Good Food Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank With 29 Low-Cost Recipes
Eating well shouldn’t mean spending a fortune, and these 29 budget-friendly recipes prove it. With smart choices and simple techniques, every meal stays delicious without stretching your wallet. No need to sacrifice flavor just to save a few bucks. Because good food and smart spending can go hand in hand.

Leek and Potato Soup

When you want comfort without spending too much, this soup is a real lifesaver. It’s simple to whip up, creamy without being heavy, and it’s filling enough to stand as a meal on its own. Leek and Potato Soup is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and inviting. You can have it on the table without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup
Penne Alla Vodka

Imagine making a restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen without the hefty price tag. That’s where Penne Alla Vodka comes into play, bringing a touch of elegance to your dinner table. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for guests, proving that great tastes don’t require complex ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Ravioli Casserole

For a twist on traditional pasta dishes, this casserole layers flavors in a comforting way. Ravioli Casserole combines convenience with homemade taste, making it a hit for family dinners. It’s easy to assemble and requires minimal prep, providing a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Tortellini Soup

Sometimes, you just need a warm bowl of soup that feels like a hug. Tortellini Soup manages to be both nourishing and incredibly easy to prepare. With its rich broth and plump pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for any day of the week. Just gather your family around the table and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup
Kimchi Stew

If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, this stew does just that without making you sweat. Kimchi Stew is an excellent way to introduce new flavors into your routine, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. This one-pot meal offers a punch of flavor and is sure to awaken your palate.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew
Mashed Potatoes

Who doesn’t love a good side of Mashed Potatoes? These are fluffy, creamy, and the perfect companion to any main dish. They’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever opted for store-bought versions. Plus, they’re always a hit, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
White Bean Soup

On days when you crave something light yet worthwhile, this soup comes to the rescue. White Bean Soup is packed with nutrients and is as comforting as it gets. It’s perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner, proving that simplicity often leads to the best flavors.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Kung Pao Chicken

Add a little kick to your dinner routine without dialing up the heat too much. Kung Pao Chicken blends spice and crunch in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s quick to toss together for a weekday meal but also special enough to serve at gatherings. Who needs takeout when you can whip up this dish in less time?
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Twice Baked Potatoes

If you’re in the mood for taking potatoes to the next level, try these. Twice Baked Potatoes offer a creamy, flavorful experience with each bite. They’re ideal for when you want a side dish that’s a bit more special but still doesn’t take all day to prepare. Invite friends over and watch these become the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Garlic Knots

Everyone knows that no pasta dish is complete without a side of garlic bread. Garlic Knots are here to steal the show with their buttery, garlicky goodness. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces or soups. Bring them out and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
White Chicken Chili

For a chili that breaks from the norm, this one uses chicken as a base and turns up the flavor. White Chicken Chili is hearty, creamy, and chock-full of goodness. It’s an ideal choice for feeding a crowd or just hunkering down on a relaxing evening at home. Ready in a flash, it’s comfort food without the wait.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
Hot and Sour Soup

Need something with a bit of tang and a hint of spice that comes together quickly? Hot and Sour Soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s a straightforward recipe that packs a lot of flavors and warms you up from the inside out. Whether as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup
Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

If you adore meals that are both easy to make and eat, these quesadillas have your back. Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas are stuffed with flavorful chicken and a blend of spices that bring just the right amount of heat. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas
Meatball Sliders

When you want something kid-friendly and adored by adults alike, these sliders are a winning choice. Meatball Sliders make for a wonderful party snack or a casual weeknight dinner. They come together without hassle and are always a big hit at gatherings. Serve them up and watch them go quick!
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders
Spaghetti Casserole

Take the classic spaghetti night and bake it into something even more special. Spaghetti Casserole is layered with flavors and textures that meld beautifully in the oven. It’s just as easy as making spaghetti the usual way but delivers something that feels new and exciting. Perfect for shaking up your pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Healthy Chicken Salad

Looking for a lunch option that keeps things light without skipping on flavor? Healthy Chicken Salad is your answer. It’s packed with all the right ingredients to fuel your day without weighing you down. Whether it’s scooped onto greens or enjoyed with crackers, this dish proves that healthy can also be hearty.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Pork Chops

Sometimes, nothing beats a perfectly cooked chop, and when it’s done right, it’s a thing of beauty. Pork Chops are seared to perfection and are just the ticket for a rewarding, protein-packed meal. They’re versatile enough for a simple family dinner or dressing up for guests. Easy and delicious, they never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops
Southwest Sweet Potatoes

These aren’t your everyday sweet potatoes. Southwest Sweet Potatoes are a tasty twist on a classic side, infused with flavors that give them a little extra pizzazz. They’re simple to prepare and offer something a little different at the dinner table. Just the thing to spice up your meal without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Imagine biting into perfectly cooked chicken with just the right touch of sweet and tangy. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders deliver that crowd-pleasing flavor every time. They’re a fantastic pick for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer at your next party. Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of these.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Spaghetti Bolognese

Bring a bit of Italian flair to your dining table without needing a plane ticket. Spaghetti Bolognese is rich, hearty, and just the thing for when you’re craving a meaty pasta dish. It’s as rewarding as anything you’d get in a restaurant but much easier on your wallet. Gather everyone for a meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese
Orange Chicken

Give your dinner a dash of unexpected sweetness with this popular dish. Orange Chicken combines crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s just as good as ordering out but at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for shaking up your routine and bringing some excitement to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Potato Soup

For nights when you crave simple, wholesome goodness, this soup hits the spot. Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and the essence of home-cooked perfection. It’s the kind of meal that everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy. Plus, it’s a snap to whip up, making your evening that much easier.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup
Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish doesn’t just sound fancy; it brings a luxurious twist to regular pasta dishes. Million Dollar Spaghetti is cheesy, meaty, and absolutely indulgent without being overly complicated. It’s ideal for those days you want something a notch above the usual, providing a rich, pleasing dinner that impresses.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

When you’re looking for something a bit different yet utterly rewarding, this soup offers a smooth, slightly sweet alternative. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is as nourishing as it is delicious, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s straightforward to prepare and yet, feels special enough to serve to guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Pasta Carbonara

Craving something hearty yet easy? This classic dish has got you covered. Pasta Carbonara is a simple blend of flavors that come together to create a dish that’s both rewarding and quick to make. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a comforting meal without a lot of prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Roasted Tomato Soup

If you think tomato soup is plain, think again. Roasted Tomato Soup brings a depth of flavor that canned soups just can’t match. It’s easy to toss together and tastes like a gourmet meal. This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese or stands alone with a toss of croutons.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup
Tuscan Pasta

Take your palate on a trip to Tuscany with this straightforward, flavorful dish. Tuscan Pasta is filled with elements that brighten your meal without overwhelming it. It’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner that feels a step above the usual fare. Just right when you need a little escape to Italy.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta
Vegetable Stir Fry

Busy nights call for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is quick to prepare. Vegetable Stir Fry delivers a colorful mix of veggies in a tantalizing sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have in the fridge, making for a versatile and vibrant dish that keeps dinner interesting.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Chicken and Rice Casserole

For comfort food that feeds a crowd or just a couple with leftovers in mind, this casserole doesn’t disappoint. Chicken and Rice Casserole combines simple ingredients in a one-pot dish that’s reassuringly familiar yet entirely rewarding. It’s the perfect throw-together meal for any night, guaranteeing smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
