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Easy and Cheap Fall Dinner Ideas that are Perfect for Busy Weeknights
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sweater weather, pumpkin spice, chilly evenings, beautiful hues of oranges and browns, and of course the reminder that Christmas is right around the corner – it’s no secret that Fall is one of my favorite seasons ever!
As I started menu planning (as I usually do) for the upcoming months, I wanted to incorporate fun, exciting and seasonal meals on a budget. This list of cheap Fall dinners will surely be a gamechanger when it comes to cooking on busy weeknights, after work and school.
Most of these meals can be made in just a few minutes. Some are dump and go, some are one pot meals, but all of them are budget-friendly and easy on your wallets.
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How Meal Planning Saves me $200+ Each Month
Meal planning saves so much money all because I’m able to select the week’s meals in advance. As a frugal gal, I’m always looking for cheap weekly meal plans (like my $50/week Aldi Meal Plan & my super popular $18/week Meal Plan).
If you’re new to meal planning, you’ll want to start practicing these basic habits that actually help me save hundreds of dollars on food each month. (And when money is tight, I don’t have to explain how much every dollar counts!)
• Plan every breakfast, every lunch and every dinner
Leave no day and no meal to chance. Make your plan and stick to it. There’s just something about taking the guesswork out of meals that simplifies the entire meal planning and cooking process.
Having a plan for every meal means that it’s less likely for you to get takeout and you get to have a controlled food budget. Think about it. YOU get to control your food money instead of having your food money control you!
• Only add cheap recipes to your meal plan (find the balance between cheap & nutritious)
What’s the point in meal planning to save money if you’re only adding expensive meals to your plan? Decide on your weekly food budget first and then add meals to suit this budget.
• Choose recipes based on ingredients that you already have in your pantry
You can save even more by selecting meals based on ingredients that you already have. There were numerous times I was dead broke (I’m talking a $0 grocery budget for that week) and ended up cooking meals based on solely what I had in my pantry.
• Choose recipes based on ingredients that are in season
Seasonal fruit and veggies are always cheaper so this should be a strategy incorporated into your meal planning. Also, it’s cheaper to buy frozen instead of fresh.
• Alter recipes by swapping out ingredients for cheaper alternatives
Recipes don’t always have to be followed to a tee. Get creative and switch things up. Use the recipe as a guide.
• Make meal planning enjoyable
I actually enjoy my meal planning session. Of course, I’m a planner girl to the core which means that I love all things stationery, stickers, printables and planner related.
I use these beautiful meal planning spreads to plan every meal, finalize my ingredients and track our family favorites. Trust me, this has truly been a gamechanger.
Every weekend, I set aside some quiet time and really make meal planning an enjoyable activity. Hey, a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do!
• Get Cash Back on your Grocery Purchases
If you could fulfil your grocery shopping list and get cash back after shopping with just the click of a button, why wouldn’t you? Give me one good, logical reason why you’d pass up on extra money in your pocket.
Now that we’ve determined that the answer to cash back is always yes, let me explain how this works. TopCashback guarantees that they will pay you the HIGHEST CASH BACK offer! Seriously, if you see a better cash back offer elsewhere, they guarantee that they’ll beat it!
This is a no brainer, really. Join TopCashback, do your grocery shopping (and any other shopping throughout the year) and get your cash back paid directly to your bank account, via PayPal or as gift cards.
Members earn an average of $450 cash back a year. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!
After making note of all the ways to save money with your Fall meal planning this year, let’s get to our list of delicious, mouthwatering, cheap Fall dinners that cost $1 per person!
27 Cheap Fall Dinners that Cost $1 per Person
1. Baked Tortellini Casserole
This Baked Tortellini Casserole from Recipes from a Pantry is so comforting and delicious – perfect for a cozy Fall evening! Not only is it already budget-friendly, but you can make this meal even cheaper by swapping out ingredients for what’s in your pantry (or to suit your wallet!).
2. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of Mac and Cheese on a cold Fall evening? Well, this Mac and Cheese recipe from Baking Beauty is just the thing for you! Using just a few budget ingredients, you can have this bowl of comfort in just a few minutes!
3. Better than Bouillon Ramen
This (nearly-instant) Ramen Soup from Garlic All Day is packed with flavor, plus it’s quick and easy, and customizable to suit your preferences and budget! Seriously, this meal can be ready in just 15 minutes – just what you need for a busy Fall night.
4. Sweet Potato Chili
Believe it or not, this Sweet Potato Chili can be made in 20 minutes or less! A hearty, delicious meal made in the Instant Pot, speeding up and simplifying my dinner routine? Yes, please!
This particular recipe is vegan, but ingredients can be switched out to suit your tastebuds. Get the detailed recipe from Living Sweet Moments.
5. Turkey Soup
This Keto Turkey Soup from Low Carb Africa is especially perfect for the Fall nights after Thanksgiving, as it’s the perfect way to turn leftover turkey into a hearty and delicious meal! It takes less than 20 minutes to make and is packed with nutrition and flavor.
6. Salsa Chicken Foil Pack
Foil pack recipes make the easiest and most delicious dinners, don’t you think? Homemade Heather has a super simple Salsa Chicken Foil Pack recipe that is to die for! Don’t forget that you can substitute ingredients based on your budget.
HEY!
If you struggle with finding meals that are CHEAP, yummy and kids-approved, then the $5 Meal Plan is a must!
This is for you if:
✔️ You struggle with finding quick, easy, healthy & cheap meals
✔️ You struggle staying on track with your meal budget
✔️ You want to kick your ‘takeout addiction’ to the curb
✔️ You want to save an extra $200 – $300 every month
The $5 Meal Plan makes meal planning simple and effortless. You’ll save time AND money as you’ll get a customized meal plan sent directly to you each week. The best part is that each meal costs around $2 per person (or less)!
So, if you just want to check out $5 meal plan (with no strings attached), try it here for free (for 2 weeks).
7. Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Simmered to perfection, you’ll love this Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe from Basics with Bails! Imagine a cold Fall evening with a bowl of this warm chili in hand. This is a must for your cheap Fall dinners lineup!
8. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers will quickly become a family favorite Fall dinner! These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers from Our Home Made Easy combines all delicious ingredients and flavors to create this hearty, budget-friendly meal!
9. Garlic Oil and Chili Pepper Spaghetti
Who doesn’t love a delicious plate of homemade spaghetti? Plus, pasta is always a staple when you’re on a budget! With just 4 ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have this Garlic Oil and Chili Pepper Spaghetti from Stefania’s Kitchenette on your dinner plate!
10. Ground Turkey Tacos
These Ground Turkey Tacos from Small Town Woman will warm your body and soul on a cold, Fall (Taco) Tuesday! Easily switch out ingredients based on your budget for even bigger savings.
11. Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry
Ten minutes and one pot? Yes, please! This Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry recipe from Spoons of Flavor is simple and perfect for a tight budget. You’ll definitely want to add this to your list of cheap Fall dinner ideas!
12. Butternut Squash Alfredo Sauce
Give your pasta a Fall twist with this delicious Butternut Squash Alfredo Sauce from Cooking with Carlee. The butternut squash pasta sauce is not only rich and creamy, but it’s also a healthier alternative. It makes a perfect Fall dinner on a budget!
13. Cream of Chicken & Leek Soup
This Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken & Leek Soup from Living Sweet Moments uses only 6 ingredients and is a lifesaver for busy days. Add toasted bread on the side and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal on a chilly Fall night!
14. Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi
In just 20 minutes, you can have this Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi from The Littlest Crumb on your dinner plate! The crispy gnocchi is coated in a light sauce and makes for an easy Fall weeknight meal.
15. Greek Green Bean Stew
This Greek Green Bean Stew, also called Fasolakia Lathera, is a vegan meal that is super simple and budget-friendly! It’s packed with flavor and is a must this Fall! Get the recipe from Plantbasedredhead.
16. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies
I always love a good sheet pan dinner. There’s just something about the mouthwatering roasted flavors, and the easy cooking and clean up!
You know I had to add a sheet plan meal to this list of cheap Fall dinners! And this Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies recipe from The Short Order Cook does not fail! This will quickly become a weeknight staple in your house.
17. Bean Burritos
Bean Burritos are easy to make and always a hit for dinner! This recipe from Cincy Shopper explains exactly how to perfect these burritos, with creamy refried beans, cheese and red sauce. These will surely have your family asking for more!
Pssst! Did you know you can save more money by meal planning? Meal Planning saves me thousands of dollars every year! Not sure how to get started? Grab a copy of my free Meal Planning e-guide below.
18. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Nothing screams Fall more than pumpkin, right? Now imagine a creamy, rich, cheesy, comforting bowl of Pumpkin Mac and Cheese at the end of a cold Fall day. Yummy! Grab the recipe from Our Love Language is Food!
19. Chicken Soup
What’s a Fall Dinner lineup without a hearty bowl of Chicken Soup? This Chicken Soup recipe from The Forked Spoon is flavorful and simmered to perfection!
20. Pumpkin Risotto
This Pumpkin Risotto recipe from Strength and Sunshine is easy, creamy and delicious. Also vegan and gluten-free, it uses only 7 ingredients and can be made in just 20 minutes!
21. Reuben Sandwich
I always find sandwiches are one of the easiest dinner options. If you’re looking for an easy, but delicious sandwich recipe, you’ve gotta try this Reuben Sandwich from Small Town Woman! The homemade thousand island dressing takes this sandwich to the next level!
22. Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Who doesn’t love a good dump and go Crockpot meal? Oh, the aroma of a warm meal after a long day at work! If this sounds heavenly, check out the mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe from The Short Order Cook!
23. Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Our Home Made Easy combines the iconic flavors of a Big Mac with the comfort of a sloppy joe in this Big Mack Sloppy Joes recipe! Add this to your cheap Fall dinner lineup and there’ll be a new family fave on the menu!
24. Cheesy Baked Pasta Al Forno
This Pasta Al Forno recipe from Baking Beauty is super easy (hello dump and bake meals!) and oh-so-delicious! The pasta is perfectly cooked in a tangy tomato cream sauce and topped with cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.
I know that this is a must on my Fall menu planning!
25. Macaroni Pizza Casserole
Pizza? Casserole? Yes and yes! This Macaroni Pizza Casserole from Ann’s Entitled Life is a crowd pleaser and the ultimate comfort food! Your family will absolutely love this.
26. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
A classic recipe with a healthy twist, this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie from Healy Eats Real is hearty, comforting and budget-friendly! This is the perfect meal for a cold Fall evening.
27. Mexican Beans
Mexican-style beans (cooked in a pot), also known as Frijoles de la Olla, is a hearty, healthy and comforting meal that wouldn’t strain your wallet. Using just 4 ingredients, this meal is a must on my list of cheap Fall dinner ideas! Get the detailed recipe from Earth to Veg.
Additional Info on Cheap Fall Dinners – FAQs
What is the cheapest meal to make?
When you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be looking for the cheapest meals to add to your meal plan (and understandably so). Some of the cheapest meals to make include rice and beans, pasta, soups and potatoes.
What to have for dinner in the Fall?
The cool Fall weather usually calls for anything warm and comforting such as soups, chili, casseroles and pies. That being said, there’s no hard and fast rule to be followed when it comes to Fall dinners.
All of your family favorites can be made all year round.
Related Posts on Cheap Fall Dinners
12 Easy Fall Soups that Actually Cost $1 per Person
37 DIY Fall Decor Ideas for People on a Budget
12 Cheap $1 per Person Crockpot Recipes
Final Thoughts on Cheap Fall Dinners
Enjoying your Fall meals while saving money is totally possible. Get your fix of everything pumpkin or enjoy a comforting and nutritious bowl of soup on a cold evening. These meals will spruce up your Fall menu this year and take it to the next level. All the while, you’ll know that you’re saving money because of these cheap Fall dinners!
Do you have any other go-to cheap Fall dinner ideas that you swear by? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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