Tax season can leave wallets feeling lighter, but that doesn’t mean dinner has to suffer. Good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and these 25 easy and budget-friendly recipes prove it. Whether the tax bill was bigger than expected or the refund was smaller, these meals keep costs down without skimping on flavor.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Butter Pasta
After tax season, lemon butter pasta is a great budget-friendly meal that tastes like a treat without the extra cost. The simple ingredients like fresh lemon and butter make it a quick and satisfying dinner, perfect for those looking to save. Whip it up when you need something filling but don’t want to spend too much.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Tax season can hit hard, but spicy tuna rolls are an affordable way to enjoy sushi at home. Canned tuna and a few simple ingredients make it easy to create a flavorful dish without the high price tag. Roll up some savings with this quick and budget-friendly recipe.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Chicken and Rice Soup
After tax day, chicken and rice soup is the perfect hearty meal on a budget. With just a few pantry staples, like chicken and rice, it’s easy to make and incredibly filling. This meal won’t break the bank, making it ideal for when you’re looking to save.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
This creamy Tuscan bean soup offers a budget-friendly meal using pantry staples. Beans and herbs come together for a filling dish that won’t cost much, perfect for when you want something rich and satisfying without overspending. It’s a great choice when you need a budget meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes is a light, budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly. With canned tuna, pesto, and sundried tomatoes, this dish packs in big flavors without the high cost. It’s a great option for a fresh, easy-to-make meal that won’t stretch your budget.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Air fryer tortilla pizza is an easy and budget-friendly dinner for when money’s tight after tax season. Using crispy tortillas instead of dough keeps the cost low while still delivering delicious flavor. Make it tonight for a fun and affordable meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Simple Salmon Patties
Simple salmon patties offer a protein-packed, budget-friendly dinner using canned salmon. With just a few ingredients, they’re a tasty and affordable option when you’re trying to save after tax season. Serve them up for a flavorful meal that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken egg roll in a bowl is a flavorful, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy nights during tax season. Ground chicken and veggies come together in a savory sauce to create a dish that’s both filling and affordable. Try it when you want a quick meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque is a creamy, comforting soup that’s also budget-friendly. With simple ingredients like tomatoes and basil, it’s a filling dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal that won’t cost much. It’s a great option for when you need a rich, affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Shortcut chicken salad is a quick and budget-friendly meal made with canned chicken. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that won’t break the bank, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner during tax season. Whip it up for a filling meal that’s both easy and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Carrot Ginger Soup
Carrot ginger soup is a light, flavorful dish that’s budget-friendly, made with pantry staples. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly affordable, perfect when you need a satisfying meal that won’t stretch your budget. Make it for a comforting, inexpensive dinner after tax day.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato corn chowder is a hearty, budget-friendly soup that’s both filling and delicious. With ingredients like potatoes, corn, and crispy bacon, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy without the high cost. Make this satisfying soup when you need a comforting, affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This cheesy beef and rice casserole is a filling, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare. Combining beef, rice, and cheese, it’s a simple dish that’s satisfying and affordable. Perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a budget-friendly meal made with affordable pantry staples. Chicken, beans, and corn come together in this filling, flavorful soup that’s easy to prepare and won’t stretch your budget. It’s the perfect option when you need a quick, affordable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy pea pasta is a budget-friendly dinner made with simple ingredients like pasta, peas, and a rich sauce. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t cost much, perfect when you need something easy and filling. Make it for a dinner that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is made from affordable pantry ingredients that create a smooth, rich meal. It’s comforting and easy to make, perfect when you need a filling meal that’s light on your wallet. Try it when you want something satisfying but easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta is an affordable dish made with canned tuna and simple ingredients. This hearty meal won’t break the bank but will still fill you up with delicious flavors. It’s a great choice when you need a budget-friendly dinner that’s quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Weeknight lasagna roll-ups are a budget-friendly twist on a classic dish. They come together quickly without the hassle of layering noodles and cheese, making them perfect for busy nights. Try them for an affordable, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Grown-up mac and cheese add bacon and tomatoes to make it heartier, all while keeping the cost low. This creamy, cheesy dish is both filling and affordable, making it a perfect choice for a comfort food fix that won’t break the bank. Serve it for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe proves that great meals don’t have to be expensive. With just pasta, cheese, and black pepper, this simple dish feels gourmet but comes at a fraction of the cost. It’s the perfect budget-friendly option when you’re craving something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup is a budget-friendly option made with leftover rotisserie chicken and cheesy tortellini. The savory broth ties everything together for a comforting meal that’s both filling and affordable. Make it for a quick, tasty meal without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Creamy chickpea tomato soup combines two affordable ingredients for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a simple and budget-friendly dish that’s easy to make and perfect for when you want something filling without overspending. Try it for a comforting, affordable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Mediterranean chicken with orzo is a budget-friendly meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Tender chicken and orzo come together with Mediterranean spices for a satisfying dish that won’t stretch your budget. It’s a great option when you want something fresh and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Cream of Celery Soup
Cream of celery soup is a simple and budget-friendly meal made with pantry staples. It’s smooth, creamy, and comforting, perfect for a filling meal that won’t cost much. Make it when you need an affordable dinner that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is a quick, budget-friendly dish that’s easy to make. With just broccoli and cheddar cheese, this creamy soup is both hearty and affordable. Make it for a filling dinner that doesn’t take much time or money to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup