16 Cheap Dinner Recipes

By the time evening rolls around, deciding what to eat can feel like a HUGE chore.

Especially when you open the fridge and realize your grocery budget is running a little low.

It is so easy to fall into the trap of ordering expensive takeout just because you are tired.

But making a tasty meal at home does NOT have to cost a fortune or take all night.

I put together a list of the best cheap dinner recipes so you can save money and still eat REALLY well.

These budget-friendly ideas include cozy comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and simple dishes that use basic ingredients you probably already have.

There is something for every craving—and every kind of cooking skill level.

So whether you are feeding a whole family or just cooking for yourself, let’s dive into these easy and affordable dinner ideas.

1. Hamburger Skillet Dinner

Hamburger Skillet Dinner is a simple and filling meal that is great for busy weeknights.

You can whip up this easy one-pan dish in very little time using basic pantry items.

It is a comforting and tasty family dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

2. Khichdi (South Asian Rice and Lentils)

Khichdi is a warm and comforting South Asian dish made with rice and lentils.

This traditional meal is gentle on the stomach and very easy to prepare at home.

It makes a wholesome dinner that brings authentic and cozy flavors to your table.

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Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

3. Liverpool Lamb and Vegetable Soup (Scouse)

Liverpool Lamb and Vegetable Soup, also known as Scouse, is a hearty traditional British meal.

This filling stew combines tender meat and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth without any heavy thickeners.

Serve it up with crusty buttered bread and pickled red cabbage for a true taste of home.

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Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

4. Soy-Lentil-Vegetable Stew

Soy-Lentil-Vegetable Stew is a healthy and budget-friendly vegan meal that satisfies big appetites.

This quick plant-based dish combines protein-packed lentils and fresh vegetables in a rich broth.

It is an affordable and nourishing dinner option that comes together in no time.

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Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

5. Cheap & Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Cheap and Easy Pasta Puttanesca is a flavorful Italian meal that relies on pantry staples.

You can toss together this quick pasta dish with bold garlic, olives, and tomatoes in minutes.

It is a budget-friendly dinner option that delivers big taste with very little effort.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

6. Cheap Beef Stroganoff

Cheap Beef Stroganoff is a creamy and satisfying comfort food made on a budget.

Tender strips of beef and mushrooms are coated in a rich sauce and served over hot noodles.

This classic weeknight dinner is easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

7. Best Homemade Tater Tot Hotdish

Best Homemade Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic midwestern casserole packed with comforting flavors.

This tasty dinner features a savory hamburger base topped with a layer of crispy golden tater tots.

It is an easy and hearty meal that both kids and adults always ask for again.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

8. Black Bean and Peppers Taco Filling

Black Bean and Peppers Taco Filling is a quick and healthy option for Taco Tuesday.

This vegetarian mix combines hearty black beans and fresh vegetables for a tasty taco or burrito filling.

It makes a fast and nutritious lunch or dinner that is full of great flavor.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

9. Black Bean Burger with Wild Mushrooms, Black Rice and Fresh Coriander

This delicious vegan burger combines hearty black beans, earthy wild mushrooms, and black rice for a wholesome meal.

Fresh coriander adds a bright finishing touch to every bite.

Enjoy this satisfying plant-based option for a great lunch or dinner.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

10. Bisquick’s Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Bisquick makes it simple to whip up this impossibly easy cheeseburger pie on busy weeknights.

This comforting casserole comes together fast for a great main dish at dinner.

Families love the cheesy flavor and effortless prep of this classic meal.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

11. Black Rice with Coconut Milk and Spicy Chickpeas

Creamy coconut milk pairs wonderfully with hearty black rice and spicy chickpeas in this dish.

This simple and quick vegan recipe makes a healthy dinner option.

You will love the bold flavors and cozy texture of this bowl.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

12. Braised Tofu in Spicy Peanut Sauce

Tender braised tofu gets a boost from a rich and spicy peanut sauce.

This tasty dish makes a wonderful gluten-free and dairy-free lunch or dinner.

Serve this vegan meal when you want something packed with bold flavor.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

13. Broccoli Chicken Roll-Ups

Broccoli chicken roll-ups are a fun way to enjoy tender poultry and veggies together.

These tasty snacks make a wonderful appetizer for your next gathering.

You can also serve them as a comforting and easy dinner option.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

14. Broccoli with Lemon Rigatoni

Bright lemon and fresh broccoli bring this comforting pasta dish to life.

You can have this tasty vegetarian meal on the table in just 20 minutes.

It is a quick and flavorful choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

15. Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Buffalo cauliflower tacos bring a spicy and crunchy twist to your usual taco Tuesday.

These vegetarian tacos feature a tangy sauce that kids and adults both enjoy.

Whip up these fun Mexican-inspired bites for an easy vegetarian dinner.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

16. Bruschetta Burger Sliders

Bruschetta burger sliders pack all the fresh flavors of Italian bruschetta into a fun bite-sized meal.

Juicy beef and ripe tomatoes make this a wonderful entree for gatherings.

Serve these tasty handheld treats at your next dinner party.

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Recipe from Foodista.com.

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