35 Cheap Dinner Ideas That Are Easy on You and Your Wallet
Budget-friendly, family meals never tasted so good!
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Eating on a budget isn't always easy, especially when prices at the grocery store seem to keep on rising. But it's possible! We scoured our archives for the best deals on dinner recipes so you can enjoy a family meal without breaking the bank — which, it turns out, tastes delicious.
Beat the rising cost of food (which has slowed down, but is still expected to rise about 2% this year) with our best cheap dinner ideas. They include healthy options, plus comforting meals that feel luxurious despite their low price point. Many of these recipes can be made in about 30 minutes or less, meaning you'll save money on groceries and spend less time cooking.
Here are some money-saving tips to get you started:
- If you have extra room for storage, buy pantry staples (beans, lentils, pasta, rice, etc.) in bulk to slash the cost per item.
- Opt for frozen fruit or veggies if fresh is out of season or out of your price range (despite popular belief, frozen produce can have just as much nutritional value — and sometimes more — compared to fresh).
- Plan out your meals and only shop for what you need. You'll probably wind up buying fewer items than you would if you browsed the supermarket and you'll minimize food waste.
- Consider opting for vegetarian mains more often. Swapping out meat for veggies just one night a week will likely save you money over time.
It's possible to enjoy affordable (and delicious!) dinners with a few smart strategies and our best cheap dinner ideas, ahead.
Tandoori Chicken
Chicken leg quarters (aka thighs + drumsticks) are an affordable cut and they're hard to overcook. Serve this with rice for a complete, hearty meal.
Get the Tandoori Chicken recipe.
Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar
Pasta salad isn't just for potlucks: Serve up this hearty vegetarian main for a fun dinner even the kids will love.
Get the Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar recipe.
Sweet Potatoes with Roasted Peppers and Crispy Chickpeas
Potatoes are one of the humblest ingredients, but they're also one of the most delicious when roasted to sweet, tender perfection.
Get the Sweet Potatoes with Roasted Peppers and Crispy Chickpeas recipe.
Manhattan Clam Chowder
This classic soup is packed with sweet, briny (budget-friendly!) clams, tomatoes and white wine for a one-pot favorite full of flavor.
Get the Manhattan Clam Chowder recipe.
Pepper and Onion Pizza
Pile a medley of sliced peppers on your next pie for a meatless option. The veggies soften as the pizza bakes — no need to pre-cook!
Get the Pepper and Onion Pizza recipe.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
High-impact seasonings, like adobo sauce, keep the ingredients list (and your grocery bill) light without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe.
BBQ-Glazed Hot Dogs with Spicy Slaw
Who says hot dogs can't make for a satisfying dinner? Topped with a fresh, crunchy slaw, they practically make a balanced meal.
California Roll Salad
We "unrolled" the popular sushi roll but kept its main ingredient, surimi, for an inexpensive, easy alt to sushi night.
Get the California Roll Salad recipe.
Quinoa-Stuffed Honeynut Squash
This fall favorite uses a splash of buttermilk for the creamy feta drizzle, but you can make your own with ingredients you probably have on hand (milk + vinegar!).
Sautéed Chicken and Tomatoes with Roasted Artichokes
Canned artichokes are not only a budget-friendly option, they're also weeknight-friendly: Just crack open a few cans and roast!
Get the Sautéed Chicken and Tomatoes with Roasted Artichokes recipe.
RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes for a Winning Dinner Every Night
Salmon Salad Tartines
Canned fish is often cheaper than fresh and requires little effort to prep. Low-cost, high-reward, comin' right up.
Get the Salmon Salad Tartines recipe.
Skillet Pepper Pasta
PSA: Cook the linguine in the same skillet as the peppers and onions for ultimate ease (and minimal dishes). A one-pot winner!
Get the Skillet Pepper Pasta recipe.
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Nachos
The game-day special makes a glorious dinner when piled high with rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce or whatever leftovers you're trying to use up.
Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads
Next time salmon is on sale, put it to good use in this vibrant air fryer recipe that's seasoned simply with salt, pepper, oil and vinegar. No air fryer? Shop our best value pick. (It's a worthy investment.)
Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads recipe.
RELATED: 78 Best Air Fryer Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious
Pasta e Fagioli
Transform a can of beans and a cup of dried pasta into a cozy, warming soup worthy of your Sunday dinner.
Get the Pasta e Fagioli recipe.
Pork and Veggie Stir Fry
Thinly sliced pork tenderloin (a budget-friendly protein) cooks in about five minutes, so it's a good idea to prep your side dishes before starting the main.
Get the Pork and Veggie Stir Fry recipe.
RELATED: How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker
Fennel Roasted Chicken and Peppers
If boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your go-to for a healthy weeknight dinner, consider swapping 'em for legs as a more affordable option. Paired with a plate of vegetables, it's still a nutritious option!
Kale and Chickpea Toasts
Lean on kitchen staples like bread and beans to make these simple, satisfying toasts. No wine? Instead, add a squeeze of lemon to the chickpea mixture.
Get the Kale and Chickpea Toasts recipe.
RELATED: 45 Different Ways to Eat Kale When You Can't Get Enough Leafy Greens
Shrimp Enchiladas with Zucchini and Corn
Turn enchiladas into a summer-ready dinner with seasonal produce and a bright, creamy cilantro sauce.
Grilled Vietnamese-Style Pork Steaks with Cilantro Cucumbers
The marinade for the pork doubles as a dressing for the crunchy cuke salad, which means fewer ingredients to buy (and fewer things to prep!).
Get the Grilled Vietnamese-Style Pork Steaks with Cilantro Cucumbers recipe.
30 High-Protein Lunch Ideas, From Salads to Soups
50 Healthy Lunch Ideas That Will Keep You Full
The Best Meal Delivery Services
The Chicken Casserole Recipe You Have to Make
