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13 Recipes That Taste Expensive but Are Super Cheap

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By Mandy Applegate

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13 Recipes That Taste Expensive but Are Super Cheap

If you think delicious, high-end meals have to be pricey, think again. These 13 recipes will change your mind and your meal planning. They taste like a million bucks but are super cheap to make. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself without the guilt. Because sometimes, you just need to trick yourself into thinking you splurged.

A serving of creamy chicken pot pie casserole with vegetables, lifted on a fork, with a flaky crust and garnished with herbs.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re craving comfort food without the fuss or the high price tag, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta is a go-to choice. This dish combines the heartiness of pasta with the richness of creamy sauce, making each bite fulfilling. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ideal for feeding a crowd or just yourself after a long day, it keeps both time and cost in check.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start your morning right or enjoy a light, protein-packed snack with Egg Bites. They are as versatile as they are delicious, fitting seamlessly into your meal prep routine. Whip up a batch for a quick grab-and-go option throughout the week. They’re proof that simple can be special, and cheap can be chic.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Balti Chicken

A bowl of traditional balti chicken garnished with cilantro, served next to naan bread on a blue tablecloth.
Balti Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

If you’re in the mood for something exotic without the exotic price, Balti Chicken is a perfect choice. This flavorful dish brings a touch of Indian cuisine to your dinner table without requiring a trip to a restaurant. It’s a fantastic way to spice up your dinner routine while keeping things affordable and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Balti Chicken

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A baking dish filled with golden-brown baked tuna noodle casserole, topped with breadcrumbs and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With Tuna Noodle Casserole, you can whip up a meal that feels nostalgic and gourmet at the same time. This dish is a classic comfort food that’s easy on the budget and big on flavor. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s a practical choice that satisfies without any fancy ingredients or complex steps. Enjoy a hearty meal without the stress or the steep cost.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A bowl of Instant Pot Butter Chicken garnished with cilantro, accompanied by naan bread on a white marble surface.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For a dish that screams ‘special occasion’ but is actually straightforward to make, try Instant Pot Butter Chicken. This recipe allows you to enjoy classic Indian flavors with minimal effort and cost. Serve it up when you want something a bit special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or too much at the store.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever crave a fast-food burger without wanting to leave the house? Copycat Smash Burger lets you recreate that juicy, indulgent experience right in your own kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly affordable to make. Fire up your grill or skillet and get ready for some rave reviews without the restaurant price.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Chicken Noodles

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a quick and fulfilling meal, Chicken Noodles are the way to go. This dish is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet the result is a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s perfect for a solo lunch or a family dinner, proving that simple doesn’t have to mean boring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodles

Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped herbs.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead meal for any time of day. It’s as easy to serve to guests as it is to have on a lazy Sunday morning. You get to enjoy all the flavors of a full breakfast in one dish, and it’s economical too. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that won’t have you scrambling for ingredients or time.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want something hearty and comforting, Chicken Pot Pie is just the ticket. This dish is a complete meal in itself, with a golden crust and a savory filling that satisfies deeply. It’s surprisingly affordable to make, offering a homemade touch to dinner that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dig into a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to say: Cowboy Casserole. This hearty meal packs a punch with flavors that are robust and fulfilling. It’s the kind of dinner that keeps you full and happy, and it won’t buck your budget. Perfect for a casual family gathering or a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, all while being easy on your budget. This one-dish wonder is perfect for those evenings when you want something filling and flavorful without the hassle or expense. It’s a practical choice that feels a bit indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Make your favorite fast-food treat at home with Chick-fil-A Nuggets. This recipe is not only fun but also wallet-friendly, allowing you to indulge in your chicken nugget cravings without the fast-food price tag. Great for parties or a family-friendly meal, everyone will be clamoring for more.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A serving of creamy chicken pot pie casserole with vegetables, lifted on a fork, with a flaky crust and garnished with herbs.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A fuss-free route to a fulfilling meal that feels like a treat. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole takes all the beloved elements of a traditional chicken pot pie and makes it even easier to serve up. This version is perfect for feeding a crowd without spending a lot, and the comforting flavors are sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

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