Back-to-school nights can get hectic fast, and finding dinners that are both easy and affordable can feel impossible. These 39 weeknight recipes are simple to make, use ingredients that won’t break the bank, and fill up the whole family without stress. These will save you time while still tasting like a proper meal, letting you get dinner on the table without scrambling.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken, beans, and corn simmer together in a soup that is hearty, flavorful, and easy on the wallet. This budget-friendly dinner makes it simple to feed the family without needing expensive ingredients. Keep this recipe on hand for a quick weeknight meal that satisfies everyone while saving money.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Tender chicken and soft orzo pasta mix with a few herbs to create a dinner that looks like it costs more than it does. This easy and affordable weeknight recipe keeps grocery bills low while giving the family variety. Put it together fast for a meal that fills the table without emptying the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese come together in one pan for a hearty meal that fills the whole table. This budget-friendly recipe makes it easy to serve a crowd without overspending on ingredients. Everyone can enjoy seconds, and you still stay on budget, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Tomato Basil Bisque
A smooth, creamy tomato basil bisque gives the taste of a fancy café meal at a fraction of the cost. This budget-friendly recipe uses just a few simple ingredients while still feeling rich and satisfying. Serve it as a warm and comforting dinner that won’t stretch the grocery bill.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chickpeas and tomatoes blend into a silky soup that is filling, flavorful, and inexpensive to make. This budget-friendly dinner delivers protein and warmth without using meat or costly ingredients. Keep this recipe in mind for a quick, pantry-friendly meal that stretches your budget.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Canned tuna, pasta, and tomatoes mix into a meal that feels fresh, filling, and easy on the wallet. This affordable weeknight recipe comes together quickly when dinner sneaks up on you. Make it tonight for a simple meal that saves money and satisfies the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta
Frozen peas and a few simple ingredients turn into a creamy pasta that is comforting and easy to make. This budget-friendly dinner is fast, filling, and does not require expensive or fancy additions. Try it for a quick pasta night that keeps everyone happy without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Lemon Butter Pasta
Pasta tossed with butter and lemon creates a light, fresh, and affordable dinner with very few ingredients. This recipe proves that simple meals can taste satisfying without costing much. Put it on the table for a fast meal that feels special on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Tomato Soup
A few cans of tomato create a warm, smooth, and comforting soup that is low-cost and easy to make. This budget-friendly dinner works well with bread or sandwiches for a complete meal. Keep this recipe on hand for a simple and satisfying dinner when money is tight.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Tortillas become the base for a crispy, quick pizza that lets you use whatever toppings you have. This affordable dinner saves time and money while still feeling fun and fresh. Make it tonight for a budget-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken turns into a quick, fresh salad that works for lunch or dinner without spending much. This budget-friendly recipe is light, filling, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or straight from the bowl for a meal that saves money and time.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Cacio e Pepe
Simple pasta tossed with cheese and pepper makes a dinner that tastes far fancier than it costs. This quick and affordable recipe is full of flavor without needing many ingredients. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal that fits a tight budget and a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Canned tuna gets a bright boost from pesto and sweet sundried tomatoes in this easy salad. This budget-friendly dinner comes together fast and tastes like it costs more than it does. Serve it for a quick lunch or light dinner that keeps costs low and flavor high.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, noodles, and a few simple ingredients become a comforting soup in the Instant Pot without much effort. This affordable dinner is hearty, warm, and perfect for a fast weeknight meal. Put it on the table tonight for a meal that feels like home cooking but keeps the budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Adding bacon and tomatoes to mac and cheese creates a fun, flavorful twist on a classic comfort meal. This budget-friendly dinner keeps costs low while delivering extra satisfaction. Make it for a simple, cheesy meal that feels like a treat without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken, cabbage, and a bold sauce come together in one skillet for a fast, filling dinner. This budget-friendly recipe tastes like takeout but costs much less. Try it tonight for a quick meal that stretches ingredients without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Leftover chicken and store-bought tortellini make a soup that feels fresh and comforting without spending much. This affordable dinner transforms small amounts of food into a full meal that satisfies. Serve it as a quick, budget-friendly option that fills the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli, cheese, and a few simple ingredients create a thick, creamy soup in minutes using the Instant Pot. This budget-friendly recipe is filling, flavorful, and fast enough for weeknight dinners. Make it tonight for a meal that keeps costs down and tastes high.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Cream of Celery Soup
Leftover celery turns into a creamy, rich soup that is both satisfying and inexpensive. This budget-friendly dinner uses simple ingredients to create big flavor. Serve it for a quick and smart meal that stretches what you have without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Fresh tomatoes and ricotta turn basic pasta into a flavorful and filling dinner without costing much. This affordable recipe makes a simple meal feel special without a long ingredient list. Try it tonight for a quick, budget-friendly dinner that satisfies everyone.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These lasagna roll-ups give all the flavor of traditional lasagna while using less meat and cheese to keep costs low. This budget-friendly recipe bakes quickly and still fills everyone at the table. Make it tonight for a hearty, affordable dinner that works for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Canned tuna and pantry staples come together to make sushi-style rolls at home without the high price of takeout. This budget-friendly recipe is fun to assemble and satisfying to eat. Roll them up tonight for a quick meal that saves money and feels special.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Canned beans and a few herbs make a creamy, filling soup that costs very little. This budget-friendly dinner is rich in flavor and simple to prepare in one pot. Serve it tonight for a comforting meal that keeps both taste and cost in check.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Carrot Ginger Soup
Carrots and a touch of ginger blend into a smooth, flavorful soup that doesn’t require expensive ingredients. This budget-friendly dinner is light, filling, and simple to make. Stir it up tonight for a quick meal that stretches simple ingredients into something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Potatoes, corn, and a little bacon create a thick, hearty chowder that tastes like it costs more than it does. This budget-friendly recipe turns pantry basics into a filling dinner. Make it tonight for a rich and simple meal that keeps grocery costs low.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Leftover chicken gets a bold, spicy kick in this crunchy, filling salad. This budget-friendly dinner transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Toss it together tonight for a quick dish that satisfies without spending extra money.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Simple Salmon Patties
Canned salmon mixes with a few basic ingredients to make crispy, golden patties in minutes. This affordable dinner is tender inside, satisfying outside, and easy to put together. Cook them tonight for a quick meal that stretches one can into a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken, rice, and broth turn into a warm, comforting soup that tastes like it took hours but costs very little. This budget-friendly recipe stretches a few ingredients into a filling meal. Stir it up for a simple dinner that feels like home cooking without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili
Fritos meet chili in this easy, hearty dish that tastes like a treat but costs far less than restaurant versions. This budget-friendly dinner combines comfort and convenience in one skillet. Make it tonight for a quick, fun meal that keeps costs low.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Chicken breasts get coated with dried herbs and black pepper for a juicy, flavorful dinner without using expensive spices. This budget-friendly recipe cooks quickly and works for busy weeknights. Serve it tonight for a meal that tastes like a restaurant dish but stays affordable.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
French Onion Salisbury Steak
Ground beef forms a hearty Salisbury steak topped with a rich onion gravy that tastes expensive but costs very little. This budget-friendly dinner is easy to make and satisfying for the whole table. Serve it tonight over mashed potatoes or as a simple side for a filling, affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak
Cauliflower Steaks
Thick cauliflower slices roast with simple seasonings into a hearty, flavorful dish that won’t break the bank. This budget-friendly recipe makes a vegetable main feel special without spending extra. Cook it tonight for a filling, affordable dinner that proves veggies can star on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Chicken simmers with your favorite salsa into a tender, flavorful dish that costs very little. This budget-friendly dinner is effortless and works for multiple meals throughout the week. Toss it in the slow cooker tonight for an easy meal that stretches your ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ground beef, pasta, and cheese come together in a one-pan casserole that fills everyone at the table. This budget-friendly dinner is hearty, comforting, and quick to prepare. Bake it tonight for a meal that satisfies without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Chicken breasts topped with tomatoes and melted mozzarella cook quickly in the air fryer into a juicy, flavorful meal. This budget-friendly recipe keeps prep simple while giving a fresh, satisfying dinner. Make it tonight for a quick, affordable dish that tastes like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup
Chicken and hominy blend into a creamy, cheesy soup that feels rich but costs very little. This budget-friendly dinner is hearty, filling, and easy to prepare. Stir it up tonight for a comforting meal that stretches simple ingredients into a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup
Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
A meaty, cheesy filling wrapped in crispy tortillas makes a fun twist on classic Sloppy Joes without the high cost. This budget-friendly dinner is quick to assemble and filling for everyone. Cook them tonight for a simple meal that brings flavor without extra spending.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
Venison Stew
Affordable venison simmers with potatoes and herbs into a rich, hearty stew that stretches simple ingredients. This budget-friendly dinner is satisfying, filling, and easy to prepare. Serve it tonight for a comforting meal that keeps grocery costs low.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew
Easy Vegetable Stew
A mix of vegetables comes together in a flavorful stew that tastes like a hearty, full dinner but costs very little. This budget-friendly recipe is satisfying and simple to make. Stir it up tonight for a filling, nutritious meal that works for any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew