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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Easy Dinners That Prove Great Food Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated June 3, 2026 · Published June 8, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking delicious meals doesn't have to break the bank. With a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can whip up satisfying dishes that everyone will love. Here are 23 easy recipes that show how you can enjoy great food without spending a lot.

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Get ready to fall in love with this taco casserole - it's packed with all your favorite flavors in one dish! With ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, it's perfect for a potluck or quick weeknight meal.

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    Poached Egg Potato Bowls

    Breakfast bowl with egg.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Have some leftover boiled potatoes? Whip up this quick and delicious fried potato bowl in just 10 minutes. With a poached egg, Feta cheese, and perfectly fried potatoes, it's a comforting and satisfying meal you'll want to make over and over again.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich

    A buffalo chicken ranch sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up some tasty buffalo chicken ranch sandwiches in just half an hour with this easy recipe. Using simple store-bought ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

    Get the recipe

    Croque Madame Casserole

    Croque Madame Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    If you love fancy French bistro food but want to make it for lots of people, this casserole inspired by Croque Madame is perfect. It's made with gruyere cheese, ham, and store-bought biscuits for a delicious and simple meal.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Get ready to whip up some delicious oven-baked Chicken Tenders in just 25 minutes using basic ingredients you probably already have. These healthier alternatives to fried tenders are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying on their own straight out of the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Black Beans, Kale and Quinoa

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Black Beans, Kale and Quinoa
    Photo Credit: Happy Kitchen.

    Try this delicious vegan sweet potato casserole with black beans, kale, quinoa, and roasted garlic sauce. It's simple to put together and great for preparing in advance.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    You won't find a simpler pasta dish than this.

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    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious mix of sweet and spicy flavors that's easy to whip up. It's a budget-friendly recipe with just 4 ingredients, perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    The Best Buffalo Cauliflower

    Buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    If you're looking for a tasty vegetarian alternative to wings, these buffalo cauliflower bites are a must-try. They're spicy, crispy, and super easy to make in just 10 minutes of active cooking time. Dip them in blue cheese sauce, add them to tacos, or top your pizza with these delicious cauliflower wings.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Tostadas

    Chicken tostadas.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    These homemade Tostadas are a delicious and simple dish you can whip up anytime! Made with crispy fried corn tortillas, refried beans, your choice of meat, cheese, and all your favorite toppings, they're perfect for a tasty family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this chicken in just 15 minutes for a tasty and quick meal. The marinade with lime juice adds extra flavor to the crispy skin and juicy chicken.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Nachos

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Get ready to upgrade your snack time with these quick and delicious nachos! Packed with black beans and other tasty toppings, you can whip them up in under 10 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup

    A bowl of coconut lentil soup topped with chili flakes and cilantro.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple soup is creamy, warming, and ready in under 30 minutes - whether made on the stove top or in your instant pot. Despite being so simple to make, it has amazing flavor from coconut milk, ginger and garlic, and is perfect for quick and cozy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Get ready to impress your taste buds with these easy-to-make baked cod foil packets. Packed with cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon, this dish is a complete meal in itself. And the best part? You can achieve perfectly cooked fish every time by using frozen cod.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    One-Pan Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    These meatballs are packed with flavor from herbs, breadcrumbs, and onions, making them super tender. With a quick prep, this dish is perfect for a delicious meal any day of the week.

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    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These tacos are top-notch, packed with refried black beans, feta cheese, and delicious homemade pico de gallo. You'll love this quick and easy recipe that will keep you craving more!

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    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This is a quick and tasty dish that uses fresh ingredients. Say goodbye to the boxed stuff and try this flavorful twist on a classic favorite for a satisfying family meal.

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    Taco Pasta

    Taco pasta topped with shredded cheese and cilantro on a grey plate.

    This Taco Pasta is perfect to make for dinner on the busiest of weeknights. With ground beef and store bought taco sauce and garlic herb cream cheese this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. All the flavors of tacos but in pasta form - less mess, and less stress.

    Get the recipe</sa

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a delicious dish that combines spicy tomato sauce with crispy bacon - it's a winning combo you'll want to make over and over again!

    Get the recipe

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks + Legs
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Get ready for a delicious and easy dinner with this amazing oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks and legs recipe. You only need 5 ingredients, including the chicken, and just one dish to make this sticky homemade honey BBQ sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

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

    Get ready to enjoy a delicious dish packed with chili flavor and a variety of veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. In just 40 minutes, you'll have a flavorful dish with different textures, following a few easy steps.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    Here's a delicious and budget-friendly recipe you'll want to cook over and over again. This Italian favorite is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, served with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

    Get the recipe

    30-Minute Beef & Noodles

    Beef and Noodles.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy one-pan dinner comes together in about 30 minutes and is the perfect cozy comfort food for a busy weeknight!

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Mashed potato casserole.
      12 Mashed Potato Upgrades You'll Want to Try This Week
    • Tater tot casserole.
      22 Easy Dinner Ideas That Make Any Night Feel Special
    • Bacon chicken ranch pasta salad.
      21 Vibrant Summer Salads Hearty Enough to Call Dinner
    • Croque madame sandwiches.
      23 Breakfast Ideas So Good You'll Practically Leap Out of Bed

    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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