for countless budget-friendly toppings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A medley of vegetables mixed with a simple batter, fried to a golden brown for a satisfying and affordable treat. These vegetable fritters are a fantastic option when you’re seeking crazy cheap eats. They’re crispy, flavorful, and an excellent way to make the most of your budget without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A healthier alternative to regular fries, these sweet potato fries are a wallet-conscious way to satisfy your craving for something crispy and delicious. When you’re looking for a healthier option that won’t drain your wallet, sweet potato fries are a game-changer. They’re guilt-free and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal without breaking the bank, an easy burrito is your answer. Combining budget-friendly flour tortillas with flavorful fillings, this dish delivers convenience and affordability in every bite. It’s the go-to option for a satisfying yet wallet-conscious meal when you’re in a rush.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich, creamy, and light on the wallet, refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine that screams crazy cheap eats. These beans are a game-changer when you’re looking to add flavor to your dishes, like burritos, tacos, or nachos, without making a dent in your budget.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this potato casserole is a budget-friendly comfort food that’ll leave you wanting seconds. Potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food when you’re short on cash. It’s creamy, cheesy, and budget-friendly, making it a go-to option for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Seeking a budget-friendly vegan delight? Look no further than vegan ratatouille, a medley of roasted vegetables that’s big on flavor without the hefty price tag. When you want a simple yet satisfying vegan meal that’s easy on your wallet, this dish showcases the beauty of simplicity and affordability without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and comforting, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing choice when you need a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Hashbrown casserole is the epitome of comfort food on a budget. It’s creamy, cheesy, and budget-friendly, ensuring you get a satisfying meal that won’t dent your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Sweetcorn Fritters

Sweetcorn fritters in a stack.
Sweetcorn Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside, sweetcorn fritters are the perfect snack or side dish for those craving a budget-friendly indulgence. These little bites of delight offer a satisfying and economical option when you’re looking for something tasty without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Sweetcorn Fritters

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy cauliflower casserole is the epitome of comfort food that’s easy on your wallet. Bursting with flavor and budget-friendliness, this dish is a must-try when you’re in the mood for crazy cheap eats. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hits the spot without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A colorful and nutritious option, our 7-layer salad is your go-to for a wholesome yet budget-friendly meal. This dish piles on the flavor and affordability in seven layers, making it a fantastic choice when you’re looking for a salad that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start your day right with an egg and potato breakfast casserole that’s both filling and friendly to your budget. This dish combines eggs and potatoes to create a delicious morning meal that doesn’t break the bank. It’s the ideal choice when you want a hearty breakfast without the hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

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