Dinner getting boring? This recipe list has 23 cheap and easy meals that are so good, you won’t believe how affordable they are. Ditch the takeout menus and get ready to cook up some delicious and affordable 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)
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? These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, making them a delicious and budget-friendly meal you can whip up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
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)
Don’t throw away leftover chicken! Turn it into a delicious and easy meal with this chicken fried rice recipe. You can add your favorite veggies, making it a great way to clean out the fridge and have a fun dinner together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
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 with this lemon-roasted chicken. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic roasted chicken, making it a simple yet delicious and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
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 a fun twist on classic
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
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! It’s a great option for a quick and affordable weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
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)
Tired of spending hours making lasagna? These lasagna roll-ups come together in minutes and offer all the cheesy goodness of lasagna without the long baking time. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
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 is a grown-up twist on classic tuna salad. It’s still an easy recipe, but with the addition of pesto and sundried tomatoes, it offers a more complex and flavorful option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
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 creamy comfort food? This vegetarian pasta with peas is budget-friendly, easy to make, and full of flavor. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
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)
These individual pot pies are filled with chicken, cheese, and your favorite
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
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 this recipe that adds leftover bacon. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and perfect 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
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)
Skip the takeout and make comforting chicken and dumplings at home instead! This recipe uses leftover chicken to create fluffy dumplings and a flavorful broth, all for a budget-friendly price.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
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 quick to make in an Instant Pot. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s filling and flavorful while being easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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 the perfect solution. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it a delicious and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
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 quick, easy, and hearty. Made with chicken, beans, and corn, it’s a flavorful and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla 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 recipe that adds in tomatoes and bacon. It’s a flavorful and budget-friendly twist on a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
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 full of flavor and budget-friendly. 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
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 gooey stuffed shells are perfect for a vegetarian meal that won’t break the bank. They’re full of flavor and comfort, making them a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
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)
This comforting soup is made with leftover rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini, making it a delicious and cheap way to use up leftovers. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
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 surprisingly cheap and quick to make, taking only 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
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 gnocchi might sound fancy, but it’s actually quite easy and cheap to make. These pillowy dumplings are delicious and can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
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)
This no-cook chicken salad is a lifesaver on hot days. Made with canned chicken and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick and refreshing lunch without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
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 hearty casserole is full of flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with ground beef, rice, and cheese, it’s a cheap and easy way to get a satisfying meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole