Cooking at home “on a budget” sometimes gets a bad reputation.
It conjures images of weekday meals made of rice and beans, PB&J, canned soup and bland microwave dinners that aren’t very nourishing.
But with a bit of foresight and imagination, you can prepare tasty meals without spending much. With input from a few favorite food writers, we compiled this roundup of inexpensive dinner ideas that won’t break the bank.
13 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Keep Costs Low
These recipes are perfect for that frantic “What’s for dinner?” moment. Most rely on pantry staples with maybe one or two fresh items.
- Cacio e pepe
- Baked ziti
- Omelets
- Enchiladas
- Taco-stuffed potatoes
- Fried rice
- Turkey meatballs and spaghetti
- Vermicelli noodle bowls
- Black bean chili
- Potato and sausage foil packs
- Grilled cheese sliders
- Chicken cutlets with white beans
- Beef and ramen noodles
1. Cacio e pepe
Yes, really. Cacio e pepe — literally “cheese and pepper” — is an Italian staple that’s delightfully simple. It’s essentially pasta tossed with butter, freshly grated Parmesan and plenty of black pepper.
The secret, as shown in this Budget Bytes recipe, is to save some of the hot pasta water and stir it into the cheese so it melts into a silky, glossy sauce that clings to the noodles.
The priciest item here is the Parmesan; use freshly grated if possible for the best flavor.
2. Baked Ziti
Staying in the Italian lane, baked ziti is comfort food at its easiest — think of it as lasagna’s low-effort cousin.
Going meatless keeps the cost down: a box of ziti, a little olive oil, a jar of marinara, a mozzarella blend and ricotta plus basic pantry items like an onion and seasonings are all you need.
We like this version from Spend With Pennies, which adds Italian sausage. If you prefer meat, ground beef works too and can be budget-friendly.
3. Omelets
Breakfast for dinner is always a win.
Your main outlay now is eggs — which have been pricier in recent times — but omelets still stack up as an economical dinner choice.
The beauty of an omelet is its flexibility. No need for gourmet cheese or premium cured meats. You can skip meat entirely and bulk it up with inexpensive veggies.
Good Cheap Eats offers a straightforward omelet how-to, and Eating Well provides a long list of inventive filling ideas if you want to experiment.
4. Enchiladas
There’s something irresistible about a pan of melty enchiladas straight from the oven.
They’re simple: tortillas, cheese, a sauce and toppings — bake until bubbly and dinner is ready. Budget Bytes’ quick bean and cheese enchiladas use refried beans, pepper jack and a speedy homemade sauce made from pantry items in just minutes.
5. Taco-Stuffed Potatoes
If you want an affordable, satisfying meal, potatoes should be on your shortlist. A 5-pound bag is inexpensive and potatoes can serve as a hearty side or stand-alone main.
Bake them and then load them up like tacos with onions, tomatoes, garlic, taco seasoning and optional protein like ground beef or grilled chicken. Top with salsa, sour cream and green onions for extra flavor.
This take from Yellow Bliss Road looks especially tempting, and Brit + Co has 15 more stuffed potato ideas if you want to broaden your options.
6. Fried Rice
Recreate that hibachi house favorite at home for a speedy weeknight dinner. Like tacos or omelets, fried rice is perfect for using up pantry and fridge leftovers.
Basic fried rice calls for cooked white rice, eggs, soy sauce and a few vegetables like carrots, peas and scallions. Josh Weissman’s $1 fried rice showcases the essentials, while Averie Cooks offers a chicken-packed version. Swap in cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb option.
7. Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti
Ground turkey often costs less than beef and tends to be leaner. Combine it with spaghetti for an affordable, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Well Plated features a recipe with dried herbs, spaghetti, turkey, breadcrumbs and Parmesan that’s economical and makes great leftovers for the week.
8. Vermicelli Noodle Bowls
Vermicelli are thin rice noodles common in Asian and Thai cuisine. They’re often gluten-free, plant-friendly and pair well with vegetables and a savory soy-based dressing.
This bowl from From My Bowl hits the mark with a pantry-friendly sauce, an assortment of vegetables, herbs and peanuts. Add tofu or a small protein for minimal extra cost and a flavorful, inexpensive weeknight meal.
9. Weeknight Black Bean Chili
A few cans of black beans, some ground turkey and pantry staples turn into a tasty, straightforward chili. It’s about as foolproof as weeknight dinners get.
This Budget Bytes recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, or simmer it low and slow in a slow cooker to deepen the flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, Add A Pinch adds bacon for an extra savory touch.
10. Potato and Sausage Foil Packs
This straightforward dish gives you camping vibes without leaving the house.
Sliced potatoes, bell peppers, an onion, sausage and a few seasonings wrapped in foil and baked at 400°F in about 30 minutes make a comforting, no-fuss meal. You can also grill the packets if you prefer.
Taste of Home’s recipe is a solid version to try.
11. Grilled Cheese Sliders
Yes, a classic grilled cheese on white bread is cheap and easy, but sliders add a bit of fun.
Six Sisters’ Stuff’s grilled cheese sliders use Hawaiian rolls, mayo, cheddar, provolone and butter for an effortless, crowd-pleasing bite.
Serve with a can of tomato soup for an ideal cozy dinner combo.
12. Chicken Cutlets With White Beans
This protein-forward weeknight dish uses canned beans, affordable chicken cutlets, a splash of buttermilk and simple pantry components.
Try the Food Network’s Tuscan cutlets with white beans for a comforting meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes and light on cost.
13. Beef and Ramen Noodles
Elevate the classic dorm-room ramen with a few extra ingredients. Ground beef, packet ramen (skip the seasoning sachets) and fresh vegetables transform instant noodles into a satisfying weeknight dinner.
What’s In The Pan has a flavorful recipe that’s not only affordable but can be made healthier with more veggies.
Daniel Carter is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering tips on earning, saving and managing money. He’s written about personal finance and frugal living for over a decade.
