Tax Day can leave wallets feeling lighter, but dinner doesn’t have to suffer. When every dollar counts, cooking at home is the best way to save. These 37 budget-friendly recipes keep costs low without giving up flavor. They’re easy to make, use simple ingredients, and help stretch groceries further. No fancy ingredients, no stress—just good meals that won’t break the bank.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken and Rice Soup
After tax day, this chicken and rice soup is the perfect way to get a hearty, budget-friendly meal on the table. With just a few pantry staples like chicken and rice, it’s easy to make and incredibly filling. It’s a cozy meal that won’t break the bank, making it ideal for anyone looking to save while still enjoying a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
This creamy Tuscan bean soup offers a comforting, budget-friendly meal using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The blend of beans, herbs, and smooth broth creates a hearty dish that’s both filling and affordable. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a rich, satisfying meal that won’t cost much.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is the perfect combination of affordable pantry staples and bold flavors. With chicken, beans, and corn, it’s a filling, easy-to-make meal that won’t stretch your budget. It’s a great option when you need a satisfying meal that’s also easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Using leftover rotisserie chicken and cheesy tortellini, this chicken tortellini soup is both budget-friendly and filling. The savory broth ties everything together for a comforting meal that doesn’t cost much. It’s a quick and affordable dinner option, perfect for busy nights when time and money are tight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tomato Soup
This tomato soup is made from simple, affordable pantry ingredients that come together to create a smooth, rich meal. It’s comforting and easy to make, perfect when you want a budget-friendly meal that’s full of flavor. Try it for a classic, satisfying dish that’s easy on your wallet and delicious to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Cream of Celery Soup
With just a few pantry staples, this cream of celery soup becomes a smooth, satisfying dish that won’t cost much. It’s both comforting and filling, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal. Serve it up for a quick, affordable dinner that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Lemon Butter Pasta
This lemon butter pasta is a delicious, budget-friendly meal that combines simple ingredients like fresh lemon and butter. It’s a flavorful dish that feels like a treat without the high cost, making it perfect for anyone looking to save while still enjoying a satisfying meal. Whip it up for a comforting dinner that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This cheesy beef and rice casserole brings together ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a filling and affordable meal. It’s a simple way to create a hearty dish that doesn’t cost much, making it a great budget-friendly option. Perfect for feeding the family, this dish is both tasty and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Tomato Basil Bisque
This tomato basil bisque combines pantry staples to create a creamy, rich soup that feels indulgent without the high price tag. The blend of tomatoes and fresh basil creates a comforting depth of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for when you want something filling but inexpensive.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be expensive. With just pasta, cheese, and black pepper, it’s a rich, creamy dish that feels gourmet but comes at a fraction of the cost. Make this simple yet satisfying meal when you’re looking for something budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that’s quick and easy to make. The Instant Pot makes it simple to create a creamy, hearty meal with just a few ingredients like broccoli and cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy nights, this soup is a filling option that won’t cost much.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta combines tender pasta with a rich, simple sauce and sweet peas for a satisfying meal that’s easy on a budget. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner without spending too much. Whip it up for a filling, flavorful meal that doesn’t hurt your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Mediterranean chicken with orzo brings together tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and Mediterranean spices for a meal that’s both delicious and affordable. The simple ingredients create a meal with a big flavor, making it a perfect option for anyone on a budget. Make it today and enjoy a fresh, flavorful dinner that won’t stretch your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
This grown-up mac and cheese adds bacon and tomatoes to turn a childhood classic into a hearty, budget-friendly meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filling while still being affordable, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for comfort food without overspending. Serve this delicious twist on a classic and enjoy a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
This Instant Pot chicken noodle soup combines simple ingredients like chicken, noodles, and broth for a quick and budget-friendly meal. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for when you need a meal that’s both flavorful and affordable. Make it tonight for a filling, budget-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta brings together canned tuna and tomatoes to create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both filling and affordable. The simple ingredients combine for a hearty meal that doesn’t cost much. Cook it up tonight for a satisfying, budget-friendly pasta dish that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken egg roll in a bowl is a flavorful, budget-friendly meal that brings bold flavors without the extra cost. Ground chicken and fresh veggies come together in a savory sauce for a quick, filling dish that’s easy to prepare. Try it tonight for a satisfying, low-cost meal that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Lasagna roll-ups are a budget-friendly take on a classic dish that’s just as satisfying as the original. They come together quickly, without the hassle of layering noodles and cheese, making them perfect for busy nights. Try these roll-ups for an affordable, delicious dinner that’s both easy to make and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato corn chowder is a comforting, hearty soup that combines potatoes, corn, and crispy bacon for a meal that’s both filling and budget-friendly. The creamy texture and savory flavor make it a family favorite that doesn’t cost much to make. Make this soup for a satisfying, affordable dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This shortcut chicken salad uses canned chicken to create a quick and budget-friendly meal that’s still satisfying. With a few simple ingredients, it’s a tasty lunch or dinner that won’t break the bank. Put this easy recipe to use and enjoy a flavorful meal that’s both convenient and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Carrot Ginger Soup
Carrot ginger soup is a light yet flavorful meal that combines sweet carrots and zesty ginger, all while staying budget-friendly. It’s made with pantry staples, making it both easy and affordable to make. Try this soup for a flavorful, comforting meal that won’t cost you much.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Spicy tuna rolls are a budget-friendly way to enjoy fresh, flavorful sushi at home. Using canned tuna and simple ingredients, you can make a satisfying meal without the high cost of takeout. Roll up some savings with this easy, delicious recipe that brings bold flavors without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Air fryer tortilla pizza is an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy pizza at home. Using crispy tortillas instead of traditional dough, this recipe keeps the cost low while still delivering delicious flavor. Make it tonight for a quick, budget-friendly dinner that’s both fun and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes offers a light, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Canned tuna gets a flavor boost from pesto and sundried tomatoes, creating a satisfying dish without the high cost. Toss this salad together for a fresh, budget-friendly meal that’s both simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Simple Salmon Patties
These simple salmon patties are made with canned salmon and a few basic ingredients, offering a budget-friendly meal that’s still full of flavor. Pan-fried to perfection, they’re a tasty option for anyone looking for an affordable, protein-packed dinner. Serve up these salmon patties for a satisfying, wallet-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Creamy chickpea tomato soup combines two affordable ingredients—chickpeas and tomatoes—for a rich, hearty meal that’s easy to make. It’s the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting soup without spending much on ingredients. Make this soup for a filling, budget-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a flavorful, hands-off meal that’s as easy to make as it is budget-friendly. The slow cooker does the work while the honey garlic sauce adds a sweet and savory finish. Set it up today for a simple, affordable meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ramen Chicken Noodles
Ramen chicken noodles are a quick, affordable meal that combines tender chicken and rich broth for a satisfying dinner. It’s a flavorful dish that won’t cost much, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal on a budget. Try it today for a simple, filling dinner that’s easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Shrimp and tomato pasta combines sweet tomatoes and tender shrimp for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t break the bank. Whip up this fresh pasta tonight for a delicious, budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Navy bean and ham soup is a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to make and full of rich flavors. The combination of tender ham and creamy beans creates a comforting dish in a savory broth that’s both filling and affordable. Make this soup tonight for a satisfying, budget-friendly dinner that’ll warm you up.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Pork Chops in Crockpot Recipe
This Pork Chops in Crockpot recipe is a hands-off dinner that lets you set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work. The tender, juicy pork chops come out packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. Put this recipe on tonight for a convenient, stress-free meal that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops in Crockpot Recipe
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Tomato mozzarella baked chicken brings a comforting, Italian-inspired dish straight to your table with tender chicken, roasted tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. Fresh basil and garlic add flavor, while the cheesy topping creates a rich, savory sauce. Serve it tonight for a simple yet impressive meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
This sheet pan chicken sausage dinner is an easy way to make a full meal with minimal effort. Juicy sausage, tender potatoes, and colorful bell peppers roast together, deepening the flavors and making cleanup a breeze. Try it for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner that’s quick to prepare and delicious to eat.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow cooker split pea soup makes for a rich, comforting meal that’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare. The peas cook perfectly in the slow cooker, creating a hearty dish with deep flavors and a satisfying texture. Let your slow cooker handle the work today for a meal that’s both flavorful and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Homemade Clear Vegetable Soup
Homemade clear vegetable soup turns simple, basic vegetables into a flavorful, light dish that won’t break the bank. Fresh veggies simmer in a seasoned broth, creating a healthy, comforting soup that’s both wholesome and affordable. Make this soup for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that stretches your ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Clear Vegetable Soup
Wonton Soup
Wonton soup offers a rich, comforting meal that’s much cheaper than takeout. Delicate wontons filled with seasoned meat simmer in a flavorful broth, delivering a warm, satisfying dish without the restaurant price. Enjoy this comforting soup at home with this simple, budget-friendly recipe.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup
Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
Air fryer jerk chicken wings are bold, spicy, and crispy, bringing flavor and heat to your meal without the extra cost. The air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare, with a perfect balance of crunch and spice. Try them for a fast, flavorful dinner that’s full of zest and easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings