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When the weather cools down, I always crave cozy, filling dinners — but that doesn’t mean I want to blow my grocery budget. These 5 recipes are hearty, family-friendly, and come in at about $10 or less for the whole dish. They use pantry staples, affordable proteins, and plenty of comforting flavors.
👉 For even more ideas, check out my Cheap Family Meals Under $10 or try my Onion Chicken Potato Casserole and Creamy Chicken and Egg Noodles for more family-friendly comfort food!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
These 5 cheap fall dinners are budget-friendly, cozy, and family-approved. From creamy casseroles to chili and one-pot meals, every recipe costs about $10 or less.
- ⏰ Ready in 30–60 minutes
- 🛒 Budget-friendly pantry staples
- 🍲 Cozy fall flavors
- 🍽️ Serves 4–6 people
- 🧊 Most are freezer-friendly
👉 Try these next: Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup and Zuppa Toscana Casserole.
Made With Love,
👉 Don’t miss my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili if you want a hands-off version of one of these favorites.
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Budget-Friendly
Master Shopping List
Here’s the beauty of this collection — you don’t need a mile-long list. With just a few basics, you can make all 5 recipes!
Proteins
- 3–4 chicken breasts (or canned chicken)
- 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute ground turkey)
- 12 oz canned chicken (for casserole)
Pantry
- 12 oz egg noodles (for casserole)
- 8 oz egg noodles (for stroganoff)
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups instant brown rice
- 3 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 2 cups salsa
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 16 oz Alfredo sauce
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- Chicken broth (about 8 cups total)
- Flour (for thickening)
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper
Dairy
- Sour cream (about 1 ¼ cups total)
- Milk (about 1 ½ cups total)
- Butter (5 tbsp)
- Cheddar cheese (about 4 cups shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (¾ cup)
- Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup)
- Whipping cream (¼ cup)
Produce (fresh/frozen)
- 2 large onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
🍁 Fall is here! Warm up with my 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups.
🛒 Pro tip: shop store brands, buy proteins in bulk, and grab frozen veggies on sale — you’ll keep all of these meals under $10 each.
5 Cheap Fall Dinner Recipes
1. White Chicken Chili
👉 Try it with my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili for a set-it-and-forget-it version.
2. Chicken Noodle Casserole
3. Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
4. Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
5. Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole
My Pro Tip
Tips for Budget-Friendly Cooking
- Buy proteins in bulk and freeze in 1 lb portions.
- Stock canned goods (soups, beans, chilies) when they’re on sale.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey — it’s lighter and often cheaper.
- Use frozen veggies for budget savings and zero prep.
👉 Want more budget hacks? Check out my Cheap Family Meals Under $10.
Meal Planning With These Recipes
These 5 recipes can easily cover a week of dinners and leftover lunches.
- Cook 2 casseroles and freeze one for later.
- Make chili in a big batch for lunches.
- Alternate pasta and rice dishes to keep it interesting.
👉 More freezer-friendly ideas here → 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups.
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