Let’s face it, we’ve all had those nights where dinner ends up being a sad bowl of cereal because we just can’t be bothered to cook. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of budget-friendly meals that take just as little effort but taste way better. Whether you’re using up leftovers or tossing everything onto one pan, these recipes will have you wondering why you ever settled for cereal in the first place.
Bomb Meatloaf
This meatloaf is super easy to throw together, and the tangy glaze on top really takes it up a notch. A great way to skip the cereal and still keep things cheap.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Chicken and sweet potatoes on one pan? Yes, please. Throw it in the oven, add some caramelized pecans, and you’ve got dinner ready in no time. Simple and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Shaved beef makes this stir-fry come together fast. The sauce is better than takeout, and you’ll be done cooking in minutes—without the extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Cheddar Chicken Bake
Use leftover rotisserie chicken in this cheesy quinoa casserole for an easy, budget-friendly meal. Great for when you don’t have time but still want something better than cereal.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Chinese Chicken Zoodles
These zoodles are ready in 15 minutes and taste like your favorite takeout, but lighter and way cheaper. Perfect for when you want a quick, tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles
Cream Cheese Chicken
Creamy, cheesy, and seasoned just right, this chicken dish is a great way to switch up your weeknight meals. Easy and quick without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
One pan, ground beef, and sweet potatoes come together in this easy skillet meal. A great option for meal prepping or when you need something quick that’s not from a box.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This ground beef and pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Simple, quick, and way more fun than another bowl of cereal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Kung Pao Chickpeas
All the bold flavors of your favorite Kung Pao takeout, but with chickpeas for a protein swap. It’s simple, affordable, and just as tasty as the original.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Pretzel-crusted pork chops baked to perfection with a maple Dijon sauce. A great way to get dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Crispy tofu in a sweet and sour sauce that rivals your go-to takeout spot. And it’s ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to overspend.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish
This chicken and stuffing casserole feels like Thanksgiving in a dish. Comforting, filling, and much more exciting than cereal, that’s for sure.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Let the slow cooker do the work with this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken. Great for when you don’t want to lift a finger but still want something with tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
Navy beans, bacon, and veggies come together in this simple Instant Pot soup. Ready in under an hour, it’s cheap, filling, and perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Roasted chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat, seasoned with Herbes de Provence. It’s an easy dinner that feels fancy but isn’t. Great for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Sausage and Peppers
Grilled sausage and bell peppers in a quick, no-fuss meal. Serve it up in buns for a great sandwich that’s fast, simple, and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spicy spaghetti with a sauce full of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and onions. It’s the perfect way to kick up your pasta night without a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Tuna, pesto, and burst cherry tomatoes come together in this easy weeknight pasta. Quick, simple, and better than anything out of a can.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Chicken Broccoli Bake
This chicken and broccoli bake is cheesy and creamy—use shredded rotisserie chicken for even less work. Easy to make and better than cereal any day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Bake
Meatball Pasta Bake
Dump the ingredients into a pan, stir, and bake. This meatball casserole is a great dinner when you want something hearty without putting in too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake
Herb-Crusted Chicken (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)
This Texas Roadhouse copycat chicken is juicy and packed with flavor. Quick, easy, and a great option for meal prepping during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)