Wallet-wise dinners: 23 budget-friendly recipes

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Grocery store prices leaving you in a bind? Brace yourself for a culinary journey that doesn’t compromise on flavor, even when you’re on a budget. Say goodbye to wallet woes and hello to a delightful assortment of weeknight wonders that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious meal.

Whether you’re craving comfort classics or exploring new tastes, these budget-friendly recipes are here to save the day, one scrumptious bite at a time. From satisfying soups to hearty mains, these budget-friendly weeknight meals are a testament to the fact that you can enjoy gourmet-inspired goodness without the hefty price tag.

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Flatbread Pizza. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Pot with chicken egg roll in a bowl.
Egg roll in a bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the flavors of Chinese takeout with this quick and easy recipe, utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken for a guilt-free indulgence in minutes. Using cabbage and other inexpensive veggies to bulk up this dish helps stretch your chicken so you need less to enjoy a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Couscous salad

Enjoy the flavors of a budget-friendly meal with this couscous veggie mix that incorporates an array of affordable and nutritious ingredients. It’s a wholesome dish that will satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Couscous salad

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows Cacio e Pepe on a plate with glasses in the background.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the simplicity of this inexpensive yet delicious cacio e pepe pasta, a dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a flavorful meal. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that will impress your taste buds without emptying your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Flatbread Pizza

Enjoy a budget-friendly twist on traditional pizza with these flavorful flatbread pizzas that are quick and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying and economical meal. It’s a cost-effective recipe that allows you to customize your toppings and enjoy a delicious pizza experience without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that won’t break the bank, with the added bonus of being an affordable meatless option. It’s a budget-friendly meal that offers both taste and affordability.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Prepare these budget-friendly lasagna roll-ups in a jiffy, featuring all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the long baking times. It’s a convenient and cost-effective twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Apple Puff Pancake

Image shows an overhead shot of an Apple Puff Pancake in a cast iron skillet.
Apple Puff Pancake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your mealtime experience with this affordable and delightful apple puff pancake that combines simple ingredients for a tasty breakfast or brinner. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that will impress your family or guests.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pancake

Tomato Soup

Warm your soul with this budget-friendly tomato soup that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. It’s a comforting and economical option for a quick and nourishing meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup of tuna and tomato pasta in a shallow bowl.
Tuna and tomato pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat your kids to a delicious and protein-packed pasta meal that won’t break the bank, providing a satisfying and budget-friendly option. It’s a wallet-friendly recipe that ensures that everyone enjoys a nutritious and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Dive into the flavors of the Southwest with this budget-friendly chicken pie that combines pantry staples for a tasty and economical dish. It’s a comforting recipe that brings a touch of Tex-Mex flair to your table without breaking the bank thanks to the black beans and corn that fill you up.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a bowl of this budget-friendly chicken tortilla soup, filled with hearty ingredients and zesty flavors for a comforting and economical meal. It’s a flavorful recipe that offers both affordability and a satisfying dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pizza Rolls

Take a budget-friendly twist on a classic cinnamon roll and transform it into a savory dinner option that will please your taste buds and your wallet. It’s an innovative and cost-effective recipe that will become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Indulge in a simple and budget-friendly creamy garlic chicken dish that offers a comforting and flavorful meal in just one pan. It’s a cost-effective recipe that will impress your family or guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Fried Rice

Turn leftover rotisserie chicken into a flavorful and budget-friendly chicken fried rice dish that’s quick to make and perfect for any day of the week. It’s a cost-effective recipe that allows you to create a delicious Asian-inspired meal without breaking the bank using whatever veggies you happen to have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows Canned Chicken Salad on a single Ritz cracker with a sleeve of Ritz crackers in the background.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a hassle-free and cost-effective salad using canned chicken, making it the perfect option for a quick and refreshing meal. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or convenience.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Whip up this wallet-friendly quinoa salad, filled with protein-rich ingredients and bursting with flavors, for a satisfying and economical meal. It’s a nutritious option that won’t strain your budget.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Tuna salad on piece of iceberg lettuce topped with red onion.
Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whip up this affordable tuna salad that skips the traditional mayo and uses delicious alternatives to create a creamy and satisfying dish. It’s a wallet-friendly recipe that packs in the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Canned Chicken Patties

Whip up these affordable canned chicken patties that are gluten-free, low-carb, and kid-friendly, making them a perfect option for a quick and budget-friendly meal. They’re a wallet-friendly solution that guarantees a delicious and nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Delight your family with this budget-friendly cheesy crack chicken casserole that combines simple ingredients to create a creamy and flavorful dish. It’s an affordable recipe that will please both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Pizza Bagels

Discover a playful and budget-friendly take on pizza with these tasty pizza bagels that are perfect for quick and affordable snacks or meals. It’s an inexpensive recipe that combines the best of bagels and pizza, offering a delightful and budget-conscious option.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bagels

Hashbrown Hambuger Casserole

Hashbrown and hamburger casserole in white pan.
Hamburger Hashbrown Cassserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Dive into this budget-friendly and comforting hashbrown hamburger casserole that the whole family will love, providing a delicious and affordable dinner option. It’s an economical recipe that brings together the flavors of crispy hashbrowns and savory hamburger in one satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Hambuger Casserole

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Combine the best of both worlds with this budget-friendly chicken and waffle casserole, offering a unique and satisfying twist on a classic dish. It’s an affordable recipe that brings together the flavors of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles in a delightful way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Save time and money with this slow cooker creamy chicken recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor for a satisfying dinner. It’s a budget-friendly option that allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

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