Cooking every day doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. It’s easy to feel stuck making the same three meals over and over. This list solves that problem with 35 meals that are simple to make and easy on your wallet. These quick and tasty recipes fit into your regular meal plan and can be enjoyed year after year. Say goodbye to stress and hello to dinners that save both time and money.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Italian Meatball Soup
Whip up a hearty Italian meatball soup that’s packed with flavor but easy to make. The meatballs cook in a simple, savory broth with basic ingredients, creating a filling meal that doesn’t cost much. Try this budget-friendly soup and enjoy a complete dinner without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Try a quick twist on lasagna with roll-ups filled with cheese and sauce that bake faster than traditional lasagna. They use fewer ingredients while still giving a rich, comforting flavor everyone will enjoy. This budget-friendly meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t stretch your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Calzones
Make handheld calzones filled with ingredients you already have for an easy and fun dinner. They’re simple to put together and cost very little while still delivering plenty of flavor. Serve these budget-friendly pockets and feed the family without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken and Rice Soup
Stir together chicken, rice, and vegetables in a simple broth for a filling, comforting soup. Using leftover chicken keeps this recipe quick and affordable while still tasting fresh. Try this budget-friendly soup for a fast dinner that satisfies both your stomach and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Combine tender chicken with orzo, herbs, and cheese for a simple, flavorful dinner that cooks quickly. The orzo soaks up the sauce for a satisfying meal without using expensive ingredients. This budget-friendly dish is perfect for a tasty weeknight meal that won’t cost much.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Add tomatoes and crispy bacon to classic mac and cheese for a richer, more flavorful meal without extra fuss. The recipe uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand and comes together in one pan. Try this budget-friendly comfort food for a filling dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Cacio e Pepe
Whip up cacio e pepe in 15 minutes with just a few basic ingredients for a simple but flavorful pasta dish. The creamy cheese and pepper sauce make a satisfying meal without needing expensive items. This easy, budget-friendly dinner is perfect for nights when time and money are tight.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Homemade Orecchiette
Roll up homemade orecchiette for a pasta dish that feels special but is easy to make at home. The soft, chewy pasta soaks up sauce beautifully and uses simple, low-cost ingredients. Serve this budget-friendly meal for a filling dinner without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Cook risotto with peas and lemon for a bright, creamy dish that comes together quickly in one pot. The recipe uses affordable ingredients and avoids long, complicated steps while still tasting rich. Try this budget-friendly risotto for a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much money or time.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Combine quinoa with spinach and Parmesan for a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s simple to prepare. The ingredients are easy to find and cost very little while creating a filling, flavorful dish. This budget-friendly quinoa is perfect for a meatless dinner that keeps both your stomach and wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Chicken Fried Rice
Turn leftover chicken into a flavorful fried rice with vegetables and simple seasonings for a quick, one-pan meal. The ingredients are affordable and come together fast for a satisfying dinner. Bring this budget-friendly dish to the table and enjoy a hearty meal without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Lemon Butter Pasta
Whip up a lemon butter pasta with just a few ingredients for a light but filling dinner that cooks quickly. The creamy butter and tangy lemon combine for a flavorful, low-cost meal everyone will enjoy. Serve this easy, budget-friendly pasta when you want a fast and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cook a hearty lentil soup in the Instant Pot with inexpensive ingredients for a filling, healthy dinner that comes together almost instantly. The flavors are rich and comforting while keeping costs low. Pour a bowl of this budget-friendly soup and enjoy a warm, simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Caprese Panini
Assemble a caprese panini with melty cheese and fresh ingredients for a fast, satisfying sandwich that tastes special without extra cost. It comes together in minutes and uses simple pantry staples. Make this budget-friendly panini for lunch or dinner that feels quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Potato Gnocchi
Enjoy soft, pillowy potato gnocchi that’s simple to make at home and pairs perfectly with your favorite sauce. The ingredients are affordable, and the dish comes together quickly for a comforting meal. Serve this budget-friendly gnocchi for a classic dinner that won’t stretch your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Combine tuna and tomatoes for a protein-packed pasta dish that takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and is quick to prepare. Bring this budget-friendly pasta to the table for a filling and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cook a Mexican skillet quinoa with beans, corn, and salsa for a one-pan meal that’s quick, colorful, and flavorful. The recipe uses low-cost ingredients while creating a hearty dinner. Dish up this budget-friendly skillet meal and enjoy a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Toss together pasta with fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta for a fast, satisfying dinner that feels hearty without extra cost. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this dish quick to prepare. Serve this budget-friendly pasta when you want a tasty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Creamy Pea Pasta
