15 Easy Dinners That Keep Costs Low

Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or variety. These main dishes use affordable ingredients in creative ways, stretching each meal while still bringing plenty of taste to the table. From hearty pastas and rice-based meals to bold chicken and beef recipes, you’ll find a mix of easy weeknight staples and comfort food favorites. Each recipe shows how everyday ingredients can be transformed into a satisfying dinner without spending much.

Soy Garlic Chicken

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Chicken is simmered or baked in a sauce of soy and garlic. The flavors balance salty and sweet, coating the chicken beautifully. It’s straightforward to prepare with pantry staples. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Chicken

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl. — Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chewy wheat berries form the base of this salad, paired with tuna and fresh tomatoes. A light vinaigrette ties the flavors together. It’s hearty but inexpensive, using pantry staples and fresh produce. Best served chilled for a light but filling main dish.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A serving spoon lifting Salisbury steak with mushrooms and onions from a baking dish with sauce. — Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Ground beef is shaped into patties and baked with gravy or onion sauce. The result is juicy, flavorful steaks without the cost of premium cuts. It’s classic comfort food that feels filling and satisfying. Mashed potatoes or rice make the ideal sides.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air fried blackened shrimp in a plate. — Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Shrimp are coated in Cajun spices and crisped up in the air fryer. They cook in minutes and come out smoky and juicy. The recipe doesn’t require much oil, keeping it cost-effective and simple. Serve with rice, salad, or tucked into tacos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

A sliced quesadilla filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of red sauce. — Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Seasoned beef, cheese, and toppings are wrapped in tortillas and crisped in a skillet. A crunchy tostada or chip inside gives each bite texture. They’re budget friendly and fun to serve for casual dinners. Customize with whatever toppings you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Baked tender, sticky, and savory Asian chicken wings on a plate. — Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Chicken wings are baked until tender and coated in a sweet-savory glaze. Soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar create the sticky coating. They’re simple to make with pantry staples. Serve with rice or vegetables to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe uses the Instant Pot to cook chicken quickly in a sweet and garlicky sauce. The honey balances the soy and garlic flavors. It’s easy to prepare with inexpensive ingredients. Serve the sauce over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Ground Beef and Noodles

A bowl of creamy beef stroganoff with egg noodles on a striped cloth next to a fork and a sprig of parsley. — Ground Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This skillet dish combines seasoned beef with egg noodles in a creamy sauce. It’s inexpensive to make with just a few ingredients. The flavors are comforting and mild, appealing to all ages. Vegetables can be added to stretch it further.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河)

A plate of stir-fried noodles with beef, green beans, bean sprouts, and onions. — Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Wide rice noodles are stir-fried with beef, soy sauce, and bean sprouts. The noodles absorb the savory flavors and have a chewy bite. It’s a simple dish that feels restaurant-worthy at home. The ingredients are affordable and widely available.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河)

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives. — Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pasta dish combines olive oil, tomatoes, feta cheese, and Mediterranean herbs. The flavors are bright and simple while using affordable pantry staples. It comes together quickly, making it great for busy nights. Olives or spinach can be added if on hand.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice

Chicken breasts and rice bake together in one dish, with salsa providing all the seasoning. The rice soaks up the flavors while staying tender. A layer of cheese can be added on top for extra richness. It’s an easy, filling meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken is paired with orzo in a light lemony sauce. The citrus adds brightness while the pasta keeps it hearty. Fresh herbs elevate the dish without needing many extras. It’s quick to cook and doesn’t require special ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl. — Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Sliced smoked sausage is tossed with pasta and a simple sauce. The sausage brings smoky flavor that infuses the dish. With minimal ingredients, it comes together quickly. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese can be added if available.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Baked Chicken and Orzo

A plate with baked chicken thigh and orzo pasta mixed with tomatoes, garnished with herbs, with a fork and knife beside. — Baked Chicken and Orzo. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken and orzo bake together in a broth-based sauce. The pasta absorbs the juices, making it flavorful and tender. It’s a one-pan meal that keeps cleanup simple. A sprinkle of cheese or herbs finishes it off nicely.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are slow cooked in beer, creating tender meat with a rich sauce. The cooking liquid deepens in flavor as it simmers. While the ribs take time, the ingredients are minimal and straightforward. Pair with mashed potatoes or bread for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs