Craving something new for dinner, but worried about the grocery bill? We’ve got 21 delicious main courses that are so easy you can whip them up after work. Get ready to cook some tasty, budget-friendly dinners that everyone loves and will never remind you of the ramen you survived on in college.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole stretches your grocery budget. Ground beef, rice, and cheese come together for a hearty and flavorful meal that feeds a crowd. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Creamy Pea Pasta
Craving comfort food without spending a lot? This vegetarian pasta with peas is packed with flavor and comes together in a flash. It’s a win for both your taste buds and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Pizza Rolls
Take
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is a budget-friendly champion. Hearty with chicken, beans, and corn, it’s flavorful and filling, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Beat the heat with this no-cook chicken salad. Made with canned chicken and simple ingredients, it’s a delicious and refreshing lunch option that’s easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Elevate your tuna salad game with this grown-up twist. Pesto and sundried tomatoes add a burst of flavor to this classic recipe, making it a delicious and affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Craving takeout but want to save money? This chicken egg roll in a bowl recipe is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a delicious and budget-friendly meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Short on time but still want lasagna? These lasagna roll-ups come to the rescue. They offer all the cheesy goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Calzones
Skip the delivery! Calzones are a delicious and budget-friendly option for a meatless Monday meal. Filled with a variety of yummy ingredients, these handheld treats are sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Made in an Instant Pot, it’s quick and easy to prepare, offering comforting flavor and affordability in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Craving a vegetarian meal that’s easy on the wallet? These gooey stuffed shells are bursting with flavor and comfort, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Pizza Pot Pies
Put a fun twist on
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Don’t toss out leftover rotisserie chicken! This comforting soup uses leftover chicken and cheese tortellini to create a delicious and cheap way to turn leftovers into a new meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with this flavorful and budget-friendly twist. Adding tomatoes and bacon creates a grown-up flavor profile that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Short on time but craving Mexican food? No problem! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, making them a delicious and affordable meal you can whip up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Brighten up your dinner routine with this simple lemon-roasted chicken. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic roasted chicken, making it a delicious and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Bacon Egg Salad
Give your egg salad a salty and delicious upgrade with leftover bacon. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a perfect filling for a sandwich or lettuce wrap.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Tomato Basil Bisque
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
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This protein-packed quinoa dish is a budget-friendly champion. 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
Cacio e Pepe
This cheesy pasta dish is a surprising budget-friendly find. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This simple pasta dish is so easy to make that even kids can help! Packed with flavor and affordability, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner that’s easy on the wallet but tastes like you ordered from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta