• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Cheap Dinner Ideas to Stay Warm and Save Money

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated January 10, 2025 · Published January 15, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    As the weather gets colder, finding warm and budget-friendly dinner options becomes essential. Here are 21 ideas that are not only easy on the wallet but also perfect for cozying up on chilly nights. From hearty soups to filling casseroles, these meals will keep you satisfied without breaking the bank.

    Big Mac Casserole

    A plate of Big Mac casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mary's Whole Life.

    This Big Mac casserole combines the classic flavors of a Big Mac into a hearty meal. With lean ground beef, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a tasty copycat Big Mac sauce, it's perfect for a cozy dinner.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole

    Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: What a Girl Eats.

    Layered enchilada casserole is a simple dish that doesn't require rolling tortillas. With layers of ground meat, cheese, and mild green enchilada sauce, it's a hit with the whole family.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken and Yellow Lentil Soup

    Chicken and Yellow Lentil Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This chicken and yellow lentil soup is one of the coziest meals you can make, perfect for chilly evenings. It's a simple and satisfying dish that will keep you warm and happy.

    Get the recipe

    Skillet Lasagna

    One pan lasagna served on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features tender lasagna noodles, melted cheese, fresh zucchini, and plenty of ground beef, creating a hearty meal. It's a great option for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
    Photo Credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

    This vegetable soup is a great choice when you want something warm and healthy. It takes just 40 minutes to prepare, and you can easily make it in the Instant Pot or on the stove.

    Get the recipe

    Italian Noodle Casserole

    Italian Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Ground beef, tomato sauce, soft egg noodles, and cheese come together to create a comforting casserole that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    One Pan Chicken and Noodles

    Chicken and Noodles on a round dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken noodles dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is made in one pot, making it a simple option for a weeknight dinner. It's a meal that your family will enjoy without much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Pumpkin Black Bean Chili

    Easy Pumpkin Black Bean Chili
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This pumpkin black bean chili is a straightforward vegetarian dish packed with mushrooms. It's a great option for a cozy meal on a chilly day.

    Get the recipe

    Gochujang Buttered Noodles

    A serving of Gochujang Buttered Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Spoons of Flavor.

    These gochujang buttered noodles combine Eastern and Western flavors in a simple dish. With a nice mix of savory taste, mild spice, and a hint of sweetness, it's a meal that everyone can enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

    30 Minute One Pot Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This creamy vegan mushroom soup is easy to whip up in just 30 minutes using only one pot. It's a perfect dairy-free and nut-free choice for a warm weeknight meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    Chicken alfredo on a plate.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    This dish features tender and juicy chicken paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's a simple and quick way to enjoy a creamy Alfredo pasta that warms you up on chilly days.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Red Lentil Soup

    Vegan Red Lentil Soup.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This vegan soup is packed with protein from red lentils and loaded with fresh veggies like carrots, potatoes, and greens. With the addition of fire-roasted tomatoes, it's a simple and hearty meal that's great for chilly days.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
    Photo Credit: Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen.

    This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm and cozy dish perfect for chilly days. Pair it with some crusty bread to enjoy the cheesy goodness and you've got a satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Leftover Egg, Ham and Potato Casserole

    Leftover Egg, Ham and Potato Casserole.
    Photo credit: Hearth & Vine.

    This leftover egg, ham, and potato casserole is a cozy dish that warms you up on chilly days. Known as Rakott Krumpli, it's a classic comfort food from Hungary that's easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Ham and Beans Soup

    Crockpot Ham and Beans Soup.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Crockpot ham and beans soup is a great way to use up leftover ham from any holiday. It's filling and tasty, making it a perfect choice for cold weather meals that everyone will love!

    Get the Recipe

    Tater Tot Casserole

    Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Simply Five Ingredients.

    This dish features a tasty ground beef filling covered with cheesy tater tots, creating a simple casserole that's ready in just 30 minutes. It's a comforting meal that's great for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Popular Recipes.

    This slow cooker chicken chili is packed with tender chicken, a mix of spices, beans, and salsa verde. It features a creamy broth that's perfect for warming up on chilly days.

    Get the Recipe

    Vegan Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nourished by Nic.

    This dish is warm, cheesy, and completely plant-based. It's perfect for chilly evenings when you want something comforting without spending a lot.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Potato Soup

    Crockpot Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm and filling dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It includes all the tasty toppings of a baked potato, like bacon, cheese, and green onions.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Crockpot Tortellini

    A bowl filled with Creamy Crockpot Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    This creamy pasta dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Using frozen tortellini and a smooth sauce, it's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Hobo Casserole

    Hobo Casserole.
    Photo credit: Bowl me Over.

    This is an easy and delicious one-pan meal that everyone in your family can enjoy! It has layers of tender beef, potatoes, creamy filling, and cheesy goodness for the perfect weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Carne guisada.
      23 Easy Beef Recipes You Just Throw Together
    • Greek chicken.
      24 Impressive Recipes That Hide How Quick They Are
    • Strawberry rhubarb pavlova.
      24 Family-Friendly Spring Baking Recipes to Try
    • Croque madame sandwiches.
      17 Breakfast Recipes You'll Crave for Dinner

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • a spoonful of mac and cheese being lifted out of the pan
      Dump-and-Bake Mac and Cheese without Flour
    • a pan full of chicken teriyaki stir fry.
      Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • King ranch chicken casserole.
      24 Dump-And-Bake Dinner Casseroles That Get the Job Done

    Popular Weeknight Dinners

    • Salmon piccata in a skillet.
      Salmon Piccata
    • buffalo cauliflower tacos on a blue plate.
      Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    • feta cheese stuffed chicken on a blue plate
      Feta Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil
    • side view of a healthy salmon fish taco with ginger avocado salsa, and a lime wedge
      Easy Healthy Salmon Tacos with Ginger Avocado Salsa (15 minute dish)

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB