Finding tasty meals that don’t cost a lot of money can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. With these 25 recipes, you can enjoy big flavors without stretching your budget. From quick dinners to filling meals, these dishes are perfect for families looking to save while still eating well. Get ready for delicious meals that don’t break the bank.
Bacon Egg Salad
A creamy egg salad gets a smoky twist with crispy bacon, turning a simple dish into something special. It’s perfect for sandwiches or a quick lunch that doesn’t cost much to make. This budget-friendly recipe transforms basic ingredients into a meal that’s full of flavor and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A creamy blend of cheddar and fresh broccoli makes this soup both comforting and affordable. It’s a quick dinner option that saves time and money while delivering rich, hearty flavors. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for an easy way to enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Sundried tomatoes and pesto bring bold flavors to simple tuna for a light but satisfying dish. This budget-friendly meal is perfect for lunch or dinner and doesn’t take long to prepare. It’s a flavorful option that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Creamy Pea Pasta
Tender peas in a creamy sauce turn basic pasta into a dish that feels hearty and special. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to serve up something delicious and filling for dinner. With simple ingredients and plenty of flavor, it’s an easy choice for saving money without giving up taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Thai Chicken Chili
A bold mix of fragrant spices and tender chicken makes this chili a standout dish. It’s an affordable meal that delivers big flavor without requiring pricey ingredients. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying dinner that’s packed with heat and depth while staying budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Lemon Butter Pasta
A tangy lemon and rich butter sauce turn simple pasta into a comforting and flavorful meal. This budget-friendly recipe uses just a few ingredients to create something satisfying and delicious. It’s an ideal option for weeknight dinners when you want to save time and money without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cacio e Pepe
Simple ingredients like pasta, cheese, and pepper come together to create a dish that’s rich and full of flavor. This recipe is a quick and budget-friendly choice for busy nights when you want something satisfying. It’s proof that a few pantry staples can make an incredible meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa, black beans, and corn combine in a protein-packed dish that’s bursting with flavor. This one-pan meal is affordable and filling, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a healthy, hearty, and budget-friendly recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Pizza Roll-Ups
A fun twist on traditional pizza, these roll-ups are a creative way to enjoy a favorite meal. They’re budget-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite toppings for a personal touch. This recipe offers a delicious and affordable way to make dinner exciting while staying within your budget.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Roll-Ups
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese come together in a hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding the family. This budget-friendly casserole is simple to make and incredibly satisfying for everyone at the table. It’s a comforting option that’s easy on the wallet and great for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Crockpot Chili
Bold spices, tender meat, and hearty beans make this chili a filling and flavorful choice. This recipe is perfect for an affordable dinner that doesn’t require much effort but delivers incredible taste. It’s a great option for feeding a crowd without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chicken and Dumplings
A savory broth with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings makes this classic dish a go-to comfort meal. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that’s hearty and satisfying without costing a lot. This timeless favorite brings big flavor and warmth to the table without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Slow-cooked in smoky BBQ sauce, this shredded chicken works perfectly in sandwiches, wraps, or even on its own. It’s an economical recipe that turns basic ingredients into a meal full of rich, satisfying flavor. This dish is ideal for families looking for a versatile and budget-friendly dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Potato Gnocchi
Homemade potato gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings that feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home. This recipe is affordable and pairs well with any sauce, making it versatile for dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful and budget-friendly dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Bright lemon flavors and tender chicken make this roasted dish both flavorful and affordable. It’s simple to prepare and uses cost-effective ingredients to create something delicious. This recipe is a great choice for anyone who wants a satisfying dinner without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Chicken Fried Rice
Cooked rice, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables come together in a dish that’s both filling and easy on the wallet. This recipe turns leftovers into a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a quick, budget-friendly option that’s packed with flavor and satisfying for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Tomato Basil Bisque
Fresh tomatoes and basil come together in a creamy soup that’s rich in flavor and low in cost. This budget-friendly bisque is a comforting option that’s easy to make at home. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken keeps these enchiladas quick to prepare and affordable for busy weeknights. The simple ingredients come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish. This recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a satisfying dinner that’s both easy and cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Calzones
These golden, oven-baked pockets are packed with your favorite fillings for a fully customizable meal. This budget-friendly recipe is fun to make and perfect for a delicious dinner. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a homemade meal that feels special without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Tuna Tomato Pasta
Pantry staples like tuna and tomatoes create a flavorful pasta dish that’s satisfying and affordable. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a cost-effective choice for anyone looking to make a delicious meal without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tomato Pasta
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Loaded with chicken, beans, and corn, this soup is hearty, filling, and gentle on the wallet. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a comforting, flavorful meal for any busy night. It’s a budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and plenty of taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tenders
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these homemade chicken tenders are a fun alternative to fast food. This recipe is affordable and perfect for a weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s a delicious way to serve up a favorite dish while staying on budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes turn this mac and cheese into a richer, more satisfying version of the classic. This recipe is affordable, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight comfort food. It’s a delicious choice for anyone looking to enjoy a creamy, flavorful meal without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll are packed into this quick and affordable one-bowl meal. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home without breaking the bank. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something tasty, filling, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Creamy ricotta fills tender pasta shells to create a hearty and comforting dish. This recipe is budget-friendly, vegetarian, and perfect for family dinners that need to stretch a little further. It’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal that satisfies without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells