When dinner needs to be both budget-friendly and packed with flavor, these 25 low-cost meals are the answer. Each recipe delivers on taste without breaking the bank, perfect for feeding a hungry family. With simple ingredients and easy prep, these dinners are sure to become regulars in your weekly rotation. Your family will be asking for seconds—and you’ll love the savings.
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a 45-minute dish where chicken is marinated with prunes, olives, and capers, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory. This budget-friendly recipe brings rich, bold flavors to the table, making it a great low-cost dinner that will impress. The result is a flavorful meal that feels special without being complicated. Your family will want more after every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
In just 50 minutes, this Greek Vegetarian Moussaka layers eggplant, potatoes, and lentils, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. A hearty, meatless option that’s budget-friendly and filling, this dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s a perfect choice for a low-cost, satisfying family dinner. One serving and your family will keep asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel combines earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks with pasta in a creamy, baked dish that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s a filling, comforting meal that uses affordable ingredients, making it a great low-cost dinner option. Hearty and flavorful, this dish will have your family asking for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
In just 30 minutes, this Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich delivers a juicy and spiced turkey patty stuffed into a pita with fresh veggies. It’s a quick and affordable dinner option that’s packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will love how simple yet satisfying this handheld meal is.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Mujadara
Mujadara, a 40-minute dish of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, offers a rich and satisfying plant-based meal. This budget-friendly recipe uses pantry staples to create a flavorful dinner that’s perfect for feeding a family. The comforting flavors will keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
These Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are ready in 45 minutes, offering juicy, citrusy, and spiced flavors at a low cost. Drumsticks are an affordable protein option, making this dish a flavorful, budget-friendly meal for any night of the week. Your family will love the bold flavors, and there won’t be any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a quick, 35-minute meal featuring juicy chicken thighs roasted with bell peppers and onions. This one-pan wonder keeps things simple and affordable, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Full of flavor and easy on the wallet, this meal will have your family asking for more servings.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Chicken Sancocho
This hearty Colombian stew, Chicken Sancocho, is made with chicken, yuca, corn, and plantains, all ready in about 50 minutes. With affordable ingredients and bold flavors, this dish is perfect for a cozy, low-cost dinner that feels special. One bowl will leave your family begging for another serving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon is a quick and budget-friendly dish, ready in just 15 minutes with simple seasoning for a golden, crispy finish. Perfect for a fast, no-fuss dinner, this recipe delivers flavor without breaking the bank. Your family will be amazed at how fast and delicious this salmon is.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov is a vibrant, 30-minute dish made with basmati rice, dried fruits, and nuts. Its warm spices create a flavorful meal that feels special without the price tag. This quick and affordable dish will leave your family asking for more after each bite.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a 30-minute, one-pan wonder that combines feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta for a rich, creamy meal. This budget-friendly recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort, perfect for weeknights. Your family will want this quick, tasty dinner on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl is a 30-minute dish featuring marinated tofu with bold spices served over rice. This affordable vegetarian option offers a filling, flavorful meal that’s light on the budget but heavy on taste. It’s sure to be a hit with your family, leaving them asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked Creamy Salmon is a 20-minute dish featuring salmon fillets baked in a rich cream sauce. This recipe is fast, affordable, and feels elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners without the fuss. Your family will be delighted by the creamy richness of this quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts is a 50-minute dish where chicken is simmered in a tangy pomegranate sauce with crunchy walnuts. This flavorful and affordable recipe is perfect for dinner when you want something unique. Your family will love the bold contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a 30-minute dish featuring spiced ground chicken formed into skewers and grilled to perfection. This affordable, flavor-packed recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners that won’t break the bank. Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal. Your family will be asking for more of these juicy, savory kebabs.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba is a 40-minute stew made with chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This easy, one-pot dish delivers rich flavors in a budget-friendly way, perfect for a quick, satisfying family dinner. The pressure cooker makes it fast, while the taste will have your family begging for more.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Cheesy Eggs
In just 15 minutes, Cheesy Eggs brings together fluffy eggs with gooey melted cheese for a simple, low-cost meal. This quick dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Your family will love the cheesy richness, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggs
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
These Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are made with chickpeas and spices, offering a protein-packed meal in just 35 minutes. It’s an affordable, flavorful alternative to meat, perfect for budget-conscious families. This quick dinner will have everyone begging for more of these tasty kebabs.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce
Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce is a 25-minute dish that delivers light, fresh flavors without a hefty price tag. This quick, budget-friendly dinner feels elegant, making it perfect for a low-cost family meal that still feels special. Your family will love the delicate flavors, and you’ll love the affordability.
Get the Recipe: Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
In 45 minutes, this Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes dish offers juicy, tender chicken with roasted potatoes in one pan. Affordable and comforting, this meal is perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget. Each bite will leave them wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
This 35-minute Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner combines warm spices and tender salmon with roasted vegetables for a balanced, affordable meal. The rich flavors make it feel special, yet it stays budget-friendly. It’s a quick, one-pan dish your family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon
Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon is a quick 20-minute recipe featuring salmon fillets grilled with simple seasoning. This fast and affordable meal brings bold flavors to the table with minimal effort. Your family will love how fresh and delicious this easy dinner is.
Get the Recipe: Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon
Roasted Salmon on a Bed of Apples and Potatoes
Roasted Salmon on a Bed of Apples and Potatoes is a 40-minute dish that pairs juicy salmon with sweet apples and hearty potatoes. This budget-friendly meal is both flavorful and simple to make. Your family will love the unique combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Salmon on a Bed of Apples and Potatoes
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are ready in 25 minutes, offering juicy pork chops with a crunchy exterior. This easy and affordable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something flavorful and filling. Your family will keep asking for these crispy, homemade chops.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Risotto
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Risotto is a 40-minute meal that brings the sweet-savory balance of teriyaki-glazed salmon over creamy risotto. This dish feels fancy but stays affordable, making it a great low-cost option for any night. Your family will love the combination of rich flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Risotto
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