Hold on to your aprons and put down that phone, because these 27 wallet-friendly dinners are about to revolutionize your nights. After clocking out, you’re probably not itching to play a game of “Will it arrive cold?” with your local delivery spot. That’s where these recipes come in, saving you from the siren call of the takeout menu. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they’re going to keep your cash right where it belongs — in your wallet.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Forget waiting around for delivery when you can whip up a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in less time than it takes to choose a TV show. This one’s a no-brainer for a great meal that’s gentle on your wallet. You’re looking at 25 minutes tops to mix it all together with ingredients that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a quick bite without the extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
White Bean Soup
When you’re about to tap that delivery app, pause and consider the White Bean Soup that’s both easy on the wallet and simple to cook. All it takes is one pot and 40 minutes to create a meal that’s great for any night of the week. It’s packed with fiber and veggies, making it a smart choice when you’re after something hearty without putting in too much work or cash.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a quick fix for a filling dinner, perfect for busy evenings. Just grab some mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, and a few spices — ingredients you likely already have. This dish turns affordable pork chops into a crispy meal in just 25 minutes. Baking rather than frying keeps the chops crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This recipe is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a good meal while keeping the grocery bill low and avoiding expensive delivery.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is the perfect recipe for those looking for a budget-friendly and full-of-flavor meal. Made with cost-effective ingredients like shredded chicken, jalapeños, and mayonnaise, this salad puts a spicy spin on traditional chicken salad. It’s easy to whip up and great for a light dinner. By choosing this recipe, you’re opting for a meal that stretches your food budget further while still serving a punch of flavor, helping you avoid the expense of frequent takeout.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Before you even think about hitting that delivery app, consider this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole that gets you more bang for your buck. It’s a breeze to make and you can have it on the table in less than an hour. Plus, it’s a smart move for your wallet and your schedule — you can prep it ahead, and it freezes like a dream. Kids love it, adults crave it, and your bank account will thank you.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish is great for those looking to cut down on food expenses. The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake uses affordable chicken thighs that bring more flavor than other expensive cuts. Combined with cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and spinach, it lends a creamy, comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare, requiring basic kitchen skills and common ingredients. Serve it alone or stretch it over pasta or rice for more servings, making it a practical choice to reduce the need for pricier take-out options.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Before you cave to the convenience of delivery, check out the Tuna Macaroni Salad that’s kind on your wallet and super simple to make. You can have it ready in 40 minutes flat, and it’s likely you’ve got everything you need already. Just boil some pasta, toss it with tuna, eggs, mayo, and a few pantry staples, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s easy on the effort and the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is perfect for saving time and money on those busy weeknights. It’s a simple assembly of frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and a generous topping of melted cheese, mirroring a lasagna’s comforting taste but much easier to make. Bake until bubbly and golden, and garnish with chopped parsley. Ready in about an hour, it’s a hearty and cost-effective solution to curb the habit of ordering out, serving a great meal at a fraction of the price.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Cabbage and Sausage
This Cabbage and Sausage combines economical ingredients in a flavorful one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features cabbage, known for its ability to soak up flavors, paired with the sausage. It’s a smart pick for a great-tasting, budget-friendly meal that stretches your ingredients further and reduces the need for costly takeouts. The simplicity and comforting nature of this dish also makes it a favorite for many.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great way to enjoy rich flavors without spending much. This one-pot dish transforms the classic stuffed bell pepper into a simpler, less labor-intensive casserole. It features bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and canned diced tomatoes — all affordable and readily available ingredients. Cooked together in one pot in just 45 minutes, this casserole is filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a good meal and save money by cutting back on eating out.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites make a great dinner option that’s not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare. Using simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and butter, and even simpler cooking steps, you can create a delicious meal in about 20 minutes. This recipe is particularly useful for using pantry staples and avoiding unnecessary grocery trips, helping to keep your spending on food down. Serve these bites with a side of rice or veggies for a complete, budget-conscious meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is perfect for anyone looking for an easy and cheap meal. Just toss split peas, carrots, celery, ham, onion, and spices into a slow cooker. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly over several hours, whether on a high setting for a quicker meal or on low for a gradual simmer. The soup is hearty, nutritious, and incredibly cost-effective, making it a superb choice for budget-conscious cooks. It’s also perfect for meal prep and any leftovers store well, which helps reduce the temptation to order expensive meals online.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cut down on takeout costs with this easy Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s simple: toss inexpensive vegetables like zucchini and broccoli with your choice of sausage on a sheet pan and bake. This dish saves you money and time and is great for anyone who wants a nutritious, filling dinner without overspending. Any leftovers from this dinner are great for the next day, helping you stretch your budget further. If you’re looking for a no-stress dinner that’s easy to prepare and clean up, this recipe is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Spice up dinner without breaking the bank with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. They’re made with affordable canned salmon and just a few more ingredients like eggs, diced jalapeño, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. These patties are quick to cook and packed with flavor, featuring a spicy kick that’s balanced with a homemade lemon dill aioli. They’re also a smart pick for getting important omega-3s without the cost of fresh fish. Great for a fast, spicy dinner on a budget, these patties are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy seafood without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Enjoy a hearty meal with Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, a smart choice if you’re watching your spending. It uses frozen veggies, which are cheaper and last longer, mixed into a cheesy sauce and baked with crispy bacon. It’s an easy, cheesy way to make a filling meal that won’t empty your wallet. Double the recipe and freeze one for a ready-to-go dinner when you’re too busy to cook. This casserole is perfect for those who want a delicious, comforting meal without the effort or cost of fancy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Stop overspending on dinner with this Crock Pot Taco Soup. Just combine ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and taco seasoning in your crock pot. It’s not only easy but also light on your budget, making a lot of food without a lot of money. It’s perfect with some bread, and you can freeze what you don’t eat for another meal. A great way to eat well and save cash. This soup is a great solution for busy evenings when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is perfect for a delicious, low-cost meal. Using pantry items like canned tuna and whole milk with noodles and peas, it’s one of the best ways to make a filling dinner that saves money. It’s great for busy nights when you need something quick and hearty without the cost of ordering out. Plus, it tastes even better the next day. This casserole is a practical choice for anyone who wants to stretch their food budget and save cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Save on breakfast with Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Made with inexpensive cottage cheese, eggs, cheddar cheese, and flour, these muffins are not only cheap but also quick to make. While they’re perfect for busy mornings, they work just as great served at night. These protein-packed muffins are a great way to use up leftover vegetables, too, helping to cut down on food waste and save money. If you’re looking to eat well without spending a fortune, this recipe is a nutritious start or end to your day that’s easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cut down on your food expenses with these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. This recipe uses affordable ingredients like canned chicken, homemade ranch seasoning using pantry staples, and cucumbers, creating a dish that’s not only budget-friendly but also fresh and easy to make. Prepping this in advance means you’re set for a light dinner throughout the week, reducing the temptation to order out.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Broccoli Casserole
Enjoy comfort food without the high cost with this Broccoli Casserole. Made with economical ingredients like broccoli and cream of mushroom soup, it’s an easy bake that serves up warmth and comfort. This casserole is paired perfectly with garlic bread for a complete meal, proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy hearty flavors. It’s especially great for those busy evenings when you need something simple without resorting to expensive delivery options. This dish not only fills you up but also keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
The Fajita Baked Chicken is a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful meals without the high cost of delivery. This recipe involves simple layering of chicken, fajita seasoning, bell peppers, and onions, all baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare and ready to serve in just 30 minutes. By choosing this dish, you’re opting for a meal that’s both easy on your wallet and on your schedule, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner at home without the high costs. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special but want to keep spending low.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are your go-to for an affordable, quick meal solution. Using canned chicken and common pantry items, these patties are both budget-friendly and easy to make. They are perfect for a simple meal alongside vegetables or inside a sandwich, serving flexibility and flavor without the cost of dining out. Preparing these patties is a breeze, making them an awesome alternative to more expensive, store-bought options. They’re a great choice for anyone looking to cut down on kitchen time without sacrificing taste, quality, or budget.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a hearty meal while sticking to a budget. This skillet combines ground beef, mushrooms and cauliflower rice with creamy elements, creating a rich flavor that’s both filling and easy to prepare. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require expensive ingredients, making it a great alternative to ordering out. With this one-pan dish, you get a comforting meal that goes easy on your wallet. It demonstrates that you don’t need to compromise on taste or quality for affordability.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Corn Soup
The Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick, hearty meal. It uses simple ingredients like shredded chicken, canned corn, and vegetables, making it cost-effective and easy to whip up. This soup is great for batch cooking, so you have plenty of servings that save you time and money throughout the week. By making your own chicken broth from leftovers, you add depth of flavor without additional cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a great choice for budget-conscious eaters. It uses minimal ingredients — primarily cabbage and bacon — to create a dish that’s easy to cook and full of flavor. The bacon adds a nice crunch that complements the tender cabbage, making a hearty meal with just a few simple steps. This recipe shows that you don’t have to buy expensive ingredients to enjoy a hearty meal, helping you cut back on food costs and avoid the temptation of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is great for those who want to use leftovers creatively and economically. It uses leftover chicken, combining it with green chiles, onions, cream cheese and a mix of spices to create a flavorful dish that’s both easy and quick to prepare. Serve it as a main dish over rice or as a filling for tacos to extend its reach. This recipe is a clever solution for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without splurging on delivery. You get great taste and value from simple, affordable ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a smart choice for families needing to stretch their dining dollar. It mixes budget-friendly ground beef with cauliflower rice and spinach, topped with cheese for a filling and nutritious meal. The casserole is easy to assemble and bake, serving a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a practical recipe if you want a flavorful dinner without the high cost of ordering out, making it a hit for both your stomach and wallet.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach