Trying to eat well without spending a ton of money can feel tough, but it doesn’t have to be. This list of 24 budget-friendly meals makes it easy to cook at home without blowing your budget. From quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing favorites, these meals are simple, affordable, and full of flavor.
Potato Gnocchi
Homemade potato gnocchi is easy to make and budget-friendly, giving you a restaurant-quality meal at home. These soft dumplings pair well with any sauce, making them a versatile option for any dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s cheap and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes is a flavorful and affordable dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The sundried tomatoes add a burst of flavor that elevates the simple tuna into something more special. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or quality.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These semi-homemade chicken enchiladas make a quick and delicious dinner that won’t break the bank. Using rotisserie chicken saves both time and money, making this meal a great choice for busy nights. The flavors come together easily, providing a comforting and budget-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This Mexican skillet quinoa is a protein-packed, budget-friendly meal that’s loaded with flavor. With ingredients like black beans, corn, and salsa, it’s a satisfying dish that’s both healthy and cheap. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a filling meal without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Loaded with chicken, beans, and corn, this soup is filling and won’t cost much to prepare. It’s an affordable dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and affordable meal that’s ready in no time. The rich cheddar and fresh broccoli make it a comforting dish that’s also easy on the wallet. It’s a great option for a quick, budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is a simple pasta dish that’s both budget-friendly and quick to make. With just a few ingredients like pasta, cheese, and pepper, this meal comes together in minutes for an easy dinner. It’s perfect when you need something fast, flavorful, and cheap to make.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups offer all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a faster, more affordable way. These cheesy, budget-friendly roll-ups are perfect for weeknight dinners when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. They’re easy to prepare, cost-effective, and deliver big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta is a simple, budget-friendly dish that’s full of flavor. The combination of peas and creamy sauce makes it a comforting and satisfying meal that won’t cost much. It’s an easy, delicious option for a quick and affordable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tomato Basil Bisque
Skip the pricey canned soups and make this fresh tomato basil bisque at home for a more budget-friendly option. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful, comforting soup that’s cheap and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade meal that saves money and tastes great.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This chicken egg roll in a bowl is a quick, budget-friendly alternative to takeout that’s packed with flavor. It’s an affordable and easy-to-make meal that satisfies your craving for Chinese food. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a delicious and cost-effective way to enjoy a tasty dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Lemon roasted chicken is a flavorful and affordable way to enjoy a classic meal. The lemon adds a fresh twist that keeps the dish bright and tasty without costing much. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dinner that delivers flavor without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Chicken and Dumplings
This chicken and dumplings recipe uses leftover chicken to create a hearty, budget-friendly meal. The fluffy dumplings and rich broth make this a comforting dish that’s easy on your wallet. It’s a great way to use what you have and still enjoy a filling, homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Grown-up mac and cheese adds a twist to the classic by mixing in tomatoes and bacon for extra flavor. It’s still an easy, budget-friendly dish but with a little more depth and richness. This recipe is perfect for those who want comfort food without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This tuna and tomato pasta is a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like tuna and tomatoes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful dish at home without spending a lot. It’s a cheap, tasty option that doesn’t take long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Fried Rice
This chicken fried rice is a budget-friendly way to turn leftover chicken into a tasty meal. Add your favorite veggies to round out the dish and create a quick, affordable dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s an easy way to use up what’s in your fridge and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Turn leftover chicken into a comforting and budget-friendly chicken tortellini soup. The cheese tortellini adds heartiness to the soup, making it a filling meal that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a great way to stretch your ingredients and create a delicious dinner without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This cheesy beef and rice casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for feeding a family. It combines ground beef, rice, and cheese to create a filling dish that’s simple to make and affordable. It’s a great option when you need to stretch your groceries and still enjoy a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Calzones
Homemade calzones are a fun, budget-friendly alternative to ordering out. Filled with flavorful ingredients, these handheld treats are easy to make and perfect for a quick, affordable dinner. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both tasty and cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy pizza night at home. Made with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, they come together quickly for an easy meal. These pizza rolls are perfect for a tasty dinner that won’t cost much or take too long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Pizza Pot Pies
These pizza pot pies are a fun and budget-friendly take on traditional pizza night. Filled with chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings, they offer a creative way to use leftovers. It’s a tasty, affordable dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Bacon Egg Salad
Upgrade a classic egg salad with leftover bacon for added flavor and a budget-friendly meal. This recipe is an easy way to use up extra ingredients and create a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy a simple, affordable dish that’s packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy stuffed shells is a delicious and budget-friendly vegetarian option that’s perfect for a hearty meal. The gooey cheese filling makes this dish comforting and satisfying while keeping costs low. It’s an easy, affordable dinner that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells