39+ Delicious Budget Southern Meal Recipes That Will Delight Your Family and Save You Money!
Southern cooking is all about warmth, flavor, and comfort. It’s the kind of food that brings people together and makes ordinary days feel special. With these budget-friendly recipes, you can create mouthwatering meals that will have your family asking for seconds!
These fluffy biscuits are a staple in Southern kitchens, perfect for breakfast or a side dish. They have a buttery flavor and a wonderful flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter (cold, cubed)
3/4 cup milk
What makes these biscuits special is their versatility. You can enjoy them with gravy, honey, or even jam, making them a delightful addition to any meal.
This comforting dish brings together tender chicken and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pot. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to clean up.
4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
This dish is popular because it’s hearty and filling, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can add any veggies you have on hand for an extra nutritional boost!
Rating: 4.8 (527 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 15 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
These greens are a Southern classic, simmered to perfection with smoky flavor and tender texture. They’re often enjoyed as a side dish, but they can easily steal the show.
1 pound collard greens (washed and chopped)
1 onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
What sets these collard greens apart is the balance of savory and tangy flavors. They embody the essence of Southern cooking and are a great way to incorporate greens into your diet.
These crispy, tangy treats are a Southern favorite that features unripe tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried to golden perfection. They’re the perfect appetizer or side dish.
2 green tomatoes (sliced)
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Fried green tomatoes are beloved for their crunch and slightly tart flavor. They’re often served with a spicy remoulade sauce that makes them even more irresistible.
This dish combines creamy sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan topping, making it a popular choice for holiday gatherings. The sweetness balances perfectly with the crunchy topping.
4 cups sweet potatoes (mashed)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans (chopped)
1/4 cup butter (melted)
Sweet potato casserole is adored for its rich flavor and comforting texture. It’s a dish that brings nostalgia and warmth to any family meal.
Fried catfish is a Southern delicacy known for its crispy exterior and flaky, tender fish. It’s usually served with a side of tartar sauce and coleslaw.
4 catfish fillets
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
This dish is popular for its simplicity and mouthwatering flavor. The cornmeal coating adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a treat.
This creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s cheesy, gooey, and oh-so-delicious. It’s baked to bubbly perfection, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this mac and cheese special is its creamy texture and rich flavors. It’s the ultimate side dish for barbecues or a main course on its own!
Rating: 4.7 (41 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
This warm and hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, topped with fluffy dumplings. It’s comfort food at its finest!
1 rotisserie chicken (shredded)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken and dumplings are cherished for their homestyle goodness. The dumplings soak up the flavorful broth, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug.
This sweet dessert features juicy peaches baked with a buttery crust. It’s a Southern favorite that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
4 cups peaches (sliced)
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 tablespoon baking powder
What makes this cobbler special is its deliciously sweet and fruity filling, combined with a crispy topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly treat!
These fried cornmeal balls are a delicious Southern side dish, often served with fried fish or barbecue. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 egg (beaten)
1 cup buttermilk
Oil for frying
Hush puppies are beloved for their crispy texture and delicious flavor. They’re a great way to bring a taste of the South to any meal!
This hearty stew is a Louisiana classic, combining meats, seafood, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s rich, spicy, and comforting.
1 pound sausage (sliced)
1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 onion (chopped)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Gumbo is special because it reflects the diverse culture of the South, melding different flavors and ingredients. Each bowl is a warm, satisfying experience!
Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 45 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
This one-pot dish is a flavorful mix of rice, meat, and spices, often featuring chicken, sausage, and shrimp. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.
1 pound chicken (diced)
1 pound sausage (sliced)
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 onion (chopped)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Jambalaya is popular for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a great dish to prepare for gatherings and family dinners!
This slow-cooked pork is tender and infused with smoky barbecue flavors. It’s perfect for sandwiches or served alongside coleslaw.
2 pounds pork shoulder
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 onion (sliced)
1 tablespoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this pulled pork special is its melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold flavor. It’s a fantastic dish for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd!
This hearty stew features tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots, all simmered in a rich broth. It’s a warm and comforting dish for chilly nights.
2 pounds beef (cubed)
4 cups beef broth
4 carrots (sliced)
4 potatoes (cubed)
1 onion (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Beef stew is cherished for its robust flavors and filling ingredients. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for family gatherings and chilly evenings.
This creamy dessert features layers of bananas, vanilla pudding, and crunchy wafers. It’s a classic Southern treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2 cups vanilla pudding
4 bananas (sliced)
1 box vanilla wafers
1 cup whipped cream
Banana pudding is loved for its rich, creamy texture and delightful flavor. It’s a nostalgic dessert that is perfect for family gatherings!
This hearty soup is loaded with fresh vegetables and beans, making it a nutritious choice. It’s warm, comforting, and great for using up leftover veggies!
4 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots (sliced)
2 potatoes (cubed)
1 can green beans
1 onion (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable soup is loved for its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly day!
This classic combo features gooey, melted cheese between crispy bread, served alongside a warm, comforting tomato soup. It’s a nostalgic meal that everyone loves!
4 slices bread
4 slices cheese
1 can tomato soup
Butter for grilling
This meal is cherished for its simplicity and comforting flavors. It’s a quick and easy option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
