17 Easy Dinners That Save Money and Still Taste Amazing

These dinners are perfect for anyone who wants to make tasty meals without spending a lot of money at the store. The list includes everything from simple fried rice to flavorful Mexican enchiladas that the whole family can enjoy together. These recipes are a great way to prove that you do not need a big budget to create a meal that is both satisfying and full of wonderful flavor for your table.

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Table of Contents

1 30-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara
2 Enfrijoladas (Bean Enchiladas)
3 Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas
4 Bean Tacos Dorados
5 Baked Chicken Tenderloins
6 Papas a la Mexicana (Mexican-style potatoes)
7 Peanut butter rice with vegetables
8 Atun a la Veracruzana (Veracruz-style Tuna)
9 Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew In The Slow Cooker!)
10 Entomatadas de Queso (Tomato Enchiladas)
11 20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles
12 Tostaguac (guacamole tostada)
13 Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
14 Papas con Rajas (potatoes and poblano pepper)
15 Chickpea and tomato curry
16 Sopa de Conchas (Mexican Shell Pasta Soup)
17 Easy Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

30-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara

A plate of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and pieces of ham, on a dark, textured plate. There is a pepper grinder, silverware, cheese, olive oil, and a plant in the background. — 30-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara. Photo By Chew Out Loud

A creamy pasta dish with bacon and cheese is ready to eat in less than thirty minutes. This 30-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara is a delicious meal that is sure to be a hit with your family.
Get the recipe: 30-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara

Enfrijoladas (Bean Enchiladas)

A plate of enfrijoladas, topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro, is displayed on a wooden table. Nearby are bowls containing sliced jalapeños and crumbled cheese, with a keychain and cilantro leaves scattered alongside some pinto beans. — Enfrijoladas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Corn tortillas are dipped in a flavorful bean sauce and then stuffed with cheese for a simple meal. These Enfrijoladas are a quick and delicious option for a vegetarian dinner.
Get the recipe: Enfrijoladas de Queso

Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas

A close-up of a flavorful chickpea curry in a round dish. The curry is rich and creamy, filled with chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach. The mixture is vibrant orange with green garnishes on top. It's placed on a wooden surface. — Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas. Photo By Avocado Skillet

A dish is made with chickpeas and big, bold flavors using budget-friendly ingredients. This Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas recipe is packed with protein and is incredibly delicious.
Get recipe: Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas

Bean Tacos Dorados

A plate of crispy tacos garnished with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, onion rings, and guacamole, set on a rustic wooden table. Slices of lime and a bowl of extra lettuce and diced tomatoes are on the side, along with fresh cilantro. — Bean Tacos Dorados. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Crispy tacos are filled with a simple bean mixture for a crunchy and satisfying bite. These Bean Tacos Dorados are an easy and great choice for any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bean Tacos Dorados

Baked Chicken Tenderloins

A plate with three pieces of cooked chicken breast, garnished with herbs, and a serving of asparagus spears. The background shows part of a tablecloth and another dish with roasted potatoes. — Baked Chicken Tenderloins. Photo By The Feathered Nester

Chicken tenderloins are baked until they are juicy and delicious for a simple main course. These Baked Chicken Tenderloins are a nutritious and budget-friendly meal that is ready in minutes.
Get the recipe: Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Papas a la Mexicana (Mexican-style potatoes)

Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings. — Papas a la Mexicana. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Potatoes are cooked with tomatoes and onions for a tender and flavorful side dish. These Papas a la Mexicana are perfect for stuffing into tacos or serving with a main course.
Get the Recipe: Papas a la Mexicana

Peanut butter rice with vegetables

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds. The dish includes green onions, corn, and cabbage, served with a spoon. — Peanut butter rice with vegetables. Photo By Green Bowl 2 Soul

Rice is cooked with a tasty peanut butter sauce and mixed with vegetables for a fast meal. This Peanut Butter Rice with Vegetables is an easy vegan dish that is ready in twenty minutes.
Get the recipe: Peanut butter rice with vegetables

Atun a la Veracruzana (Veracruz-style Tuna)

Tuna sitting on a white plate next to tortilla chips. — Atun a la Veracruzana. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Canned tuna is mixed with a zingy vinaigrette and pantry items for a quick and easy meal. This Atún a la Veracruzana is a delicious dish that comes together without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Atún a la Veracruzana

Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew In The Slow Cooker!)

A close-up of a hearty beef stew in a white pot, featuring chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich, brown broth. A metal ladle rests in the stew, ready to serve. Fresh carrots and parsley garnish the background. — Poor Man’s Stew. Photo By On My Kid’s Plate

A hearty stew is made with affordable ingredients like hamburger and vegetables in a slow cooker. This Poor Man’s Stew is a tasty and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love.
Get the recipe: Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew In The Slow Cooker!)

Entomatadas de Queso (Tomato Enchiladas)

Entomatadas is an easy-to-make and tasty Mexican recipe. It consists of fried tortillas dipped in red salsa. Delicious! by Mama Maggie's Kitchen — Entomatadas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Tortillas are dipped in a red tomato salsa, stuffed with cheese, and then fried until warm. These Entomatadas are a simple and delicious meal that is very easy to prepare.
Get the recipe: Entomatadas de Queso

20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Close-up of a bowl of noodles mixed with shredded carrots, garnished with fresh cilantro. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the side. The dish has a glossy appearance, indicating it is well-seasoned or sauced. — 20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles. Photo By Served From Scratch

Noodles are tossed in a sauce that is both a little sweet and a little spicy. These 20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles are a quick and flavorful solution for a busy weeknight.
Get the recipe: 20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Tostaguac (guacamole tostada)

A colorful plate holds a crispy tostada topped with layers of guacamole, black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing and appetizing dish. — Tostaguac. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A crunchy corn tortilla is topped with rich and chunky guacamole for a simple snack. This Tostaguac is a must-try for anyone who is a fan of Mexican food.
Get the recipe: Tostaguac

Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

A pot filled with cooked rice mixed with diced red peppers, corn, pineapple chunks, and sliced green onions. A stainless steel spoon rests inside, ready for serving. The pot is placed on a decorative surface. — Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe. Photo By Recipes From A Pantry

Fried rice is made with sweet pineapple for a meal that is both sweet and savory. This Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is a great way to use leftovers and is ready in fifteen minutes.
Get the recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Papas con Rajas (potatoes and poblano pepper)

Potatoes and sliced green pepper slices in a metal skillet. — Papas con Rajas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Potatoes are combined with mild poblano peppers for a delicious and simple dish. These Papas con Rajas are perfect for breakfast or for adding to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Papas con Rajas

Chickpea and tomato curry

A bowl of white rice and chickpea curry garnished with sliced green onions. The curry features a rich tomato-based sauce, with pieces of chickpeas and potatoes visible throughout. — Chickpea and tomato curry. Photo By Cheap Recipe Blog

A flavorful curry is made with a can of chickpeas and tomatoes for a family favorite. This Chickpea and tomato curry is packed with great taste and is very easy to make.
Get the recipe: Chickpea and tomato curry

Sopa de Conchas (Mexican Shell Pasta Soup)

A ladle full of Sopa de Conchas over a stock pot of the soup. — Sopa de Conchas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A classic soup is made with small shell pasta and a simple tomato-based broth. This Sopa de Conchas is a quick meal that is great for even picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Conchas

Easy Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of four golden-brown baked chicken drumsticks, seasoned with spices and black pepper. The chicken appears juicy and tender, and a white napkin is visible underneath part of the plate. — Easy Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks. Photo By The Default Cook

Chicken drumsticks are roasted with zesty lemon and pepper until they are juicy and flavorful. These Easy Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect meal that will hit the spot.
Get the recipe: Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks