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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Hearty Dinners That Are Easy on Your Wallet

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 10, 2025 · Published November 11, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These hearty dinners are budget-friendly and simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, you can enjoy satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    Chicken thighs are tender and full of flavor, making them a satisfying option for dinner. With only 10 minutes of prep time, they easily fit into a busy weeknight schedule.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love. It's easy to prepare and can be made without vodka, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner that's budget-friendly.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

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

    Tender chicken is paired with a blend of onion soup, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing, resulting in a sweet and tangy sauce. This meal is easy to prepare in your crockpot, making it a convenient option for dinner. It's a straightforward and flavorful dish that won't take much effort to put together.

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    Rigatoni Bolognese

    Rigatoni Bolognese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Rigatoni Bolognese is full of traditional Italian flavors and can be ready in less than an hour. It's a filling dish that's simple to make on a hectic weeknight and can also be cooked ahead of time for later. This meal is perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Zucchini Lasagna

    Zucchini Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Grilled zucchini is layered with a tasty blend of herby garlic ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all covered in a rich red sauce. This dish offers the comforting flavors of lasagna but is much simpler to prepare. It's a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

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    Creamy Curry Pasta

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

    Creamy curry pasta is a simple and tasty dish that comes together in just 35 minutes. It's hearty and can be customized with your favorite protein and veggies, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A rich and creamy tomato sauce with a bit of spice, paired with crispy bacon, creates a filling meal. This dish is comforting and easy on the wallet, making it a great choice for a hearty dinner.

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    Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

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

    This casserole features a crunchy top and a soft, tasty center, making it a great choice for dinner or a hearty breakfast. It can be prepared the night before, allowing for a simple meal when you're short on time.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce has a bit of a spicy twist. It uses everyday spices that you probably already have in your kitchen, making it a great option if you're trying to save some money.

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    Ham and Swiss Quiche

    Ham and Swiss Quiche.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This quiche is easy to prepare and works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It features a flaky crust filled with creamy eggs, ham, and mild Swiss cheese, creating a filling meal that's budget-friendly.

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    Mushroom Stroganoff

    Vegetarian Stroganoff with Mushrooms.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This stroganoff is a quick and filling meatless meal that everyone will love. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up soft egg noodles tossed in a creamy mushroom sauce, all cooked in one pot. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines spicy sausage and pasta, all topped with Parmesan cheese for a filling meal. It's a great choice that's easy on the wallet.

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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 full of rich chili flavor and includes a mix of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It's quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes, and brings together a tasty combination of flavors and textures without much work.

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    20-Minute Pasta Rosa

    20 Minute Pasta Rosa.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Penne Rosa is a quick and easy meal that you can prepare in about 20 minutes with just 10 ingredients. This dish combines soft penne pasta with a creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach, creating a satisfying dinner. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes add a nice touch of flavor.

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    Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken

    Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    This slow cooker meal features tender chicken breast paired with tangy cranberry sauce and zesty orange juice, creating a flavorful dish. Sweet brown sugar and fragrant rosemary, along with a blend of spices, add depth to the flavors. It's an easy and satisfying dinner choice that won't break the bank.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple to prepare and offers a hearty meal. It's a solid choice when you want something filling without breaking the bank.

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    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.
    Photo credit: Flawless Food.

    This pasta dish is easy to make and full of flavor. It includes canned shredded crab meat mixed with a tasty sauce made from garlic, parsley, butter, lemon, and tomatoes. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

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    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Risotto can be easy and quick when you use an Instant Pot. This method eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring, allowing you to enjoy a creamy dish with minimal effort.

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    Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

    Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Gochujang cauliflower tacos are packed with avocado, corn, red onions, and cilantro. This dish is a simple and filling option that is easy on your wallet.

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    Spanish Chicken And Rice

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

    Spanish Chicken and Rice is a tasty and satisfying dish that everyone will love. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed Sunday get-together.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika

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

    Tender chicken is paired with a flavorful paprika sauce, garlic, and onion, creating a warm and satisfying meal. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a delicious dinner that is easy on your wallet.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you can create a filling meal quickly and easily. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
    Photo Credit: Super Golden Bakes.

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole combines wild mushrooms and chestnuts for a tasty meal. It's a filling dish that's simple to prepare and budget-friendly.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    Pan-fried gnocchi has a wonderful texture that really stands out compared to the boiled kind. Adding bacon and mushrooms turns it into a filling meal that's easy on the wallet. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner without spending too much.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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    • Roasted butternut squash soup.
      12 Hearty Vegetarian Soups That Are Just What You Need
    • Spicy chicken noodle soup.
      Cold Night? There’s a Bowl for That.

    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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