Craving something new for dinner, but worried about the grocery bill? We’ve got 21 delicious main courses that are so easy you can whip them up after work. Get ready to cook some tasty, budget-friendly dinners that everyone loves and will never remind you of the ramen you survived on in college.
![Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Calzones-1024x576.jpg)
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Beef-and-Rice-Casserole.jpg)
This casserole stretches your grocery budget. Ground beef, rice, and cheese come together for a hearty and flavorful meal that feeds a crowd. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Creamy Pea Pasta
![Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Pea-Pasta.jpg)
Craving comfort food without spending a lot? This vegetarian pasta with peas is packed with flavor and comes together in a flash. It’s a win for both your taste buds and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Pizza Rolls
![Image shows a Pizza roll on a white plate in front of a pyrex with the rest of the batch in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pizza-rolls.jpg)
Take
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Overhead-shot-of-chicken-tortilla-soup-in-a-red-bowl-on-wooden-table.jpg)
This chicken tortilla soup is a budget-friendly champion. Hearty with chicken, beans, and corn, it’s flavorful and filling, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
![Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Canned-Chicken-Salad.jpg)
Beat the heat with this no-cook chicken salad. Made with canned chicken and simple ingredients, it’s a delicious and refreshing lunch option that’s easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
![Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Pesto-and-Sundried-Tomato-Tuna-Salad.jpg)
Elevate your tuna salad game with this grown-up twist. Pesto and sundried tomatoes add a burst of flavor to this classic recipe, making it a delicious and affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
![Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pot-with-chicken-egg-roll-in-a-bowl.jpg)
Craving takeout but want to save money? This chicken egg roll in a bowl recipe is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a delicious and budget-friendly meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
![Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lasagna-roll-up-on-a-plate.jpg)
Short on time but still want lasagna? These lasagna roll-ups come to the rescue. They offer all the cheesy goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Calzones
![Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Calzones.jpg)
Skip the delivery! Calzones are a delicious and budget-friendly option for a meatless Monday meal. Filled with a variety of yummy ingredients, these handheld treats are sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
![Image shows A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli around it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Instant-Pot-Broccoli-Cheese-Soup.jpg)
This creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Made in an Instant Pot, it’s quick and easy to prepare, offering comforting flavor and affordability in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Easy-Cheesy-Stuffed-Shells.jpg)
Craving a vegetarian meal that’s easy on the wallet? These gooey stuffed shells are bursting with flavor and comfort, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pizzakins.jpg)
Put a fun twist on
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Chicken Tortellini Soup
![Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-tortellini-soup.jpg)
Don’t toss out leftover rotisserie chicken! This comforting soup uses leftover chicken and cheese tortellini to create a delicious and cheap way to turn leftovers into a new meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
![Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Grown-up-mac-and-cheese-in-a-casserole-dish.jpg)
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with this flavorful and budget-friendly twist. Adding tomatoes and bacon creates a grown-up flavor profile that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
![Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-enchiladas-in-a-blue-pyrex.jpg)
Short on time but craving Mexican food? No problem! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, making them a delicious and affordable meal you can whip up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Lemon Roasted Chicken
![Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lemon-Roasted-Chicken.jpg)
Brighten up your dinner routine with this simple lemon-roasted chicken. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic roasted chicken, making it a delicious and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Bacon Egg Salad
![Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bacon-egg-salad-sandwich-on-a-white-plate.jpg.webp)
Give your egg salad a salty and delicious upgrade with leftover bacon. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a perfect filling for a sandwich or lettuce wrap.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Tomato Basil Bisque
![Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Tomato-Basil-Bisque.jpg)
Skip the expensive canned soup and make this fresh tomato basil bisque instead. Packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly way to warm up on a chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
![Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mexican-Skillet-Quinoa.jpg)
This protein-packed quinoa dish is a budget-friendly champion. Black beans, corn, and salsa add bursts of flavor and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cacio e Pepe
![Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cacio-e-Pepe-on-a-plate.jpg)
This cheesy pasta dish is a surprising budget-friendly find. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
![Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tuna-and-tomato-pasta.jpg)
This simple pasta dish is so easy to make that even kids can help! Packed with flavor and affordability, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner that’s easy on the wallet but tastes like you ordered from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta