21 Budget-Friendly Winter Dinner Ideas

published January 24, 2023; Updated December 2025

When these cold winter months hit, we want things that are warm and nourishing — but with the holidays either about to come or just passed, many of us also have tighter budgets or are doing a no-spend January and trying to be as frugal as possible while still feeding our families nourishing meals. 

As a mom, and the keeper of the budget and meal plan, I love having easy meals like soups and one-pan dinners that come together quickly during a busy (or just tired) weeknight and still fit within the weekly grocery haul budget. I’ve asked fellow bloggers to share some of their favorite frugal winter recipes that won’t break the bank but will fuel hungry bellies all winter long!

Budget One Pot Tomato Pasta

by Mrs. jones Kitchen

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Chicken & Sweet Potato Casserole

by simple living recipes

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Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Copycat

by Mom Foodie

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Cheesy Chicken Corn Chowder

by Well-Rooted Motherhood

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Dutch Oven Beef Stew

by Primavera Kitchen

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Crockpot Potato Soup

by on my kids plate

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White Chicken Chili

by the cozy cook

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Mexican Stuffed Shells

by 24 bite

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Minestrone Soup

by veggie world recipes

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Mexican Beef Mince

by mrs. jones kitchen

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Easy Navy Bean Soup with Ham

by muy bueno blog

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Ground Beef Casserole

by healthy recipes 101

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Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole

by healthy taste of life

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Easy Skillet Chicken Pot-Pie

by flavor feed

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Vegetable Barley Soup

by two kooks in the kitchen

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Cottage Pie with Cheese

by wanderzest blog

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One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese without Beans

by little nomad recipes

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Cheeseburger Pie

by lauren fit foodie

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Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

by the feathered nester

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Dutch Oven Chicken Breast & Vegetables

by the oregon Dietician

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Italian Mac & Cheese

by little nonni

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Bubble Up Pizza

by comfort cooks

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Looking for more cozy winter recipes!? You will want to check out this round-up of hearty and nourishing soup recipes that are perfect to throw together on busy weeknights!

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