Cooking at home doesn’t have to be expensive or take all night. These 19 easy meals use simple ingredients like rice, pasta, and pantry staples to fill you up without breaking the bank. They’re quick to prep, beginner-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty fast. With these recipes, you can make satisfying dinners using what you already have in your kitchen. Check out these easy dinner ideas and make weeknights less stressful.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Tender chicken combines with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing to create a filling and satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it easy to put together without spending much. This recipe is a fast, budget-friendly dinner that delivers plenty of flavor and keeps costs low.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Juicy turkey patties are seasoned for bold flavor while staying low-cost and simple to prepare. They cook quickly and stay tender, which makes dinner fast and easy on busy nights. This recipe is a budget-friendly option that turns everyday ingredients into a satisfying meal without spending extra.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasting the butternut squash brings out a natural sweetness that makes the soup creamy and flavorful. Simple, low-cost ingredients make it easy to prepare without extra effort. This budget-friendly recipe delivers a rich and filling dinner that tastes homemade without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas mix with pasta and a creamy sauce to make a meal that’s hearty, filling, and easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple pantry staples that keep the recipe affordable and quick. This recipe is a budget-friendly dinner that transforms everyday items into a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Chicken, corn, vegetables, and cheese are layered between tortillas to make a hearty and easy dinner that fills everyone up. Simple ingredients keep this recipe affordable while still tasting satisfying and bold. This is a budget-friendly meal that turns everyday items into a dinner that feels like a treat without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken cooks with soft dumplings in a savory broth to create a warm and satisfying dinner. Affordable ingredients make it easy to prepare without a lot of effort. This recipe is a budget-friendly option that fills plates and works well for leftovers, too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Canned tuna mixes with pesto and sundried tomatoes to make a quick and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. This is a budget-friendly dish that works well for lunch or dinner and tastes satisfying every time.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken and vegetables cook together in one pan for a simple and fast dinner that’s full of flavor. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, making it a practical choice for busy nights. This recipe is a budget-friendly option that delivers a filling and tasty meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cream Of Celery Soup
Celery combines with broth and simple ingredients to make a smooth, creamy soup that fills everyone up. Affordable items keep the recipe easy on the wallet and quick to prepare. This is a budget-friendly dinner that’s comforting, satisfying, and easy to serve on any night.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Celery Soup
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken simmers in a tangy tomato and lime sauce that keeps it juicy and flavorful while cooking slowly. Simple ingredients make this meal affordable and stress-free to prepare. This recipe is a budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and delivers satisfying results with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tender chicken, vegetables, and soft biscuits come together to make a hearty, filling dinner that’s simple to prepare. Affordable ingredients keep this recipe low-cost while still tasting satisfying. This is a budget-friendly meal that fills plates, works well for leftovers, and keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken soaks in lemon juice and seasonings to create a juicy and flavorful meal that’s quick to cook. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it easy to prepare on a busy night. This is a budget-friendly recipe that delivers a fresh and tasty dinner without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders coated in cornflakes make a crunchy, juicy meal that everyone will enjoy. The ingredients are simple and low-cost, keeping this recipe affordable for any weeknight. This is a budget-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and satisfying for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken, herbs, feta, and orzo cook together to create a filling, flavorful, and easy dinner. Simple, affordable ingredients keep this meal budget-friendly while still tasting rich. This recipe is a low-cost dinner that comes together quickly and fills plates with satisfying flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Carrot Ginger Soup
Sweet carrots and a touch of ginger blend into a smooth, flavorful soup that’s simple to prepare. Affordable pantry ingredients keep this recipe low-cost and easy to make. This is a budget-friendly meal that fills everyone up and tastes rich without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Pasta, tomato, and bacon combine to make a creamy, filling dinner that’s easy to prepare. Simple, inexpensive ingredients keep the recipe affordable while still tasting rich and satisfying. This is a budget-friendly dinner that turns everyday items into a meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Ham mixes with a savory sauce to create a warm and filling sandwich that comes together quickly. Affordable ingredients make this recipe easy on the wallet while still tasting satisfying. This is a budget-friendly meal that works for lunch or dinner and fills plates with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken mixes with simple ingredients to make a creamy and fast meal that’s easy to prepare. The recipe uses low-cost items to keep it affordable for any day of the week. This is a budget-friendly lunch or dinner option that delivers flavor and filling results with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato mix with pasta to create a simple, hearty, and satisfying dinner. The ingredients are pantry staples that keep this recipe low-cost and easy to make. This is a budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly and fills plates without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta