10 Cheap Dinners I Regularly Make At Home

Who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious dinner? Not us! We’ve rounded up 10 super cheap dinner recipes that taste anything but budget-friendly. Whether you’re looking to impress a date, feed the family, or just treat yourself, these meals pack a yummy punch without punching your wallet.

All price data was figured using Texas Walmart prices.

Chicken Alfredo

Cost: $10.62
Servings: 4

I know, I know -Olive Garden had me convinced this was an expensive meal too. But guess what? It’s NOT! And I personally believe this homemade recipe tastes even better than what you can get at an overpriced “Italian” restaurant.

Try the recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Spaghetti

Cost: $8.76
Servings: 6

Spaghetti was a staple in our home when Joshua and I first got married. Not only is it super cheap to make, but it’s also crazy easy and really yummy! We added ground beef to our, but you can always choose to skip the meat to make it a little cheaper.

Here’s the recipe:

1 jar of Prego Traditional Spaghetti Sauce
1 lb ground beef
14 oz spaghetti noodles
Salt to taste

Brown your beef while your spaghetti is boiling in a pot of water. Once the meat is browned and the spaghetti is cooked to al dente, combine the sauce, meat, and noodles. Salt to taste and it’s ready!

Sheet Pan Pizza

Cost: $9.89
Servings: 7

Ever think making pizzeria-level pizza at home would break the bank? Think again! Our Sheet Pan Pizza is not only a wallet-friendly alternative to takeout, it’s also a blast to make, especially for date nights or family dinners. It’s super easy and everyone gets to throw on their favorite toppings. Plus, you’ll have leftovers to make meal prep a breeze. We skip the jalapenos and add extra cheese for the kids!

Try the recipe: Sheet Pan Pizza

Potato Soup

Cost: $6.20
Servings: 6

Love the heartiness of a loaded baked potato but crave something a bit more warming? This Potato Soup transforms all those yummy baked potato toppings into a thick, creamy, and utterly cozy soup that’s perfect for rainy days. Packed with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions, this potato soup is like a hug in a bowl.

Try the recipe: Loaded Potato Soup

Chicken Spaghetti

Cost: $11.64
Servings: 6

My sister asks me to cook her a big batch of chicken spaghetti for her birthday every year. It’s ridiculously easy to make and tastes amazing! I add a little extra Velveeta cheese because she’s slightly addicted. We also pass on the mushrooms…

Try the recipe: Chicken Spaghetti

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

roasted chicken and veggies — Image Credit: ninafirsova/ Canva Pro

Cost: $10.94
Servings: 4

Who says roasting is only for the pros? Not us! Our Roasted Chicken and Vegetables recipe is super simple and budget-friendly. It combines juicy, bone-in chicken thighs with a bunch of tasty winter veggies, all seasoned with herbs that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

This dish is perfect for cozying up on those cold nights—it’ll fill you up and keep you warm, no fancy skills needed!

Try the recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Veggie Fried Rice

Costs: $4.50
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love fried rice? It’s the ultimate take-out favorite, but guess what? It’s just as easy and delicious to whip up at home! This vegetable fried rice is the perfect quick fix for using up those bits and pieces left in the fridge. It’s super satisfying and fast to make.

Try the recipe: Vegetable Fried Rice

Joanna Gaines’ Family Chili

Costs: $13.10
Servings: 6

We make this Chili at least once every other week. It’s simple, cheap, and always makes enough for lunch the next day. We personally half the recipe and add an extra can of Ranch Style Beans. It makes it even cheaper but still lasts just as long!

Try the recipe: Joanna Gaines’ Family Chili

Taco Soup

Cost: $12.18
Servings: 8

Got a pantry full of canned goods and not sure what to make? This recipe is a total game-changer! Using just canned beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and some beef, it’s a quick, affordable dinner option that packs a protein punch with 21 grams per serving.

My family likes to swap the corn for hominy. Serve it up with some crunchy chips, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Try the recipe: Taco Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Cost: $9.10
Servings: 8

Feeling a bit run-down or just in need of some comfort? There’s nothing quite like a big pot of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup to lift your spirits. Cooking this soup fills the house with an aroma that soothes the soul, and its from-scratch flavor is the pinnacle of comfort food.

This recipe skips the bouillon and canned broth—the chicken broth is 100% genuine. And don’t worry, even though it’s homemade, this recipe is crazy easy and doesn’t require much hands-on time to create the best chicken noodle soup you’ll ever taste!

Try the recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup