At the Immigrant's Table

  • Home
  • About me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shop
  • Travel
  • Jewish Recipes
  • Russian Recipes
  • Main Course Recipes
  • Healthy Side Dishes
  • Dessert Recipes
  • Travel
  • Gluten-free Recipes
  • Paleo recipes
  • Vegan recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Travel
  • Collaborate
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Travel
  • Collaborate
×
Home » Roundups

15 Cheap Dinners That Beat Restaurant Prices Every Time

By: kseniaprints · Updated: Oct 21, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links.

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X

When it comes to dinner, eating well doesn’t have to mean spending big. These 15 cheap meals bring bold flavors and satisfying portions, all without the hefty restaurant price tag. Perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without breaking the bank, each recipe proves that saving money doesn’t mean skimping on taste. Get ready to serve up meals that outshine any pricey takeout.

Roasted chicken with parsley and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

A white plate contains several pieces of grilled minced meat kebabs garnished with chopped parsley. A lemon wedge is placed on the plate, and a small bowl of white dipping sauce is on the side. The food is served on a light-colored surface.
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe. Photo Credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

These Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are a budget-friendly alternative to meat-based kebabs, made with chickpeas and spices in just 35 minutes. With cumin, coriander, and garlic, they bring big, bold flavors without the restaurant price tag. Serve with yogurt or salad for an affordable dinner that tastes just as good as any expensive meal. Proof that plant-based dishes can pack just as much punch as their costly counterparts.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

A plate of stir-fried chicken with mixed vegetables garnished with almonds and fresh cilantro, accompanied by a fork and a yellow napkin.
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba delivers a rich, hearty stew made in just 40 minutes, with tender chicken and vegetables simmered in aromatic spices. Perfect for busy nights, this meal rivals the depth of slow-cooked restaurant stews but without the hefty price. A filling, flavorful dinner that tastes like a splurge but costs far less. Every spoonful rivals a restaurant dish, proving that you can save big while still eating well.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce

A plate features two fillets of grilled white fish, seasoned with pepper and garnished with herbs. A gold fork is placed to the upper left of the fish. Two lemon wedges are on the plate's right side. The dish is served on a white plate with a light sauce.
Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce is a 25-minute dish that brings elegance to your dinner table without the restaurant bill. The tender fish, paired with a buttery lemon and garlic sauce, feels like a restaurant-quality plate for a fraction of the price. It’s a refined, budget-friendly meal that proves you don’t need to dine out to enjoy an impressive dinner. A dish that looks expensive but beats restaurant prices every time.
Get the Recipe: Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce

Mujadara

A bowl of mujadara, consisting of cooked lentils and rice, topped with crispy fried onions and chopped parsley from Grandma's recipes, served on a table. A wooden spoon rests beside the bowl
Middle Eastern Rice and Beans (Mujadara). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Mujadara combines lentils, rice, and caramelized onions for a filling, comforting dinner in just 40 minutes. This affordable dish delivers rich, hearty flavors that could easily rival any restaurant’s comfort food offerings. With its satisfying texture and depth of flavor, this meal proves that simple, budget-friendly ingredients can still deliver a meal that feels like a splurge. A delicious, homemade alternative to pricier options.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Baked Feta Pasta

Casserole dish of pasta with feta.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Baked Feta Pasta offers creamy, tangy flavors in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, giving you a restaurant-worthy meal on a budget. Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes melt into a rich sauce, making the pasta feel indulgent but affordable. This no-fuss dish is perfect for nights when you want a big flavor but don’t want to spend big. A standout recipe that gives you all the satisfaction of a restaurant dish at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov

A bowl of rice garnished with herbs and nuts, from Grandma's Recipes, with a spoon being used to serve it.
The perfect rice pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov brings elegance to your table in just 30 minutes with its mix of basmati rice, dried fruits, and nuts. This dish feels luxurious, like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant, but it’s budget-friendly. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a beautifully plated and flavorful meal. A colorful, satisfying dish that delivers the restaurant experience at home without the high price.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

A roasted whole chicken sits on a baking tray surrounded by roasted vegetables, including carrot slices, onion pieces, and sprigs of rosemary. Two hands can be seen holding the edges of the tray.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo Credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a 35-minute one-pan meal that delivers bold, smoky flavors without the high price of dining out. Juicy chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables come together in a dish that’s both flavorful and affordable, proving you don’t need a restaurant to enjoy a great meal. This recipe is a budget-friendly way to bring big flavors to your table for less than you’d spend eating out.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Cheesy Eggs

A close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a portion of cheesy, baked pasta from a white pot. The cheese is visibly stretchy, with pieces of pasta, herbs, and tomato sauce clinging to it. Fresh parsley is scattered on top, perfect for those who love quick recipes on a marble countertop background.
Cheese Shakshuka. Photo Credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Cheesy Eggs combines the simplicity of eggs and melted cheese for a quick 15-minute meal that feels indulgent but costs next to nothing. Whether for breakfast or dinner, this dish proves that even the simplest, most affordable ingredients can create a rich and satisfying meal. It’s an easy, budget-friendly alternative to restaurant breakfasts that still feels like a treat. A quick, cheesy dish that saves money while delivering comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggs

Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Sancocho. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chicken Sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew combining chicken, yuca, and plantains for a comforting, budget-friendly meal in just 50 minutes. The rich broth and starchy vegetables create a dish that feels like something you’d get at a tropical restaurant but without the price tag. It’s a great choice for nights when you want a warm, filling meal that tastes expensive but doesn’t cost much. A tropical taste that beats restaurant prices every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho

Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl brings bold, vibrant flavors to your table in just 30 minutes, for much less than you’d spend at a restaurant. The crispy, marinated tofu and fluffy rice combine to create a dish that feels like a fresh, modern meal you’d order out, but at a fraction of the cost. This plant-based dinner proves you can enjoy rich, complex flavors on a budget. A quick and affordable way to bring restaurant-quality flavors home.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Noodles and mushrooms in casserole dish.
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel is a comforting, budget-conscious baked dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the sweetness of leeks. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that rivals the rich flavors of a restaurant casserole but costs much less. Its creamy, satisfying texture makes it perfect for dinner when you want something filling yet affordable. A budget-friendly dish that delivers rich flavors without the restaurant prices.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Grilled Grandma's Chicken skewers garnished with fresh herbs and served with a side of creamy sauce on a decorative blue plate.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs pack bold, savory flavors in just 30 minutes, proving you don’t need a hefty price tag for a delicious meal. Spiced ground chicken, grilled to perfection, delivers the rich taste of restaurant kebabs at a fraction of the cost. Served with rice or salad, this dish feels special but stays well within budget. A flavor-packed meal that proves affordable dinners can easily outshine their expensive counterparts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chicken Marbella blends sweet and tangy flavors from prunes, olives, and capers to create a complex dish in just 45 minutes. This meal delivers the kind of richness you’d expect from a fancy restaurant dish but at a budget-friendly price. Perfect for weeknights when you want something full of flavor without spending big. A dish that’s both luxurious and affordable, proving you don’t need to splurge to enjoy bold, memorable flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks bring together garlic, cumin, and lime juice to create a bright, flavorful dinner in just 45 minutes. This dish delivers restaurant-level taste without the price, making it an affordable yet impressive option for any night of the week. The citrus marinade brings out bold flavors that will make you forget you’re saving money. A dish that proves even simple ingredients can deliver big, bold flavors without the expense.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a 45-minute one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken and crispy potatoes, marinated to perfection in buttermilk. This comforting dish rivals the flavor and tenderness of restaurant fare while keeping costs low. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels more luxurious than its price tag suggests. A satisfying all-in-one meal that saves you both time and money.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

More Roundups

  • A bowl of rice garnished with herbs and nuts, from Grandma's Recipes, with a spoon being used to serve it.
    15 Savory Rice Dishes To Add To Your Meal Plan
  • A bowl of macaroni salad containing elbow pasta, diced red bell peppers, celery, and a creamy dressing. A spoon is lifting a portion from the bowl. Sliced pickles are visible in the background.
    17 Vintage Recipes Boomers Say No One Makes Right Anymore
  • A baked dish featuring cheesy, golden-brown lasagna with visible layers and sprinkled with fresh herbs. Some pieces have been served, revealing a creamy interior.
    15 Budget Dinners So Good You’ll Forget It Was a Broke Week
  • A basket of spring rolls filled with vegetables is arranged around a small square dish of red dipping sauce, garnished with a cilantro leaf. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the upper left corner.
    19 Favorite Family Reunion Recipes Everyone Remembers
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X
selfie

About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • TOP 5 MIDDLE EASTERN RECIPES

    Delivered straight to your inbox, plus invites to exclusive workshops, live sessions and other freebies for subscribers.

      We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Tell Me What You Think! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      A woman cutting a pumpkin in a kitchen while preparing healthy international recipes.

      Privet, I am Ksenia Prints! I help adventurous home cooks explore the world through healthy international recipes.

      More about me →

      Footer

      SEEN ON

      as seen on promo graphic

      ↑ back to top

      About

      • About me
      • Privacy Policy

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Services
      • Media Kit
      • FAQ

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site occasionally uses stock photos from Depositphotos.

      This site is owned and operated by Prints Media. Copyright © 2025 At the Immigrant's Table. All rights reserved.