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    Home » Main Dishes

    Frugal Main Dish Recipes

    The main dish is the starring attraction, the one that can make or break the meal. It can also make or break your budget.

    Whether you're going meatless with Spring Vegetable Soup or beefing things up with this homemade Carne Asada recipe, these frugal main dish recipes are sure to save your bacon.

    best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.

    Best Pulled Pork Recipe

    carved chicken pieces on a platter with fresh herbs.

    How to Carve a Chicken (or Turkey)

    whole roast chicken on a white cutting board.

    What to Make with Rotisserie Chicken: 40+ Recipes with Cooked Chicken

    chicken enchilada bake on plate with side dishes.

    Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole (63 cents/serving)

    ten grilled brats ready on the grill.

    Grilled Brats with Peppers and Onions (94 cents each)

    hand holding square plate with macaroni salad, fruit salad, and a hot dog with mustard.

    Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad with Cheese (47 cents/serving)

    frozen strips in freezer bag

    How to Make Your Own Frozen Grilled Chicken Strips

    bowl of tartar sauce on dinner plate

    Greek Yogurt Tartar Sauce

    dish of ham and egg salad with lettuce leaves

    Ham and Egg Salad

    dipping bread in spring vegetable soup

    Spring Vegetable Soup

    seasoned ground beef in skillet

    Make-Ahead & Freeze Seasoned Ground Beef

    egg sandwich with vegetables cut in half on a white board.

    Egg Sandwiches with Vegetables

    table set with bowls of stew

    Guinness Beef Stew

    side view of hash brown breakfast stacks with scrambled eggs.

    Hash Brown Breakfast Stacks

    shepherd's pie ready to serve

    Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Mash

    instant pot BBQ pork sandwich

    Instant Pot BBQ Pork Sandwiches (77 cents/serving!)

    jar of chicken stock

    How to Make Chicken Stock (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)

    bowl of beef eggplant stew next to napkin and spoon

    Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Eggplant & Carrots

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    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

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    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    teal graphic with the words, do you know what's for dinner tonight.

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      3 Ways to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
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      Nacho Bar
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      Easy Homemade Taco Meat
    • overhead shot of jalapeno cream cheese dip with sliced jalapeños on top and a spoon twirled in the cheese.
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      Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
    • small glass pitcher of milk on black background.
      20+ Easy Milk Recipes to Use Up the Leftover Gallon
    • with a fork fluffing the baked rice in the pan with steam rising.
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    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
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    • best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
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