Combine pasta with a creamy pea sauce for a fast, flavorful, meatless dinner that comes together in one pan. The ingredients are affordable and easy to cook while still tasting rich and satisfying. Plate this budget-friendly pasta for a simple, filling meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Stir leftover rotisserie chicken into cheesy tortellini and broth for a comforting soup that’s quick to make and full of flavor. The recipe uses inexpensive ingredients while providing a hearty, balanced meal. Ladle this budget-friendly soup into bowls for a warm, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Layer ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one pot for a hearty meal that’s both filling and simple to make. The ingredients are inexpensive and come together quickly for a comforting dinner. Serve this budget-friendly casserole and enjoy a rich, satisfying meal without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Spinach Souffle
Whip up a spinach souffle that looks impressive but takes just a few simple ingredients and minimal time to prepare. The dish is light, flavorful, and easy on the budget. Put this budget-friendly souffle on your table for a special dinner that doesn’t cost a lot.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Souffle
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Combine rotisserie chicken with peas and rice for a creamy risotto-style meal that cooks quickly and tastes comforting. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and come together without extra effort. Plate this budget-friendly risotto for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Cook ground beef with pasta and pantry seasonings for a quick, hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The recipe uses inexpensive ingredients that are easy to find. Bring this budget-friendly skillet to dinner for a filling, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Let a slow cooker handle Mexican street corn soup for a creamy, flavorful dinner that’s nearly hands-off. Affordable ingredients come together for a rich, satisfying meal. Dish up this budget-friendly soup and enjoy a simple, hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Gochujang Noodles
Toss noodles with spicy gochujang sauce, vegetables, and mushrooms for a bold, fast, and satisfying dinner. The ingredients are inexpensive while delivering rich, comforting flavors. Plate this budget-friendly noodle dish for a filling meal without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles
Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe
Stir together spinach, mushrooms, and rice for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinner that comes together in one pan. The recipe uses affordable ingredients and minimal effort. Serve this budget-friendly rice dish for a simple, tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Cook shrimp with a simple tomato sauce for a seafood pasta dinner that comes together in no time. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly while still tasting rich and flavorful. Bring this pasta to the table for a filling, low-cost dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Corn and Tomato Chowder
Simmer corn, tomatoes, and simple seasonings for a chowder that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. The ingredients are inexpensive and come together quickly for a full meal. Pour this budget-friendly chowder into bowls for a satisfying dinner without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Tomato Chowder
Pizza Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with pizza toppings for a fun, easy meal that’s quick to assemble and full of flavor. The ingredients are affordable and come together without extra work. Plate this budget-friendly pasta salad for a colorful and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Bake palmini noodles with feta and tomatoes for a quick, low-carb meal that tastes rich and satisfying. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and come together in one pan. Serve this budget-friendly pasta for a fast dinner that fills everyone up without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Sauté garlic until golden and toss it with pasta, olive oil, basil, and chili for a flavorful, simple meal. The recipe uses basic, low-cost ingredients that deliver bold flavor without fuss. Plate this budget-friendly pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner that keeps costs low.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Cook wild rice with mushrooms and simple seasonings for a rich, nutty soup that’s filling and easy to make. The ingredients are affordable, and the recipe saves time by cooking the rice while preparing the other components. Ladle this budget-friendly soup for a comforting meal that works well for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
Bake pork chops with rice and seasonings for a hearty meal that’s simple to assemble and full of flavor. The ingredients are inexpensive and cook together in one dish for easy cleanup. Serve this budget-friendly casserole for a satisfying dinner that feeds the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Toss broccoli and tofu with a simple sauce for a fast, healthy, and flavorful vegetarian meal. The ingredients are easy to find and won’t cost much while creating a filling dinner. Plate this budget-friendly stir fry for a weeknight meal that keeps both your stomach and wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry