13 budget-friendly meals that are tastier and cheaper than eating out

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Eating out can get pricey fast, but making great food at home doesn’t have to cost a lot. These budget-friendly recipes make meals that are satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for when you’re watching your spending. With simple ingredients and short cooking times, these dishes let you enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Skip the takeout and try these options that are as flavorful as they are affordable.

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov

Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This rice dish, ready in 40 minutes, combines basmati rice with dried fruits, nuts, and colorful veggies. The rice gets infused with spices like cinnamon and cumin, creating a lightly sweet, aromatic dish. Each bite offers a mix of textures with tender grains, crunchy nuts, and chewy fruits. It’s a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that feels festive yet practical.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This 30-minute sheet pan meal features tender chicken thighs roasted with paprika, bell peppers, onions, and potatoes. The smoky, savory flavors meld as the veggies caramelize, adding depth to the juicy chicken. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a one-pan solution for busy nights. The paprika adds warmth, while the veggies bring natural sweetness to this hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This 25-minute dish brings tender chicken and mixed vegetables together with warming spices in a rich tomato sauce. Made in the Instant Pot, the chicken cooks quickly, absorbing flavors from cumin, garlic, and bell peppers. It’s a savory, tangy dish that’s comforting and full of layered flavors. With just one pot, it’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked feta pasta, ready in 30 minutes, combines creamy feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta for a rich, tangy flavor. The feta melts down, creating a silky sauce with a hint of saltiness, perfectly complementing the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. Tossing it with pasta makes each bite creamy and flavorful. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s easy on the wallet and the clock.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce

White fish fillets on a white plate with lemon wedges and fork.
Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This 20-minute white fish recipe combines mild, flaky fish with a tangy white wine and lemon sauce. The white wine adds a slight acidity, balancing the richness of butter and fresh herbs. It’s a simple, elegant dish with a depth of flavor that feels special yet budget-friendly. Served with rice or vegetables, it’s a light, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Kebabs on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These vegetarian kofta kebabs, ready in 40 minutes, feature hearty chickpeas, herbs, and spices shaped into flavorful, meaty bites. They’re aromatic with warm spices and herbs, giving a satisfying texture and depth. Served with pita or over rice, they offer a plant-based meal with hearty flavors. This dish is both filling and affordable, perfect for meatless nights.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Mujadara

White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mujadara is a traditional dish of lentils and rice, ready in about 45 minutes, topped with caramelized onions. The caramelized onions bring a hint of sweetness to the nutty flavors of lentils and rice. Each bite is hearty and earthy, ideal for a simple yet nutritious meal. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a protein-rich, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

A plate of pasta with mushrooms and sprigs of dill.
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This 45-minute pasta kugel combines pasta with mushrooms, leeks, and creamy eggs for a savory, cozy dish. The mushrooms add an earthy note, while the leeks provide a mild onion flavor. Baked until golden, it’s both creamy and slightly crisp on top. It’s a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s versatile enough for any night.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This 50-minute recipe features juicy chicken marinated in buttermilk, baked alongside potatoes for a cozy meal. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, adding a subtle tang, while the potatoes become soft and flavorful. Each bite is creamy, savory, and comforting, ideal for family meals. It’s a satisfying, affordable dish that feels like a treat without the cost.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella, ready in about an hour, combines chicken with prunes, olives, and a garlic-herb marinade. The prunes add a hint of sweetness, while the olives bring a briny contrast to the tender chicken. It’s a complex yet approachable dish that feels festive but fits the budget. This Mediterranean-inspired meal brings bold flavors to the table without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These marinated drumsticks, ready in 45 minutes, bring together garlic, lime, and cumin for a flavorful, juicy bite. The lime adds brightness, while the cumin adds warmth and depth to each drumstick. Baking them locks in the flavor, giving a caramelized finish on the skin. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that keeps costs low without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These chicken kofta kebabs, ready in 30 minutes, combine ground chicken with spices and fresh herbs for a juicy, flavorful bite. The kebabs are grilled to perfection, giving a smoky char that complements the spices. Each bite is savory and fragrant, great for serving with a simple salad or pita. It’s a quick, affordable way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Cheesy Eggs

A person scooping a dish of eggs in a skillet.
Cheesy Eggs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cheesy eggs, ready in 10 minutes, blend eggs with gooey cheese for a creamy, savory dish. The cheese melts into the eggs, creating a rich texture with a slight stretch from the cheese. Each bite is satisfying and perfect for a quick, affordable breakfast or brunch. It’s a comforting meal that brings big flavor with minimal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggs

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