Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean settling for bland or boring meals. If you’re tired of the same old dishes and want to save money, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together 21 budget-friendly dinner ideas that are big on flavor and light on your wallet. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, these recipes are simple, delicious, and easy to make.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These chicken enchiladas use rotisserie chicken to save time and money. They offer a delicious, budget-friendly option for those busy nights when Mexican food cravings hit. Get a tasty meal on the table quickly without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Enjoy a hearty, budget-friendly meal with this chicken tortilla soup. It’s packed with chicken, beans, and corn, making it both filling and flavorful. This recipe is ideal for a satisfying and affordable dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Fried Rice
Transform leftover chicken into a tasty fried rice dish that’s easy on the budget. Add your favorite veggies to make it a complete meal, perfect for a quick and affordable dinner. This is a great way to use up leftovers and save money.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta is a comforting and budget-friendly choice for dinner. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying option that won’t break the bank. Enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Calzones
Homemade calzones are a tasty and budget-friendly alternative to delivery. Filled with flavorful ingredients, these handheld treats are perfect for a simple, affordable dinner. Enjoy a delicious meatless meal that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This pesto tuna salad adds a flavorful twist to a classic dish. The sundried tomatoes bring extra taste, making it a delicious and budget-friendly option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a quick, affordable meal with a gourmet touch.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a budget-friendly pasta dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it perfect for those times when a comforting, affordable meal is needed. Enjoy a quick and easy dinner that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Pizza Pot Pies
These individual pizza pot pies are a fun and budget-friendly take on pizza night. Filled with chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings, they make a great meal that’s both tasty and affordable. A creative way to use leftovers and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups are a speedy and budget-friendly option for a cheesy, satisfying dinner. They offer all the flavors of traditional lasagna with less time and expense. Perfect for a quick, easy meal that still delivers on taste.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese recipe adds a twist with tomatoes and bacon, offering a flavorful upgrade that’s still easy on the wallet. It’s a grown-up version of a classic dish that remains budget-friendly. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s both tasty and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy stuffed shells are a delicious and budget-friendly choice for a vegetarian meal. They’re filled with gooey cheese and baked to perfection, providing a comforting and satisfying dinner. A great option for a hearty meal that won’t cost much.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Pizza Rolls
These pizza rolls are a fun and affordable way to enjoy pizza night. Made with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, they’re perfect for a quick, easy meal that’s both tasty and budget-friendly. Great for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Lemon Roasted Chicken
This lemon-roasted chicken adds a fresh twist to a classic dish while remaining budget-friendly. The lemon brightens up the flavors, making it a delicious and affordable option for dinner. Enjoy a simple and tasty meal without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This quinoa dish is a protein-packed and budget-friendly meal. With black beans, corn, and salsa, it’s full of flavor and nutrients, making it a satisfying and easy-to-make option. A great way to enjoy a healthy meal without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Bacon Egg Salad
Upgrade a classic egg salad with leftover bacon for added flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up extra ingredients and create a tasty, budget-friendly filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This no-cook chicken salad is a simple and budget-friendly choice for lunch or dinner. Made with canned chicken and basic ingredients, it’s a refreshing and easy meal that won’t strain the wallet. Perfect for a quick, inexpensive meal.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This easy-to-make pasta dish is a budget-friendly favorite for busy weeknights. With tuna and tomatoes, it’s packed with flavor and offers a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for a quick, affordable dinner that’s still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This recipe provides a budget-friendly alternative to takeout with its quick and easy preparation. Packed with flavor, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t cost much. Enjoy a tasty and affordable dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This beef and rice casserole combines ground beef, rice, and cheese for a hearty, budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd on a tight budget. A great way to stretch your groceries and enjoy a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Dumplings
Make a comforting meal at home with this chicken and dumplings recipe that uses leftover chicken. The fluffy dumplings and flavorful broth make it a delicious and budget-friendly dinner. Skip takeout and enjoy a hearty, affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and budget-friendly option for a quick meal. Made in an Instant Pot, it’s easy to prepare and offers a comforting flavor at a low cost. Enjoy a delicious, affordable soup that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup