With these cheap dinner recipes, you can eat on a budget and still have healthy, tasty meals. Use staple pantry items to create everything from soup to stir-fries to casseroles.
Low-cost ingredients such as canned fish and ground beef can make the tastiest meals. Bulk them with nutritious veggies, noodles, pasta, and grains.
1. Celery and Carrot Soup
Source: allnutritious.com
Celery and carrot soup is nourishing and flavorful. It’s packed with earthy flavors, yet light and refreshing for summer months.
These veggies are frequently used as a base for soups. However, you’ll use a large quantity for this soup as they are the highlight!
Onion, garlic, and oregano add flavor to your soup. Cook your veggies in vegetable broth until soft, then serve immediately.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 79
- Fats: 4.8g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Carbs: 8.6g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 3.7g
2. Zucchini Stir Fry
Source: allnutritious.com
Zucchini stir fry is effortless and quick to make. It’s super tasty, thanks to the Asian-inspired flavors!
Use fresh garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a delicious flavor. Sesame seeds provide nuttiness and a crunchy bite.
Serve your zucchini stir-fry with steamed or cauliflower rice.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 203
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 6.7g
- Carbs: 16.5g
- Fiber: 5.5g
- Sugar: 9.7g
3. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Source: allnutritious.com
Make this meal prep dish with a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce! It’s packed with sweet, salty, nutty, and acidic flavors. Fluffy rice and tender broccoli complete your meal.
Chicken thighs make it more affordable, and they produce juicier meat. If you’re a fan of Japanese food, you probably have the ingredients you need for the sauce.
Soy sauce is essential for the rich, salty base. Ginger and garlic are aromatic, and rice vinegar provides acidity. Use honey to sweeten your sauce and sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
Garnish your teriyaki chicken with crunchy sesame seeds and slices of fresh green onions.
This is one of the best easy high protein meals for lunch or dinner!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 653
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 51g
- Carbs: 68g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 23g
4. Ground Pork Stir Fry
Source: allnutritious.com
This Asian-inspired pork stir fry is quick and easy, and you need minimal ingredients to make it!
You’re not using many ingredients, so use the best ground pork you can afford. This ensures the taste shines through.
Tender broccoli is the perfect veggie to use that goes with ground pork. Cook them in beef broth to impart a delicious flavor.
Combine soy sauce, honey, and garlic to make a sauce. Simmer it with the meat and broccoli until it thickens, then serve it with a green onion garnish!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 374
- Fats: 28g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 8.8g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 4.7g
5. Honey Garlic Chicken
Source: allnutritious.com
Juicy chicken thighs are covered in a delicious, sweet, sticky sauce. Serve your thighs with fluffy rice to soak up the beautiful flavors.
Mix fresh garlic, sweet honey, and umami soy sauce for a flavorful coating. The natural sugar in the honey aids in the caramelization of the chicken!
Before serving, garnish your chicken and rice with slices of green onion.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 803
- Fats: 23g
- Protein: 47g
- Carbs: 100.9g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugar: 26g
6. Vegan White Bean and Tomato Skillet
Source: bucketlisttummy.com
This delicious white bean skillet recipe has flavors reminiscent of a pizza. You can call it “pizza beans!”
Canned and sundried tomatoes provide a rich base for your beans. Cannellini beans add a bite and the main bulk to your meal.
Use oregano, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for the pizza taste. Serve your pizza beans with crusty Italian bread to mop up the sauce!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
7. Hamburger Stroganoff
Source: noshingwiththenolands.com
Creamy ground beef stroganoff is quick and easy to make. However, it’s just as delicious as a regular beef stroganoff!
Cremini mushrooms, yellow onion, and minced garlic provide a hearty base flavor to your beef. Use stock, sour cream, and heavy cream for a thick, creamy sauce.
Worcestershire sauce adds a slight tangy kick!
Serve your hamburger stroganoff over tender noodles or mashed potatoes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 489
- Fats: 33g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
8. Honey Chicken Wings
Source: allnutritious.com
These three-ingredient chicken wings are sweet, sticky, crispy, and delicious!
Use the best quality chicken you can afford for this recipe. An organic variety will produce extra juicy wings!
Season your chicken with dried Italian herbs for flavor and bake until crispy. Drizzle the wings with sweet honey before serving!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 527
- Fats: 37g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6.2g
9. Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
Source: everydayfamilycooking.com
This creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli lasagna is easy to make. Even people who don’t like vegetables will love this tasty dinner!
Layer noodles with cooked chicken, alfredo sauce, broccoli, and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling! Serve with crunchy garlic toast to soak up the sauce.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 714
- Fats: 52g
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
10. Creamy Beef Tomato Soup
Source: groundbeefrecipes.com
Thick and meaty, beef tomato soup is satisfying and makes the perfect comfort food!
Aromatic garlic and onion provide a delicious base flavor for your soup. Sauté them with ground beef and simmer with beef broth and tomatoes for a rich taste.
Dried herbs add another level of flavor to your soup. Basil, oregano, and parsley are ideal. Pasta noodles add a bite, and cream cheese delivers a smooth, creamy texture!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 409
- Fats: 27g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 11g
11. Tuna with Noodles
Source: moneywisemoms.com
This effortless tuna recipe uses few ingredients but tastes delicious! Canned tuna is easy to prep and cheap.
Tender egg noodles form the bulk of this meal. Add sweetness with frozen green peas and minced onion for extra flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup produces a creamy sauce for your tuna with noodles!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 284
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
12. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Source: allnutritious.com
A sweet and savory marinade turns juicy chicken thighs golden and crispy.
Nutritious veggies make this a balanced meal. Bell peppers, brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots are perfect. Sprinkle with garlic and onion powder to enhance the taste.
Add apple cider vinegar, oregano, and chili powder to your marinade to elevate the sweet and savory flavors!
Nutritious veggies make this a balanced meal. Bell peppers, brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots are perfect. Sprinkle with garlic and onion powder to enhance the taste.
Add apple cider vinegar, oregano, and chili powder to your marinade to elevate the sweet and savory flavors!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 478
- Fats: 33g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 24.7g
- Fiber: 6.3g
- Sugar: 17g
13. Oven Baked Pork Chops
Source: noshingwiththenolands.com
Pork and apples are a popular flavor combination and work deliciously in this dish!
Apple pie filling from a can is a shortcut that makes this recipe easier. Layer thinly cut pork chops on top of the filling in a baking dish.
Use stovetop stuffing as the topping for your pork chops. This recipe uses the cornbread version, but choose your favorite! Garnish your chops with fresh parsley before serving!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 467
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 41g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
14. Pasta and Peas
Source: neighborfoodblog.com
This easy pasta and peas dish is garlicky and creamy with pops of crispy pancetta! Pasta shells provide the perfect vessel for the peas and sauce.
Make the sauce in the fat from the pancetta to impart maximum flavor! Garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream make the best sauce.
Stir parmesan into your sauce for umami salty flavor, and sprinkle extra on your pasta!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 581
- Fats: 36g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugar: 13g
15. Herb Chicken Couscous Meal Prep
Source: allnutritious.com
This cheap and tasty meal is made of chicken with herbs, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice.
Marinade your chicken with olive oil, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Cook your couscous in vegetable broth for flavor.
Roasted red and yellow bell peppers, sweet red onion, and zucchini are the perfect veggies. Add lots of garlic cloves, too!
You’ll also want to know these other cheap meal prep ideas for dinner on the go!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 633
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 61g
- Carbs: 48.5g
- Fiber: 7.5g
- Sugar: 9.7g
16. Beef and Rice Bowls
Source: saltandlavender.com
Korean-inspired beef and rice bowls are full of umami flavor and simple ingredients.
The sauce for your ground beef is sweet, umami, and fragrant with a hint of heat. Combine hoisin, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.
Chopped red pepper adds pops of color and crunch. Garnish your beef and rice bowls with sliced scallions before serving!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 371
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
17. John Wayne Casserole
Source: amandascookin.com
This delicious casserole includes a layer of taco beef topped with a blanket of gooey melted cheese!
Ground beef cooked with taco seasoning forms the first layer of your casserole. Colorful tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and jalapeno go on top of this.
Combine sour cream, mayo, cheddar cheese, and yellow onion for the topping.
Garnish your casserole with fresh jalapeno, tomato, and cilantro, then serve this fall crockpot recipe biscuits for dipping!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 494
- Fats: 42g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
18. Ground Beef and Broccoli
Source: peelwithzeal.com
Juicy ground beef is served with tender veggies, fluffy rice, and a delicious sauce.
Vibrant broccoli, red bell pepper, and yellow onion are ideal veggies for this dish. Make your tasty sauce with beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Toss your beef and veggies in the sauce until they’re coated well. Garnish your stir-fry with nutty sesame seeds and sliced green onion!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 494
- Fats: 37g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
19. 3 Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup
Source: ablossominglife.com
Creamy, rich butternut squash soup has minimal ingredients but is comforting and delicious!
Bake your squash in the oven before making your soup. This brings out the natural sweetness. Add a yellow onion for a greater depth of flavor, too.
Mix your tender squash and onion with flavorsome stock, and blend until smooth!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 110
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
20. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Source: budgetdelicious.com
Elevate classic mac and cheese with a spicy buffalo flavor and a meaty addition!
Make your creamy sauce with a roux – it’s easier than it sounds! All you need is butter, flour, and milk. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella to make it super cheesy.
Add buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and cooked elbow macaroni. Garnish your pasta with blue cheese crumbles for extra cheesy goodness!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 521
- Fats: 26g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
21. Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Source: runningtothekitchen.com
This is a cheaper, easier variation on classic carbonara. It still has a delicious creamy texture and flavors!
Bucatini is a noodle, like spaghetti, with a hole down the center. This collects the tasty sauce and gives it a unique bite.
Make your sauce with olive oil, ground black pepper, butter, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Starchy pasta water gives its thick, velvety texture.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 304
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
22. Garlic Pizza Bread
Source: runningtothekitchen.com
Two classic comfort foods combine to make this quick, tasty meal that the whole family will love!
Combine minced garlic, parsley, and butter to spread on halves of a soft baguette. Cook until the butter is melted and soaks into the bread, then add your toppings.
Pizza sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni slices are ideal toppings. Use your favorites! Broil your pizza bread at the end to turn the edges crisp and golden.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 611
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
23. Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs
Source: mooreorlesscooking.com
Tender cubes of steak pair with seasoned potatoes for this easy, fun twist on kabobs!
It’s best to part-cook your potatoes before threading them onto skewers with the steak. They cook at different rates, and you don’t want to burn your steak!
Season your kabobs with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Grill until cooked, then serve warm!
This high protein dinner is one of the best ways to stay full on a low budget!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 310
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
24. Kielbasa and Cabbage One Pan meal
Source: servedfromscratch.com
This one-pan Polish-inspired Kielbasa and cabbage meal is quick, easy, and tasty!
Sauté your Kielbasa briefly to brown it and release the delicious flavors. Fragrant onion and garlic add an extra depth of flavor to the dish, and red wine vinegar adds a rich taste.
Sauté the cabbage in the beautiful flavors before seasoning with smoked paprika. Serve with the Kielbasa when it’s wilted and slightly browned!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 351
- Fats: 28g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
25. Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Source: livinglou.com
This pasta with cherry tomatoes is garlicky and zesty with a slight kick of heat!
Minced garlic, lemon zest, and chili flakes pack a punch of delicious flavor. They go perfectly with sweet cherry tomatoes cooked until they’re soft.
Mix cooked linguine with the tomatoes. Add some pasta water for a velvety texture in the sauce. Garnish with lemon zest, fresh basil, and parmesan before serving.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 451
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 74g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
26. Spam Fried Rice
Source: drivemehungry.com
Salty cubes of spam give this egg-fried rice dish a unique twist! Fry them until golden brown and crispy before mixing with your rice.
Combine fluffy scrambled eggs, chopped scallions, and green peas with leftover rice. Sauté with oyster sauce for extra flavor and a hint of sweetness.
You might also enjoy these other yummy 400 calorie meals!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 405
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
27. Beef Ramen
Source: mooreorlesscooking.com
Ground beef ramen is cooked in your slow cooker with a tasty, sweet, savory sauce and veggies.
Matchstick carrots, scallions, and red bell peppers are ideal veggies. Cook your beef and veggies in garlic, soy sauce, chicken stock, and brown sugar.
Add dry ramen noodles to the pot thirty minutes before serving and cook until tender!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 935
- Fats: 40g
- Protein: 54g
- Carbs: 89g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 28g
28. One Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Source: saltandlavender.com
This one-pot meal is creamy, cheesy, and easy to make! It’s almost like a casserole but quicker.
Aromatic onion and garlic form the base flavor of this dish. Chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian herbs add another layer.
Shredded rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice are smothered in the rich, creamy sauce.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 523
- Fats: 34g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
29. Tomato Soup
Source: ablossominglife.com
This straightforward classic tomato soup uses a few ingredients that add a ton of flavor.
Use a can of diced tomatoes to make prep quick and easy. Sautéed onions, minced garlic, and bone broth impart an incredible depth of flavor. Dried basil adds a delicate herb taste.
Blend your soup until it’s smooth, and serve hot!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 84
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
30. Lentil Soup
Source: livinglou.com
Mediterranean-inspired vegetable lentil soup is warming and hearty.
Carrots, celery, and yellow onion are an aromatic base for your soup. Green lentils provide a wholesome quality.
Add flavor with tomato paste, ground coriander, cumin, bay leaves, and chili flakes. Stir in a spoonful of lemon juice before serving for a bright flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 268
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 4g
31. Mushroom Chicken
Source: thecozycook.com
Juicy chicken is covered in a deliciously thick and creamy savory mushroom sauce!
Sauté your mushrooms until golden brown and set aside. Give your pieces of chicken breast a crisp golden crust by dredging in flour before cooking in a skillet and setting aside, too.
Make rich sauce with the pan scrapings, chicken bouillon, soy sauce, dry white wine, and heavy cream. Onion powder, dried thyme, minced garlic, and mustard powder add extra flavor.
Add your chicken and mushrooms, and let everything heat through before serving!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 414
- Fats: 26g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g