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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Cheap and Tasty Recipes for Every Occasion

    Published: May 27, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding affordable and delicious recipes can make meal planning a breeze, no matter the occasion. From quick weeknight dinners and easy pasta dishes to snacks for gatherings, these 18 recipes are easy to prepare and won't break the bank. Enjoy a variety of flavors and dishes that everyone will love, all while keeping your budget in check. 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.

    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is simple to prepare and comes together in no time. With zesty BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    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

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This creamy vegan pasta bake is simple to prepare and loaded with veggies. It's delicious whether served hot or cold!

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Alphabet soup packed with vegetables is a tasty and healthy meal. Everyone will love this fun vegetarian dish!

    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

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks + Legs
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe is great for a simple weeknight dinner, featuring a tasty homemade honey BBQ sauce. With just five ingredients, including the chicken, you'll only need to clean one dish.

    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

    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

    Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

    Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole.
    Photo Credit: A Taste of Madness.

    This spicy chicken and cauliflower casserole is easy to make with only five ingredients. It's a great choice for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Greek Chicken Souvlaki

    Greek Chicken Souvlaki with dips and sides.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    A few simple ingredients can come together to create delicious flavors. These Greek skewers are a great option for a quick and tasty meal.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This 5-ingredient Caprese Chicken is a simple and satisfying one-pan meal. It's filling and comforting, and you can whip it up with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup.

    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

    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

    Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This dish is easy to prepare and really delicious. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, it's a cozy vegetarian casserole that you'll want to make often.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Burrito bowls are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. This easy recipe lets you throw everything together and enjoy a tasty meal without much effort.

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    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

    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This baked ravioli casserole is quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish with just 5 minutes of prep. Using store-bought cheese ravioli makes it a simple option for busy weeknights, and you can even make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer.

    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

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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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