Making dinner every night doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. These 27 budget-friendly recipes are perfect for families looking for tasty meals that don’t cost a lot. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to keep costs down, these meals are sure to become weekly favorites.
Creamy Pea Pasta
Try this creamy pasta dish with tender peas for a satisfying dinner that feels special. It’s a delicious way to serve a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t feel basic. With simple ingredients and plenty of flavor, this recipe is perfect for saving money without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Make dinner easy with this flavorful one-bowl meal packed with all the classic egg roll flavors. This recipe is a cost-effective way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home without spending too much. It’s a quick, filling dinner that’s perfect for busy nights or tight budgets.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Calzones
Bake up these golden calzones for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to customize dinner with your favorite fillings and enjoy a homemade meal. It’s perfect for stretching ingredients without giving up flavor or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Thai Chicken Chili
Bring bold flavors to the table with this hearty Thai chicken chili. This recipe combines fragrant spices and tender chicken into an affordable meal that feels like a treat. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to make something delicious without using expensive ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Lemon Butter Pasta
Brighten up dinner with this tangy lemon butter pasta that’s rich and comforting. This recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight meals. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a satisfying option that saves money and time without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Bacon Egg Salad
Whip up this smoky twist on egg salad for a flavorful meal that works for lunch or dinner. This recipe uses affordable ingredients like eggs and bacon to create something filling and satisfying. It’s a great way to keep meals budget-friendly while still enjoying great taste.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Chicken and Dumplings
Serve up this classic dish of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth for a comforting meal. This recipe is a budget-friendly option that delivers big flavor and hearty portions. It’s an ideal choice for feeding the family without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Try this shredded BBQ chicken for a meal that’s smoky, tender, and versatile. This recipe is an affordable way to make sandwiches, wraps, or even standalone dinners with rich flavor. It’s perfect for anyone looking to save money while enjoying a satisfying and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
Make dinner simple and delicious with this pasta dish made from cheese, pepper, and pantry staples. This recipe is a quick and budget-friendly way to enjoy a meal that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you want something satisfying without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Upgrade your mac and cheese with smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes for a hearty twist on a classic. This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight comfort food. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy a creamy, flavorful dinner without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Tomato Basil Bisque
Warm up dinner with this creamy tomato basil bisque that’s flavorful and affordable. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal that feels homemade. It’s a budget-friendly choice that’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh, satisfying taste.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Pesto Tuna Salad
Add bold flavors to your meal with this pesto tuna salad featuring sundried tomatoes for a satisfying dish. This recipe is a budget-friendly option for lunch or dinner that’s quick to prepare. It’s a flavorful way to create something special without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Try this shortcut chicken salad for a quick, refreshing meal that’s light on cost and effort. With canned chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing, this recipe is a great choice for busy days. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that’s still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tuna Tomato Pasta
Turn simple pantry staples into a hearty dinner with this tuna tomato pasta that’s flavorful and filling. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to make a delicious meal without much fuss. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners when time and money are both tight.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tomato Pasta
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Feed the family with this hearty casserole made from ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to stretch ingredients into a filling and satisfying meal. It’s a comforting dinner option that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Make dinner flavorful and affordable with this lemon roasted chicken that’s tender and satisfying. This recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients to keep costs low. It’s a great choice for a delicious meal that feels homemade without a big price tag.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Chicken Tenders
Crisp up these homemade chicken tenders for a meal the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to serve up a favorite dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a fun and affordable option that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Try this hearty chicken tortilla soup packed with beans, corn, and plenty of flavor. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a filling and comforting dinner that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Enjoy these semi-homemade chicken enchiladas that are quick to prepare and rich in flavor. This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients to create a satisfying dinner the whole family will love. It’s an easy way to make a comforting meal without extra cost or effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Fill tender pasta shells with creamy ricotta for a dinner that’s hearty and satisfying. This recipe is budget-friendly and vegetarian, making it perfect for family meals or feeding a crowd. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful dish without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Crockpot Chili
Slow cook this bold chili with hearty beans, tender meat, and flavorful spices for an easy dinner. This recipe is perfect for a budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd with minimal effort. It’s an affordable choice for anyone who loves a comforting and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Potato Gnocchi
Make soft, pillowy potato gnocchi at home for a meal that feels restaurant-quality but is easy on the wallet. This recipe is a versatile and budget-friendly option that pairs well with any sauce. It’s a simple way to create a delicious dinner without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Pizza Roll-Ups
Try these pizza roll-ups for a creative twist on a family favorite that’s affordable and fun. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and keeps ingredients budget-friendly. It’s a great way to make dinner exciting without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Roll-Ups
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serve up this creamy broccoli cheddar soup for a dinner that’s comforting and gentle on the budget. This recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal at home. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make something flavorful without much cost.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Roll up the flavors of classic lasagna into a quicker, more affordable dish that’s perfect for dinner. This recipe is a budget-friendly option that’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to prepare. It’s a satisfying choice for anyone who loves a comforting meal without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll-Ups
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Make this protein-packed Mexican skillet quinoa for a healthy, filling dinner that’s easy on the wallet. This recipe combines quinoa, beans, and corn for a flavorful one-pan meal. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chicken Fried Rice
Turn leftovers into a delicious dinner with this chicken fried rice that’s filling and affordable. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to combine rice, chicken, and fresh vegetables into a satisfying meal. It’s a quick option for anyone who wants something tasty without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice