Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes
78 Easy Dinners That Won't Break the Bank

The act of cooking dinner from scratch rather than turning to takeout or microwave meals is a money-saving strategy in itself, so if you're reading this, you're already off to a great start! Beyond that, consider making vegetarian meals out of staples like beans and other legumes, rice, quinoa, pasta, and eggs. (While less meat-centric recipes are typically more affordable, inexpensive cuts like ground beef and turkey, chicken thighs, and bacon have a place in budget-friendly meal planning, especially when they're not the main event.) To make things easier, we curated more than 75 recipes that won't break the bank; keep reading for inspiration.
Vegan Pumpkin-Chickpea Soup

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Roasted Italian Sausage, Peppers, Potatoes, and Onion

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Cheddar, Bacon, and Leek Frittata

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Pasta Carbonara With Leeks and Sundried Tomatoes

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Balsamic Mushrooms, Chickpeas, and Kale With Caramelized Onions

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Eggy Pasta With Spinach and Bacon

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Korean Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Tex-Mex Ground Beef Tacos

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Vegan Chickpea Soup

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Kale, White Bean, and Meatball Soup

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Baked Sweet Potatoes With Cannellini Beans and Spinach

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Pasta With Vegan Pink Sauce

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Kimchi Fried Rice

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sara Yoo
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs With Spaghetti

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Sautéed Mushrooms With Poached Egg

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Cream of Tomato Soup With Crunchy Lemon Chickpeas

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Vegetable Medley Pasta

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Camilla Salem
Chicken Lo Mein

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Vegetarian Carbonara

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Vegan Miso Soup With Soba and Mushrooms

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Black Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sara Yoo
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Spaghetti Aglio, Olio, e Peperoncino

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Camilla Salem
Microwave Chicken Noodle Soup

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Linguine With Kale and Chickpeas

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
