52 Cheap Gluten-Free Meals: Affordable & Easy Recipes
Living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance creates a substantial financial burden. A 2019 study on the Persistent Economic Burden of the Gluten-Free Diet found that Gluten-free food products were overall 183% more expensive than comparable wheat-based products.
The good news is that the vast majority of the gluten-free diet does not need to be made up of gluten-free specialty products. Now, we all need a gluten-free cookie every once in a while, but you will do your pocketbook and your waistline a favor if the bulk of your diet is based on naturally gluten-free foods.
This collection of delicious and affordable gluten-free recipes from my food blogger friends can inspire your next meal plan.
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You can have your health without breaking your budget. In fact, you may find that in addition to the health benefits of treating celiac disease with your gluten-free diet, you have been unexpectedly pushed into reimagining your home cooking with fresh, whole foods.
As always, when preparing gluten-free recipes, confirm that your ingredients are all gluten-free. At the grocery store, my mantra is “read every label, every time” to avoid grabbing the wrong item or not catching ingredient changes by trusted brands.
Some of the common ingredients to check for gluten are broth, bouillon, seasoning blends, and all sauces, including enchilada sauce and soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari instead of traditional, wheat-containing soy sauce). Labeled gluten-free nuts and grains are recommended to avoid cross-contamination with wheat, barley, and rye in the field and in the factory.
These recipes were all selected with your time and money in mind: sheet pan, slow cooker, instant pot, air-fryer, and one-skillet dinners, along with easy casseroles, soups, salads, and kid-friendly dishes! I hope you love these simple and affordable meals that will make your gluten-free life a little easier.
For more money-saving ideas, check out 37 Tips for Gluten-Free on a Budget.
Gluten-Free Sheet Pan Meals
Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs
These easy gluten-free turkey meatballs are everything you love about classic meatballs, with none of the gluten! Bake on a sheet pan in your oven and pair with gluten-free pasta and a salad.
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Mini Sheet Pan Tostadas
Bake a sheet pan full of these Mini Sheet Pan Tostadas in about 30 minutes for an easy gluten-free dinner or fun party snack.
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The Best Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Oven-baked chicken drumsticks are roasted until crispy, juicy and delicious every time. This gluten-free recipe is great for kids for an easy weeknight meal.
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Easy Oven-Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
Simple and delicious, this one-pan Oven-Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe is filled with onion, sweet Italian sausage, bell peppers, and baby potatoes. Enjoy this hearty, family-friendly dinner as a quick weeknight meal and enjoy the leftovers for meal prep the next afternoon.
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Sweet Potato Hash
This Sweet Potato Hash is done Tex Mex style! Packed with flavor, vegetables and protein, it’s easy to make in a sheet pan & kids love it too!
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Sheet Pan Greek Chicken & Vegetables
Enjoy all the delicious Mediterranean flavors that you love with this easy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken & Vegetables recipe. This quick meal has everything that you need for dinner in just a few simple steps in just one dish.
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Gluten-Free Slow-Cooker and Instant Pot Meals
Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken and Rice! Throw everything in the instant pot and walk away. You’ll have a delicious, satisfying, healthy dinner 30 minutes later!
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Vegan Bean Chili
The easiest 4-bean vegan chili slow cooker recipe (or Instant Pot/ Stove). It’s packed with nutrients, bold flavors, and only inexpensive, basic pantry ingredients! This slow-cooker vegetarian chili is also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and vegan – everyone will love it!
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Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo recipe!
Be sure to use gluten-free Tamari in this recipe, not traditional, wheat-containing soy sauce! Easy tangy, salty-sweet Chicken Adobo is an authentic Filipino recipe made in the slow cooker! Served over rice for an easy dinner recipe.
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Easy Instant Pot Mujadara (Lentils and Rice)
Mujadara is a simple yet super flavorful one-pot dish made of lentils, onions, and rice. It is budget-friendly, gluten-free, made in the instant pot, and can be served with salad and yogurt for a delicious meal.
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Easy Chicken Mole
You won’t believe how fast and easy gluten-free chicken mole is until you try making it in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot! Less time = more flavour!
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Crock Pot Chicken with Pineapple – 5 Ingredients
Make this Crock Pot Chicken with Pineapple in your crockpot tonight. You only need 5 ingredients for this fresh, healthy, and fast dinner. Be sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce!
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Best Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
The Best Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. Learn how to make turkey chili that’s healthy & delicious in your crockpot, instant pot, or on the stove!
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Easy Soy-Free & Gluten Free Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
This is a simple crock pot recipe for gluten free pulled pork. All you need is pork, chicken broth, and common spices for a healthy, easy dinner. Serve on top of baked potatoes or corn tortillas for a hearty and affordable entree!
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Gluten-Free Casseroles
Easy Gluten-Free Lasagna
An EASY recipe for gluten-free lasagna using barilla gluten-free lasagna noodles! This recipe has a few shortcut ingredients that give it a ton of flavor. It’s a family favorite!
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Yummy Gluten Free Taco Casserole
This gluten free taco casserole lives up to its claim of quick and easy. You can start with an affordable and gluten-free rotisserie chicken from Costco! Plus this recipe scores bonus points for being totally family friendly because, while it’s packed with yummy flavors, it’s not too spicy.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
The whole family will love cheesy chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe! This quick and easy gluten-free, low-carb chicken casserole has just 7 common ingredients, 5 minutes prep, and 2 ways to make it.
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Spinach & Pumpkin Rice Casserole
Spinach and Pumpkin Rice Casserole is super creamy, combining sweet pumpkin puree with three gooey cheeses. With a protein-rich egg, fresh spinach and fluffy jasmine rice, this casserole is a wonderfully filling feast that lets your oven do the work.
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Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake
The made-from-scratch alfredo sauce in this recipe is gluten-free. If you use a store-bought sauce instead, double-check the label to make sure it's gluten-free. This easy creamy keto chicken Alfredo with broccoli bake is ready in 30 minutes or less!
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Gluten free Shepherd’s Pie
Gluten free shepherd’s pie also known as cottage pie can be made with lamb or beef and is a delicious hearty family dinner.
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Gluten-Free Skillet and Stove-Top Meals
Easy One-Pot Cajun Rice With Sausage and Beans
This easy gluten free Cajun Rice, Sausage, and Beans recipe is perfect for feeding a large family on a budget. It is full of delicious flavors!
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Easy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
This is the best dinner for busy nights. One pan easy chicken drumsticks recipe. You can saute these on the stove, or bake in the oven.
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Creamy Buckwheat Risotto with Mushrooms – Ready in 30 Minutes!
Don't let the "wheat" in buckwheat worry you. It is a flowering plant, unrelated to wheat, and a wonderful addition to the celiac diet! This creamy and healthy buckwheat risotto with mushrooms is ready in 30 minutes and makes a perfect entree or side dish to anything!
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Keto Crack Slaw: Easy Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe
For a fast, EASY gluten-free dinner, try this keto crack slaw recipe. I’ll show you how to make easy egg roll in a bowl in just 15 minutes, with simple ingredients!
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Lentil Dahl
This simple and delicious lentil dhal is made with just a few gluten-free pantry ingredients. Red lentils are cooked with fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk until a creamy and thick texture is reached.
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Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Skillet
A sweet potato shepherd’s pie skillet is the ultimate gluten-free comfort dinner. Features creamy sweet potatoes and a savory beef filling. Made in one pot in just an hour, this meal is sure to be a family favorite!
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Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
Spaghetti squash Pad Thai is a gluten-free and grain-free version of the classic Pad Thai. Easy vegan and grain-free dinner idea.
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Gluten-Free Kid Favorites
Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper
This gluten-free hamburger helper is the perfect comfort food. It’s filling, warm, and full of taste.
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Homemade Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets recipe is an easy diary-free, egg-free alternative to your favorite fast food meal.
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The Best Gluten Free Burgers
Skip takeout this time! This crave-worthy gluten free burger recipe is easy, juicy, and a million times better. Serve on a gluten free bun.
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Healthy Chicken Fried Rice
Better than take-out heathy chicken fried rice! Made with brown rice, loaded with veggies, and ready in less than 30 minutes. This recipe uses gluten-free coconut-animos, in lieu of soy sauce, which contains wheat. You could alternatively use gluten-free tamari.
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Instant Pot Gluten Free Pasta
Instant Pot gluten-free pasta is hearty and tasty to fulfill the appetite. It's soo easy to make and uses only four ingredients!
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Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Skillet
This cheesy one pot Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Skillet is loaded with corn, peppers, and black beans for a delicious meal in 30 minutes!
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Gluten-Free Air-Fryer Meals
BBQ, Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs
Perfectly crispy and juicy BBQ chicken thighs, made with only two ingredients in 30 minutes.
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Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
The ultimate Air Fryer harvest casserole dinner that is loaded with sprouts, bacon, sweet potatoes, sausages, apple, and onion.
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Air-Fryer Chicken Tacos
Air-fryer chicken tacos are juicy, flavorful, and quick & easy to make. Choose gluten-free tortillas to stuff with tender chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings. If you decide to substitute taco seasoning for the spices in this recipe, look for gluten-free on the label.
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The Best Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
Classic Tex Mex Air Fryer Steak Fajitas made with thin strips of steak, colorful peppers, and onion. Quick and easy family-friendly meal made in under an hour! Be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and serve these fajitas in gluten-free tortillas.
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Air Fryer Chicken Legs
These chicken legs are gluten-free, easy, and delicious. They take just 20 minutes in the air fryer takes just 20 minutes and come out with perfectly crisp, flavorful skin.
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Gluten-Free, Air-Fryer Egg Bites
Craving Starbucks' egg bites without the gluten cross-contamination? These gluten-free egg bites are perfect for a protein-packed breakfast or lunch!
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Air Fryer Kielbasa (Polish Sausage)
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, Air Fryer Kielbasa with potatoes and peppers is the answer! From start to finish, it’s ready in less than 15 minutes using only 4 ingredients. Check the label on your sausage to confirm it is gluten-free.
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Gluten-Free Soups
Delicious Ham & Bean Soup
The flavors of this hearty ham and bean soup come together perfectly and quickly in your pressure cooker. Enjoy a bowlful on a cold evening after a busy day at work!
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Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm, cozy, budget-friendly, and deliciously nourishing, this gluten-free chicken noodle soup is simply perfect. made with just 10 ingredients in about 25 minutes, this celiac-friendly version of the quintessential winter comfort food is never far from reach!
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Dairy-free & Gluten-Free Potato Leek Soup (with a secret ingredient!)
Let me show you how to make the BEST dairy-free potato leek soup! It turns out so creamy and silky smooth, yet it’s healthy and easy to make!
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Easy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
This gluten-free hearty stuffed pepper soup is ready in under 1 hour and made with taste and texture in mind. Peppers, ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and herbs!
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Best Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe
This Gluten-Free Instant Pot Lentil Soup is made using simple pantry ingredients. It’s healthy and packed with vitamins and nutrients.
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Chicken Enchilada Soup
It’s everything you love about one of your favorite Mexican dishes but in an easy-to-make, warm comforting soup! Our Gluten-Free Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe is packed full of flavor and is one of our new family favorites!
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Easy Taco Chicken Soup Recipe
If you love soup, this kid-friendly Mexican taco chicken soup is both delicious and healthy. Quick and easy to make, it is a one-pot meal.
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Gluten-Free Entree Salads
Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
A healthy cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe. Perfect easy lunch for meal prep. Make into lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or big salads. Gluten-free. Ready in 10 min!
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Roasted Chickpea Salad
This flavorful Roasted Chickpea Salad combines avocado, heirloom tomatoes, feta cheese and crisp cucumbers with roasted chickpeas and spices. It’s a Mediterranean salad served with creamy blackberry feta dressing that’s irresistible!
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Easy Vegan Taco Salad with Cabbage, Quinoa, and Cilantro
This delicious vegan taco salad is creamy, crunchy, full of protein, and gluten-free!
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Grilled Shrimp Louie Salad
This gluten-free Shrimp Louie Salad is fresh, satisfying, and bursting with flavor! It’s packed with succulent grilled shrimp, hard-boiled egg, avocado, and plenty of veggies.
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Sweet Potato Beet Salad with Feta
This gluten-free sweet potato beet salad is full of color, flavor, and texture! Feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and caramelized onions take it to the next level, while the honey balsamic dressing brings it all together!
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