We’re letting you know that this post contains sponsored links which Your Savvy Purse receives compensation for, which may impact their order of appearance.
When you’re juggling a busy schedule and trying to keep grocery costs down, dinner can sometimes feel like the hardest part of the day. Ordering takeout is tempting, but the costs add up fast, and even a quick drive-thru run for the family can rival a full grocery trip. That’s why having a few inexpensive, filling recipes in your back pocket is such a game changer.
One of my favorites? A simple, cozy One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice. It’s warm, comforting, and made with affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store—or maybe even already have in your pantry. Best of all, it’s a full meal in one pot, so cleanup is minimal.
Why This Recipe Works for Your Budget
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s talk about why this dish is such a budget win:
- Uses Affordable Staples: Rice, broccoli, and cheese are inexpensive and easy to find in bulk.
- Customizable: Add chicken for extra protein, or keep it vegetarian to save even more.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes means less water, soap, and time spent cleaning up.
- Kid-Approved: The cheesy flavor makes it a hit with picky eaters, so no wasted food.
With grocery prices rising, meals like this help stretch your dollar while keeping dinner time stress-free.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (white or brown)
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets (or use frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you have on hand)
- ½ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
- 1–2 cups cooked chicken, ham, or beans for protein
- A pinch of paprika, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter (or heat oil). Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir for 1–2 minutes. This gives it a nutty flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in broth, stir, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and let simmer until rice is cooked (15–20 minutes for white rice, 35–40 for brown).
- Add Broccoli: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the broccoli so it softens but keeps its bright color.
- Make it Cheesy: Once rice is tender, remove from heat. Stir in cheese and milk (if using) until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and top with extra cheese, hot sauce, or fresh herbs if you like.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s how this meal adds up when shopping smart (based on average U.S. grocery prices):
- Rice (1 lb bag = ~$1.50, used 1 cup = ~$0.30)
- Broccoli (1 head = ~$2.00, or $1.50 for frozen)
- Cheese (8 oz block shredded = ~$2.50, used half = ~$1.25)
- Onion (1 medium = ~$0.50)
- Garlic (2 cloves = ~$0.20 or pantry staple)
- Broth (carton = ~$2.00, used half = ~$1.00)
- Milk (½ cup = ~$0.25)
- Butter/Oil + seasoning = ~$0.25
Total: ~$5.75 for 4–6 servings
That’s less than $1.50 per serving—cheaper than fast food and a whole lot healthier.
Savvy Tips to Stretch This Recipe
One of the best parts of recipes like this is how flexible they are. Here’s how to save even more or adapt based on what’s in your kitchen:
- Use Frozen Veggies: Frozen broccoli, peas, or mixed vegetables are often cheaper than fresh and don’t go bad before you use them.
- Shred Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but usually more expensive (and coated with anti-caking agents). Blocks of cheese give you more value.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Add leftover rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or even beans from taco night to bulk it up.
- Double the Batch: This recipe reheats well, so make extra for lunches or freeze portions for a quick meal later.
- Turn It Into Soup: Add extra broth and a splash of cream or milk for a comforting broccoli cheese soup.
Why Inexpensive Recipes Matter
Budget-friendly recipes like this do more than just save money—they also save stress. When you know you can pull together a meal for under $6 that feeds the whole family, it takes the pressure off those nights when cooking feels overwhelming.
Cooking at home also helps cut down on food waste, since you’re using what you already have. For example, if you’ve got half a bag of shredded cheese, a few cups of rice, and some broccoli that’s about to wilt, this recipe helps you turn them into something delicious instead of throwing them away.
Plus, recipes like this show that inexpensive doesn’t mean boring. With a little seasoning and creativity, you can make meals that feel indulgent without the high price tag.
Final Takeaway
Football games, busy weeknights, or chilly fall evenings—there’s never a bad time for a comforting, budget-friendly meal. This One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice is proof that saving money in the kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition.
The next time you’re tempted to grab takeout, give this recipe a try. Your wallet will thank you, your family will love it, and you’ll have one more inexpensive dinner idea to keep in rotation.
Because the best meals aren’t always the most expensive—they’re the ones that bring people together around the table, made with love and a little savvy shopping.
