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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Quick and Affordable Meals You Can Make Tonight

    Published: May 12, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding quick and affordable meals can be a challenge, especially after a long day. Luckily, there are plenty of simple recipes that won't break the bank and can be whipped up in no time. From hearty pasta dishes to easy stir-fries, these 20 meals are perfect for a satisfying dinner tonight. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.

    BBQ Chicken Flatbread

    Flatbread pizza.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    BBQ chicken flatbread is quick to prepare in about 20 minutes using just 5 easy ingredients. It's packed with fresh flavors and a great way to use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is an easy and affordable meal option that anyone can whip up.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make. It's perfect for a quick meal that won't break the bank.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This creamy soup is a great comfort food that's simple to prepare. With just six ingredients, it's an easy dinner option for busy families.

    Get the Recipe

    Marinated Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe gives you chicken with a crispy skin and juicy meat. The outside is golden brown while the inside stays tender and flavorful.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow cooker black bean soup.
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is simple to make with just a few ingredients and can cook all day. It's creamy without any cream, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it a light yet filling meal that's perfect served in bread bowls with your favorite taco toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a tasty meal that you can whip up in less than 45 minutes. The dish features a flavorful tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, making it a great choice for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Apricot-Ginger Glazed Chicken

    A black skillet with apricot ginger glazed chicken.
    Photo Credit: What a Girl Eats.

    Apricot chicken with ginger is a simple and tasty chicken dish that only requires 3 ingredients and can be ready in under 20 minutes. This is a great option for busy nights when you need to whip up something quick.

    Get the recipe

    Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

    Oven fried chicken tenders with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These chicken tenders are simple to make with just 7 ingredients and can be ready in 30 minutes. Your family will enjoy the tasty combination of Cheez-Its and pretzels.

    Get the recipe

    Black Bean Burgers

    Black bean burgers.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Black Bean Burgers are simple to prepare and loaded with nutritious ingredients, making them a great choice for anyone. With plenty of protein and flavor, this is a go-to recipe for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Fajitas

    Healthy Baked Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

    Baked Chicken Fajitas come together in just 30 minutes with only 8 easy ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and captures the delicious flavors of a Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowl, all cooked in the oven.

    Get the Recipe

    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This Italian white bean soup is perfect for a cozy night in. With a creamy coconut milk and sun-dried tomato base, it's packed with pasta, cannellini beans, and fresh spinach, making it a healthy and filling meal for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    This slow cooker potato soup is a simple and comforting dish that you can prepare with minimal effort. It's creamy and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy days when you need a hearty meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce has a spicy kick that gives a new spin to the classic recipe. Using just common powdered seasonings you likely have in your pantry, this is a great option when you're looking to save some money.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a quick pasta dish that you can whip up using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Kielbasa & Potatoes

    Kielbasa cooked in an air fryer.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    This is a simple and fast dinner option that you can whip up in no time. With just 4 ingredients, you can have a meal ready in under 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is quick to make with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to cook. The bright pesto sauce combined with Greek yogurt creates a simple and satisfying meal that you'll want to have regularly.

    Get the recipe

    15 Bean Soup

    15 Bean Soup Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This 15 Bean Soup is a comforting meal that you can prepare and let cook on its own in your slow cooker.

    Get the Recipe

    Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils

    Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils
    Photo Credit:Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup is a nutritious dish loaded with protein from red lentils. It's a simple recipe that you can prepare in your Instant Pot, Crockpot, or on the stove.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a quick and easy dish that packs a lot of flavor. It's great on its own, but adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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