Discover wallet-friendly meals that won't break the bank! This list of budget-friendly dinner recipes takes the stress out of meal planning on a budget. Forget about the hassle—these affordable meals are as simple as ordering takeout, but healthier and even more delicious!
1. Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs have the juiciest and most tender meat under a wonderfully crispy chicken skin. This family favorite comfort food has only 4 basic ingredients, plus the chicken thighs, and can be customized to fit Whole30, paleo, or keto diet.
Get the recipe: Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs
2. Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi
This crispy pan-fried gnocchi is a quick recipe for only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal. Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan.
Get the recipe: Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi
3. Kielbasa and Potatoes
This Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe is a classic combination that will surely become a family favorite. Yes, it is a simple smoked Polish sausage recipe, but many of the best dishes are simple.
Get the recipe: Kielbasa and Potatoes
4. Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are perfectly seasoned and cooked to their optimal crispiness in the air fryer. They are perfect for weekly meal prep and taste great the next day.
Get the recipe: Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
5. Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner. It features one of the best homemade creamy pasta sauces! A homemade sun-dried tomato, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a mix of spices to kick things a little bit.
Get the recipe: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
6. Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
This Air Fryer French Bread Pizza is perfectly cooked with an insta-worthy cheese pull, crispy pepperoni, and a garlic butter bread base! It is quick and easy to make using only basic ingredients.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
7. Instant Pot Pot Roast
Soft, succulent, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, this Instant Pot Pot Roast is an affordable chuck-eye meal everyone will love! It’s wonderfully convenient, too, with very little to clean and hands-free cooking time.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Roast
8. Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki thighs are the easiest weeknight recipe ever. The teriyaki sauce is easily made with only a few ingredients and gluten-free. Quick and easy instant pot pressure cooker dinners are the best!
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
9. Sheet Pan Chicken and Brussel Sprouts
If you're looking for an easy dinner when you've had a busy day, look no further. This Sheet Pan Chicken and Brussel Sprouts is a no-brainer winner of a chicken dinner that will please even the pickiest eaters in your house.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken and Brussel Sprouts
10. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Try this fantastic Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas recipe if you're looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner ready in just 15 minutes! With tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked veggies, this recipe is a no-fuss option for a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
11. Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a gluten-free meal using pantry staples and fresh ingredients like ground chicken and fresh basil. It’s budget-friendly and can be on the dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
12. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This healthy, filling, warming, and delicious comfort food comes together quickly in your pressure cooker. Lentil soup is also easy on the wallet. Most lentils are affordable and readily accessible in all grocery stores, and you probably have the remaining ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
13. Taco Casserole
This Taco Casserole recipe is perfect for families! Make the taco bake, put the toppings in bowls, and let everyone add their favorites. Get the Taco Casserole recipe here.
14. Tuna Pesto Pasta
This easy tuna pesto pasta is a delicious combination of tuna and aromatic homemade basil pesto, perfectly tossed with al dente pasta. It's bursting with fresh flavors, filling, and simple yet elegant. Get the Tuna Pesto Pasta recipe here.
15. Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken
Bursting with flavor and beyond easy to make, this Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken is a healthier twist on your favorite take-out dish. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, this savory recipe is sure to become your new weeknight staple.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken
16. Pasta Napolitana
Pasta Napolitana is a simple and light pasta dish from Italy. This popular meat-free Italian dish is made with a handful of basic ingredients but is very flavorful and delicious. It gets ready in 30 minutes and is a great option for a weeknight dinner. Get the Pasta Napolitana recipe here.
17. Easy Chicken Pho
This Easy Chicken Pho can be made in under 30 minutes and is loaded with garlic, ginger, and anise flavors. A great option for quick, inexpensive dinners.
Get the recipe: Easy Chicken Pho
18. Sheet Pan Chicken With Turmeric
Sheet Pan Chicken with Turmeric is so easy to make on a weeknight. The turmeric adds wonderful flavor and the chicken is tender and moist. It is also suitable for keto, paleo, gluten-free, and whole30 diets.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken With Turmeric
19. Roasted Clementine Five Spice Chicken
This Roasted Clementine Five Spice Chicken is easy to prepare and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. The Chinese five-spice powder makes this chicken so flavorful, your whole family will love it.
Get the recipe: Roasted Clementine Five Spice Chicken
20. Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
This Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers is the easiest cheapest dinner ever, and it's paleo, whole30, and gluten free. This is the perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
40 Casseroles That Are So Delicious, You'll Want to Make Them Every Night
Nothing is better than a winter casserole to make you feel warm and cozy when it's cold outside. It is a comforting food choice that is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. When it gets a little colder, or you want something hearty to share with the family, you can turn to these winter casserole recipes to get by. Trust me; you'll find yourself making these casserole recipes all season long. Get the recipes.
Fall Flavors in Every Spoonful: 23 Soup Recipes to Try This Season
As the weather starts to cool down and leaves change colors, there's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Fall is the perfect time to explore a variety of soup recipes that will keep you cozy and satisfy your taste buds. With so many options available, deciding which ones to try can be overwhelming. That's why we've rounded up a list of 23 delicious fall soups that are sure to become your new favorites. Get the recipes.
The Protein-Packed Breakfasts That Will Keep You Going All Day
Protein helps to keep you full throughout the day and thus helps you eat less. Starting the day with a high protein breakfast can be a great way to manage your weight. I also strive to get protein at every meal and every snack. Browse these delicious high protein breakfasts and pick a few to try out this week. Get the recipes.
40 Desserts That Are So Easy, Even a Caveman Could Make Them
Photo Credit: Addicted to DatesWhether you're an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, creating an easy and delicious dessert can be a fun and rewarding experience. The best part is that it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming! Get the recipes.
Tell Us What You Think