19 Cheap Dinner Recipes That Go Beyond Pasta Basics

Dinner doesn't have to be expensive or complicated to be delicious. Discover 19 cheap dinner recipes that go beyond pasta basics and bring excitement to your table.

These recipes are perfect for budget-conscious families who want delicious, varied meals without breaking the bank. From hearty soups and stews to flavorful stir-fries and casseroles, each dish is easy to make and packed with ingredients that are both inexpensive and nutritious.

Chicken Fajitas

Discover how to make delicious, restaurant-style Chicken Fajitas at home with this simple and flavorful recipe. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal! Get the recipe.

Honey Mustard Chicken

This Honey Mustard Chicken is exactly what you need if you're looking for a flavor-packed, one-pan dinner meal that can be made in just 30 minutes! And the creamy honey mustard cream sauce is amazing on rice, potatoes, and roasted veggies, too!  Get the recipe.

Eggplant Potato Stew Recipe

This thick and hearty Potato Stew recipe features tender potatoes, delicious aromatics, and also some chewy eggplants for a wholesome dinner meal. It's incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just under an hour. Get the recipe.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

This is hands down one of the BEST Creamy Mushroom Risotto and I'm not exaggerating. It's uniquely flavorful, rich and indulgent. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy, gluten-free risotto is a perfect choice for a date night or family dinner. Get the recipe.

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

This super easy sloppy joes recipe requires only 5 ingredients and will be ready in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight meal for those busy days when you want to whip up something the whole family will love! Get the recipe.

Green Borscht with Spinach

Such a delicious Green Borscht with Spinach. Classic Ukrainian recipe your whole family will enjoy. Ready to be served in 30 minutes. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Shawarma with Veggies

This Shawarma with fresh vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. This traditional Middle Eastern recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for dinner or a party. Get the recipe.

One Pot Country Style Chicken

Fall-off-the bone chicken is smothered in a rich vegetable-infused sauce. This One Pot Chicken Contadina or a Country Style Chicken is an easy Italian recipe for a hearty weeknight meal. Simple ingredients - insanely delicious result. Get the recipe.

Curried Cauliflower Tomato Soup

This rich Curried Cauliflower Tomato Soup is packed with comforting flavors and good for you ingredients. It's easy to make and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Get the recipe.

Moroccan Slow Cooker Bean Stew

This Moroccan Slow Cooker Bean Stew, also called Loubia is the ultimate comfort food full of flavor. Made with Cannellini Beans, tomatoes and spices, these slow cooker white beans recipe are sure to warm you up on a chilly fall or winter night. Get the recipe.

Baked Chicken & Rice Meatballs

These baked mustard chicken meatballs feature lightly seared balls of ground chicken, rice, and spices baked in a creamy mustard sauce. The recipe makes plenty of meatballs to satisfy your hungry family on busy weeknights. Get the recipe.

White Bean Mushroom Soup

This White Bean Mushroom Soup is super easy to make, comforting, and satisfying. Made with fresh vegetables and pantry staples, this is an easy vegan soup packed with plant-based protein and lots of flavors. Get the recipe.

Easy Harissa Tofu Recipe

This easy Harissa Tofu recipe has a big flavor, thanks to a few tablespoons of Harissa paste. You might want to make extras, as leftovers make a great addition to salads and grain bowls. Get the recipe.

Vegetable Chowder with Potatoes

A plant-based chowder without the cream. Hearty and packed with flavor and texture. Get the recipe.

Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies

This Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies is a quick and fuss-free dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Just dump all of the ingredients on a cooking tray and bake. This recipe can be made with regular sausages and any vegetables you have in your fridge. Get the recipe.

Ground Beef Tacos

Make delicious ground beef tacos in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or festive gatherings. Customize with your favorite toppings. Get the recipe.

Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

This black bean quesadilla recipe is a staple at our house! Made up of simple ingredients, these black bean quesadillas are incredibly flavorful, includes nutritious black beans, and comes together in less than 30 minutes – it’s the perfect weeknight dinner meal. Serve with creamy jalapeño sauce if you want to be extra, and trust me, you do. Get the recipe.

Italian Lentil Soup – Zuppa Di Lenticchie

Italian lentil soup, or zuppa di lenticchie soup, is a very tasty lentil minestrone boasting plenty of fresh vegetables in every mouthful. Suitable for any occasion, but especially tempting during the cooler months, Italian vegetable soup is hearty and warming, and perfect served with either croutons or crusty ciabatta for soaking up every last drop. Get the recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Fries

Easy Cheese fries are getting a major upgrade! Buffalo Chicken Fries combines crunchy fries with flavorful shredded buffalo chicken and tops it off with lots of melty cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and creamy blue cheese. Get the recipe.

More From Lavender & Macarons

Make your meals a breeze with our 19 Throw-and-Go Casseroles collection. These recipes are perfect for busy folks who want tasty dishes without the fuss. From easy pasta bakes to yummy breakfast casseroles, we've got something for everyone. 19 Throw-and-Go Casseroles Anyone Can Make.