Stretching your food budget until payday doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. With these 19 deliciously cheap eats, you can enjoy satisfying meals without breaking the bank. Each recipe is designed to be affordable, quick to prepare, and packed with simple, tasty ingredients. Say goodbye to expensive takeout and hello to easy, home-cooked meals that keep both your stomach and wallet happy.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers combine ground turkey, rice, and spices, offering a savory and satisfying meal. Ready in about 45 minutes, these peppers are baked to perfection, making them a great choice for a quick dinner. The combination of tender bell peppers and flavorful turkey filling is both nutritious and budget-friendly. Serve them with a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta features pasta, cherry tomatoes, and a block of feta cheese baked until creamy. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and results in a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. It’s an easy and inexpensive option for a weeknight dinner. Add fresh basil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra zest.
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Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is a quick, 30-minute recipe featuring chicken breasts, lemon, capers, and a light wine sauce. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection and then simmered in a tangy, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with pasta or steamed vegetables. It’s a flavorful meal that won’t break the bank.
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Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza
Easy Garlic Scape Pesto
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Spicy Tofu Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos feature tofu marinated in spices, then cooked until crispy and served with fresh toppings. This recipe takes about 25 minutes and offers a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional tacos. The tofu is spicy and satisfying, while the toppings add freshness and crunch. Perfect for a quick and cheap dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos
Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Breaded Panko Pork Chops are coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden. This dish takes about 30 minutes and results in juicy, flavorful pork chops with a crunchy exterior. It’s a simple and budget-friendly option that pairs well with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.
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Baked Oat-Crusted Cod Fillets
Baked Oat-Crusted Cod Fillets feature cod coated in seasoned oats and baked until crispy. Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish offers a healthy and affordable seafood option. The oat crust adds a nice texture and mild flavor to the tender cod fillets. Serve with a side of vegetables for a balanced meal.
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Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon is a quick, 15-minute recipe that highlights the rich flavor of sockeye salmon. The salmon is simply seasoned and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
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Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are made with a blend of vegetables, spices, and chickpeas, then grilled to perfection. This recipe takes about 30 minutes and results in flavorful and hearty kebabs. They are perfect for a meatless meal and can be served with pita bread and a side of tzatziki. The kebabs are both filling and budget-friendly.
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Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe combines chicken sausage, colorful vegetables, and simple seasonings. Ready in about 35 minutes, this one-pan meal is both convenient and nutritious. The sausage adds a savory flavor that complements the roasted vegetables. It’s an easy and affordable option for a weeknight dinner.
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Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, 20-minute meal featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. The dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with rice or noodles. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for a fast and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwiches are made with spiced ground turkey kofta, fresh vegetables, and pita bread. This recipe takes about 30 minutes and results in a delicious and portable meal. The turkey kofta is flavorful and pairs perfectly with the fresh veggies. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl features marinated tofu, rice, and a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables. Ready in about 40 minutes, this bowl offers a balance of flavors and textures. The tofu is flavorful and pairs well with the other ingredients. It’s a healthy and satisfying option for any meal.
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Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs are made with ground chicken, spices, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. This recipe takes about 25 minutes and offers a flavorful and juicy kebab. They are perfect for a quick dinner and pair well with rice or salad. Serve with a side of yogurt sauce for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Chicken Legs are seasoned and cooked in an air fryer until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Ready in about 25 minutes, these chicken legs are a quick and healthy option for dinner. The air fryer makes them extra crispy without the need for added oil. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked Creamy Salmon features salmon fillets topped with a creamy sauce and baked until tender. This dish takes about 30 minutes and offers a rich and satisfying flavor. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the succulent salmon. It’s an easy and affordable meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
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Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken combines chicken breasts with a flavorful cream cheese and spice mixture. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish offers a creamy and savory taste that pairs well with rice or vegetables. It’s a simple and budget-friendly option for a weeknight dinner. The cream cheese adds a rich and satisfying flavor.
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Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are marinated in a blend of spices and then baked until tender. This recipe takes about 40 minutes and results in flavorful and juicy drumsticks. The marinade adds a unique and delicious taste to the chicken. Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick, 30-minute recipe featuring chicken breasts cooked in a lemon garlic sauce. The chicken is tender and flavorful, with a bright and tangy taste. This dish pairs well with pasta or steamed vegetables. It’s a healthy and budget-friendly option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken