Finding affordable and easy dinner ideas can make a big difference in your weekly meal planning. With 27 budget-friendly recipes, you can prepare delicious meals in advance, saving time and money throughout the week. These options are not only simple to make but also satisfying, ensuring you have a variety of flavors to enjoy every day. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.
Thin Basil Chicken Breasts
Thin chicken breasts can be prepared in the air fryer for a simple and tasty dinner. In just 6 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Seasoned with garlic and basil, this dish brings a nice kick to your weeknight dinner. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something quick. This is a good dinner choice that won't take much time to make.
Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
Vegetarian tacos can be a delicious and satisfying meal option. These tacos are packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, giving them a great flavor and texture. Topped with fresh homemade pico de gallo, they add a nice burst of freshness. This is a simple and quick recipe that anyone can whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Vegetable Stew
This simple one pot vegetable stew is great for a quick dinner that everyone can enjoy. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is packed with hearty root vegetables and lentils, making it very satisfying. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a comforting meal that warms you up and fills you up. Plus, it's vegetarian, so it's a good option for anyone looking to eat less meat.
Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It’s a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the classic dish, but you can whip it up in no time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe is perfect for busy weeks. Enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a delicious option for dinner that everyone will love.
Tuna And Rice Casserole
Tuna and Rice Casserole is a simple and fast dish to prepare. It combines common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, creating a warm and cheesy meal. In just 30 minutes, you can have a budget-friendly dinner ready to serve. This dish is light but still has a creamy texture, making it satisfying without being too filling. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something easy and delicious.
Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken
This Korean-inspired slow cooker gochujang chicken is simple to prepare with just 10 ingredients. It's a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Serve it over rice, pile it onto tostadas, or use it in tacos for a tasty twist. The flavors come together beautifully, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Air Fryer Meatballs
These air fryer meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. Made without eggs or breadcrumbs, they offer a lighter take on the classic recipe. With their juicy and tender texture, they stand out from any meatballs you've made before. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy these Swedish-style meatballs as a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Black Bean Burgers
Black Bean Burgers are simple to prepare and loaded with nutritious ingredients. They are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them a great option for many diets. With plenty of protein and flavor, this recipe stands out as a go-to for bean burgers. These burgers are perfect for meal prep, providing a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Enjoy a delicious and healthy option that won't break the bank.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that everyone will enjoy. It combines shredded chicken with cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon for a rich and satisfying dish. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner at home!
American Goulash
Goulash is a classic American dish that combines ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni noodles, and melted cheddar cheese. It's a straightforward and comforting meal that can be made in just one pot. This dish is perfect for family dinners and is sure to please everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients, it’s an easy option for busy weeknights. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Eggplant Moussaka
Eggplant Moussaka is a simple and satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both filling and comforting. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make meal.
White Chicken Chili
This crockpot white chicken chili is a warm and filling dish that everyone will enjoy. With just a few basic ingredients, it packs a lot of flavor and is super easy to prepare. It's creamy and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal at home. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. You'll love how simple it is to whip up this comforting meal.
Blackened Chicken Tenders
Blackened chicken tenders are simple to prepare right in your kitchen. You can either mix your own spices using the recipe provided or grab a pre-made blackening spice from the store for a faster option. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time cooking. The chicken turns out flavorful and juicy, making it a great choice for meal prep. Enjoy these tenders with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken is packed with delicious spices and sweet pineapple. It's a simple dish that can be served over rice or in tacos. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. The combination of flavors brings a bit of the tropics to your dinner table. Enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Instant Pot Chicken Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that you can whip up in just over an hour. It's creamy and has a nice little kick to it, making it a comforting choice for any night. With its rich flavors, this soup is sure to warm you up. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you a hearty dish to enjoy throughout the week. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup anytime you need a satisfying meal.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies
This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. It requires minimal effort, just some chopping at the beginning. Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll enjoy a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and flavorful sauce all in one dish. It's a simple way to get a satisfying meal on the table.
Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
This simple dinner uses just 7 ingredients and can be on the table in 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. It's vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan or add chicken if you prefer some meat. The quick prep and cooking time mean you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, perfect for meal prepping for the week. Enjoy a delicious and filling dinner that won't break the bank.
Crème Fraîche Carbonara
This version of carbonara is packed with flavor and is a great twist on the classic dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using affordable ingredients, this meal is budget-friendly and satisfying. It's a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy tasty leftovers throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels special without breaking the bank.
Homemade Hamburgers
This dish is simple and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal during the week. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up something delicious. It's great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite burger toppings for a fun twist. This is a great option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Zucchini Enchilada Casserole
This zucchini enchilada casserole is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. It features layers of zucchini, black beans, corn, and chicken, all topped with green sauce and cheese. It's a great way to enjoy a filling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Make this flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta in just 20 minutes - and don't be surprised if everyone asks for seconds (or your hand in marriage!). It's a super creamy sauce with a delicious flavor combo of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika & oregano. All achieved with pantry staple dried herbs & minimal prep.
Dump And Start Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Instant Pot Minestrone is simple to prepare and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. It's a great option for families looking to save time and money during the week. This version of the popular Olive Garden soup is even better than what you’d get at the restaurant, and it doesn’t require a lot of work. Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much.
Walking Taco Casserole
This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a potluck or a simple dinner during a busy week. You can throw it together without much effort, and everyone will love it. This is a great way to enjoy taco night without the fuss.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
Cowboy baked beans are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. With just a large can of baked beans, some lean ground beef, a sweet yellow onion, and a handful of common seasonings, you can create a flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great option for meal prep, providing satisfying portions that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Enjoy these beans as a main dish or a side, and they’re sure to please everyone.
Baked Gnocchi with Feta and Tomatoes
Baked gnocchi with feta and tomatoes is a simple and satisfying vegetarian dish that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. It features a great mix of soft gnocchi, crunchy onions and bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta, all brought together with roasted garlic and herbs. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. It's an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this comforting meal that feels special yet is easy to prepare.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a great alternative to sweet and sour pork. This dish features a lighter batter that allows the flavors of the sweet and sour sauce to shine through. It's a simple and satisfying meal that can easily be prepared ahead of time. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. You'll find it to be a tasty option for your weekly meal prep.
Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with chili flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy week. The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to go. This is a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week.
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