19 Dinners on the Cheap That Taste Like a Million Bucks

Looking for cheap dinner ideas? You don’t need to spend a lot to make something great. Whether you're short on time or on a budget, there are plenty of simple, quick meals that hit the spot without draining your wallet. These recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

A plate of stuffed pepper casserole with rice, ground meat, and red bell peppers garnished with chopped parsley, served with a fork next to a skillet of the same dish. — Ground Beef and Rice Skillet. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is quick, easy, and packed with savory flavor. It’s the perfect go-to meal for busy nights when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

A blue bowl of ham and potato soup. — Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Ham & Potato Chowder is a breeze to make in the slow cooker. Packed with hearty ingredients, it’s a comforting, no-fuss dinner. This is a great recipe to use leftover ham.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

BBQ Chicken Sliders

A wooden plate holds six sliders filled with shredded chicken and coleslaw, arranged neatly on a surface. — BBQ Chicken Sliders. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders are so simple. Juicy chicken on Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw makes an easy dinner the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders

Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of soup with sour cream on top. — Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This silky Tomato Basil Soup is simple and full of fresh summer flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or cozy dinner, and it's ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Grilled chicken flatbread pizzas on a marble countertop. — BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and flavorful meal for busy weeknights. Use leftover chicken or cook fresh—it’s a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta. — Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Let this Meatball Pasta Bake simplify dinner. Just toss everything in a pan and bake for a cheesy, flavorful casserole the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions. — Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Mexican Meatballs are stuffed with gooey cheese and bursting with flavor. Great as a main dish or appetizer for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

Quick Skillet Pizza

Margherita pizza on a white cutting board. — Quick Skillet Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Quick Skillet Pizza is so easy, perfect for a weekday dinner. Made with beer dough and topped with your favorites, it’s a no-fail pizza night recipe.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Pizza

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

A cheeseburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion on a wood board. — Cast Iron Skillet Burgers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Cast Iron Skillet Burgers are so easy and packed with flavor. Cook them up with your favorite toppings for a dinner the family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown and hamburger casserole in white pan. — Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

The family will love this creamy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken

A white plate topped with roasted chicken thighs, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and orzo, in front of a metal sheet pan. — Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Let the oven do the work with these Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs and veggies. Juicy chicken and bold flavors make it a weekday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ready in 30 minutes, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a no-fail recipe for busy weeknights. Simple, quick, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Italian Meatloaf

A meatloaf with a red sauce in a casserole dish. — Italian Meatloaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cheesy Italian Meatloaf brings all the flavor of meatballs in an easy-to-make loaf. Perfect for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

Ground Beef Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board. — Ground Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make Taco Tuesday better with these flavorful Ground Beef Tacos. Quick, easy, and packed with bold spices.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Masshed potato casserole in a baking dish with a cracker crumb topping. — Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy twist on regular mashed potatoes. Simple to make and always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Let the slow cooker do its magic with these BBQ Chicken Legs. Juicy and tender, coated in tangy barbecue sauce—dinner doesn’t get easier.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta is light, fresh, and simple. Add your favorite protein for an easy, hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Cozy Veggie Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tortellini soup with vegetables and white beans, topped with parmesan cheese. — Cozy Veggie Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This veggie-packed Tortellini Soup is easy to make and super cozy. With cheesy pasta and a flavorful broth, it’s a quick and hearty dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Veggie Tortellini Soup