cheap quick dinner ideas

Dinner time rolling around AGAIN?

Sometimes figuring out what to eat feels like the HARDEST part of the day.

Especially when you’re tired. And trying to stick to a budget.

Finding meals that are quick AND cheap can feel like a puzzle.

But guess what? It doesn’t have to be!

There are TONS of easy dinners you can whip up fast. Without spending a lot of money.

We put together a list of ideas to make your weeknights WAY easier.

These are simple, affordable meals that actually taste GOOD.

Ready to stop stressing about dinner?

Here are 40 cheap and quick ideas to get you started.

1. Balsamic Chicken

Balsamic Chicken

Balsamic Chicken is the perfect one-pan meal for a weeknight dinner.

Chicken thighs and veggies coated in a sweet balsamic glaze and roasted to perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser.

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2. Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling

Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling

Get ready for an easy weeknight dinner with this Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling!

This recipe is perfect for filling burritos, enchiladas, or piling on a taco salad for a versatile and delicious meal.

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3. Crack Chicken

Crack Chicken

Craving an effortless dinner?

Try this Crack Chicken recipe, a creamy, ranch-flavored delight that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker with just a few ingredients.

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4. Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole

Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole

Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect cheesy bake for a cozy night.

This comforting casserole is packed with cauliflower rice, green chiles, and a creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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5. Instant Pot Smoked Sausage, Potatoes, and Sausage

Instant Pot Smoked Sausage, Potatoes, and Sausage

Dig into this Instant Pot Smoked Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe tonight.

This one-pot meal is a hearty, wholesome, and easy way to enjoy cajun sausage and potatoes.

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6. Dump and Start Instant Pot Thai Curry Quinoa Salad

Dump and Start Instant Pot Thai Curry Quinoa Salad

Dump and Start Instant Pot Thai Curry Quinoa Salad is your answer to a simple, delicious, and flavorful meal.

It’s incredibly easy to make in the instant pot and packed with Thai flavors.

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7. Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup

Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup

Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup is the easiest and fastest way to get a delicious meal ready in minutes!

Simply toss everything into your pressure cooker and in just 15 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful lentil soup that’s perfect for any night.

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8. Vegan Oyster Mushroom Burger with Black Beans

Vegan Oyster Mushroom Burger with Black Beans

This Vegan Oyster Mushroom Burger with Black Beans will become your new favorite.

It’s packed with flavor and totally plant-based, using oyster mushrooms and hearty black beans for a satisfying burger.

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9. Salsa Macaroni & Cheese

Salsa Macaroni & Cheese

Salsa Macaroni & Cheese brings a zesty Tex Mex twist to your favorite comfort food.

Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese gets a delicious kick from salsa, and you control the heat.

Enjoy this easy upgrade to a classic!

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10. Veggie Fried Rice

Veggie Fried Rice

This Veggie Fried Rice recipe is packed with colorful, delicious vegetables.

It’s a quick and easy vegetarian fried rice that will become a family favorite in no time!

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11. Russian Chicken

Russian Chicken

Russian Chicken is the perfect easy dinner for any night of the week!

This recipe features a sweet and tangy sauce that your whole family will love, especially when served over rice.

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12. Meatball Sub Casserole

Meatball Sub Casserole

Craving a meatball sub but want an easy dinner?

This Meatball Sub Casserole uses simple ingredients to bring that classic sandwich shop taste right to your table.

It’s comfort food that’s quick to assemble and satisfying to eat!

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13. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are your answer to a fast and delicious weeknight dinner!

This easy recipe uses your Instant Pot to make tender, flavorful chicken perfect for piling into tacos.

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14. Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Craving a cozy and comforting meal?

Whip up a batch of Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a hearty blend of pasta, beans, vegetables, and beef simmered in a rich tomato broth – it’s an easy recipe the whole family will love!

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15. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect quick and easy dinner for the whole family.

Tender sautéed chicken breast pieces and fresh broccoli are tossed in a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce for a meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit.

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16. Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein

Craving takeout?

This Chicken Lo Mein is packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory sauce. It’s so good, you’ll skip the restaurant and make it at home every time!

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17. Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup this season!

This comforting soup is packed with cheesy tortellini and a rich, creamy broth, making it the perfect dish for a chilly day.

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18. Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Craving lasagna but short on time?

Our Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe uses ravioli to make a super simple and satisfying dish with meat, seasonings, and plenty of cheese.

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19. Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup

Warm up with a bowl of creamy, dairy-free Leek and Potato Soup.

This simple soup is a perfect and comforting meal for any day of the week.

Enjoy the classic flavors of leek and potato in this easy-to-make soup.

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20. Vegan Lemon Tahini Pasta with Peas and Zucchini

Vegan Lemon Tahini Pasta with Peas and Zucchini

This Vegan Lemon Tahini Pasta with Peas and Zucchini recipe is a total winner!

It’s a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with good-for-you ingredients.

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21. Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Get ready for a tasty and easy dinner with these Chicken Burrito Bowls!

This burrito bowl recipe features flavorful chicken made simple in the slow cooker.

Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for a fun and delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

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22. Cajun Chicken

Cajun Chicken

This Cajun Chicken recipe brings a flavorful kick to your dinner table with its homemade spice blend.

Enjoy tender, juicy chicken breasts that are baked to perfection for an easy meal.

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23. Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s both budget and family-friendly!

Creamy egg noodles combined with canned tuna and peas create an all-in-one dish that everyone will enjoy.

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24. Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup

Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup

Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup is a cozy and easy dinner that you can make all in one pot.

It’s packed with all the great flavors of a fully loaded baked potato and made simple using your instant pot!

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25. Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a hearty casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

This Mexican-style comfort food features seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and a cheddar cornbread topping that everyone will enjoy!

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26. Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos are the perfect cheesy and flavorful choice for your next get-together.

This hands-off recipe is so easy to make, you can set it and forget it, whether it’s game day, a party, or just a fun weeknight meal!

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27. Fajita Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Fajita Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Sink your teeth into these Fajita Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches.

Imagine flavorful fajita chicken combined with peppers, onions, and loads of gooey, melted cheese, all nestled in a soft roll.

It’s the perfect chicken cheesesteak sandwich you’ve been craving.

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28. Quick and Easy Caprese Pasta

Quick and Easy Caprese Pasta

Quick and Easy Caprese Pasta is the perfect 15-minute meal when you’re short on time.

This simple mozzarella pasta dish uses just a handful of ingredients for a fresh and flavorful experience.

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29. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Black Beans

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Black Beans

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Black Beans are a breeze to make!

Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker and you’ll have delicious, easy chicken tacos the whole family will love.

It’s a super healthy and simple way to get dinner on the table!

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30. Farfalle Pasta With Mushrooms and Spinach

Farfalle Pasta With Mushrooms and Spinach

Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach is a Tuscan-style dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy farfalle pasta blended with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy parmesan sauce.

It’s hearty enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to impress your guests!

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31. Baked Chicken Breast

Baked Chicken Breast

Enjoy juicy, golden brown Baked Chicken Breast with this super simple recipe.

The homemade spice mixture and high heat will deliver tender chicken every time.

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32. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Craving a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal?

Our Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili recipe is super easy to throw together for a delicious sweet potato chili that the whole family will love.

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33. Ramen Noodle soup

Ramen Noodle soup

Ramen Noodle Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home.

Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful noodle soup, complete with your favorite fresh vegetables and a rich broth.

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34. Recipe for Fish Tacos

Recipe for Fish Tacos

Get ready to make some amazing Fish Tacos that are perfect for any night of the week.

These grilled fish tacos, featuring a spice-rubbed fish and a fruity salsa, are so delicious and easy to prepare.

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35. Thai Chicken Curry

Thai Chicken Curry

Craving a delicious and easy weeknight dinner?

Our Thai Chicken Curry recipe brings tender chicken and vibrant vegetables together in a rich, authentic coconut red curry sauce.

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36. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are the perfect solution for a quick and tasty dinner.

This recipe uses beef to create a sweet and tangy flavor your family will love.

Enjoy this easy-to-make meal tonight!

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37. Crispy Baked Zucchini Feta Tacos

Crispy Baked Zucchini Feta Tacos

Crispy Baked Zucchini Feta Tacos are a tasty, healthy vegetarian meal that’s simple to make.

Enjoy the amazing flavors of zucchini and feta in a crispy baked taco.

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38. Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple way to get a restaurant-quality meal on the table fast.

Tender chicken breast in a creamy parmesan sauce with tons of fresh garlic makes for a delicious and easy dinner!

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39. Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs are here to make dinner simple and delicious.

These flavorful chicken kabobs are easy to make any night of the week in your air fryer.

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40. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Make dinner a breeze with this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe.

It’s packed with flavor and cooks up quickly in your instant pot for a delicious meal in under 30 minutes!

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