Cheap recipes didn’t start with your college ramen phase. Grandma was already a pro when food stamps were paper and meat was rationed. These meals weren’t about trends or aesthetics; they were about keeping the lights on and bellies full. Somehow, though, they still managed to hit the spot. There’s something strangely comforting about a dish that came out of scraping the bottom of the barrel. If you think frugal means flavorless, these cheap recipes from the World War II era are about to prove you very wrong.
Gigi Hadid Pasta
The vodka sauce gets its depth from tomato paste and cream—no expensive ingredients needed. You can skip the vodka entirely and still end up with a solid bowl of pasta. It’s pantry-friendly and way more budget-conscious than ordering in. Social media hype or not, it’s cheap and fast.
Get the Recipe: Gigi Hadid Pasta
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Dried peas do all the heavy lifting here, and they cost next to nothing. A few basics like onion and carrot round it out into a full meal. The Instant Pot handles the simmering, so you’re not stuck at the stove. It’s filling, warm, and cheap enough to double batch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
White Chocolate Candy Cane Loaf
Leftover candy canes find their purpose in this sweet loaf. White chocolate chips melt just enough for soft pockets inside each slice. If you snag holiday candy on clearance, this becomes an even better deal. Festive doesn’t have to mean pricey.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Candy Cane Loaf
Griddle Pizza
You only need a simple dough, some sauce, and whatever cheese you have lying around. The griddle handles the crisping part like a champ, no fancy oven required. Great for using up fridge odds and ends. Much cheaper than delivery and twice as fun to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Griddle Pizza
Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits
You finally have a reason to stop tossing that discard. These biscuits come together quickly with ingredients you likely already have. No special tools or mix-ins needed. Stretch your baking budget without giving up flavor.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits
Homemade Vegetable Soup
This soup works with whatever produce you’ve got, fresh or frozen. You don’t need a long grocery list to get a good result. Herbs add flavor without extra cost. A solid cheap recipe that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Soup
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing
This stuffing leans on dry bread and simple herbs—no need for fancy extras. You can use whatever broth or drippings you have on hand. It holds up well for leftovers, which saves you another night of cooking. Total classic, still easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties – A Southern Classic
Canned salmon does the trick here without draining your grocery budget. Crackers give the patties structure, and you can fry them in minutes. They’re great with just a bit of lemon or over rice. Simple, fast, and inexpensive.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Salmon Patties – A Southern Classic
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This recipe hits every checkmark—uses pantry staples, feeds a crowd, and freezes well. The tuna and noodles play nice with a quick creamy base. You won’t need anything fancy to get this dinner on the table. Definitely one of the better cheap recipes that still feels filling.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Grandma’s Spaghetti Sauce with Meat
You don’t need imported tomatoes or expensive meat cuts to pull this off. A little simmer time goes a long way. It stretches easily if you add extra pasta or freeze leftovers. Old-school flavor without the high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Spaghetti Sauce with Meat
Frog Eye Salad
Acini de pepe is cheap and goes a long way. The pineapple and mini marshmallows bulk it up without breaking the bank. You can prep it ahead and still keep the texture right. It’s weirdly affordable and always gone by the end of the party.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ground meat and cabbage team up for a solid meal without needing much else. A few pantry spices and canned tomatoes help finish the sauce. You can batch cook and freeze extras. It’s filling, freezer-friendly, and low-cost.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Classic Pork Chops and Rice
One pan, a few pantry items, and dinner is done. The rice cooks in the same pan with the chops, which means less cleanup and fewer ingredients. Perfect for tight weeks when you still want something warm and filling. A no-nonsense budget meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Chops and Rice
Bosnian Apple Dessert
Tufahije relies mostly on apples, sugar, and walnuts. No mixes, no specialty items—just fruit and a handful of basics. It looks fancy but costs very little to pull off. Proof that a sweet finish doesn’t need a big spend.
Get the Recipe: Bosnian Apple Dessert
