20 Delicious Cheap Dinner Ideas

Last Updated February 9, 2025 by Davina Kelly

Struggling to save money but still want delicious satisfying dinners? These cheap dinner ideas prove that you can have it all – flavour, variety and a happy purse. 

As someone who loves finding ways to save money without sacrificing taste, I’m always looking for ways to cook on a budget.

Trust me, it doesn’t have to mean settling for bland meals or eating the same thing day after day. 

It’s about getting creative with affordable ingredients to whip up meals that are filling, flavourful and easy to make. 

Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one or somewhere in between, these recipes will help you stretch your budget while keeping meal time exciting. 

In this post, I’ll share the best cheap dinner ideas that are easy, affordable and perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a variety of tasty dinner ideas that will keep you and your purse satisfied. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we will receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

20 Delicious Cheap Dinner Ideas:

1. Easy Vegetable Stir Fry with Rice

This colourful vegetable stir fry with rice is a budget-friendly way to get your veggies and nutrients in and it’s packed with flavour. 

Loaded with colourful veggies like carrots, courgettes, sugar snap peas and bell peppers, it’s a versatile dish that makes the most of whatever you have in the fridge. 

The combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce gives it that classic sweet and savoury stir-fry taste.  

Serve over rice, which you can cook fresh or use leftovers from a previous meal.

For a bit of extra protein, add scrambled eggs, tofu or shredded chicken. 

This is a quick healthy dinner ready in under 20 minutes that costs just a few dollars per serving. 

2. Ginger Chicken and Noodles

Ginger chicken and noodles are a budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavour.

The tender chicken paired with noodles and fresh veggies creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

The ginger adds a warming, zesty kick and the soy-based sauce ties everything together. 

This meal is hearty, comforting and a great way to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending a fortune.

It’s the perfect mix of flavour and affordability. 

3. Baked Potato Topped with Tomato Chicken

Baked potatoes aren’t just a side dish – they can be the star of your dinner with the right toppings. 

The tangy tomato chicken pairs well with the jacket potato and makes a well-balanced meal with a savoury kick. 

This dinner is hearty and comforting and costs just a few dollars to make.

It’s the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food.

Watch here to get the full recipe and follow along. 

4. DIY Homemade Pizza

Why order takeout when you can whip up a homemade pizza for a fraction of the cost?

You can use a pre-made pizza base, pitta bread or a wrap.

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base, then top with cheese and your favourite toppings. 

Keep it simple with whatever veggies you have on hand and add chicken, pepperoni or your protein of choice. 

Each pizza costs just a few dollars to make and it’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in dinner. 

Grab my FREE weekly meal planner below to help plan your dinners for the week. 

5. Ramen Noodle Salad

This ramen noodle salad is light, refreshing and easy on the wallet. 

Crunchy veggies like cabbage and carrots are paired with cooked ramen noodles and topped with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side and it’s great for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge.

6. Easy Fried Rice

Fried rice is a lifesaver when you’re short on time and money. It’s also the perfect way to use up leftovers. 

Start by heating a bit of oil in a pan, then fry up some chopped onions and garlic.

Add in day-old rice (cold rice gives the best texture), along with whatever veggies and protein you have. 

Drizzle in soy sauce and toss everything together until it’s heated through and coated in flavour. 

This is one of the best cheap dinner ideas for busy evenings.

It comes together in less than 15 minutes and is super affordable so it’s a staple weeknight dinner that’s always in my rotation. 

7. Mexican Style Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a fun, colourful dinner that’s easy to customise and they’re SO juicy!

These Mexican-style stuffed bell peppers are filling, healthy, cost-effective and packed with flavour.

Once you try them, I guarantee you’ll add them to your weekly rotation. 

8. Carrot & Coriander Soup

Soups are one of the cheapest dinners you can make and this carrot and coriander soup is delicious and warming. 

Serve it with crusty bread for a tasty comforting meal. 

9. Tuna Fishcakes

Tuna fishcakes are a great way to take simple canned tuna and transform it into something special.

This is one of the best cheap dinner ideas as it uses simple ingredients and the potatoes make it filling and tasty.

You can serve them with a side salad or steamed veggies.

They’re budget-friendly, easy to make and a great way to get more fish in your diet.

10. Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken pasta salad is a light but satisfying dinner that’s perfect when you’re short on time and craving something simple and fresh.  

Cook your pasta, then toss it with chicken, diced cucumber, onions, lettuce and whatever salad you have in the fridge. 

Season with salt, pepper and mixed herbs and mix in a dressing of your choice.

I usually add a tablespoon of mayonnaise and Caesar salad dressing. 

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge plus it’s easy to customise with whatever ingredients you have on hand. 

11. Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas

This Jamaican jerk chicken with rice and peas is one of the most flavourful cheap dinner ideas.

It’s spicy, satisfying and surprisingly affordable so it’s a great way to elevate your weeknight dinner without breaking the bank. 

Follow along with the recipe here to create this amazing dinner. 

12. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are a light yet filling dinner option that’s big on flavour. 

Lean ground chicken is served on crisp lettuce leaves and topped with crunchy veggies and a delicious peanut lime dressing for a fresh taste. 

They’re easy to assemble and make for a fun, hands-on meal that’s perfect for weeknights

13. Homemade Turkey Burger & Fries

Skip the drive-thru and make your own burgers at home. 

Mix ground turkey with an egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder and your favourite seasonings.

Shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet, air fryer or on the grill until golden and cooked through. 

Next, chop some potatoes into wedges, toss them with oil and spices and throw them in the air fryer or bake until crispy. 

Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favourite toppings like lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. 

This meal is healthier and cheaper than takeout and it tastes way better. 

14. Classic Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed pasta shells may sound fancy, but they’re super simple and cheap to make. 

This dinner feels indulgent but it’s light on the wallet so it’s perfect for a family dinner or cosy night in. 

15. Shrimp Tacos

These easy shrimp tacos are a delicious way to bring bold flavours to the dinner table without overspending. 

Juicy shrimp seasoned with a blend of spices are served in warm tortillas with a crunchy salad and a zesty sauce.

This is the perfect way to elevate Taco Tuesday.

They’re quick to prepare, bursting with flavour and guaranteed to leave everyone full and satisfied.

16. Chicken Fajita Tray Bake

This one-pan meal is as easy as dinner gets. 

Toss sliced chicken breasts, bell pepper and onions with olive oil and a packet of fajita seasoning. 

Spread everything out on a baking sheet and roast until the chicken is cooked and the veggies are tender. 

Serve the fajita mixture in warm tortillas with sour cream, salsa or guacamole on the side. Or you can serve it with some rice. 

Not only is this dinner simple to prepare, but it’s also customisable and perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

17. Pesto Chicken & Potato Salad

This all in one dinner is packed with flavour and super easy to throw together. 

Throw some seasoned potato chunks and chicken breasts into the air fryer until golden and crispy.

Once cooked, toss them with a generous spoonful of pesto.

For the salad throw in some lettuce, cucumber, onions or bell pepper – whatever you have in the fridge. 

Combine everything on a plate for a meal that’s hearty, nutritious and easy to prep ahead.

This cheap dinner can be served hot or cold and is perfect for busy weekdays. And it keeps well in the fridge for leftovers. 

18. Tik Tok Tuna & Rice Bowl

This is my budget-friendly version of the viral TikTok salmon rice bowl.

Start with a bowl of rice and top it with a can of drained tuna.

Add half a tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha and mayo.

Then mash the tuna into the rice and mix everything together for a simple dinner packed with flavour.

Serve with a side of sliced cumbers or seaweed for extra nutrition.

This dinner idea is quick, delicious and costs just a couple of dollars per serving. Plus, it’s a great option for busy weeknights. 

19. Niscoise Salad

Niscoise salad is a colourful, nutritious dinner that feels fancy but is super affordable.

It’s packed with greens, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and canned tuna which makes for a satisfying budget-friendly meal.

Drizzle with a simple sauce for a light yet filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. 

20. Sweet Potato & Chicken Buddha Bowl

This colourful Buddha bowl is not only hearty but also super satisfying. 

Start by roasting cubed sweet potatoes in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and your favourite spices and cook some chicken breasts. 

Assemble the bowl by layering greens like spinach or kale, the roasted sweet potatoes and the chicken.

Add extras like avocado slices, a handful of chickpeas or a drizzle of tahini dressing.

And there you have a simple, healthy affordable meal. 

Final Thoughts

With these cheap dinner ideas, you’ll never feel stuck trying to plan meals on a budget again. 

Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family or just trying to save money, these recipes prove that good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Which recipe are you going to try? Let me know in the comments below! 

Other Posts You May Like:

20 Extreme Budget Meals To Eat Well When Money Is Tight

20 Simple Tasty Budget Lunch Ideas

25 Quick & Easy Cheap Meal Ideas for Families