Finding delicious and satisfying meals doesn’t have to break the bank. These 21 budget-friendly main dish recipes are perfect for feeding your family or yourself without overspending. From hearty pastas to flavorful stir-fries, these dishes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and designed to help you save money while enjoying every bite.

Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these chicken cutlets get their irresistible flavor from Parmesan and a quick pan-fry. Perfect for adding a bit of flair to a weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Soy Garlic Chicken

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

Packed with bold flavors, this recipe brings together savory soy sauce and fragrant garlic. Pair it with a side of rice or noodles for an effortless, flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Chicken

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Three air-fried, sesame-crusted chicken thighs with broccoli on a white plate.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Juicy, flavorful, and ready in a snap, these chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Trust me, they’ll be your new favorite go-to meal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

A white plate with air-fried country style ribs, garnished with barbecue sauce and parsley.
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, these country-style ribs take minimal effort in the air fryer and deliver maximum satisfaction!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

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 comforting one-pan meal combines tender baked chicken with hearty orzo, all in a perfectly seasoned broth. Easy cleanup, big rewards!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy and golden on the outside while remaining juicy inside, these breaded pork chops are everything you’d want in a quick comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and broccoli on a plate.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This vibrant dish is loaded with crispy tofu, fresh broccoli, and a delicious homemade sauce that’s better than takeout. A simple way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

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.

Everything you love about a cheeseburger, but wrapped up in a crispy tortilla for a fun, handheld dinner. Prepare for serious crowd-pleasing vibes!
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken on a plate with rice and sauce.
Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Tender, slow-cooked chicken smothered in a cheesy salsa sauce. It’s easy to set and forget until dinnertime rolls around!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

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.

Smoky sausage, hearty pasta, and a rich, savory sauce come together in one skillet for a fuss-free, satisfying dinner.
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.

A quick and flavorful way to use up leftover rice, this tofu fried rice is packed with veggies and protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

A pan filled with fried cabbage and sausage, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This hearty skillet meal is a savory mix of sautéed cabbage and smoky sausage. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A quick and easy stir fry that combines tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. Who needs takeout?
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

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 noodles and flavorful ground beef come together in a creamy sauce for a meal that’s both budget-friendly and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savory ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a variety of spices combine in one skillet for a hearty and healthy meal option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Healthy Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata with lemon and capers on a plate.
Healthy Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Zesty and light, this healthier take on classic chicken piccata is made with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. It’s as simple as it is flavorful!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Piccata

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

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

Sweet, savory, and bursting with garlic, this Instant Pot recipe delivers tender chicken without all the fuss. Dinner just got way easier!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

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 and zesty lemon pairs beautifully with tender chicken and al dente orzo for a fresh and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

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.

Savory and hearty, these hamburger steaks are smothered in a rich gravy and baked to juicy perfection.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

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.

These fall-off-the-bone chicken wings are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory Asian-inspired glaze. Warning, they’re highly addictive!
Get the Recipe: Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy tofu tossed in a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce, this dish is a great budget-friendly alternative to your favorite takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

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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