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19 Main Dishes That Will Save You Money And Impress Your Family

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Your wallet called, and it’s begging for a break. Enter these 19 main dishes, ready to feed the crowd without feeding into your budget woes. Think about gathering around the table, everyone raving about dinner, and you know the best part? You didn’t have to break into your piggy bank to pull it off.

Portobello mushrooms buns with burger in between.
Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Goulash inside white casserole.
Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean boring meals. For a family favorite that’s both easy on your wallet and bursting with flavor, try this Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. This dish packs a punch and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, the instant pot cuts down on cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Entertain and fulfill everyone in your family with Burger Mini Bites. These bite-sized wonders are not only easy to make but also fun to eat. Kids love them, and the adults can’t get enough either. It’s a great way to turn a regular meal into something special without spending a fortune.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron.
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Casseroles are always a great way to stretch your grocery budget. Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole combines hearty ingredients into a filling, family-friendly dish. It’s comforting, nutritious, and sure to fulfill even the pickiest eaters. A little cheese goes a long way in making this meal a winner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Impress your guests or family with minimal effort with Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. These little gems are packed with flavor and look gourmet without costing a fortune. They’re a great way to use up those leftover ingredients in your fridge. Plus, they’re so delicious, no one will believe how affordable they are.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Brussel Sprouts Casserole piece on a white plate.
Brussel Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you think brussels sprouts can’t win anyone over, think again. Brussel Sprouts Casserole is a dish that transforms these green beauties into a family favorite. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for a side or main dish. The best part? It’s inexpensive and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce inside a white dish.
Stuffed Pepper. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A hearty dish that’s simple yet impressive, Stuffed Pepper is both colorful and flavorful. It’s a great way to use pantry staples while delivering a meal that looks and tastes fantastic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering. You’ll love how budget-friendly and rewarding this meal can be.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper

Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

A white plate filled with asparagus pasta and sauce.
Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you want something elegant but still budget-conscious, Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle fits the bill. It’s light yet filling, and it’s a great way to incorporate veggies into a meal that feels indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or a date night at home. You’ll surprise everyone with how gourmet yet affordable it is.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Cucumber Rolls on a black board.
Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Let’s face it, sushi can be pricey, but Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls give you a great alternative. They’re fresh, fun to make, and great for a light dinner or impressive appetizer. No need for a sushi chef here—these rolls are simple enough for anyone to handle. Plus, they’re healthy and wallet-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese in a grey bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Craving pasta but want to keep it low carb? Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese has you covered. It’s a nutritious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for those watching their carb intake. This dish proves you can have the flavors you love without breaking the bank or sacrificing your diet goals.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Bunless Bacon Burger

Burger without a bun with green sauce.
Bunless Bacon Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Sometimes, you need a burger that satisfies without the bun. Bunless Bacon Burger is here for exactly that reason. It’s packed with all the flavors you love and skips the extra carbs. Great for a quick family meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or budget.
Get the Recipe: Bunless Bacon Burger

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles close up.
Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Stir-fries are already great for budget cooking, and Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles takes it a step further. These noodles are low-carb, and the stir-fry combination is quick to prepare. It’s a meal that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle without costing much. You’ll love how light and delicious it is.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Baked Sausage And Sauerkraut

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut on a cast iron plate.
Baked Sausage And Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Traditional flavors come together effortlessly in Baked Sausage And Sauerkraut. This dish is hearty and perfect for family meals—just pop it in the oven and you’re good to go. The mix of these ingredients is both comforting and easy on your wallet. It’s a classic meal that will win everyone over.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage And Sauerkraut

Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Ground Beef Taco Meat inside a white plate with smaller bowls of veggies and sauces.
Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Taco night can be both delicious and economical with Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat. This is a perfect way to feed a crowd on a budget while still delivering a flavorful punch. It’s quick to prepare and everyone can customize their tacos as they like. Your family will love the variety without the high cost.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken

Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken on a plate with chives.
Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Keeping meals low carb and delicious is a breeze with Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken. This dish is flavorful and incredibly easy to make. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Affordable and healthy, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken

Brussel Sprouts Cups

Brussles sprouts inside mini casseroles.
Brussel Sprouts Cups. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Turn a simple vegetable into something much more exciting with Brussel Sprouts Cups. This dish is both creative and affordable, making it a hit at any dinner table. Great as a side or even a main course, it provides a new twist on eating vegetables. You’ll be surprised how something so simple can be so impressive.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Cups

Cheap Cuts Of Meat

Meat cut into slices on a white plate.
Cheap Cuts Of Meat. Photo credit: Geraud Pfeiffer – Pexels.

There’s no need to spend a lot to eat well. Cheap Cuts Of Meat can be transformed into delicious meals that impress. A little creativity goes a long way here, proving that flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Perfect for family meals that don’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cheap Cuts Of Meat

Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Three plates of cabbage rolls with sauce on a white plate.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Simple ingredients come together to create Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. These rolls are hearty and filled with flavor, making them perfect for a family dinner. The best part is, they’re cost-effective and look like you’ve spent hours preparing. Your family will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Juicy And Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger

Portobello mushrooms buns with burger in between.
Juicy And Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Juicy And Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger is your answer. It’s hearty, flavorful, and fulfilling. It’s affordable and healthy, hitting all the right notes. You’ll forget you’re not eating a traditional burger.
Get the Recipe: Juicy And Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Skewers of vegetables and shrimp on a grill.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Need something that feels fancy but is easy on the wallet? Try Grilled Shrimp Skewers. They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts. Shrimp may feel luxurious, but this meal is budget-friendly and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

By Zuzana Paar on September 12th, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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