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17 Budget-friendly Recipes You’ll Swear Came from a Restaurant

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By Michelle Price

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17 Budget-friendly Recipes You’ll Swear Came from a Restaurant

Want to impress your family and friends with something new without breaking the bank? We’ve got 17 delicious main courses you probably haven’t tried before, all easy on the wallet. Cook up some exciting, budget-friendly meals that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This simple pasta dish is kid-friendly and easy to make. Packed with flavor and affordability, it tastes like a restaurant meal but is easy on the wallet. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Stretch your grocery budget with this hearty casserole. Ground beef, rice, and cheese come together for a crowd-pleasing meal. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time but craving lasagna? These roll-ups deliver all the cheesy goodness in a flash. This is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This vegetarian pasta with peas is a budget-friendly comfort food win. Packed with flavor, it comes together quickly, satisfying both taste buds and wallets.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Calzones

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip delivery and make these delicious and budget-friendly calzones for a meatless Monday meal. Filled with yummy ingredients, these handheld treats are a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Calzones

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving takeout but want to save money? This recipe is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a delicious and affordable meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ditch the expensive canned soup and make this fresh tomato basil bisque instead. Packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly way to warm up on a chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your mac and cheese with this flavorful and budget-friendly twist. Adding tomatoes and bacon creates a grown-up flavor profile that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time for Mexican food? No problem! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, making them a delicious and affordable meal you can whip up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Pizza Rolls

Image shows a Pizza roll on a white plate in front of a pyrex with the rest of the batch in it.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take pizza night to a fun new level with these kid-approved pizza rolls. Made with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, they’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun game night treat.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Pizza Pot Pies

Image shows a fork with a great cheese pull taking a bite from a blue ramekin containing a chicken pizza pot pie.
Pizza Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Put a fun twist on pizza night with these individual pot pies. Filled with chicken, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, they’re a great way to use leftover chicken for a delicious and affordable meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Bacon Egg Salad

Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.
Bacon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Give your egg salad a salty and delicious upgrade with leftover bacon. This recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover ingredients for a delicious sandwich or lettuce wrap filling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This protein-packed quinoa dish is a budget-friendly champion. Black beans, corn, and salsa add bursts of flavor and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This cheesy pasta dish is a surprising budget-friendly find. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Don’t toss out leftover rotisserie chicken! This comforting soup uses leftover chicken and cheese tortellini to create a delicious and cheap way to turn leftovers into a new meal. This is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Image shows A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli around it.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Made in an Instant Pot, it’s quick and easy to prepare, offering comforting flavor and affordability in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a vegetarian meal that’s easy on the wallet? These gooey stuffed shells are bursting with flavor and comfort, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

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