Top 20 Cheap and Easy Dinner Recipes

Making tasty dinners doesn’t need to empty your wallet. I know how challenging it can be to feed a family while staying within budget, especially with today’s rising food costs.

These cheap and easy dinner recipes use simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store and cost less than $2 per serving. My collection includes quick pasta dishes, casseroles, and one-pan meals that take minimal time to prepare while delivering maximum flavor for your family.

Here are the top 20 cheap and easy dinner recipes

1) Vegetable Enchilada Bake

I love making this easy vegetable enchilada recipe when I want a budget-friendly meatless meal. The combination of broccoli, spinach, and black beans creates a filling dish that’s packed with protein.

For extra flavor, I mix in some roasted salsa verde and spices like cumin and garlic powder. The melted queso fresco and cottage cheese on top make it creamy and satisfying.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. I can prep all the vegetables ahead of time by chopping zucchini into small cubes and slicing green onions. The leftovers taste great the next day too.

2) Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

I love this 30-minute one-pan gnocchi dish that uses store-bought potato gnocchi. The simple tomato sauce needs just a few basic ingredients from your pantry.

I start by heating olive oil and cooking minced garlic until fragrant. Then I add canned tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

When making this dish, I cook the gnocchi right in the sauce instead of boiling it separately. This saves time and lets the gnocchi soak up all the tasty sauce.

For serving, I recommend adding fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top. A slice of warm Italian bread makes the perfect side to soak up the extra sauce.

3) Easy Mexican Casserole

I love making this simple Mexican casserole when I want the taste of burritos without all the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

The layers include tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, salsa, and melted cheese. I sometimes add sour cream on top too.

I’ve found that this dish is really budget-friendly and versatile. I often make two batches at once – one for dinner and one for the freezer.

My favorite way to serve this is with extra chips, fresh salsa, and a green salad on the side. The leftovers taste even better the next day.

4) Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy

I love this classic comfort food dinner that costs much less than real steak. The seasoned ground beef patties taste amazing when topped with rich mushroom gravy.

I recommend serving this hearty meal over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy. A side of green beans or peas adds nice color and freshness.

To make it extra special, I sometimes add melted cheese on top of the patties before spooning on the mushroom sauce. The whole meal takes about 45 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

5) Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

I love making this 20-minute chicken and broccoli stir-fry when I need a quick dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and saves money compared to takeout.

I start by cutting chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and chopping fresh broccoli florets. The key is having all ingredients ready before heating the wok.

I cook the chicken first until golden, then set it aside. Next, I stir-fry the broccoli until crisp-tender. A simple sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger brings it all together.

The best part is I only need one pan, which means less cleanup. I serve this easy stir-fry over rice for a filling meal that costs just a few dollars per serving.

6) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian pasta dish needs just three main ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. I love how quick and budget-friendly it is.

I start by cooking spaghetti in salted water until al dente. While that’s cooking, I slice fresh garlic very thinly.

To make the sauce, I heat olive oil in a pan and gently cook the sliced garlic until golden. Sometimes I add red pepper flakes for heat.

I toss the cooked pasta with the garlic-infused oil and add a bit of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. A sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan cheese makes it perfect.

7) Chili Con Carne

I love making cheap chili con carne when I need to feed multiple people on a budget. A basic pot costs around $4 and serves 4 people.

The main ingredients are ground beef, canned tomatoes, beans, onions, and garlic. I sometimes use Quorn mince instead of beef to make it vegetarian-friendly.

I start by sautéing diced onions and garlic, then brown the ground beef before adding tomatoes and seasonings. The whole meal takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare.

I serve my chili over rice or with tortilla chips. For extra flavor, I top it with shredded cheese and sour cream. The leftovers taste even better the next day.

8) One-Pot Mac and Cheese

I love making one-pot mac and cheese because it’s quick, easy, and creates fewer dishes to wash. The pasta cooks right in the milk and water mixture, making it extra creamy.

This 20-minute comfort food needs just basic pantry ingredients like pasta, milk, cheese, and seasonings. I find it’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something filling without much fuss.

I recommend using medium or sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Adding a bit of butter and some black pepper makes it taste like a gourmet meal, even though it’s budget-friendly.

The best part is that everything goes into one pot – no separate boiling or draining required. My family loves this simple dinner that costs less than takeout.

9) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

I love making these easy sheet pan chicken fajitas for a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken and veggies cook together on one pan, making cleanup simple.

I use boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions seasoned with a mix of taco seasoning and cumin. The ingredients cost around $10 total.

I spread everything on a pan, drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. The peppers get slightly charred while the chicken stays juicy.

These make a great freezer meal too. I can prep the ingredients ahead and freeze them for up to 3 months.

I serve the fajitas with warm tortillas and my favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

10) Turkey and Bean Chili

I make this hearty chili with lean ground turkey, which costs less than beef and has fewer calories. The beans add protein and make the meal even more budget-friendly.

A mix of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans creates great texture and flavor variety. I like to add corn for a touch of sweetness.

The basic ingredients include tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and classic chili spices. I simmer everything together for about 30 minutes until the flavors blend.

This chili is perfect for busy weeknights since it’s quick to prepare. I often serve it with shredded cheese and sour cream on top. It tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.

11) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

I love making these flavorful vegetarian tacos for a quick and budget-friendly dinner. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans creates a filling meal that costs very little.

To make them, I dice and roast sweet potatoes with basic spices like cumin and chili powder. While they cook, I heat black beans with onions in a pan.

I warm corn tortillas and fill them with the sweet potato-bean mixture. Then I top with fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime, and homemade pico de gallo. The whole meal takes about 25 minutes to prepare.

These tacos are perfect for meal prep since I can make extra filling to use throughout the week. One batch usually gives me 8-10 tacos.

12) Pasta Primavera

I love making Pasta Primavera when I want a light and fresh dinner that won’t break my budget. The dish combines pasta with lots of colorful seasonal vegetables.

I start with 8 ounces of spaghetti or penne pasta as my base. Then I add whatever vegetables I have on hand – broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work great.

The best part is I can make this quick one-pot meal by cooking the pasta and veggies together. I finish it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

I find this recipe really versatile since I can use any pasta shape or vegetables I have available. It’s perfect for using up leftover vegetables from my fridge.

13) Lentil Soup

I love making lentil soup recipes for busy weeknight dinners. Lentils cook quickly and don’t need soaking like other legumes.

The basic ingredients are very cheap – just lentils, vegetables, broth, and spices. I spend less than $10 to make a big pot that feeds my family for several meals.

This creamy lentil vegetable soup is one of my favorites. I add carrots, celery, and onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

I like using red lentils because they break down and make the soup thick and hearty. Adding coconut milk at the end gives it a rich, smooth texture.

My soup always turns out filling and nutritious. I serve it with crusty bread for an easy complete meal.

14) Tomato Basil Soup

This budget-friendly tomato basil soup recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare with only 6 basic ingredients. I love how creamy and rich it tastes despite being so simple.

Fire roasted tomatoes create deep flavor in this comforting soup. I recommend using canned tomatoes since they’re inexpensive and available year-round.

To make it extra filling, I serve this creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. The leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days – perfect for quick lunches.

15) Vegetable Fried Rice

I love making quick and easy vegetable fried rice when I need a fast weeknight dinner. It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.

I start by cooking rice ahead of time and letting it cool completely. Cold rice works best for frying because it won’t get mushy.

Next, I heat oil in a skillet and sauté carrots and onions for 3-4 minutes. I can add any vegetables I have on hand – peas, corn, or bell peppers work great.

I season my fried rice with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil. These simple ingredients give it that classic takeout flavor at a fraction of the cost.

16) Eggplant Parmesan

I love making this classic Italian dinner recipe because it’s both filling and budget-friendly.

To make it, I slice eggplant thin, coat the pieces with flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then bake them until crispy.

I layer the crispy eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The basic ingredients are simple: one medium eggplant, marinara sauce, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs, and garlic powder.

I find this meal feeds my whole family for under $15, especially when I serve it with pasta or garlic bread. The leftovers taste even better the next day.

17) Homemade Margherita Pizza

I love making this quick and easy Margherita pizza that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something simple but delicious.

I start with a basic pizza dough and top it with a thin layer of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella slices, and basil leaves. I drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top before baking.

I make sure not to overload the toppings – the key to authentic Margherita pizza is keeping it simple with high-quality ingredients. The combination of melted cheese, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil creates amazing flavor.

I bake it until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese gets bubbly. The result is a restaurant-quality pizza that costs much less than takeout.

18) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

I love making this quick and healthy zucchini noodle dish. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare.

The recipe needs 4 medium zucchini, fresh basil pesto, olive oil, and optional cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. I use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles.

I heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I cook the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm. The key is not to overcook them.

I remove the pan from heat and mix in the pesto until the noodles are well coated. This light meal costs around $8 total and serves 4 people.

19) Stuffed Bell Peppers

I love making easy stuffed peppers with just five simple ingredients. First, I cut bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and bake them until slightly tender.

While the peppers bake, I mix cooked rice with ground sausage or beef. Then, I add shredded cheese and fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor. The meat mixture takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

I fill the pepper halves with the meat and rice mixture, top with more cheese, and bake until melted. I sometimes add sweet chili sauce or bacon to make them even tastier.

These stuffed peppers make a filling dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. I can also prep them ahead and reheat them later in the week.

20) Chicken Alfredo Pasta

I love making this classic comfort pasta dish when I want something quick and filling. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta.

To make the chicken, I season thin cutlets with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then I pan-fry them until golden brown.

The rich Alfredo sauce comes together with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and lots of Parmesan cheese. I toss it with fettuccine pasta and sliced chicken.

I can make this entire meal for under $5 by shopping sales and discount stores. Shopping for ingredients like chicken breasts and Parmesan cheese at sales and discount stores helps keep the cost low. It feeds my whole family and tastes just as good as restaurant versions.