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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Hearty Dinners That Are Easy on Your Wallet

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on November 5, 2024, updated November 4, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Finding hearty meals that won't break the bank can be a challenge, but there are plenty of delicious options that are both filling and affordable. From comforting casseroles to satisfying pastas, these dinners are perfect for busy weeknights and will keep your family happy without stretching your budget. Enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients that make each meal a delight!

    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    This creamy curry pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. It's filling and can be adjusted with your choice of protein and vegetables, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.

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    Mushroom Stroganoff

    Vegetarian Stroganoff with Mushrooms.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This stroganoff is a simple and satisfying meatless dish that the whole family will enjoy. In just 20 minutes, you can have tender egg noodles mixed with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, all made in one pot.

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    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This vegetarian chili is packed with chili flavor and a variety of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It comes together in just 40 minutes, offering a delicious mix of flavors and textures with minimal effort.

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    Zucchini Lasagna

    Zucchini Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Grilled zucchini is stacked with a mix of herby garlic ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all smothered in rich red sauce. This dish brings the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss.

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    Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

    Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Gochujang cauliflower tacos are loaded with avocado, corn, red onions, and cilantro. They make for a simple and satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of Vodka Pasta is rich and creamy, packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy. You can even make it without any vodka, making it a great option for a cozy dinner that won't break the bank.

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    Ham and Swiss Quiche

    Ham and Swiss Quiche.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This quiche is simple to make and perfect for any meal of the day. With a flaky crust, creamy eggs, ham, and mild Swiss cheese, it's a satisfying dish that won't break the bank.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of Alfredo sauce has a nice kick to it. It uses common powdered spices you likely already have, making it a budget-friendly choice for those tight on cash.

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    Spanish Chicken And Rice

    Spanish chicken thighs and rice with olives on a light plate.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This Spanish Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and filling dish that everyone will enjoy. It's a simple one-pot meal that's great for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday gathering.

    Get the recipe

    Rigatoni Bolognese

    Rigatoni Bolognese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This rigatoni Bolognese is packed with classic Italian flavors and can be made in under an hour. It's a satisfying meal that's easy to whip up on a busy weeknight and can be prepared in advance for later enjoyment.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi is a hidden gem that offers a much better texture than the boiled version. When you add bacon and mushrooms, it creates a deliciously satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

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    20-Minute Pasta Rosa

    20 Minute Pasta Rosa.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Penne Rosa is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes using only 10 ingredients. It features tender penne pasta mixed with a creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach, topped off with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra flavor.

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    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
    Photo Credit: Super Golden Bakes.

    This Chicken and Mushroom Casserole features wild mushrooms and chestnuts for a delicious meal. It's a satisfying dish that's easy to make and won't break the bank.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a filling meal. It's a great option when you're looking for something satisfying without spending a lot.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    These chicken thighs are juicy and packed with flavor, making them a great choice for a filling dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time, they fit perfectly into a busy weeknight routine.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Making risotto is simple and quick with an Instant Pot. This method takes the hassle out of stirring and watching the pot, giving you a creamy dish without the fuss.

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    Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

    Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
    Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This casserole has a crispy top and a soft, flavorful center that makes it perfect for dinner or a filling breakfast. You can even make it the night before for an easy meal.

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    Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken

    Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    This slow cooker dish combines tender chicken breast with tangy cranberry sauce and zesty orange juice for a delicious meal. With the addition of sweet brown sugar, fragrant rosemary, and a mix of spices, it’s a simple yet satisfying dinner option.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A rich and creamy tomato sauce with a kick, combined with crispy bacon, makes for a satisfying meal. This dish is both comforting and budget-friendly, perfect for a hearty dinner.

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    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.
    Photo credit: Flawless Food.

    This pasta dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It features canned shredded crab meat tossed in a homemade sauce made with garlic, parsley, butter, lemon, and tomatoes.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tender chicken with a mix of onion soup, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing to create a sweet and tangy sauce. It's a simple and tasty meal that you can make in your crockpot without much fuss.

    Get the Recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and affordable with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. With only five items and one pot, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika

    Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tender chicken with a savory paprika sauce, garlic, and onion for a warm and satisfying meal. It's an easy option for a delicious dinner that won't break the bank.

    Get the Recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features spicy sausage mixed with pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal. It's a delicious option that won't break the bank.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Easy Pasta Salads That Are Great for Busy Weeknights
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      21 Stupid Simple Veggie Loaded Dishes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • Barbecue chicken dip.
      12 Crockpot Dips You Need for Your Next Party

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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