These 21 Budget Friendly Cheap Dinner Ideas Are Packed Full Of Delicious Flavors
Eating well on a budget is easier than you think! These 21 budget-friendly dinner ideas are proof that you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without overspending. I love how these recipes are packed with flavor and variety, making weeknight dinners stress-free and exciting. From comforting soups to quick stir-fries and hearty casseroles, these dishes show you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something amazing.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these affordable recipes will keep your wallet happy and your dinner table full of joy. Let’s dive into these tasty and cost-effective ideas!
Tuna Pasta With Pesto
This tuna pasta with pesto is a perfect pick when you’re short on time and cash. The combo of canned tuna and pesto makes for a flavorful, quick dish that doesn’t break the bank. It’s one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that’s great for weeknights when you need something simple yet tasty.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta With Pesto
Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots
Beefy green bean casserole topped with crispy tater tots is a hearty and affordable meal. Using ground beef and canned green beans, it stretches your ingredients while still delivering on flavor. If you’re looking for budget friendly cheap dinner ideas, this one is a winner that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots
Beanie Weenies
Beanie weenies are a simple yet satisfying dish that keeps costs low by combining hot dogs and baked beans. It’s an easy choice for nights when you need budget friendly cheap dinner ideas but don’t want to skimp on taste. Plus, it’s great for kids and adults alike!
Get the Recipe: Beanie Weenies
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta is rich and comforting without being expensive. With a few basic ingredients like sausage, cream, and spinach, it becomes one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that feels like a splurge, but is easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Cod Piccata
Cod piccata is a light, flavorful dish that brings a restaurant-style meal to your table at a fraction of the cost. Using affordable frozen cod and simple ingredients like lemon and capers, it’s one of the best budget friendly cheap dinner ideas for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Forget the boxed stuff—this homemade Instant Pot hamburger helper is tastier and just as budget-friendly. Ground beef, pasta, and cheese come together for a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect when you’re searching for budget friendly cheap dinner ideas.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls Recipe
These air fryer vegetarian sausage rolls are a great meatless option that won’t hurt your wallet. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, they’re one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that works for snacks or dinner without costing too much.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls Recipe
Tacos Dorados with Refried Beans
Tacos dorados with refried beans are a delicious and crunchy way to make the most of pantry staples. Using tortillas and beans, this dish proves that budget friendly cheap dinner ideas can still be fun and flavorful. Serve with a side of salsa for a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados with Refried Beans
Ground Beef And Broccoli
This ground beef and broccoli dish is a simple stir-fry that’s easy on your budget and loaded with flavor. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and when paired with broccoli, it becomes a filling meal. If you’re after budget friendly cheap dinner ideas, this one is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef And Broccoli
Easy Chicken Parm Sliders
Easy chicken parm sliders offer a twist on a classic favorite without the high cost. Using chicken tenders and slider buns, these little sandwiches are a great choice when you need budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that will impress everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Parm Sliders
Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner With Yogurt Honey Mustard
This chicken sausage sheet pan dinner is an easy, low-cost meal that’s ready in no time. Paired with a yogurt honey mustard sauce, it’s one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that’s both healthy and filling. Perfect for a simple weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner With Yogurt Honey Mustard
Garam Masala Curry Recipe with Chickpeas
Garam masala curry with chickpeas is a flavorful, budget-friendly dish that comes together quickly. Using canned chickpeas and pantry spices, it’s one of the best budget friendly cheap dinner ideas when you want something comforting and warm without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Curry Recipe with Chickpeas
Easy Pasta Carbonara
Easy pasta carbonara is a go-to for those nights when you need a meal fast and don’t want to overspend. With just a few ingredients like eggs, pasta, and bacon, it’s one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Carbonara
Instant Pot Tofu Curry
Instant Pot tofu curry is a quick and affordable plant-based dinner option. Packed with spices and creamy coconut milk, it’s one of the best budget friendly cheap dinner ideas for those looking to add more vegetarian meals to their routine.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tofu Curry
Spicy Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spicy spaghetti arrabbiata is a budget-friendly pasta dish with a kick. Using simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, it’s one of the most flavorful budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that’s perfect for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Spaghetti Arrabbiata
10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
These 10-minute sesame garlic ramen noodles are a fast and inexpensive meal that hits the spot. Using instant ramen and a few pantry staples, it’s one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas you can whip up in a pinch. Great for late nights or when you’re on a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
Riso al Forno
Riso al forno, or baked rice, is an easy Italian dish that’s both filling and affordable. With just a few ingredients like rice, tomato sauce, and cheese, it’s a great example of budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that doesn’t require much effort but tastes amazing.
Get the Recipe: Riso al Forno
The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
The best chicken soup recipe is comforting, hearty, and won’t break the bank. With ingredients like chicken, carrots, and noodles, it’s one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that makes a large pot of soup perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
Oven-Baked Greek Giant Beans
Oven-baked Greek giant beans are a hearty vegetarian dish that’s affordable and filling. With beans, tomatoes, and herbs, it’s one of the best budget friendly cheap dinner ideas for those looking to eat healthy without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Greek Giant Beans
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Sheet pan chicken parmesan meatballs are an easy and affordable take on a classic Italian dish. Baked in the oven for simplicity, this recipe is a go-to when you’re in need of budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that deliver on flavor without a hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Air Fryer Pizza Dogs
Air fryer pizza dogs are a fun and budget-friendly way to switch up your hot dog game. Using basic ingredients like hot dogs, pizza sauce, and cheese, this is one of those budget friendly cheap dinner ideas that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Dogs
Creepy Halloween Pasta Dishes That Are Spooky Delish!
Halloween pasta recipes are a fun and easy way to add some spooky flair to your dinner table. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a festive meal without too much hassle. I love how these dishes can bring excitement to any Halloween gathering while still being simple to make.
Halloween Pasta Recipes That’ll Bring Spooky Fun to Your Table
It’s FREE: Free Meal Planner Kitchen Organizer