Make every dollar count with meals that are affordable yet full of flavor. These recipes use simple, inexpensive ingredients to create satisfying, hearty dinners. Perfect for feeding a family without overspending, each dish delivers maximum taste on a budget. Budget-friendly cooking has never been so delicious or stress-free.

Soy Garlic Chicken

Soy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender chicken is coated in a savory soy garlic sauce that’s full of umami and flavor. Quick to prepare, it makes a weeknight dinner feel special without extra effort. Perfect paired with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Chicken

Greek Spaghetti

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

Artichoke hearts, spinach, feta, and fresh herbs elevate spaghetti into a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal. Juicy tomatoes and a touch of olive oil create bright, layered flavors. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for guests.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

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.

Juicy ground beef patties are baked to perfection and simmered in a savory onion and mushroom gravy. Simple ingredients create a comforting, hearty meal. Ideal for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

A sliced quesadilla filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of red sauce.
Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Ground beef, cheese, and crunchy tostada shells come together in these satisfying wraps. Easy to assemble, they make a fun, flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken thighs cook quickly in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce in the Instant Pot. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

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.

Juicy chicken thighs are baked alongside tender orzo for a one-pan, fuss-free dinner. Flavored with herbs and seasonings, it’s both comforting and satisfying. A family favorite for busy nights.
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.

Tender ground beef is combined with pasta and a rich homemade beef gravy. Simple to prepare, it’s a hearty and filling weeknight meal. Perfect for when time is tight but flavor is essential.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

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.

Fresh homemade ravioli are filled with a creamy four-cheese blend for a decadent but approachable meal. Step-by-step instructions make it easier than it sounds. A delightful dinner for family or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

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.

Crispy tofu and vegetables mix with rice for a colorful, protein-packed fried rice. Quick and versatile, it’s perfect for customizing with your favorite flavors. A satisfying plant-based weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

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.

Smoked sausage, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables come together in a creamy sauce for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner. Quick to make and family-friendly, it’s perfect for busy evenings. A satisfying one-pan meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Bright lemon and tender chicken transform orzo pasta into a fresh, flavorful weeknight dinner. Light yet satisfying, it’s a dish the whole family can enjoy. Ready in under 30 minutes for quick meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

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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