Eat Well on a Budget: 20 Wallet-Friendly Recipes for Busy Nights!
Weeknights can be hectic, and finding time to cook a delicious meal on a budget can feel like a challenge. But with the right recipes, you can whip up tasty dinners that are both affordable and quick to make. These budget-friendly meals are perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time or money. From hearty pastas to flavorful stir-fries, each dish is designed to keep costs low while delivering big on taste. Get ready to enjoy easy, cheap weeknight dinners that your whole family will love.
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
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
nstant 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
These Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are loaded with Thai spices and flavors. Top them with all the goodies, and you’ve got yourself a yummy dinner the family will love in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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.
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Chicken Sausage Skewers With Vegetables
Chicken Sausage Skewers with Vegetables are easy to make in less than 30 minutes and are packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage Skewers With Vegetables
Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice
Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice for the win. You’ll love this easy, wholesome cauliflower rice and chicken.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are easily one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. They’re so flavorful and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Quick, easy and healthy ground beef stir fry recipe featuring fresh vegetables and a homemade garlic ginger stir fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Spicy Tomato Soup
This simple and flavorful Spicy Tomato Soup is perfect for the cool winter months. A little smokey spice makes a big difference in this bowl of goodness.
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Easy Shepherd’s Pie
Make dinner a breeze with this Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.
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Creamy Taco Soup
This Creamy Taco Soup is budget friendly and can be made with ground beef, pork, or turkey. It’s gluten free with dairy free options.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Taco Soup
American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)
American Goulash is an easy, one-pot, classic comfort food made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. Enjoy year-round, and delicious leftover, this irresistible Goulash Recipe is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters!
Get the Recipe: American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)
Olive Oil Garlic Pasta
Olive Oil Garlic Pasta is a classic Italian recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes. It’s simple yet flavorful and easy to make with pantry ingredients. Add a little chili pepper for a spicy kick, if you like.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil Garlic Pasta
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal and great for meal prepping. Cook once, and freeze the leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Easy Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe
Get the party started this summer with Corn Salsa! With fresh corn and vibrant ingredients, this hearty dip is perfect with BBQ meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Sheet pan chicken sausage and veggies is a perfect weeknight dinner. With roasted potatoes, sausage & bell peppers, it’s easy and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta
This easy tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is a weeknight meal you’ll love that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta
Meatball Marinara Subs
Savor the juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and fluffy brioche buns in Italian meatball marinara subs – a satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Marinara Subs
Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs
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
American Chop Suey (American Goulash)
American chop suey is a delicious dish that’s popular in the New England region. Also known as American goulash, this dish is meaty and tasty.
Get the Recipe: American Chop Suey (American Goulash)
Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Taco stuffed zucchini boats offer a little of everything – nutrition, meat, veggies, a pop of Mexican seasoning, and of course a tasty meal!
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage makes an easy skillet dinner loosely inspired by an Asian stir fry. With tons of texture, aromatic spices, and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet
Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal
Pork egg roll in a bowl is a low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. This is an easy recipe with ground pork, veggies, and other flavours which is sure to satisfy a craving for Asian food. I love this easy one-pan meal.
Get the Recipe: Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal