Menu Savers

With the reader favorite recipes here, you can pinch pennies and still put pleasing meals on the table. Mix and match any of these economical main dishes, sides and desserts to suit your tastes.

Pork Noodle Casserole
Less-expensive cuts of pork become tender and tasty in this creamy, meal-in-one casserole. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Beans with Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe is a favorite of my family. We love this dressed-up version of garden green beans. It’s great with any meat. —Betty Brown, Buckley, Washington

Pretzel Dessert
This dessert saves both time and money. The recipe makes a big batch of the sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy treat. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana

Creamy Baked Chicken
This economical family favorite is comforting and easy to prepare. —Barbara Clarke, Punta Gorda, Florida

Broccoli with Almonds
This is a tasty dressed up side dish that goes well with a variety of meats. —Verna Puntigan, Pasadena, Maryland

Chocolate Oatmeal Cake
This cake is a real treat. It’s so moist and is topped with scrumptious coffee frosting. —Deborah Sheehan, East Orland, Maine

Hot Beef Cheddar Subs
These subs are like cheesy sloppy joes tucked into hollowed-out crusty rolls.  My family devours these hearty and yummy sandwiches. —Marann Reilly, Lithia Springs, Georgia

Zucchini ’N’ Carrot Coins
We especially enjoy this versatile side dish during summer, when fresh vegetables are plentiful. —Donna Cline, Pensacola, Florida

Fluffy Lemon Dessert
This is my trademark dessert. It’s economical to prepare and always well received by family and friends. —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota