40 Cheap Recipes That Are Wallet-Friendly But Full of Deliciousness

Recipes range from incredibly affordable to nearly unaffordable. For a special anniversary, you might splurge on fine ingredients to make something extra special. But if you’re feeding a crowd or have kids with huge appetites, you might want to find some new cheap recipes that are both delicious and budget-friendly! Check out this collection of cheap recipes that won’t break the bank.

Meatball Marinara Subs

Meatball subs are in toasted buns on a tray. The Best easy dinner recipes.
Meatball Marinara Subs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Savor the juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and fluffy brioche buns in Italian meatball marinara subs – a satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Marinara Subs

Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs

Ikeas meatballs being scooped from a casserole dish.
Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A good Swedish meatball recipe with a creamy gravy means you can avoid the Ikea crowds and make them yourself at home. And you can put these together without a complicated diagram or having two screws left over at the end!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs

American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

American Chop Suey (American Goulash).
American Chop Suey (American Goulash). Photo credit: xoxoBella.

American chop suey is a delicious dish that’s popular in the New England region. Also known as American goulash, this dish is meaty and tasty.
Get the Recipe: American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

Italian Frittata Recipe

A skillet filled with a cheesy zucchini quiche.
Italian Frittata Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Straightforward to make and a treat to eat, this Italian vegetable frittata recipe is definitely a winning recipe. It’s simple to prepare, and you can mix and match the fillings depending on what you have in the refrigerator. It’s the perfect way to use up any vegetables or cooked meats you need to use up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Frittata Recipe

General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Crispy sauce shrimp in a bowl.
Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

General Tso shrimp is an easy Chinese shrimp dish that you can rustle up in less than 30 minutes. It offers sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, along with a hint of spice.
Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Crunchy Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap

A tortilla folded into quarters with beef and vegetables in it.
Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

It’s one of the most delicious recipes you can make with ground beef and a tortilla wrap. Use a large flour tortilla if you’re ravenously hungry or smaller tortillas if you prefer.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

cheesy taco pasta in a blue bowl.
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This easy taco pasta is wonderful for dinner and it’s one of the best skill pasta dinner ideas I’ve found. Beef, onion, and garlic are the dominating flavors in this creamy taco pasta with macaroni noodles.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Air Fryer Unsloppy Joe Biscuit Pockets

Unsloppy joes on a bun with white plates.
Air Fryer Unsloppy Joe Biscuit Pockets. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This air fryer version of Manwich biscuits seals the tasty beef mixture inside a biscuit for a delicious meal. Manwich biscuits are the readymade sloppy joe sauce and you just need to cook them while these Pillsbury biscuit sloppy joes are homemade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Unsloppy Joe Biscuit Pockets

Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal

Pork egg roll in a bowl with chopsticks on a mat.
Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pork egg roll in a bowl is a low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. This is an easy recipe with ground pork, veggies, and other flavours which is sure to satisfy a craving for Asian food. I love this easy one-pan meal.
Get the Recipe: Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal

Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats.
Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Taco stuffed zucchini boats offer a little of everything – nutrition, meat, veggies, a pop of Mexican seasoning, and of course a tasty meal!
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Spicy gochujang chicken stir fry served on lettuce leaves.
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gochujang chicken is sweet, spicy, and very savory. It’s a typical Korean-inspired stir fry that looks so appetizing and is served in butter lettuce leaves with rice and Korean garnishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

One pot taco mac and cheese in a pot.
One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Taco macaroni and cheese is a simple 30-minute meal that you can make in one pot. South-of-the-border flavors combine with cream cheese and pasta to make this hearty dish. It’s a brand new take on classic mac ‘n cheese.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

A bowl of beef and vegetable stir fry with chopsticks.
Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage makes an easy skillet dinner loosely inspired by an Asian stir fry. With tons of texture, aromatic spices, and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper.
Homemade Hamburger Helper. Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

Homemade Hamburger Helper is such an easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal the whole family will love! An elevated one-pot meal!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Quick, easy and healthy ground beef stir fry recipe featuring fresh vegetables and a homemade garlic ginger stir fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Spicy Tomato Soup

Spicy Tomato Soup
Spicy Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This simple and flavorful Spicy Tomato Soup is perfect for the cool winter months. A little smokey spice makes a big difference in this bowl of goodness.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tomato Soup

Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Easy Shepherds Pie
Easy Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make dinner a breeze with this Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Creamy Taco Soup

Creamy Taco Soup
Creamy Taco Soup. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

This Creamy Taco Soup is budget friendly and can be made with ground beef, pork, or turkey. It’s gluten free with dairy free options.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Taco Soup

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal and great for meal prepping. Cook once, and freeze the leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a quick and easy dish that calls for only 5 ingredients! Add your favorite toppings and make it your own!
Get the Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Easy Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe

Easy Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe
Easy Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: Simply Stacie.

Get the party started this summer with Corn Salsa! With fresh corn and vibrant ingredients, this hearty dip is perfect with BBQ meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe

Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs
Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs. Photo credit: My Incredible Recipes.

Hawaiian Meatballs are a 3-ingredient meatball that is made with pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, and frozen meatballs. It can be served as a dinner or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
Baked Chili Cheese Dogs. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Chili cheese dogs are a summertime favorite, and it’s so easy to make a big batch at once. Take them from oven to table in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

Baked Beans With Ground Beef

Baked Beans With Ground Beef
Baked Beans with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

This baked beans with ground beef recipe are the best southern baked beans you’ll ever make! It’s easy, delicious, and full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans With Ground Beef

Mac And Cheese Cups Recipe {Two-Bites!}

Mac And Cheese Cups Recipe Two Bites
Mac And Cheese Cups Recipe {Two-Bites!}. Photo credit: Simply Stacie.

Mac and Cheese Cups are comfort food in a cup! The perfect cozy, cheesy side dish, but handheld for appetizers and tailgating.
Get the Recipe: Mac And Cheese Cups Recipe {Two-Bites!}

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are easily one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. They’re so flavorful and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Spend With Pennies.

A classic chicken salad recipe uses simple ingredients to create a cold, creamy salad for the perfect homemade chicken salad sandwich!
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Carbonara With Leek And Mushrooms

Chicken Carbonara With Leek And Mushrooms
Chicken Carbonara With Leek and Mushrooms. Photo credit: Greedy Gourmet.

Make your Chicken Carbonara healthier by adding vegetables and making it from scratch. Click here for this easy, family-friendly pasta recipe!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Carbonara With Leek And Mushrooms

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

Cheesy, creamy, and packed with broccoli, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a recipe loaded with onion, garlic, and 3 cheeses, then topped with buttery crackers!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Thai Peanut Noodles

Thai Peanut Noodles Quick And Easy Recipe
Thai Peanut Noodles. Photo credit: Pups With Chop Sticks.

These quick and easy peanut noodles are incredibly creamy and flavorful yet so simple to make! And you can easily add your favorite veggies and herbs to it!
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Noodles

Gnocchi With Sauce

Gnocchi With Sauce Sausage Wine And Sage
Gnocchi With Sauce. Photo credit: Dishes Delish.

Check out this gnocchi with sauce recipe for a crave-worthy meal you won’t want to miss. It’s creamy, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi With Sauce

Chicken And Dumplings With Tortillas

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken And Dumplings With Tortillas. Photo credit: Sweet Eats and Sprinkles.

This rich and creamy chicken and dumplings with tortillas recipe delivers all the delicious and heart-warming flavors and aroma of country home-style cooking but is easier and quicker to make. It is the perfect comfort food to serve your family on a cold winter day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Dumplings With Tortillas

No Boil Lasagna

No Boil Lasagna Simple And Delicious
No Boil Lasagna. Photo credit: Dishes Delish.

This no boil lasagna recipe is easy and delicious! It’s a no muss, no fuss dish you can prepare and serve faster than traditional lasagna.
Get the Recipe: No Boil Lasagna

Comforting Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings

Comforting Chicken Gnocchi Dumplings
Comforting Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings. Photo credit: Pass Me Sometasty.

Shredded chicken, gnocchi, and a mirepoix of vegetables in a creamy sauce are the heart and soul of this simple, cozy, 25-minute dinner recipe.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Recipes Simple.

This Ground Beef Fried Rice takes less than 30 minutes to make! It’s a quick and easy meal that uses simple ingredients with lots of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

The Best Chicken Soup Recipe

The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
The Best Chicken Soup Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This is the best Chicken Soup Recipe to make when you’re craving simple comfort food or feeling under the weather. Made with bone-in chicken thighs simmered into a flavorful broth and filled with tender onions, carrots, celery, and juicy shredded chicken.
Get the Recipe: The Best Chicken Soup Recipe

American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)

American Goulash Recipe One Pot
American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot). Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

American Goulash is an easy, one-pot, classic comfort food made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. Enjoy year-round, and delicious leftover, this irresistible Goulash Recipe is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters!
Get the Recipe: American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)

Olive Oil Garlic Pasta

Olive Oil Garlic Pasta
Olive Oil Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Veggies Save The Day.

Olive Oil Garlic Pasta is a classic Italian recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes. It’s simple yet flavorful and easy to make with pantry ingredients. Add a little chili pepper for a spicy kick, if you like.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil Garlic Pasta

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet pan chicken sausage and veggies is a perfect weeknight dinner. With roasted potatoes, sausage & bell peppers, it’s easy and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta

Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta
Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is a weeknight meal you’ll love that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta

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Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for recipes, dogs, sustainability, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.

Bella Bucchiotti is a freelance food, travel, and lifestyle writer for MSN and the Associated Press Wire.

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