21 cheap dinner ideas you’ll want to make every week

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Finding delicious meals that don’t break the bank can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve gathered a collection of cheap dinner ideas that are not only easy on the wallet but also full of flavor. With a bit of creativity, you can transform simple ingredients into satisfying meals that the whole family will love.

I know how busy life can get, especially during the week when schedules are tight and time is limited. These dinner ideas are designed to be quick and straightforward, ensuring you can make them up without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, so you can make the most of your pantry staples.

What’s more, cooking at home saves money and creates an opportunity for family bonding over meals. Sharing dinner together fosters connection and makes even the most ordinary evenings feel special. With these affordable dinner ideas, you’ll discover that you can enjoy a variety of tasty meals without the stress of overspending.

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Broccoli tofu stir fry is an affordable and healthy option perfect for adding plant-based protein to your weeknight dinners. This dish combines tofu and fresh broccoli in a simple, savory sauce. It’s a light yet filling meal that works well on its own or over rice. Minimal ingredients keep costs down, making it a great budget-friendly option. Ideal for quick, nourishing dinners you can enjoy regularly.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe casserole takes a classic favorite and turns it into a hearty baked meal that’s affordable and easy to make. Using basic pantry items, this casserole is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something warm and filling without a lot of fuss. With ground beef and a simple sauce, it’s both economical and flavorful. A practical option that’s easy to add to your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are a budget-friendly way to enjoy a homemade version of a takeout favorite. With the air fryer, they come out crispy in minutes, making them perfect for busy evenings. Minimal ingredients mean they’re affordable and easy to whip up regularly. This dish is great as a main or snack and pairs well with a variety of sides. A versatile choice for quick, affordable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Close-up of  grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate.
Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Pork Burgers

Ground pork burgers are a great alternative to beef, offering a flavorful and affordable way to enjoy burgers at home. With simple seasonings and easy prep, they come together quickly for a satisfying meal. Perfect for pairing with a side of fries or salad, these burgers make a complete meal without straining your budget. They’re a good choice for casual dinners that feel a bit special. Easy enough to enjoy every week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Breaded panko pork chops are an affordable yet tasty main. The panko coating adds a crispy texture, making this a satisfying dish that feels like a treat without being costly. Perfect with mashed potatoes or veggies, these chops fit well into weeknight meal plans. This recipe is easy to prepare and uses basic ingredients, keeping costs down. Ideal for quick and budget-friendly dinners.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s both affordable and filling, perfect for weeknight dinners. With just a few ingredients, this recipe combines tender chicken and a creamy sauce for a meal that feels a bit more indulgent. It’s easy to make when you need something simple. Pair it with rice or pasta for a complete meal. A practical choice for cozy, budget-friendly dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side.
Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Ciambotta is a simple, veggie-packed Italian stew that’s great for nights when you want something warm and nourishing without spending much. Using seasonal vegetables, this stew is both filling and budget-friendly. It’s easy to make in one pot, keeping cleanup simple, and pairs well with bread or pasta. It’s ideal for adding a comforting meal to your rotation. A perfect way to enjoy a hearty dinner at a low cost.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a fun, budget-friendly option that’s quick to make and great for casual dinners. Made with bite-sized chicken pieces, this dish is perfect for busy nights. It pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces and sides, adding versatility without extra cost. Simple ingredients keep it affordable and easy to enjoy often. A convenient choice for quick, crowd-pleasing meals.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Buffalo chicken pasta bake is a flavorful and affordable dish that’s easy to make, ideal for dinners that need a bit of spice. This bake combines pasta, chicken, and a creamy Buffalo sauce for a filling meal that feeds a crowd. With easy prep and bake time, it’s great for busy nights. Perfect with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A budget-friendly choice that’s easy to add to your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Skewers Kabobs

Chicken skewers are a versatile and affordable dish that’s easy to make, ideal for dinners when you want something a bit different. Using basic ingredients, these kabobs are easy to prepare and grill quickly. They pair well with a variety of sides, from rice to salads, making them a flexible choice for any meal. Perfect for summer evenings or casual family dinners. A practical option that’s budget-friendly enough to enjoy weekly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs

Pancit Bihon Guisado

Pancit Bihon Guisado is a Filipino noodle dish that’s both affordable and filling, great for adding variety to your weekly meals. Made with rice noodles, veggies, and a choice of protein, this dish is flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something different without extra effort. It’s a practical and budget-friendly meal option. A great choice for family dinners on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground pork stir fry is a quick and affordable dish that’s great for weeknight dinners when you need something easy. Using ground pork and a variety of fresh veggies, this stir fry comes together in minutes. It’s a practical meal that works well on its own or served over rice, keeping things budget-friendly. Perfect for adding variety to your rotation without extra cost. A quick, tasty option you can enjoy every week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and stuffing casserole is an affordable and hearty option perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken and flavorful stuffing in a creamy base, creating a warm, comforting meal. It’s simple to prepare and bakes quickly, making it a great choice for families. Pair it with some vegetables for a complete dinner that feels special. An ideal pick for budget-friendly meals you’ll want to repeat often.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken breast is a straightforward and budget-friendly dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special. With a crispy panko coating, this chicken is easy to prepare and pairs well with various sides. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight. Serve it alongside rice or vegetables for a complete meal. A reliable choice for delicious, affordable dinners every week.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock pot chili for two is an easy and economical option that’s perfect for cozy nights. This recipe is simple to set up, allowing it to cook slowly while you take care of other things. Using common pantry ingredients keeps costs low while providing a hearty meal. It pairs well with cornbread or rice, making it a complete dinner option. A fantastic choice for warming comfort food without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish is a fresh and affordable dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The light lemon butter sauce enhances the flavor of the fish, making it a simple yet satisfying option for dinner. It’s easy to pair with rice or vegetables, creating a balanced meal. This recipe uses minimal ingredients, keeping it budget-friendly and easy to prepare. A wonderful addition to your dinner lineup that won’t strain your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Baked stuffed pork chops are a comforting and affordable dish that brings variety to your weeknight meals. These pork chops are filled with savory stuffing, adding texture and flavor that everyone will enjoy. They bake up quickly, making them a practical choice for busy evenings. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. A delicious option that’s easy on the budget and sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a quick and budget-friendly option that packs a punch of flavor. They cook quickly in the air fryer, creating a crispy outside while staying juicy inside, perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal ingredients make this dish easy and economical to prepare. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete dinner. A go-to choice for simple, delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pan-fried pork chops are a classic, affordable choice for easy weeknight dinners. They cook quickly and are packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy evenings. Pair these chops with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. This recipe keeps costs low while delivering a filling option. A practical pick for adding variety to your dinner table without extra expense.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Individual Lasagna

Individual lasagnas offer a fun twist on a classic comfort dish that’s affordable and easy to make. Each serving is layered with noodles, meat, and cheese, providing a hearty meal that feels special. This recipe is perfect for busy nights, as it cooks quickly and can be prepped ahead of time. Pair with a side salad for a complete dinner. A wonderful option for those looking for budget-friendly meals that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole combines hearty flavors in a quick, affordable dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and crispy bacon, this casserole is both filling and satisfying. It’s simple to prepare and bake in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings. Serve with a side of veggies for a balanced meal. A great choice for those seeking delicious dinners on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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