Running low on cash but high on hunger? These 31 budget dinners step in to save the week without recycling the same pasta dish every night. They’re made to balance your wallet and your sanity, keeping meals interesting while not making you choose between rent and groceries. Because no one wants to look at noodles one more time this month.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Soups are a classic for stretching meals without sacrificing flavor or variety. You’ll find Pasta e Fagioli Soup fits right in when you want a comforting dish that’s easy on the wallet. It’s a great option for nights when you want something filling but not heavy. Plus, it plays well with leftovers or pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Chicken Fried Rice
Budget dinners don’t have to mean repeating pasta night every time. Chicken Fried Rice mixes simple flavors into a dish that fills you up and keeps things interesting. It’s easy to lean on for busy weeknights without needing fancy ingredients. This recipe proves affordable meals can still feel satisfying and different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Sometimes, simple is all you need. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is an easy way to make something filling that feels different from the usual dinner routine. This recipe keeps things casual without making you spend more time or money than necessary. It’s a great fallback when you want fast comfort food with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Cream of Onion Soup
Soup is always a practical way to feed a crowd or save for later. Cream of Onion Soup brings a rich, comforting feel without asking for a complicated ingredient list. It works well as a starter or a main when you want something filling but straightforward. This recipe keeps costs down without skimping on satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Everyone loves a snack-turned-dinner idea, and Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots nails that concept. It’s an affordable way to enjoy something fun without spending too much. This recipe is handy when you want to switch things up without extra effort or cost. Perfect for nights when you want comfort food without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Cornbread isn’t just a side; it can be a star when done right. Sweet Potato Cornbread makes a budget-friendly addition that rounds out any meal. It’s a smart choice when you want something different from plain bread without adding cost or complexity. This recipe works well for casual dinners or as a complement to heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
When you need a break from pasta that always tastes the same, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is a solid choice. It brings a familiar yet fresh option without needing a long list of ingredients. This recipe works well for those busy days when you want something quick but still satisfying. It’s a step up from plain pasta, without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Breakfast for dinner doesn’t have to blow your budget or your schedule. Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage offers a filling, straightforward option that keeps things interesting. It’s perfect when you want a hearty meal without the usual eggs or complicated steps. You get a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Birria de Res
Bold flavor and budget don’t always have to clash, as Birria de Res shows. It gives you a way to enjoy a meaty meal without spending hours or breaking the bank. This recipe works well when you want something with a bit of a kick but still keeps costs reasonable. It’s proof you can keep weeknight dinners exciting and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Ukrainian Potatoes
When you need a side that feels substantial but won’t drain your grocery budget, Ukrainian Potatoes fits right in. It’s a reliable choice for filling up without extra hassle. This recipe pairs well with a variety of mains, so it’s handy to have in your meal rotation. It’s all about stretching simple ingredients into something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salads make for a great no-cook dinner option, and Deviled Egg Pasta Salad adds some extra flavor without extra cost. It’s a reliable choice when you want something filling but not heavy. This recipe works well for lunches or casual dinners. It’s an easy way to enjoy something simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Even budget meals deserve a sweet finish now and then. Pineapple Upside Down Cake lets you wrap up a weeknight dinner with a dessert that’s simple but still feels special. It’s a smart way to keep things affordable while still treating yourself or guests. This recipe proves a little sweetness doesn’t have to mean a big expense.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Comfort food on a budget is possible with recipes like Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. It fills up the table without filling your wallet with extra costs. This recipe works well when you want a side or main that satisfies without hassle or expense. It’s a classic option that pairs with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Salads can be hearty without pushing your budget, as Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes shows. It’s a great way to mix fresh and filling ingredients for a no-fuss meal. This recipe keeps things light but still substantial, perfect for easy weeknight dinners. It’s a simple way to eat well without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Baked Spanish Rice
Affordable dinners often lean on staples, and Baked Spanish Rice makes a satisfying dish that keeps costs low. It’s perfect when you want something comforting but not repetitive. This recipe comes together without a long list of ingredients and works well with a variety of sides or mains. It’s a reliable weeknight solution.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Pizza Pasta Salad
Mixing things up with cold meals can save time and money. Pizza Pasta Salad is a fresh option for those nights when you want a light but filling dish. It keeps things casual but interesting without needing anything fancy. This recipe is great for leftovers or packed lunches, too.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Beef and Barley Soup
When you want a meal that stretches without losing flavor, Beef and Barley Soup fits the bill. It’s a good choice for those days when you want something hearty but budget-conscious. This recipe delivers warmth and filling power without requiring pricey ingredients. It’s dependable and practical for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup
Easy Mexican Rice
Rice dishes are perfect for budget dinners, and Easy Mexican Rice adds some variety without complicating things. It’s great for when you want a side or main that works with what you have on hand. This recipe shows how simple ingredients can come together for a satisfying meal. It’s a handy option for quick, affordable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Beef & Broccoli
When you want a quick dinner that doesn’t get expensive, Beef & Broccoli checks the box. It offers a balance between flavor and budget that fits most weeknight needs. This recipe stays simple but satisfying without requiring extra steps or ingredients. It’s a great fallback for when time and money are tight.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli
Texas BLT
Sandwiches are always a budget-friendly option, and Texas BLT takes it up a notch without making things complicated. It’s a good choice for nights when you want something filling but fast. This recipe keeps costs low while still feeling more than basic. It’s easy to customize and perfect for casual dinners or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Carne Molida Mexican Ground Beef
Ground beef meals are a staple for budget dinners, and Carne Molida Mexican Ground Beef delivers on that front. It’s a simple way to bring bold flavors to the table without needing fancy ingredients. This recipe works well for nights when you want something satisfying but affordable. It’s a great way to switch things up with what you have.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida Mexican Ground Beef
Corned Beef Hash
When you want something that feels like a treat but won’t break the bank, Corned Beef Hash is a solid pick. It’s filling and easy to throw together with minimal fuss. This recipe fits well for breakfasts-for-dinner or quick meals any night of the week. It keeps things simple while staying budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup
Soup night gets a boost with Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup, a rich but wallet-friendly option. It works well when you want a hearty meal that feels like a treat without going overboard on cost. This recipe keeps the dinner table warm and satisfying without needing special ingredients. It’s an easy comfort food fix.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Mixing simple ingredients in unexpected ways can save dinner time and money. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon adds a twist to budget meals that’s easy to love. It’s a smart choice for when you want something flavorful but straightforward. This recipe brings a bit of brightness to the table without extra cost or effort.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
When pasta feels too plain, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes offers a simple upgrade without costing more. It keeps things light but filling enough to count as a full meal. This recipe fits nights when you want something straightforward but not repetitive. It’s a handy go-to for affordable, tasty dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Greek Spaghetti
Spaghetti dinners don’t have to get old, especially with Greek Spaghetti in your rotation. It’s a fresh take that stays budget-friendly and easy to prepare. This recipe works well for casual dinners when you want to switch things up without adding extra cost or effort. It’s a solid pick for weeknights or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Creamy Spinach Orzo
Sometimes simple meals are the best, and Creamy Spinach Orzo fits right in when you want comfort without the fuss. It’s a budget-conscious choice that still feels a little different from basic sides. This recipe pairs well with many mains and keeps dinner affordable and straightforward. It’s easy to make and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Soups with a twist keep weeknights interesting without extra cost, and Mexican Street Corn Soup fits that description well. It’s a fresh take on a classic that stays budget-friendly. This recipe is filling without feeling heavy, making it a good choice for dinner or leftovers. It’s a flavorful way to mix things up affordably.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Ham Fried Rice
Leftover-friendly meals come through with Ham Fried Rice, which is great for quick dinners without splurging. It brings a lot of flavor with minimal fuss. This recipe fits well when you want to clear out the fridge but still enjoy a solid meal. It’s a reliable and easy option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Budget dinners don’t have to be boring, and Ground Beef and Broccoli proves it with a simple combo that’s always filling. This recipe keeps costs low while providing enough protein and veggies to satisfy. It’s a practical choice when you want something easy but still hearty. It’s a great way to get dinner done fast and cheap.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Classic Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic for a reason—they stretch your protein and keep dinner interesting. Classic Meatballs make a solid budget meal that fits in many different dinner setups. This recipe works when you want something familiar but not repetitive. It’s a versatile and affordable way to add a protein punch to any night.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs