19 Cheap Dinner Ideas That Are Too Delicious to Pass Up

Looking for delicious yet affordable dinner ideas? I'm excited to share a collection of budget-friendly meals that are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. From hearty comfort foods to quick weeknight fixes, these recipes are designed to save you time and money without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family or simply looking to enjoy a homemade meal that hits the spot, these cheap dinner ideas are sure to become favorites at your dinner table.

Bowl of chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white platter, garnished with rosemary. — Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Enjoy a juicy and flavorful whole chicken cooked effortlessly in the air fryer—a perfect choice for a hearty and economical dinner. With crispy skin and tender meat, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for feeding a hungry family without heating up the kitchen for too long.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Individual Lasagna

Two square ceramic dishes of baked lasagna with melted cheese on top, next to a red and white checkered napkin, on a light textured surface. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These individual lasagnas are a great option for a comforting yet economical meal. Each portion is perfectly sized and baked to perfection, offering layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese in every bite. They're easy to assemble and bake, making them a convenient choice for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Panko Chicken Breast

A close-up of a breaded, baked chicken breast cutlet garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy panko chicken breasts are a delicious and budget-friendly dinner option. They're quick to prepare and bake, offering a crunchy exterior and tender meat inside. Perfect for a family meal, these chicken breasts pair well with a variety of sides for a satisfying dinner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Cream Cheese Chicken

A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that's both simple and affordable. With just a handful of ingredients, it's quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The creamy sauce complements the tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken divan is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with broccoli and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. It's a comforting meal that's easy to make and budget-friendly, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked pork chop garnished with rosemary and pepper, showing a thick slice resting on top of another piece on a white plate. — Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pan-fried pork chops are a quick and delicious dinner option. They're seasoned and cooked to perfection on the stovetop, offering crispy edges and juicy meat. Ideal for a simple yet satisfying meal, these pork chops pair well with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans. — Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked stuffed pork chops are a flavorful and filling dinner choice. Stuffed with a savory filling and baked to perfection, they're easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer chicken legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—a budget-friendly option for a delicious dinner. With minimal prep and cook time, they're perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Enjoy them with your favorite sides for a simple and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Wet Burrito

Two chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce and sour cream, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of corn and black beans. — Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in a hearty wet burrito, packed with seasoned meat, beans, and cheese, all topped with sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is a satisfying and economical choice for dinner, offering bold flavors and plenty of comfort. Serve with rice and guacamole for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Ground Pork Tacos

An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork tacos are a flavorful and economical dinner choice that's quick to prepare. Seasoned ground pork is cooked to perfection and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. These tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun family taco night at home.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Close-up of a golden, breaded pork chop cut into slices. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Breaded panko pork chops are crispy and flavorful, offering a satisfying dinner option that won't break the bank. They're easy to prepare and cook in the oven, making them a convenient choice for a family meal. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish is a light and flavorful dinner option that's both delicious and easy to prepare. With a tangy lemon butter sauce, this dish enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it. Serve with rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cozy family dinner. Filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. Bake until golden and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock pot chili for two is a cozy and economical meal that's perfect for smaller households. Packed with savory flavors and hearty beans, this chili cooks low and slow in the crock pot, making it an ideal choice for a comforting dinner without leftovers. Serve with cornbread or over baked potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a family dinner. Made with ground beef and savory seasonings, it's easy to prepare and bake to perfection. Serve slices of meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic and hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Spoonful of Hawaiian chicken served over rice. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a tropical twist on a classic slow cooker dish. With pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce, it's a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option. Let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy tender chicken with rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground meat and vegetables served over mashed potatoes. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork stir fry is a quick and flavorful dinner choice that's perfect for busy evenings. With a mix of vegetables and a savory sauce, it's a satisfying meal that cooks up in no time. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and delicious dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken skewers kabobs in the air fryer are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional grilling. With juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables, they're quick to cook and perfect for a casual dinner or summer barbecue. Enjoy them with a side of rice or salad for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Three crispy breaded chicken tenders on a white plate with a side of honey mustard sauce and garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken tenders made effortlessly in the air fryer—a perfect choice for an easy and budget-friendly dinner. These chicken tenders are quick to cook and require minimal prep, making them ideal for busy weeknights or family meals. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders