Pantry staples glow up with a few bold moves. Spices pull more than their weight and textures do the rest. You’ll spend little and eat like you didn’t. Creativity cashes the check. Thrift gets delicious.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of creamy pasta with grilled chicken, sliced lemon, and herbs, garnished with parsley, sits on a red patterned cloth—an inviting option for budget dinners—with grated cheese and vegetables nearby.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta that is bursting with bright, lemony flavors and perfect for both busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

A quesadilla filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese is cut in half and served on a plate with a side of red dipping sauce—perfect for anyone seeking tasty recipes or affordable meals.
Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps are a delicious and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love! Made with ground beef, cheese, and crunchy tostada shells, these wraps are perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beer braised short ribs on a plate on top of a bed of mashed potatoes.
Beer Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Beer Braised Short Ribs are a hearty and delicious meal. The rich and savory flavors of the tender beef, combined with the rich beer, make this dish a comforting and satisfying choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It doesn’t get much better than this easy but oh-so impressive pasta dish! Tomatoes, artichoke hearts, spinach, feta, and plenty of fresh herbs transform humble spaghetti into a show-stopping meal!
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Baked tender, sticky, and savory Asian chicken wings on a plate.
Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Baked Asian chicken wings are a delicious appetizer that features chicken wings seasoned with Asian flavors and then baked in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

A white plate with multiple four cheese square ravioli served on a marble countertop; cooking ingredients visible in the background.
Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Get the step-by-step instructions to create your own homemade ravioli and filling and serve a delightful and satisfying homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

Baked Chicken and Orzo

A plate with baked chicken thigh and orzo pasta mixed with tomatoes, garnished with herbs, with a fork and knife beside.
Baked Chicken and Orzo. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Baked Chicken and Orzo is the perfect busy weeknight meal. Made with juicy chicken thighs, and fluffy rice it’s always a crowd-favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Ground Beef and Noodles

A bowl of creamy beef stroganoff with egg noodles on a striped cloth next to a fork and a sprig of parsley.
Ground Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Ground Beef and Noodles are made with tender ground beef, flavorful pasta, and homemade beef gravy. It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A serving spoon lifting Salisbury steak with mushrooms and onions from a baking dish with sauce.
Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks are tender and flavorful ground beef patties that are simmered in an onion and mushroom gravy for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl.
Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Smoked Sausage and Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. Make with smoked sausage, tender pasta, fresh vegetables all cooked in a creamy sauce. Your family will love it!
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

A plate of fried rice with tofu, peas, corn, carrots, and egg.
Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This tofu fried rice recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile and packed with healthy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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