Don’t break the bank: 19 deliciously frugal dishes

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When it’s time to put dinner on the table, the food we enjoy often comes with a hefty price tag. But what if you could savor mouthwatering dishes without emptying your wallet? This collection of recipes has your wallet in mind, where every bite is a celebration of flavor, and every recipe is a testament to budget-friendly brilliance.

We’ve scoured the culinary landscape to bring you 20 delectable dishes that prove you don’t need deep pockets to dine like royalty. Join us on a thrifty yet tantalizing journey through a world of taste, where every meal is a triumph of flavor and frugality. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these thrifty treasures are your ticket to culinary satisfaction without breaking the bank.

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Potato Gnocchi

Dive into the homemade goodness of budget-friendly Potato Gnocchi, where comfort meets cost-effectiveness. Savor a satisfying meal that won’t stretch your budget, all while relishing in the rich flavors of this classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Dive into the budget-friendly delight of Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl, where a single bowl combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, and savory seasonings without breaking the bank. Satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e Pepe

Indulge in a budget-friendly delight with Cacio e Pepe, a cheesy sensation that won’t empty your pockets. This quick pasta dish offers simple satisfaction, proving that gourmet flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Delight in the whimsical world of Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs, a budget-friendly option that brings smiles without a hefty price tag. These fun-filled treats are both economical and enjoyable, making them perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Chicken and pea risotto on a spoon with more in a green bowl behind it.
Chicken and Pea Risotto. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken and Pea Risotto

Enjoy a quick and flavorful twist on chicken and pea risotto, a comforting dish made with ease. This cheater recipe incorporates tender rotisserie chicken and peas into a creamy risotto-style dish, sans the traditional arborio rice and extensive stirring. With a hint of Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a delightful shortcut without compromising on taste. Experience the creamy, satisfying goodness of chicken and pea risotto without the fuss, perfect for a weeknight meal that’s ready in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Savor the simplicity and affordability of Tuna and Tomato Pasta, a budget-friendly weeknight favorite ready in minutes. With this quick meal, enjoy a delicious escape without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Canned Chicken Salad

Enjoy a hassle-free and refreshing summertime meal with budget-friendly canned chicken salad, combining convenience and affordability while savoring delightful flavors. Relish in a satisfying meal that won’t strain your budget.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy Pea Pasta

Embrace budget-friendly dining with Creamy Pea Pasta, a meatless marvel that’s both quick and pocket-friendly. This dish proves that you can enjoy creamy comfort without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Vegan Couscous Salad

Rediscover the versatility of couscous in this budget-friendly vegan salad, packed with veggies and flavor. It’s a cost-effective main course or side dish that won’t put a dent in your wallet, allowing you to dine deliciously and economically.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Dive into the world of budget-friendly meatless meals with Mexican Skillet Quinoa. This gluten-free recipe is brimming with protein, flavor, and affordability, making it a wallet-friendly and tasty option for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Elevate your sushi experience with budget-friendly spicy tuna rolls, where canned tuna shines as a delicious and cost-effective alternative. Satisfy your sushi cravings without emptying your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Caprese Panini

Experience classic flavors on a budget with the Caprese Panini, where melty cheese and comfort meet affordability. This budget-friendly dish provides a quick and “fancy” meal that satisfies your palate without emptying your pockets.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Introducing the delectable Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole, a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. This hearty one-pot wonder satisfies your cravings with irresistible flavors and cost-effective ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Dumplings

Warm your soul with classic chicken and dumplings, a comforting dish made even easier with leftover rotisserie chicken. This budget-friendly recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth for a homestyle meal that won’t strain your budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows a three quarters angle shot of a Savory Pulled Pork Cinnamon Roll on a small plate with the rest of the batch behind it.
Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in the harmonious fusion of sweet and savory with our Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls. These delectable rolls are filled with tender pulled pork, adding a mouthwatering twist to the classic treat. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you craving more, all while keeping your budget intact.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Indulge in the hearty goodness of chicken stew with biscuits, a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. This budget-friendly recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy biscuits for a wholesome and filling meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Treat yourself to the flavors of the Southwest with a tantalizing Southwest tortilla pie. Featuring rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, all nestled between crisp tortillas and topped with melted cheese, this budget-friendly pie offers bold flavors and satisfying textures without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Pizza Rolls

Indulge in a savory cinnamon roll-style dinner with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce. This budget-friendly twist on a classic cinnamon roll brings you the perfect balance of savory ingredients, wrapped in a fluffy, cinnamon-infused dough and baked to perfection. Elevate your dinner table with this delicious and satisfying savory cinnamon roll pizza, ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Image shows Chicken enchiladas in a blue pyrex pan.
Chicken enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Transform your dinner table with budget-friendly, mouthwatering chicken enchiladas that leverage rotisserie chicken for savory and economical family dining. Savor the flavors without compromising your budget.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

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