There’s no denying that grocery shopping is more expensive than ever. So if you’re looking for ways to get supper on the table without breaking the bank, these 14 affordable dinner recipes can help. Better yet: stock up on protein sources when they’re on sale at the supermarket to make dinner even cheaper in the end.
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
This Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes dish has all the flavor, including seasoned, roasted potatoes and tender steak bites cooked in a rich sweet and spicy smoky sauce made with honey, chipotle and garlic.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot
You’ll love this Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta dish for a number of reasons. One, you’ll use only one dish to make dinner. Two, it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. And three, it’s delicious.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta
Pasta is always an affordable option for cooks on a budget. With this Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta recipe, you’ll use bowtie pasta mixed with seasoned chicken chunks and topped with bacon.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta
Pork Loin in the Crock Pot
When cooking this pork loin in the Crock Pot recipe, line the bottom of the crock with chunks of sweet potato, regular potato or another starch. Then, when it’s ready, you have a main dish and side.
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin in the Crock Pot
Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine
If you have leftover linguini in the fridge and frozen shrimp in the freezer, you can combine the two to make this classic Italian dish. It may not scream Tuesday night dinner, but it works.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine
Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole
This fast and inexpensive Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole recipe ticks all the boxes: protein, veggies and cheese. Plus, you’re using a store-bought rice and pasta blend — purchased with a coupon, of course.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
Looking to save money? Find ways to turn last night’s leftovers into something new for tonight. That’s what this Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe is all about. You make it with leftover rice, chicken and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
Salmon in the Air Fryer
To get more salmon in your diet on a budget, buy it frozen and in bulk from your favorite warehouse or wholesale club. Then, pop it in the air fryer where, in no time, you’ll have a beautifully cooked filet.
Get the Recipe: Salmon in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks
This Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks recipe has just four ingredients. That’s one of the reasons it is so affordable. Also, prep time is about 10 minutes, and it’s ready to eat in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks
Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie
You think that a supermarket rotisserie chicken is the cheapest option? Think again. This recipe for how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer will change your mind about supermarket rotisserie chicken forever.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie
Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls
One of my favorite ways to save money is by finding new ideas for leftovers. With these copycat Trader Joe’s arancini rice balls, you can use leftover risotto to make these cheese-filled fried balls.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls
Steak in the Air Fryer
If your budget only allows for a cheaper slab of beef, great news: when you cook steak in the air fryer, it comes out tasting like you got an expensive cut. Think the budget version of sirloin.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the Air Fryer
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer
My grandmother always made barbecue chicken when we went to her house for a weeknight dinner. She was as frugal as they come. When you employ your air fryer, you can make them, too, on the cheap.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Experience the delicious taste of fried chicken without the oil or hassle by preparing these chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. The entire process, from prep to cooking, takes just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks