21 budget-friendly recipes that taste like a million bucks

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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.

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a Pizza roll on a white plate in front of a pyrex with the rest of the batch in it.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take pizza night to a fun new level with these kid-approved pizza rolls. Made with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, they’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun game night treat.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli around it.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

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.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a fork with a great cheese pull taking a bite from a blue ramekin containing a chicken pizza pot pie.
Pizza Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Put a fun twist on pizza night with these individual pot pies. Filled with chicken, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, they’re a great way to use leftover chicken and create a delicious and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.
Bacon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

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