Finding dinners that are both tasty and easy on the wallet can be tricky. These 37 recipes make it simple to put a meal on the table without spending too much time or spending all evening cooking. The recipes are full of flavor, quick to make, and use ingredients that are easy to find, so dinner feels satisfying without costing a fortune.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Potato Gnocchi
Make soft potato gnocchi with a few simple ingredients for a meal that cooks quickly and feels satisfying. The dish uses low-cost pantry staples but delivers a comforting and filling dinner. Serve this easy and tasty dinner to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Stir chicken into cheesy tortellini and broth for a soup that comes together fast and tastes rich. The recipe is full of flavor while staying budget-friendly and easy to make. Ladle this simple soup for a dinner that warms the stomach and keeps costs low.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken and Rice Soup
Combine chicken, rice, and vegetables in a flavorful broth for a soup that fills everyone up. The ingredients are inexpensive, and the recipe comes together quickly without extra effort. Serve this easy soup for a dinner that’s both comforting and smart on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Toss pasta with cheese and pepper for a quick meal that tastes rich and satisfying. The recipe uses just a few ingredients but still delivers bold flavor without costing much. Plate this fast pasta recipe for a dinner that feels special while staying budget-wise.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Cook rice with peas and lemon for a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in just one pot. The ingredients are low-cost but combine to create a meal that’s full of flavor, texture, and a fresh, bright taste. This simple risotto makes a satisfying dinner that fills the stomach, tastes rich, and stays easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Spinach Soufflé
Whip together spinach with a few ingredients for a light dish that looks impressive but is easy to make. The recipe is affordable while still giving a rich and satisfying taste. Serve this playful soufflé for a dinner that feels fancy without costing a fortune.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Soufflé
Italian Meatball Soup
Simmer meatballs in a savory broth with vegetables for a soup that’s hearty and filling. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to assemble, making it a smart choice for dinner. Ladle this simple soup for a meal that fills the table while keeping costs low.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Blend peas into a creamy sauce and toss with pasta for a meatless dinner that comes together fast. The ingredients are low-cost but create a rich, satisfying flavor. Plate this simple pasta for a meal that fills everyone without emptying the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Mix tuna and tomatoes with pasta for a fast, protein-packed meal that tastes rich. Pantry staples keep this dish inexpensive while still being filling and flavorful. Serve this easy pasta for a dinner that hits all the right notes without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Roll cheese and sauce into lasagna for a fast dinner that’s comforting and easy to serve. The recipe uses fewer ingredients but keeps the flavors rich and satisfying. Bring this simple roll-up to the table for a hearty dinner that stays budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Homemade Orecchiette
Roll fresh orecchiette with simple ingredients for a chewy pasta dish that cooks quickly. The recipe is low-cost but delivers a rich, homemade flavor that fills the table. Serve this delicious pasta recipe for a dinner that tastes fresh and satisfying without spending extra money.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mix bacon and tomatoes into classic mac and cheese for a rich, filling dinner that comes together fast. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly while giving a comforting, cheesy meal. Plate this mac and cheese for a dinner that satisfies hunger without stretching the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Combine quinoa, beans, corn, and salsa in one skillet for a colorful and filling meal. The recipe uses simple, inexpensive ingredients but still delivers bold, satisfying flavors. Serve this dish for a dinner that’s easy, tasty, and smart on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Toss pasta with tomatoes and ricotta for a quick dish that feels creamy and indulgent. The ingredients are inexpensive, and the recipe comes together in minimal time. Plate this simple pasta for a dinner that tastes rich while staying easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Cook chicken with orzo, herbs, and cheese for a fast, flavorful dinner that fills the table. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find while still creating a satisfying meal. Serve this dish for a weeknight dinner that tastes special without costing much.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Calzones
Fill calzones with pantry ingredients for a handheld meal that’s fun and satisfying. The recipe is quick to make and uses low-cost ingredients while still tasting rich. Bring these calzones to the table for a dinner that everyone enjoys without extra spending.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken Fried Rice
Turn leftover chicken into fried rice with vegetables for a one-pan, filling dinner. The ingredients are inexpensive, and the dish comes together fast without extra effort. Plate this easy fried rice for a complete dinner that’s simple, tasty, and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Lemon Butter Pasta
Toss pasta with butter and lemon for a quick dinner that’s creamy, bright, and full of flavor. The ingredients are easy to find and low-cost, yet they come together to create a meal that feels rich and satisfying. This simple pasta cooks fast, fills the stomach, and makes a dinner that tastes special without costing much.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cook lentils in the Instant Pot for a hearty soup that is full of protein and flavor. The ingredients are inexpensive and come together quickly without extra work. Ladle this irresistible soup for a dinner that satisfies hunger and keeps the budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Caprese Panini
Stack cheese, tomatoes, and basil for a quick panini that tastes rich while using simple ingredients. The recipe comes together fast and stays budget-friendly while still being filling. Serve this panini for lunch or dinner that’s easy, tasty, and wallet-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese come together in a pan to make a hearty and filling meal that works for any night of the week. The ingredients are inexpensive but combine to create a rich, comforting dinner that tastes satisfying and complete. This dish is easy to cook from start to finish, keeps the family full, and provides a satisfying meal without spending much money.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Chicken, peas, and rice create a creamy risotto that comes together quickly and easily. The ingredients are inexpensive yet create a dish that feels satisfying and flavorful. This risotto is a practical weeknight dinner that stretches your budget without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Quinoa mixed with spinach and Parmesan turns into a protein-packed, filling meal that cooks fast. The ingredients are low-cost but combine for a dish that tastes fresh and rich. It’s a light, meatless dinner that keeps the table full without extra spending.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Gochujang Noodles
Noodles tossed with gochujang, vegetables, and mushrooms create a spicy and satisfying meal in minutes. The ingredients are affordable but deliver bold flavor and a hearty texture. This noodle dish is easy to make and doesn’t compromise on taste while staying budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles
Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice
Spinach, mushrooms, and rice come together in one pan for a simple, flavorful meal. The recipe uses inexpensive ingredients that make a filling dinner without extra effort. This rice dish is a practical option for nights when time and money are limited.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Palmini noodles baked with feta and tomatoes create a creamy, rich pasta that comes together quickly and tastes indulgent without extra effort. The ingredients are low-cost but combine to make a full, satisfying flavor that feels special for a simple dinner. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare, fills the table, and keeps the budget under control while still delivering a comforting, tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Air Fryer Ham Steak
Ham steaks crisp up in the air fryer while staying tender inside for a simple, hearty dinner. The recipe uses minimal ingredients that are affordable but flavorful. This method creates a satisfying meal without spending much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak
Ramen Chicken Noodles
Chicken, noodles, and broth come together in a hearty, savory meal that cooks quickly and keeps the kitchen simple. The ingredients are inexpensive, easy to find, and come together without extra effort, making it a practical option for weeknight dinners. This ramen bowl is filling, flavorful, and satisfying while staying easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters roast in the air fryer until the skin is crispy and the meat stays tender and juicy inside. The recipe is quick, easy to follow, and uses simple ingredients that are low-cost and easy to find. This dinner is hearty, filling, and practical for weeknight cooking, giving a satisfying meal without taking too much time or stretching the budget.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Broccoli and tofu tossed with a simple sauce make a quick, filling stir-fry full of flavor. The ingredients are cheap, but combine into a meal that satisfies hunger. This one-pan dinner is easy to cook and keeps costs low without losing taste.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Shrimp cooks quickly in a simple tomato sauce for a pasta dish that feels rich and satisfying. The ingredients are affordable while still giving a fresh, flavorful dinner. This meal comes together fast and provides a filling option that won’t stretch the budget.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Pork chops get a crunchy coating from panko breadcrumbs for a tender, flavorful dinner. The recipe uses inexpensive ingredients that turn a simple protein into a hearty meal. This dish is easy to cook and delivers a satisfying dinner without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Wild rice and mushrooms simmer together for a nutty, rich soup that fills the stomach. The ingredients are low-cost yet combine to make a comforting and flavorful dinner. This soup is easy to prepare and keeps the meal affordable while satisfying hunger.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Bomb Meatloaf
Ground meat mixes with seasonings and a tangy glaze to make a tender, juicy meatloaf. The ingredients are inexpensive and create a filling dinner that feels substantial without costing much. This recipe is simple to put together and makes a classic meal that the whole table enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
Spicy tuna over rice brings together simple, everyday ingredients for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor. The recipe is budget-friendly but still creates a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and filling enough for the whole family. With minimal prep and fast cooking, this rice bowl comes together easily and keeps dinner affordable without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic, olive oil, chili, and fresh herbs mix with pasta for a quick, bold-flavored dinner. The ingredients are inexpensive but produce a meal that tastes rich and satisfying. This pasta comes together in minutes and provides a fast, filling option for the table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice
Chicken thighs cook with rice in the Instant Pot for a tender, complete meal with minimal hands-on time. The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and stay budget-friendly. This dinner comes out consistently well and provides a hearty, affordable option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice