Getting delicious dishes that are easy on your wallet can be challenging. These 21 easy and tasty recipes offer hearty main meals without a high price tag. Each recipe is designed to be simple and budget-friendly, making it easier to enjoy great food without overspending. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, these dishes will help you stick to your budget while still serving up satisfying and flavorful meals.
![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-1024x576.jpg)
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)
These cheesy stuffed shells are a wallet-friendly choice that brings comfort food to your table without much effort. Filled with creamy ricotta and fresh vegetables, they’re a delightful vegetarian option. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for an affordable, cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Kefta Kebabs
![Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefta-kebabs-on-skewers-on-a-white-platter.jpg)
Kefta kebabs offer a burst of rich, spicy flavor in a budget-conscious package that’s easy to whip up. Marinated with a blend of fragrant spices, these kebabs are both flavorful and quick to prepare. Pair them with your favorite side or dipping sauce for a satisfying, affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
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)
Lemon roasted chicken offers a bright, tangy twist on a classic dish that’s as easy on your budget as it is on your palate. The juicy, tender chicken is infused with citrusy goodness, creating a flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a delicious, affordable option for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
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)
Creamy pea pasta is a quick, budget-friendly meal that combines simplicity with satisfying flavor. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the protein-rich peas, creating a dish that’s both filling and light. This pasta is an easy and affordable choice for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken and Dumplings
![Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-and-dumplings.jpg)
Chicken and dumplings deliver a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings are simmered together in a rich, savory broth, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a classic comfort food without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
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)
This pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes adds a burst of bold flavor to a simple, budget-friendly meal. The combination of rich pesto and sweet, tangy tomatoes elevates the classic tuna salad to a satisfying lunch or light dinner. It’s a quick, affordable option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
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)
Shortcut chicken salad offers a quick, budget-friendly solution for a tasty meal that’s ready in minutes. Made with canned chicken, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. This easy salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner when you need a delicious meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
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)
Cacio e Pepe is a classic, budget-friendly pasta dish that delivers rich, creamy flavor with just a few ingredients. Pecorino cheese and freshly ground black pepper create a simple, satisfying sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s an easy and affordable dinner option that’s perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna 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)
Tuna tomato pasta combines pantry staples into a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The simple combination of tuna, tomatoes, and pasta creates a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s a satisfying option that won’t break the bank, making it ideal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tomato Pasta
Pizza Roll-Ups
![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)
Pizza roll-ups offer a fun, budget-friendly twist on a classic favorite that’s easy to make at home. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s both satisfying and wallet-friendly. These roll-ups are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a kid-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Roll-Ups
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)
Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas make it easy to enjoy a flavorful, budget-friendly meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using leftover chicken, you can create cheesy, delicious enchiladas that are both quick to prepare and satisfying. It’s a perfect solution for a tasty weeknight dinner that won’t strain your budget.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
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)
Chicken egg roll in a bowl transforms the flavors of a classic egg roll into a budget-friendly, easy-to-make meal. This quick stir-fry combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and savory seasonings for a dish that’s both satisfying and affordable. It’s an ideal choice for a busy night when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
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)
Cheesy beef and rice casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dish that brings comfort food to the table with minimal effort. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese are baked together in a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that’s as economical as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Shredded BBQ Chicken
![Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BBQ-chicken-sandwich-on-a-wooden-board.jpg)
Shredded BBQ chicken is a versatile, budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. The tender chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, smoky sauce, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that can be used in a variety of ways.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Potato Gnocchi
![Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Potato-Gnocchi.jpg)
Homemade potato gnocchi offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without leaving your kitchen. These soft, pillowy dumplings are easy to make and perfect for pairing with your favorite sauce. It’s a fun, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
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)
Calzones are a budget-friendly way to enjoy a customizable, homemade meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fill them with your favorite ingredients for a dish that’s both fun to make and satisfying to eat. These golden, baked pockets are an affordable way to bring a little creativity to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
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)
Bacon egg salad is a delicious, budget-friendly twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for sandwiches or a light lunch. The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to the creamy egg salad, creating a satisfying combination of flavors. It’s an easy, affordable option that turns simple ingredients into a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
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)
Weeknight lasagna roll-ups offer a simplified, budget-friendly take on a family favorite that’s both easy and satisfying. Rich cheese and savory sauce are rolled up in tender pasta, creating a dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a convenient way to enjoy lasagna without the hassle of layering, making it ideal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
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)
Mexican skillet quinoa is a budget-friendly, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and protein. Quinoa, black beans, and corn are cooked together with zesty salsa, creating a dish that’s both hearty and healthy. It’s an easy, affordable dinner option that delivers big on taste without requiring a lot of time or money.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chicken Fried Rice
![Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bowl-of-chicken-fried-rice.jpg)
Chicken fried rice is a quick, budget-friendly dish that transforms leftovers into a flavorful, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings, it’s a colorful and easy option for a weeknight dinner. This dish is an affordable way to enjoy a homemade meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
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)
Pizza pot pies offer a creative, budget-friendly twist on a classic comfort food that’s perfect for using up leftovers. These mini pies are filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, making them a fun and satisfying meal. It’s an affordable way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a new and delicious form.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies