Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. These 35 dinner recipes are full of flavor and easy on your wallet. You can make them on busy weeknights without giving up good taste. Each one is simple, satisfying, and uses ingredients you can find at any store. This helps whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these ideas help you save money and still enjoy great food.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Potato Corn Chowder
This thick and creamy chowder comes together with just a few pantry staples like potatoes, corn, and a little bacon for flavor. It’s a filling soup that proves you can spend less and still make something that feels rich and satisfying. No fancy ingredients are needed, just a smart mix that turns basics into a budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Leftover chicken and store-bought tortellini work together to make a soup that tastes like it came from a nice café. It’s a hearty and easy way to turn small amounts of food into a fresh, budget-friendly meal. This recipe makes the most out of what you already have while keeping costs low.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and a few herbs come together to make a meal that looks like it costs more than it does. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that brings variety to dinner without raising the grocery bill. You can put it together fast, making it a smart pick for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Lemon Butter Pasta
With just pasta, lemon, and butter, you can make a dinner that tastes light and fresh without costing more than a few dollars. It’s proof that spending less doesn’t mean settling for less flavor. This budget-friendly recipe comes together quickly and feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
A few basic ingredients turn into a warm and comforting chicken noodle soup with almost no effort thanks to the Instant Pot. This is a budget-friendly dinner that feels like home cooking but takes a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for nights when you want something satisfying without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The Instant Pot makes this broccoli cheddar soup thick, cheesy, and full of veggies in no time. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to get a filling dinner on the table without a long list of ingredients. This recipe saves money while giving you a meal that tastes like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Carrot Ginger Soup
A handful of carrots and a little ginger blend into a smooth soup that tastes bright and fresh. It’s a budget-friendly way to use up simple ingredients while still getting a filling and flavorful meal. Even with its short ingredient list, it feels like something worth serving for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken, cabbage, and a bold sauce come together in one skillet for a fast and cheap dinner. This budget-friendly recipe tastes like takeout but costs a fraction of the price. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and hearty enough to keep you full.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken, beans, and corn simmer into a soup that’s bold, hearty, and easy on the wallet. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that brings full flavor without expensive extras. This one is fast enough for weeknights but still feels like a proper home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta turn basic pasta into a meal that feels a little special. It’s an affordable way to make dinner interesting without adding a big grocery bill. This recipe proves you can spend less and still eat well with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken gets a fresh new life in this quick and easy salad that works for lunch or dinner. It’s a light but filling dish that costs very little to make and still feels like something fresh from the deli. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or straight from the bowl for a budget win any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken and Rice Soup
This simple soup turns chicken, rice, and broth into something warm and comforting that tastes like it took hours. It’s a smart way to stretch a small amount of ingredients into a dinner that feels much bigger than it is. Keep it in mind for nights when payday is far away but you still want a meal that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, rice, and plenty of cheese bake together in one pan for a hearty dinner that feeds the whole table. It’s the kind of recipe that makes it look like you planned ahead, even when you didn’t. Everyone gets seconds, and you still spend less than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Tomato Basil Bisque
This smooth and creamy tomato basil bisque feels like something from a nice café, but it costs a fraction of the price. It’s rich, flavorful, and made with just a few simple ingredients you might already have. You get a comforting bowl without pushing your grocery budget.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
A can of tuna, some pasta, and a few tomatoes can come together to make a dish that feels fresh and filling. It’s a quick, affordable fix for nights when dinner sneaks up on you. You’ll spend less money but still enjoy a meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Simple Salmon Patties
Canned salmon, a few mix-ins, and a hot skillet are all you need to create crispy, golden patties in minutes. They’re tender on the inside, satisfying on the outside, and surprisingly inexpensive to make. It’s a smart way to stretch one can into a full dinner without feeling like you’re cutting corners.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Buffalo Chicken Salad
This salad takes leftover chicken and gives it a bold, spicy kick while adding plenty of crunch. It’s a quick and budget-friendly way to turn something simple into a filling dinner. Even with its low cost, it feels like a dish worth making again and again.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Canned tuna gets an instant upgrade with the bright, herby flavor of pesto and the tangy sweetness of sundried tomatoes. It’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly inexpensive for how fresh it tastes. Perfect for quick lunches or light dinners that still feel special without the cost.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Skip the takeout bill and roll your own sushi-inspired bites at home with canned tuna and pantry staples. These rolls are fun to assemble, satisfying to eat, and a fraction of the price of restaurant sushi. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy tools or ingredients to make something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Using canned beans and a few herbs, you can whip up a rich, creamy soup that’s both filling and affordable. It’s a one-pot recipe that feels like a comfort meal while keeping costs low. Even the leftovers taste great, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Simple pasta, cheese, and pepper come together to create a dish that tastes far fancier than its price tag. It’s quick to make, deeply flavorful, and proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list for a satisfying meal. Save this for nights when you want something comforting but only have a few minutes and a few dollars.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tomato Soup
A few cans and a simmer on the stove turn into a smooth, warm tomato soup that feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s affordable, easy to make, and pairs perfectly with bread or a sandwich for a full meal. Even on the most ordinary nights, it makes dinner feel a little cozier.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chickpeas and tomatoes blend together into a silky soup that’s both hearty and budget-friendly. Packed with protein and rich in flavor, it fills you up without requiring meat or pricey ingredients. It’s the perfect pantry-friendly dish for days when the fridge is nearly empty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Frozen peas and a few basic ingredients transform into a creamy pasta that’s both bright and comforting. It’s a quick and affordable way to make pasta night feel a little different without losing the cozy factor. Even picky eaters often ask for seconds with this one.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Add crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes to classic mac and cheese for a fun twist that feels fresh and satisfying. It’s a low-cost way to make boxed or homemade macaroni feel a little more special. You still get all the cheesy comfort, just with a boost of flavor and color.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These lasagna roll-ups bake quickly and give you all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle. They use less meat, less cheese, and less time while still filling everyone at the table. It’s a wallet-friendly way to enjoy a comfort classic on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Tortillas take the place of dough in this quick, crispy pizza that’s ready in minutes. You can top it with whatever you have on hand, making it both affordable and flexible. It’s the kind of cheap dinner that still feels fun when money and time are short.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Cream of Celery Soup
This creamy soup turns leftover celery into something rich, smooth, and surprisingly satisfying. It uses simple ingredients and a bit of butter to create big flavor on a small budget. It’s a smart way to use up what you have while still putting a full dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts get coated in dried herbs and black pepper for a dish that’s full of flavor without requiring expensive spices. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You get a dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant for a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Fresh tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and juicy chicken come together in the air fryer for a meal that’s as quick as it is tasty. It’s a simple, affordable way to enjoy classic flavors without a lot of prep. Perfect for nights when you want something light yet filling in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
These quesadillas turn a childhood favorite into a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love. The mix of meaty, cheesy filling inside crispy tortillas makes for a filling meal without breaking the bank. It’s a great budget-friendly way to add a little fun to dinner without spending extra time or money.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This casserole brings together ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a warm and hearty meal that feels like comfort food on a budget. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor, making it perfect for filling up hungry eaters without overspending. You can count on this recipe to turn basic ingredients into a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Easy Vegetable Stew
Loaded with a variety of vegetables, this stew offers a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a meatless meal that doesn’t cost much. The mix of flavors and textures creates a satisfying dish that can work for vegans and meatless eaters alike. It’s a smart, budget-friendly recipe for anyone looking to add more veggies without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew
Venison Stew
This stew turns affordable cuts of venison into a rich and hearty meal by simmering them with potatoes and herbs. It stretches simple ingredients into something that feels like a full, comforting dinner without costing a lot. When feeding a crowd on a tight budget, this recipe is a solid choice that delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew
Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken
This recipe recreates the crunchy coating and tender meat of Cracker Barrel’s famous homestyle chicken at a fraction of the price. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without the restaurant cost. You get all the Southern comfort and flavor while keeping dinner affordable and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken