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31 Cheap Dinner Recipes

Transforming mealtime on a budget is now more achievable than ever! By utilizing affordable dinner recipes, you can indulge in wholesome, mouth-watering dishes without breaking the bank. The key lies in leveraging pantry staples to craft an array of scrumptious options, ranging from hearty soups to savory stir-fries and comforting casseroles.

With creative combinations of low-cost ingredients like canned fish and ground beef, paired with an abundance of nutritious veggies, noodles, pasta, and grains, you can look forward to a culinary adventure that’s as budget-friendly as it is satisfying.

Celery and Carrot Soup

Celery and Carrot Soup

Celery and carrot soup is a revitalizing and aromatic blend that showcases the earthy flavors of its namesake ingredients. While these vegetables are commonly used as a foundation for soups, they take center stage in this recipe, requiring a generous quantity to bring out their natural sweetness. The addition of onion, garlic, and oregano adds depth and complexity, while cooking the veggies in vegetable broth until tender yields a light and refreshing summer soup.

This nutritious option is characterized by its low calorie count, moderate fat content, and high fiber and protein levels, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and satisfying meal. Per serving, this recipe boasts 79 calories, 4.8g of fats, 1.2g of protein, 8.6g of carbohydrates, 2.4g of dietary fiber, and 3.7g of sugar.

Zucchini Stir Fry

Zucchini Stir Fry

Zucchini stir-fry is a culinary delight that’s surprisingly simple to prepare and whip up in no time. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors. Fresh garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil combine to create a mouthwatering aroma, while crunchy sesame seeds add a satisfying textural element. To elevate this dish further, serve it with a side of steamed or cauliflower rice for a well-rounded meal.

And if you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s what you can expect: Per serving, enjoy approximately 203 calories, with 12g of fats, 6.7g of protein, 16.5g of carbohydrates, and a respectable 5.5g of fiber and 9.7g of sugar.

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Indulge in a mouth-watering meal prep dish featuring a scrumptious homemade teriyaki sauce, bursting with harmonious notes of sweet, salty, nutty, and tangy flavors. This satisfying meal is rounded out by fluffy rice and tender broccoli. Opt for chicken thighs to elevate the dish’s affordability and juiciness. For those familiar with Japanese cuisine, the ingredients required for the sauce will likely already be stocked in your pantry.

The foundation of the sauce relies on soy sauce’s rich, salty essence, while ginger and garlic provide aromatic depth and rice vinegar contributes a tangy zing. A drizzle of honey adds sweetness, and sesame oil lends a nutty flair. Complete the dish with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onion slices for added texture. This recipe is one of the most delightful easy high-protein meals, perfect for lunch or dinner! Per serving: Calories – 653, Fats – 20g, Protein – 51g, Carbs – 68g, Fiber – 2.

4g, Sugar – 23g.

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground Pork Stir Fry

For a delicious and effortless Asian-inspired pork stir fry, you’ll need minimal ingredients, but don’t compromise on quality – invest in the best ground pork to let its rich flavor shine through. To complement the meat, choose tender broccoli as your go-to veggie option. Cooking them in beef broth will infuse the dish with an incredible depth of flavor. Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, honey, and garlic to create a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the meat and broccoli.

Simmer everything together until the sauce thickens, then garnish with a sprinkle of green onion for added freshness. Per serving, you can expect: 374 calories, 28g of fats, 21g of protein, 8.8g of carbohydrates, 0.6g of fiber, and 4.7g of sugar.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

Savor the rich flavors of sweet and sticky chicken thighs, perfectly balanced with fluffy rice to absorb every delicious bite. To create this mouthwatering dish, combine fresh garlic, honey’s natural sweetness, and soy sauce’s savory umami taste for a delectable coating that caramelizes beautifully due to the honey’s sugar content. Before serving, add a pop of freshness by garnishing with green onion slices. Per Serving: Calories 803, Fats 23g, Protein 47g, Carbs 100.9g, Fiber 4.1g, Sugar 26g.

Vegan White Bean and Tomato Skillet

Vegan White Bean and Tomato Skillet

Hamburger Stroganoff

Hamburger Stroganoff

In a surprising twist, this creamy ground beef stroganoff recipe defies expectations by delivering on flavor and ease of preparation. A trifecta of cremini mushrooms, yellow onion, and minced garlic provides the foundation for a rich and savory dish. By incorporating stock, sour cream, and heavy cream, you’ll achieve a luxurious and velvety sauce that’s sure to please. The tangy kick from Worcestershire sauce adds an unexpected layer of complexity.

This comforting meal is best served over tender noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. Nutritionally speaking, each serving boasts an impressive 489 calories, with 33g of fat, 27g of protein, and a balance of 21g of carbs, 2g of fiber, and 6g of sugar.

Honey Chicken Wings

Honey Chicken Wings

Indulge in the ultimate sweet and savory experience with these delectable three-ingredient chicken wings, boasting a trifecta of textures – crispy on the outside, juicy within, and sticky from the honey glaze! For optimal results, opt for premium chicken, such as organic varieties that promise an extra boost of juiciness. To add depth to your wings, season them with dried Italian herbs before baking until golden brown. The finishing touch?

A drizzle of pure honey, adding a touch of sweetness to this mouthwatering masterpiece. Nutritionally, each serving delivers a satisfying combination: 527 calories, 37g of fat, 26g of protein, 21g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and 6.2g of sugar.

Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

Indulge in a delightful and satisfying meal with this creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli lasagna. This comforting dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates, including those who may not typically enjoy vegetables.

Assemble layers of cooked noodles, tender chicken, rich alfredo sauce, steamed broccoli, and melted mozzarella cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Bake until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, then serve with crunchy garlic toast to mop up every last drop of that savory sauce.

Nutritional Information per Serving:
Calories: 714
Fat: 52g
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Creamy Beef Tomato Soup

Creamy Beef Tomato Soup

Indulge in the hearty goodness of beef tomato soup, a comforting blend of flavors that will leave you craving more! The pungency of sautéed garlic and onion provides a robust foundation, while ground beef adds depth and richness. The combination of beef broth, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley creates a sumptuous taste experience. To add texture, pasta noodles are the perfect accompaniment, while cream cheese brings a velvety smoothness to each spoonful.

As for nutrition, this satisfying soup packs 409 calories per serving, with a breakdown of 27g fats, 25g protein, 19g carbs, 4g fiber, and 11g sugar.

Tuna with Noodles

Tuna with Noodles

This mouthwatering tuna recipe is a cinch to prepare and won’t break the bank. The star of the show is tender egg noodles, which provide a filling base for this comforting meal. A burst of sweetness from frozen green peas and a hint of flavor from minced onion add depth to each bite. Meanwhile, cream of mushroom soup brings everything together with its rich, creamy sauce. This hearty dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and fill you up.

Per serving, you can expect: Calories: 284, Fats: 8g, Protein: 22g, Carbs: 31g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g.

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

A flavorful chicken dish is elevated by a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, achieved through a well-crafted marinade. The addition of juicy bell peppers, crunchy Brussels sprouts, and sweet carrots provides a nutritious and balanced meal. To take it to the next level, sprinkle garlic and onion powder for an added depth of flavor. For an even more complex taste experience, incorporate apple cider vinegar, oregano, and chili powder into your marinade.

This combination will surely tantalize your taste buds! Per serving: Calories 478, Fats 33g, Protein 18g, Carbs 24.7g, Fiber 6.3g, Sugar 17g.

Oven Baked Pork Chops

Oven Baked Pork Chops

Pork and apples, a match made in heaven, take center stage in this mouth-watering dish. The convenience of canned apple pie filling makes the recipe a breeze to prepare. Simply layer thinly sliced pork chops over the filling in a baking dish for an impressive presentation.

To add some extra flavor and texture, use stovetop stuffing as the topping of choice – we opted for the cornbread version, but feel free to experiment with your favorite!

Finish off the dish by garnishing the chops with fresh parsley before serving.

Per Serving:
Calories: 467
Fat: 18g
Protein: 41g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g

Pasta and Peas

Pasta and Peas

Indulge in the rich flavors of this garlicky pasta and peas dish, where crispy pancetta adds a satisfying crunch. The combination of garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream creates a creamy sauce that’s infused with the deep flavor of pancetta fat – a game-changer for any pasta lover. To take it to the next level, stir in some Parmesan cheese for an umami kick, then sprinkle extra on top for added depth.

With approximately 581 calories per serving, this dish is a satisfying and filling meal option.

Herb Chicken Couscous Meal Prep

Herb Chicken Couscous Meal Prep

Savor a delightful and affordable meal with this chicken and vegetable dish, featuring aromatic herbs, vibrant veggies, and fluffy rice. To prepare the chicken, simply marinate it in olive oil, oregano, basil, and garlic powder for added flavor. For a flavorful side, cook couscous in vegetable broth instead of water. To elevate the dish further, roast an assortment of colorful vegetables such as red and yellow bell peppers, sweet red onion, and zucchini.

Don’t forget to add plenty of garlic cloves for an extra boost of flavor. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out some other affordable meal prep ideas perfect for a quick dinner on-the-go. Nutritional information per serving: 633 calories, 17g fat, 61g protein, 48.5g carbohydrates, 7.5g fiber, and 9.7g sugar.

Beef and Rice Bowls

Beef and Rice Bowls

Indulge in the harmonious fusion of Korean-inspired flavors with these mouth-watering beef and rice bowls. The savory sauce, crafted from a blend of hoisin, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, offers a sweet, umami, and slightly spicy experience. To add visual appeal and satisfying crunch, chop red peppers into bite-sized pieces. For an added touch of freshness and elegance, garnish your creations with sliced scallions before serving.

Per serving, this dish boasts an impressive nutritional profile: 371 calories, 6g of fat, 29g of protein, 47g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and 6g of sugar.

John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food – a mouth-watering casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! The recipe starts with a rich layer of taco beef, cooked to perfection and infused with the bold flavors of taco seasoning. Next, add a colorful medley of sautéed tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño for a pop of vibrant color and added depth.

But the real showstopper is the creamy topping – a velvety blend of sour cream, mayo, cheddar cheese, and yellow onion that adds a tangy, savory element to each bite. To finish, garnish with fresh jalapeño, tomato, and cilantro for a burst of freshness, then serve warm with crispy biscuits on the side for dipping.

Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli

Savor the rich flavors of a mouthwatering beef stir-fry, where tender ground beef is paired with an assortment of vibrant vegetables and served atop fluffy rice. The ideal veggies for this dish are broccoli, red bell pepper, and yellow onion, which add a pop of color and freshness to each bite. To create the savory sauce, combine beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Then, toss the beef and vegetables in the sauce until they’re evenly coated.

Finish with a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion for added texture and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 494
Fats: 37g
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g

3 Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup

3 Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup

Indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of creamy butternut squash soup, crafted with simplicity and depth. To unlock its natural sweetness, bake the squash in the oven before blending it into a rich and velvety base. The addition of a caramelized yellow onion enhances the flavor profile, making this soup a true delight. To bring everything together, combine the roasted squash and onion with savory stock, then blend until smooth and silky.

This results in a nutrient-dense treat that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):* Calories: 110* Fats: 1g* Protein: 3g* Carbohydrates: 26g* Fiber: 4g* Sugar: 6g

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Transform the humble mac and cheese into a bold, spicy masterpiece by infusing it with buffalo flavor and adding shredded chicken for extra texture. To create the creamy sauce, start by making a roux using butter, flour, and milk – a simple yet effective technique that yields rich, velvety results. Next, add a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese to amplify the cheesy goodness. Then, stir in buffalo sauce, cooked elbow macaroni, and shredded chicken for a satisfyingly meaty addition.

Finally, top your pasta with crumbled blue cheese for an extra burst of creamy flavor. Per serving, this elevated mac and cheese dish packs a nutritional punch: 521 calories, 26g fat, 20g protein, 52g carbs, 2g fiber, and 5g sugar.

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

For a twist on the classic carbonara, try this budget-friendly and effortless version that still packs plenty of creamy flavor. The key lies in using bucatini, a type of noodle with a hollow center that captures the savory sauce and adds a delightful textural element to each bite. To make the sauce, combine olive oil, ground black pepper, butter, and Pecorino Romano cheese for a rich and indulgent mixture. The starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce to a velvety consistency.

Nutritionally speaking, this dish is relatively balanced with 304 calories per serving, broken down into 22g of fat, 9g of protein, 18g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and just 1g of sugar.

Garlic Pizza Bread

Garlic Pizza Bread

A match made in heaven! This comforting meal combines the best of two worlds – garlic bread and pizza. To start, mix minced garlic, parsley, and butter to spread on halves of a soft baguette. Cook until the butter is melted and absorbed by the bread, then add your favorite toppings. A classic combination includes pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan shavings, and pepperoni slices. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

To take it to the next level, broil the pizza bread at the end to give the edges a crispy, golden finish. And the best part? This delicious meal yields impressive nutritional stats: per serving, you’ll get approximately 611 calories, 19g of fat, 27g of protein, 49g of carbohydrates, 3g of fiber, and 6g of sugar.

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

Indulge in the delightful fusion of tender steak and flavorful potatoes, reimagined as a mouthwatering kabob experience! To achieve perfectly cooked skewers, part-cook your potatoes beforehand to prevent overcooking the steak. Simply season your kabobs with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley, then grill until done. Serve warm and enjoy this satisfying high-protein dinner on a budget-friendly note.

With a nutritional profile of 310 calories per serving, comprising 15g of fats, 22g of protein, 23g of carbs, 2g of fiber, and only 2g of sugar, you can rest assured that your taste buds and health will be thoroughly pleased.

Kielbasa and Cabbage One Pan meal

Kielbasa and Cabbage One Pan meal

Indulge in this scrumptious one-pan Polish-inspired meal, featuring tender Kielbasa and vibrant cabbage. Start by browning the Kielbasa in a pan to awaken its rich flavors, then add aromatic onion and garlic for an added layer of depth. A splash of red wine vinegar adds a tangy richness to the dish. Next, sauté the cabbage in this flavorful mixture until it’s tender and slightly caramelized, finishing it with a sprinkle of smoky paprika.

Serve the Kielbasa alongside the wilted cabbage for a satisfying and balanced meal. Nutrition per serving: Calories – 351, Fat – 28g, Protein – 14g, Carbohydrates – 11g, Fiber – 3g, Sugar – 4g.

Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Indulge in the bold flavors of this pasta with cherry tomatoes, where a harmonious balance of garlicky, zesty, and slightly spicy notes come together. The combination of minced garlic, lemon zest, and chili flakes delivers a punch of deliciousness that perfectly complements the sweet, tender cherry tomatoes cooked to perfection. To complete the dish, combine cooked linguine with the tomato mixture, adding some reserved pasta water for a silky-smooth texture.

Finish it off by garnishing with lemon zest, fresh basil leaves, and shaved parmesan before serving. With its rich flavor profile, this recipe provides an impressive nutritional profile per serving: 451 calories, 10g of fats, 16g of protein, 74g of carbohydrates, 5g of dietary fiber, and a moderate 8g of sugar.

Spam Fried Rice

Spam Fried Rice

Elevate your egg-fried rice dish with the unexpected addition of crispy fried spam cubes. The salty, savory flavor they bring pairs perfectly with fluffy scrambled eggs, chopped scallions, and green peas, all mixed with leftover rice. A drizzle of oyster sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, balancing sweet and savory notes. If you’re looking for more satisfying meal ideas, check out our collection of 400-calorie meals that are sure to please.

Per serving: Calories – 405; Fat – 16g; Protein – 12g; Carbohydrates – 50g; Fiber – 2g; Sugar – 2g.

Beef Ramen

Beef Ramen

Indulge in a hearty, slow-cooked ground beef ramen dish that’s packed with flavor and nutritious goodness. This recipe combines tender beef and colorful veggies – think matchstick carrots, scallions, and red bell peppers – in a rich sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, chicken stock, and brown sugar. The key to this dish is cooking the noodles just right, so be sure to add them to the pot about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow them to absorb all that delicious flavor.

Per serving, you can expect: Calories: 935, Fats: 40g, Protein: 54g, Carbs: 89g, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 28g.

One Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

One Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Savor the simplicity and indulgence of this one-pot wonder, where creamy, cheesy goodness comes together in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare a traditional casserole. The foundation of this dish is built upon aromatic onion and garlic, which mingle harmoniously with chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian herbs to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

Shredded rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice are then smothered in the velvety, creamy sauce, yielding a truly satisfying meal. Per serving, this delectable dish provides approximately 523 calories, with 34g of fat, 23g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and only 2g of sugar.

Tomato Soup

Tomato Soup

This simple yet flavorful classic tomato soup relies on a few key ingredients to deliver a rich and satisfying taste experience. By utilizing canned diced tomatoes, you can speed up the prep process without sacrificing quality. The sautéed onions, minced garlic, and bone broth combine to create an unparalleled depth of flavor, while dried basil adds a subtle yet distinct herbaceous note. Simply blend your soup until smooth and serve it hot for a comforting meal.

Nutritionally speaking, each serving boasts a modest 84 calories, with 6g of fat, 7g of protein, 2g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and just 1g of sugar per serving.

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Mediterranean-inspired vegetable lentil soup. A medley of aromatic vegetables, including carrots, celery, and yellow onion, forms the foundation of this wholesome dish. The addition of green lentils lends a boost of protein and fiber. To elevate the flavor profile, incorporate tomato paste, ground coriander, cumin, bay leaves, and chili flakes. Just before serving, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the overall taste experience.

This nutritious soup yields impressive stats per serving: 268 calories, 10g of fats, 13g of protein, 33g of carbohydrates, 15g of fiber, and only 4g of sugar.

Mushroom Chicken

Mushroom Chicken

Indulge in the rich flavors of chicken smothered in a velvety mushroom sauce. To create this delectable dish, start by sautéing mushrooms until they’re golden brown and set them aside. Next, prepare your chicken breast by dredging it in flour, then cooking it to a crispy golden crust in a skillet and setting it aside as well.

The key to the sauce is using the pan scrapings from cooking the chicken and mushrooms to create a flavorful base.

Simply combine these scraps with chicken bouillon, soy sauce, dry white wine, and heavy cream to craft a rich and creamy sauce. To add an extra layer of depth, incorporate onion powder, dried thyme, minced garlic, and mustard powder into your mixture.

Once you’ve prepared the sauce, re-add your cooked chicken and mushrooms, letting everything heat through before serving.

With each bite, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. And if you’re curious about the nutritional details, rest assured that this dish provides approximately 414 calories per serving, with 26g of fat, 18g of protein, 23g of carbohydrates, and 1g of fiber, as well as a touch of sugar.