Cheap eats, big flavor: 21 budget-friendly recipes to try tonight

Photo of author

| Published:

There’s a prevailing myth that delicious, gourmet-worthy meals come with a hefty price tag. We’re here to debunk that notion with this collection where affordability meets exceptional flavor. From hearty comfort foods to creative twists on classics, these dishes will redefine your perception of budget-friendly dining.

Here you’ll find a selection of recipes that are not only kind to your wallet but also a celebration of taste. Whether you’re a college student on a tight budget, a family looking for ways to stretch your grocery dollars, or simply someone who appreciates good value, our recipes are crafted to show you that cost-effective cooking can be a delicious adventure.

Cast Iron Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.
Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Enjoy a budget-friendly feast with this hearty sheet pan dinner that combines seasonal vegetables and chicken apple sausage. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to make the most of your ingredients without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Dive into a world of budget-friendly flavor with these slow cooker chicken enchiladas. They’re a delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Discover the magic of budget cooking with these cast iron chicken thighs. With minimal cost, you can create a delicious and crispy meal that’s perfect for those watching their expenses.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sausage and Peppers

Let your budget-friendly culinary journey begin with this flavorful sausage and peppers recipe. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that proves you can eat well without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

When it comes to budget-friendly meals, slow cooker pulled chicken is a top choice. With tender and juicy chicken, it’s a dish that keeps your wallet happy while delighting your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate surrounded by a white linen, a glass of bear, soy ginger sauce, and cloves of garlic.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Soy Garlic Wings

Craving budget-friendly finger food? Look no further than these flavorful soy garlic wings. They’re an affordable and mouthwatering snack that’s perfect for a budget-conscious crowd.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Elevate your budget-friendly cooking game with this cheesy caprese stuffed chicken. It’s a meal that’s both impressive and budget-friendly, proving that you can dine well without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Embrace budget-friendly cooking with this comforting tortellini soup made easy in your Instant Pot. With affordable ingredients, it’s a bowl of goodness that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal with this simple tuna pesto pasta. It’s a dish that combines pantry staples for a burst of flavor without the budget strain.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Roasted herbes de provence chicken with thyme and lemon slices on a white plate.
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken

Delight in the affordability of this roasted herbes de Provence chicken. With aromatic herbs and spices, it’s a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken

A spoonful of soup is shown in the foreground over a bowl of Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Warm up with budget-friendly comfort by making this Instant Pot navy bean soup. It’s a wallet-friendly way to enjoy a hearty meal without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Hearty Marinara Sauce

Elevate your budget-friendly pasta dishes with this hearty marinara sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious way to add flavor to your meals without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey Smash Burgers

Enjoy an affordable burger night with these budget-friendly turkey smash burgers. With juicy patties and your favorite toppings, they’re a tasty treat that won’t strain your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

A bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is shown on a rustic wooden cutting board with parsley and a red linen.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Craving a comforting and budget-friendly soup? Look no further than this chicken and cabbage soup with ginger. With budget-conscious ingredients, it’s a bowl of warmth and flavor that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Sausage Spinach Quiche

Discover the affordability of homemade quiche with this sausage and spinach version. It’s a budget-friendly brunch option that’s as delicious as it is economical.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Spinach Quiche

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Craving a budget-friendly vegetarian option? These 25-minute black bean burgers are the answer. With affordable ingredients, they’re a quick escape to meatless delight.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Cacio e Pepe

Elevate your budget-friendly pasta night with classic cacio e pepe. With simple ingredients, it’s a dish that proves elegance doesn’t always come with a high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Say hello to affordable and effortless deliciousness with this slow cooker salsa chicken. With tender chicken and zesty salsa, it’s a versatile dish that won’t strain your budget.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Blackened chicmen thighs in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Spice up your budget-friendly dinner with these flavorful blackened chicken thighs. With bold flavors and affordable ingredients, they’re perfect for those seeking a little heat in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

A crock pot full of sausage, peppers, and marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Let your wallet and taste buds rejoice with this budget-friendly slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe. With the savory goodness of sausages and peppers, it’s a dish that’s perfect for a wallet-friendly feast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Craving budget-friendly finger food with a kick? Look no further than these hot honey lemon pepper wings. With a tantalizing combination of sweet and spicy, they’re perfect for affordable indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Cheddar stuffed turkey meatballs served with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Elevate your budget-friendly meatball game with these cheddar-stuffed turkey meatballs. They’re an affordable and cheesy delight that won’t strain your finances.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Embrace the simplicity and budget-friendliness of slow cooker honey mustard chicken. With tender chicken and a sweet yet tangy sauce, it’s a flavorful dish that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Leave a Comment

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