27 Affordable Main Dishes That Make Cooking Too Easy

Cooking at home shouldn’t be a hassle, and it definitely shouldn’t break the bank. I’ve rounded up a list of affordable main dishes that come together with simple ingredients and minimal effort, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you're feeding a family or just looking for an easy dinner solution, these recipes make home cooking feel effortless.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This slow-cooked chicken brings together sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, it’s a budget-friendly way to feed the whole family. The sauce thickens as it cooks, making every bite rich and flavorful. Serve it over rice or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal. It’s an easy go-to when you need a meal that practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Popcorn Chicken

These bite-sized crispy chicken pieces are perfect for a quick meal or snack. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together fast without the need for expensive ingredients. The air fryer gives them a crunchy coating without extra oil, making them lighter than traditional fried chicken. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or toss them into a wrap for a simple lunch. This is an easy way to skip takeout without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Juicy on the inside with a crisp exterior, these chicken thighs cook up fast with little cleanup. Using the air fryer means you get that golden-brown finish without needing a lot of oil. A quick seasoning mix keeps things simple while delivering big flavor. Serve them with roasted veggies or rice for an affordable meal that feels like a weeknight win. It’s a great way to keep dinner easy without relying on complicated ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This hearty casserole brings together chicken, bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce for an easy crowd-pleaser. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a great option when you need a budget-friendly meal that still feels filling. Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal. It’s the perfect choice when you want something rich and comforting without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Cream Cheese Chicken

A creamy sauce coats tender chicken in this easy, budget-friendly dish. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s a great way to turn basic ingredients into something comforting. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it a flexible meal option. The slow cooker or stovetop method keeps things simple with minimal hands-on time. This is a great recipe for those nights when you need something filling without a lot of prep work.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

This quick and crispy tuna melt delivers a warm, cheesy sandwich with barely any effort. The air fryer toasts the bread perfectly while keeping the inside melty and flavorful. Using canned tuna keeps it affordable, and you can customize it with different cheeses or seasonings. Serve it with a side salad or chips for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Chicken Nuggets

These homemade nuggets offer crispy, golden bites that are easy to make in the air fryer. Using simple ingredients, they’re a great alternative to frozen or fast-food versions. They cook quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you need a fast meal. Pair them with dipping sauces or toss them into a wrap for a little variety. This is an easy way to keep meals affordable while still feeling like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Wet Burrito

This hearty burrito is covered in a rich sauce and baked until warm and flavorful. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly way to serve a filling meal. The baked finish keeps everything together while enhancing the flavors. Pair it with a side of rice or a fresh salad for an easy, complete dinner. It’s a great way to bring restaurant-style flavors to your table without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

A quick stir-fry that brings together crispy tofu and fresh broccoli in a simple sauce. It comes together in minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making it an accessible meal for any budget. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dish. It’s a simple way to keep dinner light, flavorful, and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer delivers crispy skin and juicy meat with almost no effort. It’s an easy way to prepare a budget-friendly meal that can stretch into leftovers. The air fryer keeps cooking time short while locking in moisture. Serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. This is a simple way to make a family-sized dinner without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This one-pan meal combines ground beef and cabbage in a quick, flavorful way. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s an affordable option that comes together fast. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup easy. Serve it on its own or over rice for a heartier meal. It’s a great go-to when you need something simple and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Individual Shepherd's Pie

These single-serving shepherd’s pies offer comfort food in a simple, affordable way. Using ground meat and mashed potatoes, they’re a great way to make a filling meal without extra cost. Baking them in individual portions keeps things easy to serve. They work well for meal prep or a cozy dinner at home. It’s a smart way to make a comforting classic without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd's Pie

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This casserole brings together the flavors of a sloppy joe in a hearty, baked dish. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to serve a budget-friendly meal. The baked topping adds a slight crunch while locking in all the flavors. Serve it with a side of veggies or a salad to complete the meal. It’s an easy dinner that feels familiar and filling without much work.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These homemade chicken tenders cook up crispy in the air fryer with little oil. They’re a quick and affordable alternative to frozen or fast-food options. The coating gives them a crunchy texture while keeping the inside juicy. Serve them with dipping sauces or alongside a simple side dish for an easy meal. It’s a great way to make a family favorite without extra cost or hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

These pork chops are filled with a flavorful stuffing and baked to keep them tender. Using simple ingredients, they’re an easy way to turn a basic cut of meat into something special. The oven does most of the work, making it a hands-off meal. Serve them with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete dish. It’s a simple way to add variety to your usual dinner routine without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole combines chicken, stuffing, and a creamy sauce in an easy one-dish meal. Made with budget-friendly ingredients, it’s a great way to keep dinner simple. Everything bakes together in the oven, creating a warm and filling dish with minimal prep. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. It’s the perfect choice when you need a comforting meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Panko Chicken Breast

This baked chicken breast is coated in crispy panko crumbs for a crunchy finish. The oven keeps it juicy on the inside while giving it a golden crust. Using just a few ingredients, it’s an easy way to make a budget-friendly meal that feels satisfying. Serve it with a side of rice, potatoes, or vegetables for a balanced plate. It’s a simple way to keep dinner interesting without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Pancit Bihon Guisado

This stir-fried noodle dish is packed with vegetables and protein, making it a complete meal. With basic ingredients, it’s an affordable way to create a filling dish that doesn’t require much time. The thin rice noodles soak up the flavors while keeping the dish light. Serve it for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s a great way to bring variety to your meals without making things complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

These air fryer chicken legs turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with minimal effort. The air fryer shortens cooking time while giving them a golden, flavorful crust. Using just a few seasonings, they’re an affordable way to serve a filling meal. Pair them with a simple side dish like roasted vegetables or potatoes. It’s an easy way to make dinner feel special without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

These pork chops cook up quickly in a pan, keeping them juicy with a flavorful sear. With just a few ingredients, they make for an affordable and easy main dish. The simple cooking method keeps things stress-free while still delivering a well-rounded meal. Serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. It’s a great way to make a homemade dinner without too much planning.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Ground Pork Burgers

These pork burgers are a simple and affordable way to switch up your usual burger night. Seasoned with basic spices, they cook up juicy and flavorful with minimal effort. You can serve them on buns or alongside a simple salad for variety. Cooking them on the stovetop or grill keeps things quick and easy. It’s a budget-friendly way to make a homemade meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Individual Lasagna

These single-serving lasagnas bring all the classic flavors of a baked pasta dish in a simple, portioned way. Using budget-friendly ingredients, they’re a great option when you don’t want to make a full pan. The baked layers come together easily, making this a hassle-free meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread or salad for a complete plate. It’s a great way to enjoy a favorite meal without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

This pasta dish comes together quickly with shrimp and a simple tomato-based sauce. Using just a few ingredients, it’s an affordable way to make a flavorful meal. The sauce coats the pasta perfectly while keeping everything light and fresh. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a salad for a complete dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy a seafood dish without extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Crock Pot Chili for Two

This small-batch chili simmers in the slow cooker for a flavorful meal without much work. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an affordable way to serve a cozy dinner. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors while keeping everything tender. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. It’s a great way to make comfort food without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This homestyle meatloaf brings familiar flavors to the table with a simple recipe. Made with pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly way to serve a hearty meal. The baked glaze adds a slightly sweet touch while keeping the meat tender. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete plate. It’s an easy way to make a comforting dinner without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Chicken Skewers Kabobs

These grilled chicken skewers are a simple way to make a flavorful meal with minimal ingredients. Cooking them on skewers helps everything cook evenly while keeping cleanup easy. You can pair them with rice, vegetables, or a dipping sauce for variety. The quick cooking time makes them great for busy nights. It’s an affordable way to bring grilled flavors to your table without a lot of hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

These shredded chicken tacos cook low and slow, making them tender and full of flavor. Using simple spices and ingredients, they’re an affordable way to make a filling meal. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a hands-off dinner option. Serve them with your favorite toppings and warm tortillas for a quick and easy meal. It’s a great way to make taco night stress-free and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos