Finding tasty main dishes that won’t break the bank can be tough. With these 23 budget recipes, you can enjoy delicious, filling meals without overspending. Each recipe is simple to make, helping you save money while still enjoying hearty dinners. From savory to satisfying, these easy main dishes are perfect for keeping your budget and your stomach full.
Calzones
Make your own budget-friendly calzones at home with this easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Customize with your favorite fillings for a fun, satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan Mexican skillet quinoa is a quick, budget-friendly recipe perfect for busy nights. Fluffy quinoa, black beans, and sweet corn come together with salsa for a protein-packed meal. It’s a delicious and affordable option that delivers big on flavor without a high cost.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This budget-friendly recipe turns chicken into tender, smoky goodness that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying meal without costing much. Enjoy a versatile dish that stretches your ingredients while keeping your taste buds happy.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Bacon Egg Salad
This bacon egg salad is a budget-friendly recipe that turns simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Crumbled bacon adds a satisfying crunch to the creamy egg salad, making it perfect for sandwiches or a light lunch. It’s a tasty and affordable way to enjoy a classic dish with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a simple, budget-friendly pasta dish that offers big flavor with just a few ingredients. Creamy pecorino cheese and black pepper coat perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy and affordable dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These semi-homemade chicken enchiladas are a budget-friendly solution for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Transform leftover chicken into a cheesy, flavorful meal that’s easy on the wallet. It’s a quick way to enjoy a family favorite without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Lemon Roasted Chicken
This lemon roasted chicken is a budget-friendly recipe that adds a bright, flavorful twist to a classic dish. The juicy chicken is easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a delicious and affordable dinner that keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Chicken Fried Rice
This chicken fried rice is a budget-friendly way to turn leftover chicken into a flavorful meal. Add your favorite chopped veggies for a colorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make. It’s a great option for a quick and affordable dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Pizza Pot Pies
These pizza pot pies are a budget-friendly twist on a classic, perfect for using up leftovers. Packed with melty cheese and your favorite toppings, they’re a fun and easy-to-make meal. Enjoy a delicious dish that saves money and satisfies your pizza cravings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Forget the layers and opt for these budget-friendly lasagna roll-ups that are packed with flavor. Melty cheese and rich sauce come together in tender pasta, making this a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty dinner without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Potato Gnocchi
This homemade potato gnocchi is a budget-friendly recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make. These pillowy dumplings can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying and delicious meal. It’s a fun way to enjoy a homemade dish without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
This grown-up mac and cheese is a rich, creamy dish that’s budget-friendly and easy to make. Smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes add a sophisticated twist to the classic comfort food, making it a meal that pleases everyone. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that’s both delicious and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Pizza Roll-Ups
Skip the delivery and save money with these easy-to-make, budget-friendly pizza roll-ups. They’re customizable with your favorite fillings, making them a fun option for a weeknight dinner. Plus, they offer a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and kind to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Roll-Ups
Chicken Tenders
Skip the drive-thru and save money with these homemade chicken tenders that are fun and easy to make. They’re a budget-friendly option that kids will love, with a crispy coating and juicy chicken inside. Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
These cheesy stuffed shells are a budget-friendly recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make. Overflowing with creamy ricotta and your favorite vegetables, they offer a fun and satisfying vegetarian meal. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes is a budget-friendly twist on a classic lunch option. The rich flavors of pesto and sundried tomatoes add depth to the simple tuna salad, making it a satisfying meal. It’s a quick and affordable way to enjoy a flavorful dish without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This shortcut chicken salad is a budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with canned chicken, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing and easy meal. Save money while enjoying a healthy, satisfying dish that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This cheesy beef and rice casserole is a budget-friendly recipe that offers a hearty, satisfying meal. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese come together in a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Enjoy a delicious dinner that keeps your costs low while delivering on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Tuna Tomato Pasta
This tuna tomato pasta is a budget-friendly recipe that delivers big on flavor while being easy to make. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Enjoy a delicious, satisfying dish that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tomato Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta is a budget-friendly meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare. Packed with protein and healthy peas, it’s a satisfying option for busy weeknights. Enjoy a flavorful dish that keeps your wallet in check while delivering on taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Kefta Kebabs
These kefta kebabs are a flavorful, budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal. Marinated in delicious spices, they’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for a dish that’s both affordable and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This chicken egg roll in a bowl is a budget-friendly, quick stir-fry that delivers all the flavors of an egg roll without the greasy wrapper. It’s a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a delicious, affordable dish that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken and Dumplings
This budget-friendly chicken and dumplings recipe offers pure comfort in every bite. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a fragrant broth create a meal that’s both filling and affordable. It’s an easy way to enjoy a classic dish without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings