Cooking tasty meals without spending a lot can be tricky. These 19 affordable recipes are perfect for every meal of the day and won’t stretch your budget. Each recipe is easy to prepare and full of flavor, helping you enjoy satisfying meals while keeping costs low. Whether you need a hearty breakfast, a filling lunch, or a comforting dinner, these dishes provide variety and deliciousness without breaking the bank.

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas are a time-saving way to enjoy a tasty, budget-friendly meal without too much effort. Leftover chicken is transformed into cheesy, flavorful enchiladas that are perfect for a quick dinner. It’s a satisfying, cost-effective option for a delicious weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes combines bold, rich flavors with simple ingredients to create a budget-friendly meal. The tangy sundried tomatoes complement the rich pesto, elevating the tuna salad to a satisfying dish. This quick and affordable option is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a timeless pasta dish that brings rich flavor to the table with just a handful of ingredients. The creamy pecorino cheese pairs perfectly with the bite of black pepper, creating a simple yet satisfying sauce. It’s an affordable and easy dinner choice for any busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza pot pies offer a creative, wallet-friendly twist on a beloved comfort food, perfect for using up leftovers. Filled with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, these mini pies are both fun and satisfying to make and eat. It’s an economical way to enjoy pizza flavors in a unique form.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ chicken is a versatile and budget-conscious recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Slow-cooked in a smoky, rich sauce, this tender chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that stretches your ingredients and budget.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Mexican skillet quinoa is a protein-packed, budget-friendly meal that’s cooked in just one pan. The combination of quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s an easy and affordable dinner option that’s both healthy and delicious, perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Lemon Roasted Chicken

Lemon roasted chicken offers a zesty, flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for those on a budget. The bright lemon flavor infuses the juicy chicken, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. It’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy a delicious family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Calzones

Calzones are a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy a homemade meal that can be customized to your liking. Fill these golden, baked pockets with your favorite ingredients for a satisfying dinner. It’s an economical way to bring creativity and flavor to your weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Calzones

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

These cheesy stuffed shells are a comforting, budget-conscious dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. Filled with creamy ricotta and a variety of vegetables, they offer a hearty vegetarian option. This meal is both satisfying and economical, making it ideal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Creamy Pea Pasta

Creamy pea pasta is a quick and affordable dish that pairs rich, creamy sauce with protein-packed peas for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy dinner option that delivers on both flavor and convenience. This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice turns simple leftovers into a colorful, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal. With tender chicken and crisp vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade dinner that’s both quick and affordable, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Pizza Roll-Ups

Pizza roll-ups are a fun and budget-friendly twist on a classic, making them an easy option for a weeknight dinner. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. These roll-ups offer a delicious and economical way to bring pizza to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Roll-Ups

Chicken Tenders

Homemade chicken tenders are a fun, budget-conscious alternative to fast food that the whole family will love. With a crispy coating and juicy chicken inside, they’re easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy a delicious, affordable meal without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy beef and rice casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese come together in a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s an easy and economical option for a cozy dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Shortcut chicken salad is a quick, budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for a light meal without a lot of fuss. Made with canned chicken, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an easy, affordable option for lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic, budget-friendly comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings are simmered in a savory broth for a hearty meal. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a traditional dish without spending too much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Potato Gnocchi

Homemade potato gnocchi is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic Italian dish in your own kitchen. These soft, pillowy dumplings are easy to make and pair perfectly with your favorite sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor home at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Chicken egg roll in a bowl takes the flavors of a traditional egg roll and turns them into an easy, budget-friendly meal. This quick stir-fry combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables for a dish that’s both satisfying and affordable. It’s an ideal dinner option for busy nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups

Weeknight lasagna roll-ups provide a simple and satisfying twist on a classic family dish. The creamy cheese and savory sauce are wrapped up in tender pasta, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s an ideal choice for busy nights when you want to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups