Cook More, Spend Less with These 31 Budget-Friendly Recipes

Cooking at home does not have to drain your wallet or feel like extra work at the end of the day. With a handful of smart recipes, you can make meals that are filling, tasty, and simple to prepare without spending much. These ideas stretch ingredients, cut down on waste, and still bring flavor to the table. Cook more, spend less with these 31 easy and budget-friendly recipes that prove saving money can still mean eating well.

Image shows yummy cheesy beef and rice casserole.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Three quarter view of deconstructed chicken egg roll in a red bowl with chopsticks resting on top.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A one-pan egg roll in a bowl makes dinner fast, filling, and affordable without the need for wrappers. It’s packed with flavor and comes together quickly using ingredients that do not cost much. Cook more and spend less with this easy budget-friendly recipe that turns simple items into something that feels special.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Bacon Egg Salad

Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.
Bacon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Leftover eggs can be turned into a creamy and filling salad with crispy bacon that works on toast, in wraps, or straight from a bowl. It’s easy to prepare, uses inexpensive ingredients, and makes a meal that feels hearty and complete. Save money and eat well by turning basics into a dish worth making again and again.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows delicious tomato basil bisque recipe.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A pot of tomato basil bisque made from pantry staples feels rich and satisfying without being expensive. It cooks quickly, fills the table, and proves that budget meals do not need to be boring. Warm up your week with this simple budget-friendly recipe that makes dinner feel special.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Image shows a hand holding a buffalo chicken salad sandwich against a white background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tossing leftover chicken with a spicy dressing makes a salad that is bold, exciting, and low-cost. It works well on greens, in a wrap, or even as a sandwich for a quick and filling meal. Spend less and still enjoy big flavor by making this easy, budget-friendly recipe tonight.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A pound of ground beef stretches into a cheesy rice casserole that feeds a full table without spending much. It’s hearty, filling, and makes enough for leftovers that stay just as tasty the next day. Cook more and spend less with this budget-friendly recipe that makes comfort food easy.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pasta shells filled with cheese and baked in sauce create a dinner that feels cozy, hearty, and complete without using meat. The recipe is simple, satisfying, and proves that you do not need many ingredients for a filling meal. Make this budget-friendly recipe when you want a dinner that tastes rich but costs very little.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Potato Gnocchi

Bowl of homemade gnocchi with parmesan
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft potato gnocchi made at home brings a dish that feels special but only uses a few simple ingredients. It’s filling, easy to pair with any sauce, and much cheaper than ordering out. Cook more, spend less, and let this budget-friendly recipe bring comfort to your table.

Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A skillet of quinoa mixed with beans, corn, and spices makes a protein-packed dinner that is both simple and low-cost. It cooks in one pan, is easy to adjust to what you have, and leaves you with a meal that feels complete. Save money and eat well with this budget-friendly recipe that brings big flavor without the price.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned tuna mixed with pesto and sundried tomatoes creates a quick dinner that requires no cooking and costs very little. It comes together in minutes and works well for lunch, light dinners, or busy nights. Keep it simple and budget-friendly by making this fresh and flavorful recipe.

Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Adding bacon and tomatoes to a box of mac and cheese creates a dinner that feels richer than its price. It’s fast to prepare, inexpensive to make, and filling enough for busy nights. Cook more, spend less, and let this budget-friendly recipe turn a classic into something new.

Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pasta, cheese, and black pepper come together to make a dinner that feels rich without costing much. It uses very few ingredients, cooks quickly, and fills the table with comfort in no time. Try this simple budget-friendly recipe when you want something tasty that doesn’t stretch your wallet.

Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pizza Pot Pies

Image shows a fork with a great cheese pull taking a bite from a blue ramekin containing a chicken pizza pot pie.
Pizza Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Leftover odds and ends can turn into bubbling pizza pot pies that bake golden and full of flavor. They’re fun to make, filling to eat, and cost far less than ordering pizza. Save money and still enjoy comfort food by making these easy and budget-friendly pies tonight.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Frozen peas and a simple sauce transform pasta into a creamy dinner that tastes cozy and filling. It’s quick to prepare, affordable to make, and works for busy nights when time is short. Stretch your budget and keep dinner satisfying with this easy and flavorful recipe.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Image shows A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli around it.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A thick, creamy broccoli cheddar soup comes together fast in the Instant Pot with affordable staples. It’s rich, hearty, and makes enough to keep everyone full without spending much. Make this simple budget-friendly recipe when you want soup that feels like comfort in a bowl.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Leftover chicken and frozen pasta turn into a hearty one-pot soup that feels warm and filling. It’s quick to make, easy on the wallet, and rich enough to serve for dinner or lunch the next day. Keep your meals budget-friendly and satisfying with this classic comfort dish.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Lemon Roasted Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Roasting chicken with lemon and simple spices makes a meal that is juicy, golden, and affordable. It takes little effort, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes like a classic dinner. Stretch your grocery dollars by making this easy and budget-friendly recipe at home.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows easy to make chicken enchiladas in a blue pyrex.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Using cooked chicken and store-bought sauce, you can make cheesy enchiladas that bake into a gooey and filling dish. They’re quick to prepare, inexpensive, and still taste like comfort food. Bring bold flavor to the table with this easy, budget-friendly recipe that saves both time and money.

Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A pot of chicken and dumplings makes a dinner that is hearty, cozy, and surprisingly low-cost. It uses leftover chicken, simple broth, and soft dumplings to create a meal that feels complete. Keep your weeknights easy with this budget-friendly recipe that makes comfort food without the high price.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Leftover chicken and frozen vegetables make fried rice that is quick, flavorful, and filling. It’s far cheaper than takeout and just as satisfying when you want something fast. Try this budget-friendly recipe for a simple dinner that turns basics into something special.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned or leftover chicken tossed with a few fridge staples makes a meal that works in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own. It’s easy to prepare, filling enough for dinner or lunch, and it doesn’t cost much at all. Save money and keep things simple with this quick and budget-friendly recipe.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Pizza Rolls

Image shows yummy bite of pizza rolls.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn simple leftovers into cheesy pizza rolls that bake up golden and delicious. They’re quick to put together, easy to share, and packed with flavor using what you already have in the fridge. This is a budget-friendly dinner that feels exciting, filling, and fun to eat.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make a warm pot of chicken tortilla soup with beans, tomatoes, and broth for a dinner that feels hearty and complete. It comes together quickly, feeds the table without effort, and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. This recipe keeps costs low while still giving you a flavorful and filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Calzones

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Wrap your favorite leftovers inside dough and bake until golden for calzones that feel like a treat. They’re simple to prepare, filling, and bring a fun twist to a weeknight dinner. Use pantry staples to create handheld meals that taste special without costing much.

Get the Recipe: Calzones

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Toss pasta with tuna and tomato for a quick dinner that feels hearty and satisfying. It uses pantry staples, cooks in minutes, and leaves you with leftovers that taste just as good the next day. This recipe proves you can make a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without spending a lot.

Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Roll pasta with cheese and sauce to make lasagna roll-ups that are faster than the classic version but just as tasty. They’re hearty, simple to prepare, and perfect for leftovers that reheat well. This recipe takes budget-friendly ingredients and turns them into a comforting and complete dinner.

Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Skip the pricey meal out and make this copycat Il Fornaio rigatoni alla vodka at home. It tastes like the restaurant version but costs a fraction of the price and makes enough to serve the whole family. This recipe shows that you can enjoy a rich Italian favorite without spending extra.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Keto Bacon Fathead Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Forget delivery and use this bacon fathead dough for a pizza night that is fast and low-cost. It’s made without cream cheese, keeping things simple and cheap while still giving you a tasty crust. This recipe is a smart way to beat takeout when you want pizza on a budget.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Venison Stew

Venison stew in a red pot with a wooden spoon.
Venison Stew. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Make a hearty venison stew that cooks slowly until tender and full of rich flavor. It blends meat with vegetables and herbs for a filling dish that feels special on a Sunday night. Serve it with bread for a budget-friendly meal that is comforting and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Venison Stew

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Coat pork chops with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy dinner that looks and tastes like a treat. They cook quickly, use inexpensive ingredients, and still feel like a special meal. This recipe proves you can keep dinner affordable and still serve something impressive.

Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Image shows delicious french onion salisbury steak.
French Onion Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Make Salisbury steak with a French onion twist for a rich dinner that doesn’t cost much. It uses ground beef, pantry staples, and a simple gravy for flavor that feels like a classic comfort meal. Serve it with potatoes or bread for a budget-friendly dish that tastes like more than the sum of its parts.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Fry eggs with chicken and vegetables to make patties that are filling and quick to cook in one pan. A simple sauce adds flavor without driving up the cost or effort. This easy recipe turns inexpensive ingredients into a meal that feels fun and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Enjoy this article? Please share it and save it for later!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.