As payday approaches, we’ve all been there – the day before payday when the pantry seems bare, and the wallet is feeling a bit light. It’s the time when you want a hearty and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Fear not, as we bring you a collection of 21 cheap and delicious recipes tailored for the day before payday!
These recipes are designed to be budget-friendly, using flavorful but affordable ingredients. From delicious pasta dishes to savory one-pan meals, these recipes will help you create tasty and fulfilling dinners without the worry of overspending. Let’s make the day before payday a delicious and economical experience, where you can enjoy good food without straining your budget.
Air Fryer Ham Steak
Treat yourself to an affordable delight with our Air Fryer Ham Steak. This economical recipe brings out the best in ham, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and budget-conscious meal. Elevate your weeknight dinners with this affordable delight that won’t strain your budget. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or a special treat, this ham steak is a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Indulge in a budget-friendly comfort with our Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Packed with savory goodness, this economical recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that won’t break the bank. The simplicity of the slow cooker makes this dish perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty dinner without the hassle. Enjoy the taste of comfort without worrying about your budget.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Discover the joy of an affordable yet delicious meal with our Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. This cost-effective recipe combines juicy chicken with roasted sweet potatoes for a simple and wallet-friendly dinner that’s both nutritious and comforting. The sheet pan method makes this dish easy to prepare and clean up, making it a convenient option for those looking for a hassle-free dinner. Enjoy a delicious and economical meal without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies
Experience an economical feast with our Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies. This cost-effective recipe brings together the richness of salmon, the sweetness of maple, and the simplicity of roasted vegetables for a flavorful and budget-conscious dinner. The sheet pan method ensures easy preparation and minimal cleanup, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an effortless and tasty meal. Delight in the combination of sweet and savory flavors without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner
Delight in a thrifty Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner that celebrates seasonal ingredients without breaking the bank. This affordable recipe combines a variety of vegetables and proteins for a hearty and budget-conscious meal that’s easy on your finances and big on flavor. Perfect for embracing the flavors of autumn without the fuss, this sheet pan dinner is a delightful and economical option for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the taste of the season without straining your budget.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Enjoy a cost-effective Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner that’s both simple and delicious. This budget-friendly recipe features juicy chicken sausages and roasted veggies for an easy and thrifty meal perfect for any night of the week. The sheet pan method makes preparation a breeze, offering a convenient option for those looking for a no-fuss dinner. Indulge in a flavorful and economical dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Savor this wallet-friendly Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies dinner that’s as easy on your budget as it is on your taste buds. This cost-effective recipe combines the goodness of salmon with a medley of roasted vegetables, creating a simple and flavorful meal without breaking the bank. The sheet pan method ensures quick and easy preparation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious and economical dinner. Enjoy the health benefits of salmon without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback
Delight in an economical twist with our Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. This budget-conscious recipe transforms chicken into a flavorful masterpiece with the classic Caprese combination, offering a delicious and thrifty dinner option. The hasselback presentation adds a touch of sophistication to the dish, making it a perfect choice for those looking to impress without overspending. Treat yourself to a delightful and economical dinner with this creative Caprese twist.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Treat yourself to an affordable Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. This cost-effective recipe features perfectly seasoned pork chops and roasted veggies for a simple yet satisfying meal that’s kind to your budget without compromising on flavor. The sheet pan method ensures easy preparation and cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a convenient and tasty dinner. Enjoy the savory goodness of perfectly seasoned pork chops without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Embrace comfort with our Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. This economical recipe combines savory sausages with colorful peppers for a hearty and flavorful meal that won’t strain your finances. The slow cooker method ensures tender and juicy sausages, making it a convenient option for those looking for a comforting and economical dinner. Enjoy the classic combination of sausage and peppers without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Enjoy an affordable fiesta with our Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. This cost-effective recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavorful and budget-conscious Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy days. The slow cooker method ensures tender and juicy chicken with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a convenient and delicious dinner. Treat yourself to a taste of Mexico without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Treat yourself to an economical and tasty meal with our Tuna Pesto Pasta. This budget-conscious recipe combines pantry staples for a quick and delicious pasta dish that proves you can enjoy gourmet flavors without breaking the bank. The combination of tuna and pesto adds a burst of flavor to the pasta, making it a satisfying and thrifty option for those looking for a simple yet delicious dinner. Enjoy a budget-friendly pasta dish with gourmet flair.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger
Warm up with our easy and inexpensive Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. This economical recipe brings together simple ingredients for a comforting and flavorful soup that’s easy on your finances. The addition of ginger adds warmth and depth to the soup, making it a perfect choice for those chilly days when you crave a nourishing and budget-friendly meal. Indulge in the comfort of homemade soup without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
Savor budget-friendly deliciousness with our Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. This economical recipe features perfectly seared chicken thighs for a simple and flavorful meal that won’t stretch your budget. The cast iron method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a delicious and thrifty option for those seeking a straightforward and tasty dinner. Enjoy the simplicity of perfectly cooked chicken thighs without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
Italian Chicken Cutlets
Indulge in an affordable Italian feast with our Italian Chicken Cutlets. This cost-effective recipe transforms chicken into a crispy and flavorful dish that’s both easy on your budget and big on taste. The Italian-inspired seasonings add a burst of flavor to the dish, making it a satisfying and thrifty option for those craving a taste of Italy. Enjoy the simplicity of homemade Italian chicken cutlets without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets
Turkey Smash Burgers
Dive into an economical burger experience with our Turkey Smash Burgers. This budget-friendly recipe delivers juicy and flavorful turkey burgers that are both satisfying and easy on your finances. The smash burger method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a delightful and thrifty option for those looking for a simple yet tasty burger. Enjoy the goodness of turkey burgers without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers
Sausage and Peppers
Enjoy a taste of Italy with our Sausage and Peppers without the expensive flight ticket! This economical recipe combines savory sausages with sweet peppers for a simple and flavorful dish that won’t break the bank. The classic combination of sausage and peppers is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying and thrifty dinner. Treat yourself to the flavors of Italy without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers
Ground Pork Stir Fry
Discover a thrifty flavor explosion with our Ground Pork Stir Fry. This cost-effective recipe turns budget-conscious ingredients into a tasty stir fry that’s quick, easy, and satisfying. The stir fry method ensures a flavorful and colorful dish, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a variety of flavors without breaking the bank. Indulge in an economical twist to your weeknight meals with this savory stir fry option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Experience a budget-friendly twist with our Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. This economical recipe combines ground beef and sweet potatoes for a hearty and budget-conscious dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious. The skillet method ensures quick and easy preparation, making it a convenient option for those seeking a flavorful and economical dinner. Enjoy the hearty combination of beef and sweet potatoes without straining your budget.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Enjoy an economical twist on a classic with our Air Fryer Turkey Burgers. This cost-effective recipe delivers juicy and flavorful turkey burgers cooked to perfection in the air fryer, offering a simple and budget-conscious option for a quick meal. The air fryer method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a delicious and thrifty choice for those looking for a hassle-free dinner. Treat yourself to the goodness of air-fried turkey burgers without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Baked Blackened Salmon
This oven-baked blackened salmon recipe has smoky, spicy blackening seasoning on rich, savory salmon for a delicious main dish. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy and versatile weeknight dinner! Enjoy the bold flavors of smoky and spicy blackened salmon in this easy and versatile weeknight dinner. The savory and succulent salmon, coated with a rich blackening seasoning, creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Treat yourself to a flavorful and hassle-free dinner without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon