Finding time to cook a great dinner on a budget can be a challenge. We’ve rounded up our favorite recipes that are cheap, fast, and easy, so you can eat like a king without breaking the bank. These meals are perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup, making your life a little easier and tastier.
Blackened Cod
This blackened cod uses simple pantry seasonings and a quick pan-sear, making it a great choice for a cheap, fast, and easy dinner. You’ll get a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans all cooked on one sheet pan. It’s super simple and quick, with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for eating well on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
These sheet pan pork chops are served with red cabbage, potatoes, and apples. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s quick and easy, great for busy weeknights, and budget-friendly with just one pan to clean.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Smashed white bean and kale quesadillas with melted cheddar and creamy BBQ sauce. A great meatless meal that’s both cheap and delicious, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Air Fryer Brats
Cooking brats in the air fryer is super simple and quick. Ready in under 15 minutes, these tender and juicy brats are perfect for a budget-friendly dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin, a mouthwatering spice rub, and tender meat, this easy dinner is great for eating well without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
This creamy turmeric chicken is an easy one-skillet meal with hearty chickpeas. Served over rice with cilantro, it’s a great dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and affordable feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Grilled Ham Steak
Grilled ham steaks with a rosemary maple dijon glaze are a welcome change from traditional grilled fare. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this budget-friendly dinner feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak
Soba Noodle Pasta
Soba noodles made simply and on a budget with onions and a soft-boiled egg. This meal is great for when you want something quick, cheap, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta
Cream Cheese Chicken
This cream cheese chicken is the answer to boring weeknight meals. Seasoned with five spices, it’s creamy and full of savory goodness, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
A 20-minute, one-pan dinner with garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers. Fresh herbs add flavor, making it a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for eating well on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
This ground beef stir fry is the perfect weeknight meal. Made in one pan with fresh vegetables, it features a garlic ginger stir fry sauce that’s healthier, tastier, and quicker than takeout, saving you money.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
A quick and easy stir fry with ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms in an Asian-inspired sauce. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a fast and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage makes an easy skillet dinner inspired by Asian stir fry. With lots of texture, aromatic spices, and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is a weeknight winner and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple, classic dish from Italy made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta uses Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta cooking water to create an indulgent meal that’s both easy and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Kale and Feta Egg Bake
Individual egg bakes are the perfect lazy dinner. Just a handful of simple ingredients and this meal is ready to go, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Feta Egg Bake
Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is the easy weeknight meal you didn’t know you needed. Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, ready in less than 30 minutes, and great for a budget-friendly family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken