13 budget-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor

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Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. We’ve put together a list of budget-friendly recipes that are easy to make and taste amazing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something a bit more indulgent, these meals have you covered.

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is easy to make, tender, and juicy, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Great for a budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans, all made on one sheet pan. Perfect for a quick, affordable dinner that’s full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced shaved beef makes this stir-fry quick to prepare. The crave-worthy sauce rivals any takeout, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is an easy, healthy casserole. Using leftover rotisserie chicken keeps it simple and affordable for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cream cheese chicken is your answer to boring weeknight meals! Seasoned with five spices, it’s creamy and full of savory goodness, perfect for a budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This southwestern ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy one-pan meal everyone will love. It’s great for meal-prepping and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta dish can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have. It tastes like it’s been simmered all day, perfect for an affordable, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a vegan twist on your favorite takeout with Kung Pao chickpeas. The bold flavors make this dish taste like the original with a simple protein swap.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is an easy weeknight meal. Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic dish made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta uses Pecorino Romano cheese and pasta water for a great, economical meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick stir fry with ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms in an Asian-inspired sauce. Easy to prepare and budget-friendly without losing any flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This vegetable bean skillet is packed with fresh vegetables and two kinds of beans. An easy, hearty meatless meal that’s great for saving money.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are the perfect meatless meal. Melted cheddar and creamy BBQ sauce make it flavorful and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

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