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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Tasty Dinner Recipes That Won't Break the Bank

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on April 4, 2025, updated April 4, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding delicious dinner ideas that are also budget-friendly can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Here are 22 recipes that are not only easy to make but also won't put a strain on your wallet. From hearty pastas to quick air fryer proteins, these meals will satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank.

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a great choice for dinner. With the air fryer, you can achieve that nice golden brown skin without much work.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is quick and easy, needing just 5 ingredients and taking only 12 minutes to prepare in one pot. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    A grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending much. With sharp cheddar, broccoli, and a touch of chili flakes, this crispy and buttery sandwich is a satisfying vegetarian choice.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This tahini sauce is simple to make with just a few basic ingredients, with tahini being the star. If you have tahini in your pantry, this is an easy and budget-friendly option.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is both easy to make and budget-friendly. Air-fried bone-in pork chops are juicy and tender, ready in under 25 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for dinner any night. With tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    This sheet pan chicken and potato dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor. The lemon garlic seasoning gives the juicy chicken drumsticks and crispy potatoes a delicious kick.

    Get the recipe

    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup

    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup
    Photo Credit: Ttried and True Recipes.

    This chicken soup is an easy and affordable dinner option with only 5 ingredients. You can customize the vegetables based on what's in season, making it a tasty meal any time of year.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is super simple to prepare. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

    Baked butter beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    These pizza baked beans are an easy and tasty dinner option. Just combine canned beans with pizza sauce, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a comforting meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to make and won't cost a lot. You can use any mix of meat you prefer, but a combination of beef and pork gives them great flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    With quick prep & less 10 minutes of cooking you can make the best hamburgers at home. Juicy and perfectly cooked in the air fryer, and all ready to serve with your favorite burger toppings!

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick pasta dish uses simple ingredients that you probably have on hand. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something easy and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This meal is budget-friendly and full of flavor. A simple tuna and pasta dish is great for the family and can easily be made dairy-free or with gluten-free pasta.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread

    Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread
    Photo Credit: Style and Grace.

    Dinner can be ready in just 20 minutes with only a few ingredients. These cheesy beans are baked in tasty marinara sauce and topped with a delicious layer of melted mozzarella.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These tasty Air Fryer Chicken Patties are quick to prepare and can be ready in just 10 minutes. Use powdered seasonings to save time and finish them off with a splash of lemon juice for a fresh kick.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy pesto pasta is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 10 minutes with only three ingredients. The garlic-flavored pesto combined with Greek yogurt makes a comforting dinner that you can easily adapt with whatever vegetables or proteins you have available.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce gets a flavorful twist with everyday spices, making it both affordable and exciting. It's a great way to liven up your dinner without spending much.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.

    Baked potatoes are a great budget dinner option! While they might not be filling enough on their own, you can top them with whatever you already have at home - sour cream, cheese, bacon, shredded chicken, canned tuna... the options are endless!

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Garlic and olive oil pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that feels like a grown-up version of buttered noodles. You likely have everything you need to make it right in your kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta.
    Photo credit: From my Pantry.

    This pasta sauce uses creamy cottage cheese for a delicious twist on the regular tomato sauce. It's smooth and packed with flavor, making it a hit at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Kielbasa & Veggies

    Sausage and veggies on a sheet pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This sheet pan meal is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite sausage and vegetables. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      24 Layer and Bake Dinners to Make With Ground Beef
    • No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
      Set It and Forget It: Simple Recipes for Stress-Free Cooking
    • A bowl full of soba noodle salad.
      20 Delicious Summer Salads That Are Perfect for Picnics

    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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