19 Budget Dinners You’ll Want To Make
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I know how quickly weeknight dinners can get expensive, so I love finding meals that are easy on the wallet without feeling boring. These recipes are simple, use everyday ingredients, and still make dinner feel complete. If you want meals that save money but still bring flavor and comfort to the table, this collection is for you.
Tomato Egg Drop Soup
This soup brings warmth and flavor with very few ingredients, making it perfect for budget-friendly dinners. It cooks quickly and comes together in one pot, saving time and effort. The combination of tomatoes and eggs creates a hearty, satisfying meal. It works well as a light dinner or a starter alongside other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Beef Pot Pie
This pot pie delivers comforting flavors without requiring expensive ingredients, making it a great choice for cost-conscious meals. The filling is hearty and filling, stretching to feed multiple servings. It bakes in one dish, keeping cleanup simple. It’s perfect for a weeknight when you want something warm and homey.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This chicken offers bold flavor without needing complicated ingredients, which makes it a strong pick for budget dinners. It cooks quickly in the air fryer, which saves time on busy nights. The sauce adds richness that makes the meal feel complete. It pairs easily with rice or vegetables for a simple, full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Greek Chicken Gyros
These gyros give big flavor using inexpensive ingredients, keeping meals budget-friendly without feeling plain. The chicken and toppings create a filling handheld dinner. Assembly is fast and simple, making it great for weeknights. They’re a convenient option when you want something quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros
Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
These sliders stretch meatballs across several servings, making them perfect for cost-conscious dinners. They cook quickly and assemble easily, ideal for families or casual gatherings. The rolls and sauce add interest without extra cost. They’re simple to serve and work well for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
Chicken Roll Ups
These roll ups turn simple chicken into a more exciting and budget-conscious meal. The filling uses basic ingredients while adding plenty of flavor. They cook quickly, which makes them a practical weeknight option. This dish works well for dinners where you want something simple but interesting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups
Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts offer strong flavor without a long ingredient list, keeping the meal affordable. They cook quickly in the air fryer, saving time and energy. The marinade adds richness, making the chicken feel more special. They’re a reliable choice for busy nights or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts
Taco Spaghetti Skillet
This skillet meal combines pasta and taco flavors to create a filling dinner without breaking the budget. It cooks in one pan, which saves time and cleanup. The mix of meat, sauce, and cheese stretches to multiple servings. It’s perfect for feeding a family on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This crockpot chicken uses simple ingredients to create a sweet and savory dinner that won’t strain your budget. It cooks slowly while you focus on other tasks, making it convenient. The flavors blend into a hearty meal that’s easy to serve with rice or vegetables. It’s a reliable option for easy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
These pork chops stretch inexpensive ingredients into a filling, flavorful dinner. Baking keeps prep easy while cooking everything at once. The stuffing adds texture and interest without extra cost. They’re a practical choice for family meals that feel more special than plain pork chops.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Individual Lasagna
This single-serving lasagna makes it easy to control portions while keeping costs low. It’s baked in one dish, which saves time and cleanup. The layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese create a complete, hearty meal. It’s a good pick for weeknights or meal prep without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
This stir fry combines simple, inexpensive ingredients to create a colorful and filling dinner. It cooks quickly, which is ideal for weeknights. The mix of broccoli and tofu gives a balance of protein and vegetables. It’s a flavorful option that won’t stretch your grocery budget.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Crock Pot Chili for Two
This small-batch chili stretches ingredients to create multiple servings, making it a great budget-friendly dinner. It cooks slowly, allowing flavors to develop with minimal effort. The beans and meat combine into a hearty, filling meal. It’s perfect for nights when you want a warm, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This meatloaf uses basic ingredients to create a comforting dinner that feeds several people. It bakes in one pan, saving time and cleanup. The flavors are rich enough to feel special without being expensive. It’s a solid choice for classic weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Individual Shepherd’s Pie
This single-serving shepherd’s pie stretches simple ingredients into a complete meal. The meat and vegetable filling creates a hearty dish without extra cost. Topping with mashed potatoes adds texture and comfort. It’s ideal for budget-friendly dinners that still feel homey.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
This crockpot mac and cheese uses basic ingredients to make a creamy, filling meal. Cooking in one pot saves time and reduces cleanup. The cheese blends with pasta for a comforting dish that feeds multiple servings. It’s a practical choice for easy, cost-conscious dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Sloppy Joe Casserole
This casserole transforms basic pantry ingredients into a hearty, family-friendly dinner. It bakes in one dish, keeping prep and cleanup simple. The mix of meat, sauce, and bread or pasta makes it stretch for multiple servings. It’s a reliable pick for an affordable, flavorful weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Korean Beef and Broccoli
This dish uses simple ingredients to deliver bold flavor, making it a great option for budget-conscious dinners. It cooks quickly, which is helpful for busy nights. The beef and broccoli combination is filling without needing extra sides. It’s a practical meal that feels more interesting than a standard stir fry.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs offer deep flavor using just a few ingredients, keeping the meal affordable. Cooking in the air fryer saves time and keeps the meat juicy. They work well for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The simplicity and bold taste make them a reliable choice for budget-friendly meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs