• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Air Fryer Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Cheap Easy Meals That Will Make You Forget About Restaurants

    Published: Jun 10, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    Cooking at home can be both budget-friendly and satisfying, especially when you have a list of easy meals that are quick to prepare. From simple pasta dishes to hearty soups, these 22 recipes will help you whip up delicious dinners without the hassle of dining out. Enjoy flavorful meals that won't break the bank and are perfect for any night of the week. 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.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Hawaiian Chicken brings together sweet and spicy flavors for a tasty meal. With only four simple ingredients, it's an easy and budget-friendly choice that makes eating at home a pleasure.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Foil-baked cod packets are an easy and delicious meal that you can prepare in just 5 minutes. This dish combines cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete dinner without much work.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Macaroni

    Macaroni.
    Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Cheesy hamburger mac is a quick and simple dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. This one-pot meal is great for a stress-free dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This vegetarian chili is packed with bold flavors and a variety of fresh veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It's quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes, and delivers a tasty mix of flavors and textures.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This Italian dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. It's full of flavor and pairs nicely with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

    Get the recipe

    Penne Pomodoro

    Penne pomodoro.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple pasta is made from scratch in just 20 minutes with the best homemade sauce. Just make the sauce, cook the pasta, and simmer together for a few minutes and enjoy a homemade dinner everyone always loves.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy dish that brings a bit of Eastern European flavor to your dinner in just 30 minutes. It's an easy and filling meal that lets you enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich

    A buffalo chicken ranch sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo chicken ranch sandwiches are an easy and tasty meal that you can whip up in about thirty minutes using common ingredients. This dish is perfect for enjoying a filling dinner at home while keeping costs low.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters are ready in just 15 minutes, giving you crispy skin and juicy meat. The lime juice in the marinade adds a nice flavor and keeps the chicken tender.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup

    A bowl of lentil soup topped with chili flakes and cilantro.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple soup is creamy, warming, and ready in under 30 minutes - whether made on the stove top or in your instant pot. Despite being so simple to make, it has amazing flavor from coconut milk, ginger and garlic, and is perfect for quick and cozy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines a flavorful spicy tomato sauce with crispy bacon, making it a hit for everyone. It's a solid choice for busy nights when you want a filling meal without spending too much.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    One-Pan Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    These meatballs are full of flavor thanks to a mix of dried herbs, and the panko breadcrumbs and chopped onions keep them juicy. After you shape the meatballs, the rest of the meal comes together quickly.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. Packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, it's perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken tenders are quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with just a few basic ingredients. They provide a healthier alternative to fried tenders and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying right out of the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese is a simple and tasty meal that features fresh ingredients. This is an easy and budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    4-Ingredient Chili

    A bowl of chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This hearty and affordable meal is made with just four simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something filling without spending much.

    Get the recipe

    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian tacos are packed with delicious refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, topped off with fresh pico de gallo. This simple meatless option is so satisfying, you'll find yourself wanting seconds.

    Get the recipe

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks + Legs
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are simple to prepare with a quick homemade honey BBQ sauce. With just one dish and five ingredients, including the chicken, this is a great option for anyone wanting a tasty dinner without spending too much.

    Get the recipe

    White Bean Panzanella

    White Bean Panzanella
    Photo credit: J Cooking Odyssey.

    This Italian-inspired dish features fresh, juicy tomatoes mixed with white beans and crunchy toasted bread, all brought together with a flavorful tomato and white bean dressing. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Poached Egg Potato Bowls

    Breakfast bowl with egg.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover boiled potatoes can be transformed into a tasty fried potato bowl. A poached egg adds creaminess, while Feta cheese and crispy potatoes create a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    The Best Buffalo Cauliflower

    Buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty vegetarian alternative to regular wings. They're quick to prepare in just 10 minutes and are great for dipping in blue cheese sauce or adding to tacos and pizza.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Jalapeno popper wontons.
      28 Simple Appetizers That Wow Without the Work
    • Beef and potato casserole.
      23 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights
    • Seafood pasta bake.
      28 Casseroles So Easy, You'll Want to Make Them Every Week
    • Beef carbonara.
      7 Carbonara Twists Worth Trying at Least Once
    • Facebook
    • Email

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • Cranberry chicken with rice.
      17 Best Chicken Breast Slow Cooker Recipes Ever
    • 26 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
    • 20 Easy Weeknight Casseroles That Come Together Fast
    • Slow cooker tater tot casserole.
      22 Ground Beef Crockpot Dinners Guaranteed to Please Your Family

    Latest Articles

    • White bean panzanella.
      22 Cheap Easy Meals That Will Make You Forget About Restaurants
    • Ham fried rice.
      15 Quick Dinner Ideas Anyone Can Pull Off
    • 14 Easy Beef & Pasta Dinners You Can Throw Together on Busy Nights
    • Frito taco bake.
      27 Quick Dinners That Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • [email protected]
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB