Empty wallet? 17 cheap dishes with big flavor!

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Ready to save big on dinner without skimping on flavor? You’re in the right place! We get it—feeding a family or even just yourself can add up, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or resort to instant noodles every night. With the right tips and a sprinkle of creativity, you can whip up meals that are as friendly on the wallet as they are on the palate.

So, grab your apron and let your taste buds lead the way. We’ve rounded up a treasure trove of recipes and ideas that’ll make you the dinnertime hero, all while keeping that budget in check. Trust us, these meals are so delish, no one will ever guess how little you spent. Get ready to feast like a king, even if you’re spending like a pauper!

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Pork Chops with Tomatoes & Green Onion

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Quick-cooking boneless chops get the royal treatment with a topping of diced tomatoes and green onion. A touch of tarragon enlivens the pan sauce, and this easy dish is ready in a jiffy!
Get the recipe: Pork Chops with Tomatoes & Green Onion

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Loaded with beef, beans, veggies, and miles of cheese, this easy peasy cornbread casserole is an easy and affordable fix in your slow cooker.
Get the recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Broccoli Rabe and Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Just like the restaurant classic dish, this masterpiece is made quickly and easily at home! Who doesn’t love plump sausage and crisp broccoli rabe tossed together with a great sauce and plenty of pasta. It’s an affordable dish to make, too!
Get the recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Potato & Green Pea Chowder

Made with affordable potatoes and frozen peas, this lightened version is perfect for a tasty meal or starter. It’s a quick and easy fix that’s easy on your wallet, too!
Get the recipe: Potato & Green Pea Chowder

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This is such an easy recipe! Made with inexpensive chicken thighs, these meaty thighs are sweet, garlicky, and ready in a jiffy when you cook them in your air fryer! You simply can’t pack more flavor into chicken!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Sausage Parmigiana

Sausage Parmigiana on a white plate with a red napkin and a glass of wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins

Meaty pork sausage, a delish and savory sauce, and plenty of cheese make this easy-peasy meal a dinner winner. Pass the noodles or eat it like it is for a meaty, saucy, cheese delight the whole family will love.
Get the recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Super easy, quick, and tasty, this meaty meal features tender chunks of steak seared with lots of garlic. The mushrooms add even more flavor, and the whole dish is ready in a jiffy.
Get the recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

2 mini casseroles with chicken dish.
Chicken & Zucchini Casserole. Photo Credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken & zucchini pair up in this easy casserole that’s ready in a jiffy. With tender chunks of chicken, crisp zucchini, and a plate licking-worthy sauce, this casserole is hard to beat!
Get the recipe: Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Cubano Casserole

Brimming with pulled pork, ham, and a generous helping of cheese, this scrumptious casserole captures the essence of a Cubano sandwich in a one-dish delight! And of course, don’t overlook the pickles for that extra zing!
Get the recipe: Cubano Casserole

Cacio e Pepe

Want to feel like you’re dining in a fancy Italian restaurant without actually leaving your house? Our cacio e pepe recipe is here to make all your dreams come true! It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, with cheesy goodness and a kick of black pepper.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pizza Casserole

Pizza casserole in a square baking dish.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Indulge your pizza cravings with this insanely delicious and super-simple casserole! Packed with pepperoni, cheese, peppers, mushrooms, and more, feel free to customize and incorporate all your beloved pizza toppings into this oven-baked delight!
Get the recipe: Pizza Casserole

Canned Corned Beef & Cabbage

Super-affordable canned corned beef is the star of this meaty dish. Make with inexpensive cabbage, round out this meaty meal with a side of mashed taters or eat it just like it is for a hearty dinner.
Get the recipe: Canned Corned Beef & Cabbage

Chicken Fried Rice

A little bit of chicken goes a long way, especially when you combine it with rice and veggies. Ready in a jiffy, Chicken Fried Rice will feed the family without denting your wallet.
Get the recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Bacon-Fried Corn

Bacon-Fried Corn in a black serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Few side dishes are as tasty as Bacon-Fried Corn, and this mighty combo of ingredients is so darn good! Easy to make and ready in under 10 minutes, this is the side dish you never knew you were missing.
Get the recipe: Bacon Fried corn

Korean Beef Bowl

Get ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Asia with this meaty masterpiece! Ground beef gets a flavorful makeover with bold Asian spices that’ll make your mouth water. And the best part? This dish won’t break the bank because it’s made with affordable ground beef!
Get the recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Baked Chicken with Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Not only is this an easy dish to master, but the thick, creamy onion gravy is loaded with garlic! With flavor in every bite, this is one must-try chicken dish that everyone will want you to make again and again!
Get the recipe: Baked Chicken with Onion Gravy

Easy Burrito

Are you ready to be a burrito-making master? Our easy burrito recipe is the perfect way to show off your culinary skills! It’s like a culinary adventure with the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

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