Affordable Eats: 20+ Dinner Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Whether you’re a college student, a busy professional, or simply looking to save some money, these recipes will help you whip up a variety of mouthwatering meals without breaking the bank.

Stuffed Peppers

If you are looking for an easy, quick, and hearty meal to feed your family tonight, look no further! These air fryer stuffed peppers are cooked to perfection in just minutes and will be a hit with everyone. Not only are these stuffed peppers delicious, but they are also gluten-free! So if you have someone in your family with gluten sensitivities or you are trying to eat less gluten yourself, these peppers will make a perfect filling meal.

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Chimichangas

Are you looking for an easy and delicious gluten-free meal? Then, try these air fryer chimichangas! Light and fluffy gluten-free tortillas are stuffed with a delicious filling, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Eight minutes later, you’ll have a crispy and satisfying chimichanga that’s perfect for any time of day!

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Split Pea Soup

Need a quick, go-to soup recipe for a busy, cold, and blustery weeknight? I’ve got the perfect solution! This easy split pea soup recipe! There are two camps of people when it comes to Split Pea Soup. You either cook it with ham, or you don’t. Most people tend to have a strong preference one way or the other.

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White Bean Soup

A comforting Italian soup made with cannellini beans, vegetables, garlic, herbs, and optional bacon. It’s a perfect light meal or side dish. Beans are inexpensive, easy to prepare, and healthy. This simple and delicious white bean soup recipe is an easy recipe to make. It’s affordable, nutritious, and absolutely comforting.

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Lentil Soup

This German lentil soup recipe is absolute comfort food on a chilly day or evening. This amazing German dish is one I grew up with. My grandmother always made lentils for me, so I eventually began to associate them with being “comfort food”. I loved them especially because they were always served with a bratwurst or some other German sausage.

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Mac & Cheese

This creamy, cheesy homemade stovetop gluten-free mac and cheese is almost as quick and just as easy as the boxed stuff, but oh, SO much better. Made in one pot and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish!

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Chicken Wraps

These Thai chicken wraps are loaded with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and a generous schmear of peanut sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and easy meal that can be prepared for lunch, dinner, or snack time in less than 25 minutes!

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Bean Salad

With fresh produce and simple ingredients, this Mediterranean bean salad is a satisfying and filling salad that should definitely be served at your next outdoor bbq and picnic. Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, or simply enjoy as a quick and easy go-to lunch!

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Chicken Soup

A hearty, nourishing chicken soup for those cold, winter days when you’re not feeling top-notch or you just want to curl up with a comforting bowl of soup. Try this quick and easy version of traditional chicken soup that can be made with potatoes, noodles, or wild rice.

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Chicken & Sweetcorn

Regarding soothing, comforting food, few dishes can beat a steaming bowl of chicken and sweetcorn soup. It’s a definite winter warmer, a tantalising twist on the traditional chicken soup or chicken broth we are used to eating in Europe and the US.

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Chicken Cobbler

It might be the latest TikTok craze, but this chicken cobbler recipe is far more than a flash in the pan. It’s deliciously rich and incredibly satisfying, a comfort food classic that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

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Chicken Carbonara

A delicious twist on an Italian classic, my chicken carbonara with leek and mushrooms recipe is the perfect quick and easy midweek meal – quick as a flash and knock-out delicious!

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Lemon Chicken

It’s one that will please the whole family and can be whipped up for a hearty midweek meal or even take centre stage for a Sunday afternoon lunch. Plus, it’s perfectly versatile, meaning you can adapt the ingredients to suit your tastes.

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Chicken & Rice

When it comes to one pot wonders, this one pot chicken and rice recipe is as good as it gets! Easy clean up, adaptable, scalable and – most importantly – downright delicious, this is a recipe that will zoom straight to the top of your favorite easy recipes list.

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Chicken Carcass Soup

Chicken soup made from the chicken carcass, why not? All the flavors of wonderful homemade chicken stock come together in this comforting chicken carcass soup recipe. This may be the best chicken soup recipe yet!

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Whole Chicken Soup

This instant pot whole chicken soup recipe couldn’t be easier. Just place the ingredients in your pressure cooker, set the timer and you’ll be slurping down this delicious and comforting soup in no time.

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Chicken Pie Soup

This instant pot chicken pot pie soup is loaded with tender chicken thighs and veggies in a deliciously creamy broth. It’s Whole30-approved, dairy-free, and gluten-free for a comfort food meal that is both wholesome and indulgent.

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Deer Meat Meatballs

Venison Meatballs are an easy, low-fat alternative to beef and an excellent use for ground venison. They can be baked, pan-fried, or air-fried, whichever is easier for you.

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Beef Short Ribs

These Instant Pot beef ribs, with their rich, mouth-watering flavor, are an absolute game changer. This simple yet flavorful dish promises to deliver tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them traditionally.

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Turban Squash

Discover the art of creating mouthwatering stuffed turban squash in this step-by-step guide. From selecting the perfect squash to crafting a delectable filling, we’ll unveil the secrets to a savory autumn delight.

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Peas & Ham Pasta

Pasta with peas and ham is a classic Italian dish that combines the savory flavors of ham with the sweetness of peas and the comfort of pasta. This simple and satisfying recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner.

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Black Bean Quesadilla

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.

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Ground Beef Quesadilla

Let’s make cheesy beef quesadillas! Our whole family loves this meal. And there’s a lot to love – this ground beef quesadilla recipe is comforting and delicious; easy and ready in 20 minutes. The ground beef is made just like my ground chicken tacos and then it’s layered with two layers of cheese for the ultimate layered gooey cheese quesadilla, just like my chicken fajita quesadillas, steak quesadillas and shrimp quesadillas. Serve it with quesadilla sauce if you want to be extra.

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Chicken Nachos

They are loaded with layers of crunchy chips, shredded salsa chicken, beans, and two layers of cheese. After a quick broil, it’s time to top with the perfect nacho toppings your heart desires. These loaded chicken nachos are the perfect blend of crunch, spice, and savory goodness. Whether you’re making game day snacks, having a movie night at home, or simply need a simple and quick dinner, these nachos in the oven are the perfect way to do it all.

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