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15 Cheap Eats That Taste Like A Million Bucks

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By Gina Matsoukas

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15 Cheap Eats That Taste Like A Million Bucks

Looking for some dinner inspiration that won’t break the bank but still tastes like a million bucks? We’ve got you covered with a collection of recipes that are both easy on the wallet and big on flavor. From quick weeknight fixes to satisfying meals that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, these dishes prove that great taste doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

Mexican sweet potato casserole on a wooden cutting board.
Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dinner is all about simplicity and flavor. Throw chicken and sweet potatoes on a sheet pan, bake, and you’ve got a great meal without the big price tag.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a straightforward dish with just five ingredients. It’s creamy, simple, and makes a cheap meal feel gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this ground beef pasta in under 30 minutes. It’s simple, rich in flavor, and looks like you spent hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This salsa chicken recipe is a quick, under 30-minute meal that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s easy, cheap, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is a hit with its juicy texture and a sweet, tangy glaze on top. Easy to make and easy on the wallet, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent a lot more.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sheet pan pork chop dinner is easy and filling, with red cabbage, potatoes, and apples. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and has minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a great meal-prepping choice. It’s full of flavor and perfect for those on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try these smashed white bean and kale quesadillas for a great meatless option. They’re cheesy, topped with creamy BBQ sauce, and easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try these easy baked pretzel crusted pork chops with a simple maple dijon sauce. They’re a healthy, protein-packed dinner option that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sweet and sour tofu recipe is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great pick if you love classic flavors but want something lighter and cheaper.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Zucchini noodles with shredded chicken in a stir fry sauce in cast iron skillet.
Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These Chinese chicken zoodles come together in 15 minutes and are a healthier take on your favorite takeout. They’re quick, full of flavor, and light on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a vegan twist on your favorite takeout with these Kung Pao chickpeas. The sauce is spot-on, making this dish a great alternative with simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry in no time. It’s packed with flavors that are so good, everyone will think it’s takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Transform your weeknight dinners with this cream cheese chicken, spiced to perfection. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Use leftover chicken to make this cheddar chicken quinoa bake. It’s easy, fills you up, and keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

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