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Skip the takeout and build cooking confidence with these easy, budget friendly dinners.
Getting started with home cooking can feel like a big hurdle. With busy schedules and the pressure of planning meals, it’s easy to fall back on last-minute takeout.
But nothing builds confidence like nailing a recipe – and these dinners are just the kind of wins that make you want to keep going. Each one is a simple, budget-friendly dinner that will help you kick off home cooking with success this new year.
1. Thai Quinoa Salad
Thai Quinoa Salad brings bold, refreshing flavors together in a light but satisfying dinner you’ll make again and again.
2. Lentil Soup
Lentil Soup turns simple pantry ingredients into a hearty, comforting dinner that stretches your budget.
3. Charro Beans
Charro Beans make a smoky, savory dinner or side that feels special without straining your budget.
4. Red Curry
Red Curry brings aromatic spices and creamy coconut together for a budget friendly dinner with bold flavor.
5. One Pan Skillet Lasagna
One Pan Skillet Lasagna gives all the goodness of a classic pasta dinner with fewer dishes and big flavor.
6. Veggie Enchiladas
Veggie Enchiladas are packed with vegetables and melty cheese, making a budget friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
7. Pork Carnitas
Pork Carnitas deliver tender, saucy meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls on a budget.
8. Turkey Burgers
Turkey Burgers are juicy and simple to make, turning ground turkey into a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
9. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
BBQ Drumsticks are smoky, saucy, and satisfying – an easy dinner that feels special without the cost.
10. Ham Bone Soup
Ham Bone Soup turns leftover ham and a simple ham bone into a rich, comforting soup dinner. Much of budget cooking comes from using leftovers successfully.
11. Cold Noodle Salad
Cold Noodle Salad is a refreshing dinner that’s perfect for warm weather or make‑ahead lunches.
12. Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders are fun, cheesy, and easy to make – a playful budget friendly dinner everyone will ask to repeat.
13. Corn Chowder
Corn Chowder is creamy, cozy, and affordable, bringing sweet corn and savory broth together in a bowl.
14. Lemon Chicken Pasta
Lemon Chicken Pasta brightens your dinner table with citrusy flavor and protein that’s budget friendly.
15. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy and rich while still staying on the budget friendly side of comfort food.
16. Egg Salad Sandwich
Get ready to meet your new favorite lunch. Egg Salad Sandwich is a quick, simple dinner that turns pantry staples into a satisfying meal.
17. Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie transforms leftover or extra cooked pasta into a fun, baked dinner that’s sure to please.
18. Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy classic that’s comforting, affordable, and easy to make.
19. Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Roasted Cauliflower Soup is silky, simple, and relies on inexpensive veggies to create a delicious dinner.
20. Chicken Casserole
Chicken Casserole brings hearty ingredients together for a warm, satisfying meal that’s budget friendly. Also try our Chicken Noodle Casserole.
21. Easy Roast Chicken
Easy Roast Chicken is a timeless dinner that gives you juicy meat and leftovers for multiple meals. It's your best friend for prepping ahead for the workweek.
22. Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, quick, and perfect for turning leftover chicken into a budget friendly dinner.
23. Spanish Lentil Stew
Spanish Lentil Stew is aromatic, hearty, and turns simple lentils into a satisfying dinner. And it's almost better the second day.
24. Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is creamy, comforting, and takes everyday ingredients into a satisfying casserole dinner.
25. Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit‑Style Pizza turns out chewy, crispy, and cheesy every time, making it a home‑cooked dinner success you’ll be proud to serve and way better than take out.
26. Grilled Ham and Cheese
Grilled Ham and Cheese makes a nostalgic, melty dinner that’s perfect for quick evenings and tight budgets. The homemade dipping sauce takes it up a notch.
27. Black Bean Burger
Black Bean Burger is a hearty, meatless dinner that’s full of flavor and easy on your grocery budget.
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