Make dinner simple and satisfying with 31 cheap and delicious recipes that you’ll want to cook again and again. These meals use everyday ingredients without costing much, but they’re full of flavor and filling enough for the whole family. Cooking is straightforward, so you can get dinner on the table quickly and enjoy a tasty meal without stress.
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cacio e Pepe
Try this cheesy cacio e pepe for a pasta dinner that comes together quickly and uses just a few simple ingredients. Black pepper and cheese mix into a creamy sauce that tastes rich without costing much. Make this budget-friendly pasta tonight and turn a simple meal into a go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Make Asian-inspired turkey burgers for a fast dinner that packs big flavor without expensive ingredients. Seasonings add a tasty crunch while the burgers cook quickly and stay juicy. Try these budget-friendly burgers tonight and make a simple meal feel special.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Cook creamy sun-dried tomato salmon for a rich dinner that’s quick and doesn’t cost much. Tender salmon simmers in a garlic and Parmesan sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Make this affordable recipe tonight and enjoy a dinner that feels special without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Carrot Ginger Soup
Try carrot ginger soup for a smooth and flavorful meal that uses basic pantry ingredients. Sweet carrots and a hint of ginger blend into a creamy soup that fills and satisfies without breaking the budget. Make this low-cost soup tonight and enjoy a simple meal full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Make Kung Pao chicken salad for a bold and tasty meal that stays easy on the wallet. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing come together in minutes for a filling dish. Try this affordable recipe tonight and enjoy a quick meal that packs plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Cook tuna and tomato pasta for a fast, filling dinner that doesn’t cost much. Canned tuna, tomatoes, and pantry staples mix into a meal that comes together in about 25 minutes. Make this cheap and easy pasta tonight and turn simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Make Southwest tortilla pie with chicken, beans, corn, and cheese layered between crisp tortillas for a hearty meal. Affordable ingredients come together to create a bold and filling dish that’s easy to prepare. Try this low-cost recipe tonight and enjoy a meal that feels like a treat without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Bake mac and cheese with tomato and bacon for a creamy, rich twist on a classic that doesn’t cost a lot. Simple ingredients create a hearty casserole that fills everyone at the table. Make this budget-friendly dish tonight and enjoy a comforting meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Cook lemon-marinated chicken kebabs for a tangy, flavorful dinner that uses simple ingredients. The chicken absorbs lemon and basic seasonings for a juicy meal that is fast and affordable. Try this low-cost recipe tonight and enjoy a dinner that tastes bright and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Make hot ham salad sandwiches for a warm, easy meal that uses everyday ingredients. Crispy ham mixes with a savory sauce to create a filling and flavorful sandwich. Try this budget-friendly lunch or dinner tonight and enjoy a simple meal that tastes more expensive than it is.
Get the Recipe: Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Skip the cooking with shortcut chicken salad that comes together fast and stays easy on the budget. Canned chicken mixes with simple ingredients to create a creamy and satisfying dish that works for lunch or dinner. Whip this up tonight and enjoy a cheap and tasty meal that saves both time and money.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spice up mealtime with buffalo chicken salad that’s quick, filling, and low-cost. Crisp greens and tender chicken mix with a creamy dressing for a bold and satisfying dinner. Layer this affordable recipe on your plate tonight and turn simple ingredients into a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Cream Of Celery Soup
Smooth and creamy celery soup makes a dinner that’s easy, comforting, and budget-friendly. Simple ingredients combine into a rich, filling broth without costing much. Serve this low-cost soup tonight and enjoy a meal that feels hearty without extra expense.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Celery Soup
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Warm up dinner with chicken stew and biscuits that fill the table and the belly without spending a lot. Tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy biscuits mix into a rich, satisfying dish. Prepare this low-cost recipe tonight and enjoy a hearty dinner that makes everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken and Dumplings
Fill plates fast with chicken and dumplings made using simple, affordable ingredients. Soft dumplings and tender chicken swim in a savory broth that satisfies without extra effort. Cook this budget-friendly meal tonight and turn leftovers into a comforting dinner everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Bring roasted butternut squash soup to the table for a creamy, flavorful dinner that doesn’t cost much. Roasting the squash brings out sweetness while simple seasonings add depth to a smooth, filling soup. Make this easy, low-cost recipe tonight and enjoy a meal that feels special without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Layer flavor and protein into Mexican skillet quinoa for a one-pan dinner that’s simple and inexpensive. Quinoa, beans, corn, and salsa combine for a filling meal that cooks quickly. Serve this budget-friendly dish tonight and enjoy a hearty meal that stretches both ingredients and dollars.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Caprese Panini
Get melty, fresh flavor fast with a caprese panini that uses simple, affordable ingredients. Ripe tomatoes, basil, and cheese come together for a warm, satisfying sandwich. Press this low-cost recipe tonight and turn everyday ingredients into a quick meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Warm up with chicken tortellini soup that’s full of tender meat, cheesy pasta, and a rich broth without costing much. Simple pantry ingredients make a comforting dinner that comes together quickly. Dish out this budget-friendly recipe tonight and enjoy a filling meal that satisfies the whole table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Bacon Egg Salad
Upgrade sandwiches or wraps with bacon egg salad that combines creamy eggs and crispy bacon on a budget. Simple ingredients create a filling and flavorful meal without spending much. Mix this low-cost recipe tonight and enjoy a quick meal that tastes more expensive than it is.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Let the slow cooker handle tomato lime chicken for a hands-off dinner that stays affordable and full of flavor. Juicy chicken absorbs tangy lime and tomato without using expensive ingredients. This low-cost recipe makes a satisfying meal that fills the table with simple, bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Lemon Butter Pasta
Brighten up dinner with lemon butter pasta that’s creamy, tangy, and budget-friendly. Simple pantry staples like butter, lemon, and pasta create a rich sauce without extra cost. Whip up this affordable recipe and enjoy a filling meal that tastes fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Make cheesy beef and rice casserole for a hearty one-pot dinner that stretches ingredients and the budget. Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese combine into a rich, filling dish everyone can enjoy. Try this low-cost recipe for a satisfying meal that feels comforting and complete.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Roasted Asparagus Soup
Roasted asparagus soup turns simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful, and inexpensive meal. Roasting the asparagus brings out the natural flavor before blending into a smooth, filling soup. Use this low-cost recipe as a starter or light dinner that tastes delicious without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cook lentil soup in the Instant Pot for a protein-packed, budget-friendly meal that’s fast and filling. Lentils and simple vegetables come together to create a hearty dish without spending much. This affordable recipe makes weeknight dinners simple, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Transform lasagna into quick roll-ups for a filling dinner that doesn’t take hours or a lot of money. Cheese, sauce, and noodles combine into a rich, comforting dish using simple ingredients. This budget-friendly recipe turns a classic favorite into an easy meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Give canned tuna a bold upgrade with pesto and sundried tomatoes for a fast, affordable meal. Simple ingredients mix into a fresh, filling dish that works for lunch or dinner. This easy-to-make budget recipe turns pantry staples into a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Chicken Tenders
Cook chicken tenders coated in cornflakes for a crunchy, juicy, and low-cost dinner that everyone will enjoy. Simple ingredients make the chicken special without adding expense. This budget-friendly recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for kids or adults.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Nicoise Omelet
Build a quick, protein-packed meal with a Nicoise omelet that combines eggs, vegetables, and simple seasonings. This easy one-skillet recipe is filling, flavorful, and affordable. Try this budget-friendly dish for a meal that works for any time and satisfies without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Omelet
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Make semi-homemade chicken enchiladas for a cheesy, hearty dinner that uses rotisserie chicken to save time and money. Simple ingredients come together to create a filling dish for the family. This budget-friendly recipe delivers big flavor while keeping costs low.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Make tortilla pizza in the air fryer for a fast, crispy, and cheesy meal that doesn’t cost much. Crisp tortillas replace traditional dough while simple toppings create a flavorful dish. This budget-friendly recipe comes together quickly and works for lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza