An inexpensive family dinner, filled with love, featuring a skillet full of pasta with chicken and vegetables.

50 Delicious and Inexpensive Dinners

Creating family-favorite dinners doesn’t have to break the bank! From timeless classics to innovative twists, these budget-friendly dinners prove that delicious meals don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Discover affordable and tasty recipes that will transform your kitchen into a hub for satisfying and economical meals. These dishes are so good, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again.

Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken Teriyaki with broccoli and sesame seeds in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

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

Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

Pieces of soy glazed chicken thighs served on a plate.
Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs have the juiciest and most tender meat under a wonderfully crispy chicken skin. This family favorite comfort food has only four basic ingredients, plus the chicken thighs.
Get the Recipe: Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

A bowl of beef and broccoli stir fry with chopsticks.
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is loaded with tender beef and a sauce that is full of flavor. Made gluten free and super easy in the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thai chicken lettuce wraps on a plate with lime wedges.
Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

These Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s an easy gluten-free meal made in under 30 minutes with mostly pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients like ground chicken and fresh basil. Top with your favorite Asian-inspired spices, and you have a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry served with rice in lettuce leaves.
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gochujang chicken is sweet, spicy and very savory. It’s a typical Korean-inspired stir fry that looks so appetizing and served in butter lettuce leaves with rice and Korean garnishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Asian beef stir fry on a wooden table with chopsticks.
Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef yaki udon is a tasty noodle stir fry which you can make in less than 30 minutes. Try this easy udon recipe if you’re looking for a simple Japanese dish to make with beef and noodles. You can make the entire thing in one wok, and since it has meat, vegetables, and noodles, you don’t even need to come up with side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Swedish meatballs in a skillet with pasta and parsley.
Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A good Swedish meatball recipe with a creamy gravy means you can avoid the Ikea crowds and make them yourself at home. And you can put these together without a complicated diagram or having two screws left over at the end!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Two hot dogs with sauce and salad on a baking sheet.
Italian Meatball Marinara Subs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The combination of a toasted brioche bun, homemade beef and pork meatballs and amazing marinara sauce is hard to beat. This is an easy weeknight meal which sounds like comfort food but is actually quite nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Air Fryer Steak Kabobs

Meat skewers with peppers and herbs on a white plate.
Air Fryer Steak Kabobs. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

Air Fryer Steak Kabobs are the perfect delicious dinner! Made with steak, onion, and bell peppers. You’ll love these healthy kabobs, made in just 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Kabobs

Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer

Two chicken breasts on a plate with parsley.
Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

A juicy chicken breast is guaranteed to become your new favorite dinner staple. From freezer to air fryer with no thawing time in between, the frozen chicken breasts cooks beautifully. Every mouthful is deliciously browned, tender, and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer

Garlic & Smoked Paprika Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Roasted chicken legs on a white plate.
Garlic & Smoked Paprika Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

These air fryer drumsticks are tossed in garlic and paired with sweet and smokey paprika. Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. These mouthwatering air fryer chicken legs are oh so crispy on the outside while being unbelievably tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Smoked Paprika Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer

Meatballs with toothpicks on a plate.
Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

Frozen Meatballs cooked in an air fryer – taste like you spent hours in the kitchen making them, but in reality, they’re really simple to prepare. On the outside, they are crispy and flavorful, while on the inside, they are savory, juicy, and tender.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer

Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter

Chicken breasts in a skillet with herbs.
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

This cast iron skillet chicken is super easy to make, perfectly seasoned golden brown chicken that is tender and juicy and goes perfectly with any side dish!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter

Creamy Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta in a white bowl with a fork.
Creamy Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

This creamy pesto pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in 30 minutes and is creamy, herby, savory, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

Easy, Cheesy 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with pasta and bread on a red tablecloth.
Easy, Cheesy 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

This incredibly quick and easy pizza pasta bake is an absolute lifesaver on busy nights! It’ll be in the oven in no time flat – you can even mix it all up right in the pan (and you don’t even have to precook the pasta)! So cheesy and full of great pizza flavors!
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake

3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos topped with sour cream and salsa.
3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

With just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, these EASY and delicious Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are an absolute lifesaver on busy nights! Enjoy them very simply, just rolled in tortillas.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

Rasta Pasta Recipe with Jerk Chicken

Grilled chicken pasta in a skillet with peppers and herbs.
Rasta Pasta Recipe with Jerk Chicken. Photo credit: Kit’s Kitchen.

This extra creamy rasta pasta recipe with jerk chicken is easy to make and great for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Plus, the whole recipe comes together in less than 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta Recipe with Jerk Chicken

Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs in a baking dish with herbs.
Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Kit’s Kitchen.

Wondering how long to bake chicken thighs? In this recipe I’ll walk you through exactly how to bake chicken thighs, how long to bake them for, and how to make sure they are perfect and juicy every time! Dinner tonight is solved.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Veggie Fajitas

Peppers and mushrooms in a skillet on a table.
Veggie Fajitas. Photo credit: Happy Kitchen.

This quick and easy veggie fajitas recipe is a life saver! They are loaded with plant-based protein and make a satisfying dinner meal that you can make in under 30 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Fajitas

5 Ingredient Vegan Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells with spinach and cheese in a white dish.
5 Ingredient Vegan Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Happy Kitchen.

These 5-ingredient spinach and ricotta stuffed shells is a quick and simple vegan pasta dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. These easy stuffed shells provide a comforting, wholesome, flavorful treat and make the perfect 30 minute meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Vegan Stuffed Shells

Spaghetti Casserole

A close up of a piece of cheese and meat lasagna.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: Healthy Recipes 101.

This creamy, most satisfying Spaghetti Casserole is a low-effort meal that deals impressive flavors of ground beef and cheddar cheese in 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Cajun Dirty Rice

Fried rice with sausage and vegetables on a white plate.
Cajun Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Healthy Recipes 101.

If you enjoy fried rice, you’ll love this Cajun Dirty Rice made with ground pork, chicken liver, and flavorful smoked sausage.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Dirty Rice

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken gnocchi in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Delicious Table.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so easy to put together and a hearty dinner recipe. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, vegetables, and gnocchi which are soft puffy “Italian dumplings”.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken

A piece of chicken with honey and nuts on a plate.
Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken. Photo credit: Delicious Table.

Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken can be on the table for your family in under an hour. With just four simple store-bought ingredients, and 10-minutes, this chicken dinner together is one easy recipe!
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken

Instant Pot Rice and Vegetables

A pan filled with rice and vegetables.
Instant Pot Rice and Vegetables. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

You can’t go wrong with this quick Instant Pot Rice and Vegetables recipe which is super easy, budget-friendly, and so versatile.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Rice and Vegetables

Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

A bowl of mexican quinoa with black beans and corn.
Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa tastes like you spent hours cooking, when it actually requires almost no effort at all! You will love how healthy, versatile and affordable it is to make flavourful Mexican Quinoa in the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

Vegetable Barley Soup

A bowl of soup with broccoli and carrots.
Vegetable Barley Soup. Photo credit: Plant Based on a Budget.

This nourishing vegetable barley soup is healthy, hearty, wholesome, satisfying, versatile, meal-prep friendly, and packed with flavor- perfect for chilly fall/winter evenings!
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Barley Soup

Creamy Curry Pasta

A plate of pasta with a sauce on it.
Creamy Curry Pasta. Photo credit: Plant Based on a Budget.

This creamy curry pasta recipe is an easy 35-minute fusion dinner loaded with flavor, is super satisfying, is easily customizable with your different protein and veggies, and a great go-to for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Curry Pasta

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Grilled chicken breasts in a skillet.
Easy Pan Seared Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Low Carb Spark.

Tender, juicy, and loaded with delicious flavors, this pan seared chicken breast it’s a super easy-to-make recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes, and it can be paired with many side dishes to create a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Ramen Noodles Stir Fry

Ramen noodles in a bowl with green onions.
Ramen Noodles Stir Fry. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

Enjoy Asian comfort food at home with this quick-cooking 10 Minute Ramen Noodles Stir Fry. This vegetarian dish cooks quickly but is packed with flavor, and it’s easily customizable.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodles Stir Fry

Chicken with Beans & Mushrooms

A bowl of beans and meat on a wooden table.
Chicken with Beans & Mushrooms. Photo credit: Cooking School Dropout.

Chicken with Beans & Mushrooms is a delicious and nutritious dinner option that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. This flavorful dish features tender chunks of chicken breast cooked with hearty beans and savory mushrooms, all seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Beans & Mushrooms

Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti with meat and tomatoes on a plate.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

This Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a one-pot meal that can be made in your pressure cooker in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white baking dish.
Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese. Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

This gluten free cauliflower cheese is homely comfort food that is easy to make with a creamy flourless cheese sauce baked with cauliflower. It’s perfect eaten as a main meal, lunch, or a gluten free side dish to accompany a traditional family roast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese

Lemon Chicken Tray Bake

Chicken, potatoes and lemons in a baking dish.
Lemon Chicken Tray Bake. Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

This lemon chicken tray bake is such an easy dinner that works equally well in the summer months served with salad or in the colder months with garlic bread. Made all in one pan which is always a bonus in my kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Tray Bake

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A plate of lettuce wraps with meat on it.
Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps . Photo credit: One Wholesome Life.

These healthy chicken lettuce wraps have become a few favorite in our household. They’re like a homemade version of P.F. Chang’s famous lettuce wraps, but even healthier, macro-friendly, and just as delicious as the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Beef Teriyaki

Chinese beef stir fry in a wok with oranges and cashews.
Beef Teriyaki. Photo credit: Amanda’s Cookin.

This quick and easy beef teriyaki is made right at home with a salty-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce.
Get the Recipe: Beef Teriyaki

Hamburger Soup

A pot of hamburger soup with meat and vegetables.
Hamburger Soup. Photo credit: Simply Stacie.

Hamburger soup is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, vegetables, and a hearty broth, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal. If you enjoy a deliciously comforting bowl of soup but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken

A plate of chicken and rice with pineapples and black beans.
Easy Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken. Photo credit: Whiskful Cooking.

This Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe is full of flavorful spices and sweet pineapple. Serve over rice or with tacos as an easy weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken

Chicken Soup Recipe

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with carrots and carrots.
Chicken Soup Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This is the best Chicken Soup Recipe to make when you’re craving simple comfort food or feeling under the weather. Made with bone-in chicken thighs simmered into a flavorful broth and filled with tender onions, carrots, celery, and juicy shredded chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Soup Recipe

Simple spaghetti with peas, garlic and Parmesan

A pan full of pasta with peas and parmesan.
Simple spaghetti with peas, garlic and Parmesan. Photo credit: The Healthy Epicurean.

With a mix of al dente spaghetti, spring peas, fresh garlic and loads of Parmesan “carbonara style”, this will be your new favorite weeknight dish.
Get the Recipe: Simple spaghetti with peas, garlic and Parmesan

Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled chicken on a plate with limes and lime juice.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This grilled chicken with cilantro crema is a perfect summer meal. With juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast, and a creamy, tangy cilantro crema, it’s a delicious and flavorful pairing that’s amazing for weeknights or summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Shrimp Cacciatore

A bowl of shrimp stew with tomatoes and mushrooms.
Shrimp Cacciatore. Photo credit: Home Cooking Collective.

This pescatarian-friendly shrimp cacciatore for two is hearty and rustic, with notes of tangy tomato, plump shrimp, and sweet red peppers.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cacciatore

Sausage and Wild Rice Soup with Collard Greens

A bowl of soup with meat and vegetables in it.
Sausage and Wild Rice Soup with Collard Greens. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

It’s a pretty simple soup, coming together in less than 30 minutes. I made it even easier by using VeeTee rice, which microwaves to complete perfection in about 2 minutes! A
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Wild Rice Soup with Collard Greens

Sheet Pan Pineapple Fried Rice

Fried rice in a pan with a spoon.
Sheet Pan Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: The Sassy Foodie.

Fried rice is the perfect side to “fakeaway” nights – otherwise known as homemade takeout. Crisp rice, salty soy sauce, zesty garlic and the surprise sweetness or pineapple make this fried rice absolutely perfect! This sheet pan pineapple fried rice is a fuss-free way to use up leftover jasmine rice, with no fuss or supervision. Throw all the ingredients onto a sheet pan, and you’ve got easy, and classic fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pineapple Fried Rice

Hawaiian Tuna Mac Salad

A bowl of macaroni salad with carrots and green onions.
Hawaiian Tuna Mac Salad. Photo credit: The Sassy Foodie.

This Hawaiian tuna mac salad is a protein-packed version of a classic, creamy pasta favourite. A simple mayonnaise-based dressing, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang is all you need for the best macaroni salad ever.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Tuna Mac Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

A plate of pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and olives.
Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Midwest Homelife.

Mediterranean orzo salad with pesto is a bright flavorful summer salad with fresh cucumbers, artichokes, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese in a lemon pesto mayo dressing. Perfect for a summer BBQ or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken legs in a skillet with herbs.
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

These cast iron skillet chicken drumsticks are so flavorful. This no-fuss recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken

Two chicken breasts on a white plate.
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

This honey lemon pepper chicken is so easy to make. It is delicious and you just need a few simple ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken

Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

Slow cooker pork chops - crock pot pork chops stock videos & royalty-free footage.
Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops. Photo credit: Temecula Blogs.

Slow cooker ranch pork chops come out tender and delicious every time. Super flavorful and easy to throw together this protein packed dinner. If you loved our baked pork chops with dry rub recipe, this is easier and still out of control YUM.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

A bowl of chili with corn, beans and avocado on a wooden cutting board.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup. Photo credit: Cinnamon Sage and Co..

Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a delicious and easy alternative to taco night while still enjoying all your favorite flavors. This simple weeknight dinner will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

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