Finding delicious and satisfying dinner ideas that don’t break the bank can feel like a challenge—especially after a long day when you want something quick and easy.
Luckily, cheap dinner recipes prove that cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Whether you’re a busy student, a family feeding a crowd, or simply looking to save money, affordable meals can be tasty, varied, and nourishing.
From hearty stews and comforting pastas to vibrant veggie dishes and protein-packed options, there are countless ways to create satisfying dinners using simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
In this article, you’ll discover over 27 cheap dinner recipes that combine convenience, flavor, and budget-friendly ingredients to make mealtime enjoyable and wallet-friendly.
27+ Cheap Dinner Recipes That Save Money Without Sacrificing Flavor
Budget-friendly dinners don’t have to be repetitive or uninspired.
With just a little creativity and a handful of staple ingredients, you can whip up meals that satisfy your taste buds and your budget alike.
These 27+ cheap dinner recipes are proof that cooking affordably can be simple, quick, and incredibly delicious.
Whether you prefer plant-based meals, comforting classics, or dishes that can be prepped in advance, this collection offers a variety of options to suit every palate.
Next time you’re wondering what to cook without overspending, turn to these recipes for inspiration and enjoy great meals that keep your finances healthy too.
Creamy Tuna Pasta
This budget-friendly dish combines pantry staples into a hearty, comforting meal.
The creamy tuna pasta recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners when time and money are both tight.
With simple ingredients like canned tuna, pasta, and a touch of cream or cheese, it delivers big flavor without the big price tag.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 can of tuna in oil, drained
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cream or milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: frozen peas or spinach
Instructions:
Cook pasta until al dente. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a bit of oil until translucent.
Add tuna and cook for a few minutes.
Stir in cream and Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.
Add cooked pasta and a bit of reserved pasta water to combine.
Toss in optional veggies if desired.
Serve warm.
This creamy tuna pasta proves that inexpensive ingredients can still make for a delicious, filling meal.
It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor without draining your wallet, and you can easily adapt it with whatever you have on hand.
Chickpea Curry
Chickpea curry is a nourishing and flavorful vegetarian dinner that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
This recipe leans on canned chickpeas and warming spices to deliver a rich and satisfying meal perfect for meatless nights on a budget.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Stir in spices and cook briefly.
Add chickpeas and tomatoes.
Simmer for about 10 minutes, adding coconut milk or water for desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve over rice.
Chickpea curry is proof that healthy and flavorful meals don’t need to be expensive.
It’s a go-to dish that’s easy to prepare in bulk, reheats well, and leaves you fully satisfied while keeping your grocery bill low.
Baked Potato Bar
The baked potato bar is a customizable and incredibly cheap dinner idea that allows everyone to build their own plate.
By starting with affordable russet potatoes and topping them with leftovers or pantry toppings, you can craft a fun, hands-on dinner that’s both filling and frugal.
Ingredients:
- Large russet potatoes (one per person)
- Olive oil and salt
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, canned beans, sautéed onions, leftover meats, steamed broccoli, salsa, etc.
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Scrub potatoes, prick with a fork, rub with oil and salt, and bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.
Set up a topping station with whatever ingredients you have.
Let everyone top their potato as they like.
The baked potato bar turns a humble vegetable into a fun, interactive, and satisfying meal.
It’s ideal for using up odds and ends from your fridge, and it encourages creativity while keeping costs low.
Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Vegetable Stir Fry
This vegetable stir fry is a quick, healthy, and affordable dinner option that uses fresh or frozen vegetables and a simple sauce.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something nutritious and flavorful without spending much time or money.
Ingredients:
- Mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen — carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pan or wok.
Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
Toss in vegetables and stir fry on high heat until tender-crisp.
Add soy sauce and mix well.
Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
This vegetable stir fry shows how simple ingredients can come together in minutes to create a delicious, colorful, and budget-friendly meal.
It’s versatile, so you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce waste and save money.
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and inexpensive meal that’s packed with protein and fiber.
Using dried or canned lentils combined with basic vegetables and spices, this recipe warms you up while being gentle on your wallet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils (dried or canned)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. Add lentils, broth, and cumin.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Blend slightly if desired for a creamier texture.
Serve warm.
Lentil soup is a nutritious and comforting meal that proves budget meals don’t have to be boring.
It’s filling, easy to make in large batches, and perfect for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Black Bean Tacos
Black bean tacos are a tasty and economical dinner choice that uses pantry staples like canned black beans and tortillas.
They’re quick to prepare and full of protein and fiber, making them both satisfying and affordable.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream
Instructions:
In a skillet, heat black beans with chili powder, cumin, and salt until warmed through. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
Fill tortillas with beans and top with your favorite toppings.
Black bean tacos show how simple ingredients can create a flavorful, nutritious meal without breaking the bank.
They’re perfect for quick dinners and easy to customize based on what you have available, making them a great staple recipe for any budget-conscious kitchen.
Pasta with Garlic and Oil
This classic Italian dish is a simple, cheap dinner that relies on just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
It’s quick to prepare and surprisingly flavorful, making it perfect for busy or budget-conscious nights.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or any pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Cook pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until golden but not burnt.
Add red pepper flakes if using. Drain pasta, reserving some pasta water.
Toss pasta in the garlic oil mixture, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle parsley on top.
This pasta with garlic and oil demonstrates how simple ingredients can create a delicious and comforting meal without any fuss or expense.
It’s a timeless recipe that’s both satisfying and wallet-friendly.
Fried Rice with Vegetables
Fried rice is a perfect way to use leftover rice and vegetables to create a cheap, tasty, and filling dinner.
This recipe is easy to customize based on whatever veggies or protein you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- Mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
Push veggies to one side, scramble eggs on the other side (if using).
Add rice and soy sauce, mixing everything well.
Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Garnish with green onions and serve.
Fried rice is an excellent example of a cheap and versatile dinner.
It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and transforms leftovers into a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
Egg and Potato Hash
Egg and potato hash is a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.
It’s perfect for using leftover potatoes and can be customized with herbs or spices you like.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, herbs
Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook until they start to soften.
Add onion (and optional veggies) and cook until everything is tender and slightly crispy.
Push potatoes to one side and crack eggs into the empty side.
Cook eggs to your preference.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Egg and potato hash is a comforting and economical meal that fills you up without spending much.
It’s easy to whip up in one pan and perfect for any time of day when you want a simple, hearty dinner.
Tomato and Bean Stew
This tomato and bean stew is a warm, hearty, and inexpensive meal that uses canned beans and tomatoes to create a flavorful dish.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or much prep time.
Ingredients:
- 1 can kidney beans or any beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add smoked paprika and oregano, stirring for a minute.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beans.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened slightly.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with bread or rice.
This tomato and bean stew highlights how affordable pantry staples can be transformed into a comforting, nutritious, and filling meal.
It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Vegetable Quesadilla
A vegetable quesadilla is an easy and cheap dinner idea that uses tortillas and whatever vegetables you have on hand.
It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light but satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach)
- Olive oil or butter
Instructions:
Heat a skillet and lightly oil it. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle cheese evenly, add vegetables, and top with another layer of cheese.
Cover with a second tortilla.
Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese is melted, then flip carefully and cook the other side.
Cut into wedges and serve.
Vegetable quesadillas show how versatile and budget-friendly tortillas can be.
This dish is delicious, easy to make, and a great way to get more veggies into your meal without extra cost.
Simple Lentil Salad
This simple lentil salad is a light, nutritious, and cheap dinner option that works well warm or cold.
Using cooked lentils and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for a quick meal packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine cooked lentils, tomato, cucumber, and onion.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Toss to mix and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
This lentil salad is a refreshing, wholesome meal that proves inexpensive ingredients can be delicious and healthy.
It’s easy to prepare and great for days when you want something light yet satisfying.
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sloppy Joe sliders are a fun, inexpensive dinner option that uses ground beef or turkey with a tangy tomato sauce, served on small buns.
They’re perfect for feeding a crowd or making dinner feel like a treat without spending much.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns or small dinner rolls
Instructions:
In a skillet, cook the ground meat and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Spoon the mixture onto slider buns and serve.
Sloppy Joe sliders show how affordable ingredients can come together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and a great way to enjoy a classic dinner on a budget.
Vegetable Fried Noodles
Vegetable fried noodles are an easy, cheap dinner that can be whipped up quickly with basic pantry staples and fresh or frozen veggies.
This dish is flavorful, filling, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz noodles (egg noodles, ramen, or spaghetti)
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- Optional: scrambled egg or tofu
Instructions:
Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and vegetables, and stir-fry until tender.
Add noodles and soy sauce, tossing to combine. Add scrambled egg or tofu if desired.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes and serve hot.
This vegetable fried noodles recipe demonstrates how inexpensive ingredients can deliver a tasty, nutritious meal that feels satisfying and complete.
It’s perfect for quick dinners and uses up whatever veggies you have.
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a budget-friendly, flavorful dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce.
It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and is perfect for a comforting dinner that doesn’t cost much.
Ingredients:
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add paprika and cumin, stirring briefly.
Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer until slightly thickened.
Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until eggs are set to your liking.
Season with salt and pepper.
Shakshuka is a delicious example of how simple, inexpensive ingredients can create a rich and comforting meal.
It’s perfect for sharing, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor without costing a lot.
Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a light, budget-friendly dinner that highlights fresh or frozen vegetables tossed with pasta and a simple olive oil or tomato-based sauce.
It’s a colorful and healthy way to enjoy an easy meal without spending much.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- Mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add vegetables and cook until tender. Toss cooked pasta with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
Pasta primavera is a versatile and affordable dish that lets you enjoy fresh veggies without breaking the bank.
It’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for a light but satisfying dinner.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and economical meal that uses inexpensive ingredients like rice, beans, and vegetables to create a filling dish.
They’re easy to prepare and customizable based on what you have.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a skillet, sauté onion until soft. Mix cooked rice, beans, onion, tomatoes, and chili powder in a bowl.
Season with salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and place in a baking dish.
Top with cheese if using. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
Stuffed bell peppers turn simple ingredients into a colorful and nutritious meal.
They’re perfect for meal prep and make great leftovers, all while keeping dinner affordable.
Sloppy Lentils
Sloppy lentils are a vegetarian spin on the classic sloppy joe, using lentils instead of meat to create a cheap and hearty dinner option.
It’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns or bread
Instructions:
Sauté onion in a pan until softened. Add cooked lentils, tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Serve on slider buns or bread.
Sloppy lentils are a delicious and wallet-friendly meal that shows how plant-based ingredients can be hearty and flavorful.
It’s a great way to enjoy a classic favorite in a more economical and nutritious way.
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Cabbage stir-fry is a quick and inexpensive dinner that uses one of the cheapest vegetables to create a flavorful and nutritious meal.
It’s great as a side or main dish served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant.
Add shredded cabbage and stir-fry on high heat until just tender but still crisp. Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cabbage stir-fry is a simple, budget-friendly meal that comes together in minutes.
It’s packed with vitamins, filling, and perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy without spending a lot.
Eggplant Parmesan Bake
Eggplant Parmesan bake is an affordable and comforting dish that uses eggplant and simple ingredients like tomato sauce and cheese.
It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels a bit indulgent without the high cost.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or any melting cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil eggplant slices and sprinkle with salt. Bake or sauté until tender.
In a baking dish, layer eggplant, tomato sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Eggplant Parmesan bake transforms simple ingredients into a warm and hearty meal that doesn’t break the bank.
It’s ideal for cozy dinners and can be served with pasta or a salad.
Potato and Pea Curry
Potato and pea curry is a classic, cheap Indian-inspired dish that uses basic vegetables and spices to create a flavorful, comforting meal.
It pairs perfectly with rice or flatbreads.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala or curry powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add spices and stir for a minute.
Add potatoes and enough water to cover. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and serve with rice or bread.
Potato and pea curry is a budget-friendly dish that’s full of flavor and very satisfying.
It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for those looking for cheap but delicious vegetarian dinners.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Shredded chicken tacos are a budget-friendly, easy-to-make dinner using simple ingredients and leftover chicken or a whole chicken cooked inexpensively.
They’re flavorful, customizable, and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients:
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Taco seasoning or mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
- Small tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream
Instructions:
Heat shredded chicken in a skillet with taco seasoning and a splash of water until warmed through and flavorful.
Warm tortillas separately. Fill tortillas with chicken and your choice of toppings.
Shredded chicken tacos show how affordable ingredients and leftovers can become a fun and tasty dinner.
They’re easy to make, delicious, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Potato and Onion Frittata
Potato and onion frittata is a simple, cheap dinner that’s hearty and satisfying.
It’s perfect for using leftover potatoes or fresh ones and requires only a few pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions:
Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet. Cook potatoes and onions until tender. Beat eggs with salt and pepper, then pour over potatoes and onions.
Cook on the stove until edges set, then finish under the broiler or in the oven until fully cooked.
This potato and onion frittata is a versatile and economical meal.
It’s great hot or cold and perfect for a filling dinner that’s easy on the budget.
Simple Bean Chili
Simple bean chili is a flavorful and affordable dinner that uses canned beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a warming dish.
It’s vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare in one pot.
Ingredients:
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add chili powder and cumin, cooking briefly.
Add beans and tomatoes. Simmer for 20-30 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
Simple bean chili is a hearty, nutritious, and budget-conscious meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
It’s filling, easy to make in bulk, and tastes even better as leftovers.
Conclusion
Eating well on a budget is easier than many think, and the key lies in smart ingredient choices and simple cooking techniques. The cheap dinner recipes shared here provide a foundation for making meals that are wholesome, flavorful, and cost-effective. By using pantry staples, seasonal produce, and minimal effort, you can create a dinner routine that’s both satisfying and sustainable. Don’t let cost hold you back from enjoying home-cooked meals — these recipes show that delicious dinners don’t have to come with a high price tag. Embrace budget cooking and discover how affordable ingredients can turn into your family’s new favorite dinners.
