29 Low-Cost Recipes To Eat Well Without Overspending

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean settling for bland or boring meals. These 29 recipes prove that low-cost ingredients can still make something worth looking forward to. Smart choices in the kitchen can keep both your stomach and your wallet full. Who knew saving money could taste this good?

Sesame Chicken

Try something different with Sesame Chicken; it combines simple ingredients with an Asian flair. It’s a balance of sweet and tasty, great over some grains. It’s often a hit at dinner time and easy on the wallet. This dish can be prepped and cooked quickly, ideal for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Pork Chops

Pork Chops provide a hearty main course at a fraction of the cost of other meats. Using a simple marinade enhances the natural flavors, making it a versatile option. Cook these to perfection on a grill or pan. They also pair well with simple side dishes for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Hasselback Potatoes

Fun, crispy, and easy to make, Hasselback Potatoes add a twist to regular spuds. Their unique cut allows for better texture and flavor when baked. You don’t need many ingredients to make them shine. They can be served as a side or even a main dish for lighter meals.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Ravioli Casserole

Layering everything into one dish, Ravioli Casserole makes mealtime easier and cleanup a breeze. It combines comforting flavors in a convenient baking dish. Ideal for feeding a crowd or planning meals ahead of time. This budget-friendly recipe is great for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Penne Alla Vodka

A classic pasta with a twist, Penne Alla Vodka is rich without breaking the bank. The addition of Vodka enhances the creamy sauce with a unique flavor. You can whip this up quickly, making it perfect for a midweek dinner. Pair it with some bread and salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes are about taking simple ingredients and making them special. Bake, scoop, mix, and bake again for a creamy, flavorful result. They’re excellent as a side dish or even a main course. Customize with your favorite toppings for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Healthy Chicken Salad

Keeping things light and nutritious with Healthy Chicken Salad is easy and affordable. It blends cooked chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables. Ideal for lunches or a light dinner, it’s simple to prep in advance. Packs protein and flavor without costing much.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Kimchi Stew

Add a spicy touch to your meal with Kimchi Stew; it’s full of bold flavors without a big price tag. This dish warms you up and is pretty quick to cook. Ideal for using up leftover ingredients and takes classic Korean flavors up a notch. Hearty and worthwhile, it’s great for a chilly day.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a solid go-to when you want something warm and full of flavor. It’s filling, easy to prepare, and budget-friendly. Packed with protein, it’ll keep you energized without breaking the bank. Plus, you can always make a big batch to save for later.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

When you’re short on time, Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe can save your evening. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, making it quite convenient. The maple syrup adds a nice sweetness to the chicken. Cleanup is easy, and it’s great for a low-cost, worthwhile dinner.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup brings together spicy and tangy notes in a mouth-watering broth. This classic soup is known for its bold flavors and comforting qualities. Perfect for when you need a warm and affordable meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce for an incredible meal. It’s quick to make, so perfect for busy nights. It feels fancy, but it’s actually affordable and easy to prepare. A great choice if you want something special without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

White Bean Soup

Warm soup doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, and White Bean Soup proves that. With beans as the main ingredient, it’s filling and full of protein. Simple to make and budget-friendly, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Pair it with some bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Kung Pao Chicken

A takeout favorite you can make at home, Kung Pao Chicken combines tender chicken and a tangy sauce. It’s simple to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy a favorite without breaking the bank, especially with homemade sauces. Perfect for saving money and enjoying Asian cuisine at home.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

With an assortment of veggies, Vegetable Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and affordable. Just toss your favorite vegetables in a hot pan and add your go-to sauce. This budget-friendly meal is quick to cook. Great for cleaning out the fridge and ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Pasta Carbonara

For a quick and creamy dish, Pasta Carbonara hits the spot without needing many ingredients. The combination of pasta and sauce is comforting and easy to make. It’s a fraction of the cost of dining out. A simple yet worthwhile meal that pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

White Chicken Chili

A lighter spin on traditional chili, White Chicken Chili uses chicken and beans for a hearty dish. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and feeds a crowd without much effort. This is a recipe that can be made in large batches for week-long enjoyment. Ideal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Mac and Cheese

Comfort food at its best, Mac and Cheese is always a family favorite. Using affordable ingredients, it delivers that creamy cheese texture everyone loves. Easy to make and customize with extras. Keep it simple on a busy night or dress it up with toppings.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Orange Chicken

Make your dinner a bit different with Orange Chicken. It’s got a sweet and tangy flavor that’s very comforting. Easy to cook and not heavy on the wallet, combining it with rice makes a complete meal. Getting this from your own kitchen beats takeout anytime.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Tuscan Pasta

Looking for a taste of Italy without going broke? Tuscan Pasta brings the flavors of Tuscany to your table with its creamy sauce and tasty goodness. It’s an affordable dish that feels like a restaurant meal. Easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and kind to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Potato Soup

Creamy and simple to make, Potato Soup is a classic that never disappoints. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. You can dress it up with toppings or keep it simple. Either way, it’s comforting and doesn’t require many ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s a way to make chicken night more interesting with Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken; everything cooks on one pan for simplicity. The Parmesan crust adds a great texture and flavor. Less time cooking and cleaning means you can enjoy a relaxing dinner. This is a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Roasted Tomato Soup

Smooth and rich, Roasted Tomato Soup takes simple produce to new heights. Baking the tomatoes first adds depth to the flavor. Easy to make and budget-friendly, this soup pairs well with sandwiches. It’s a warming dish that feels like you’re in a cozy cafe.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

When you need a meal that cooks itself, Slow Cooker Pot Roast is your answer. Putting everything in one pot makes it handy for busy days. The long cook time makes the meat tender and full of flavor. It’s great for feeding a family without too much prep work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Tortellini Soup

For a meal that’s both filling and easy on your bank account, Tortellini Soup is perfect. The cheese-filled pasta and broth make it a complete meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is super easy to whip up. Great for when you want something warm and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Lemongrass Chicken

Need a meal that’s aromatic and flavorful without costing much? Lemongrass Chicken delivers just that with its fresh and vibrant flavors. It’s a great way to switch things up if you’re tired of the usual chicken dishes. Perfect over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Want a soup that’s both filling and budget-friendly? Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a great pick. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy squash in a warm, creamy form. The roasting adds an extra depth of flavor without adding to the cost, making it a simple, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Looking for a quick, budget-friendly dinner idea? Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are perfect. They’re easy to prepare and bring a gratifying sweet and tasty combo. Great for when you need a straightforward dish that doesn’t require a lot of time or money to make.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup is a comforting blend that’s warm and creamy without excessive cost. Simple to prepare, it works well for any meal. The ingredients come together quickly, and it’s great leftover. Perfect for a cozy, quick advent into classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup