11 Delicious and Affordable Dinner Recipes to Cook This Week

If you’re tired of the same old dinner routine, these 11 delicious and affordable recipes will spice things up without breaking the bank. From easy weeknight meals to crowd-pleasers, these dishes are perfect for when you need tasty ideas on a budget. Get ready to cook up something new this week.

Spicy Sesame Ground Beef and Rice

Spicy sesame ground beef bowls on a table. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This sweet and spicy ground beef and rice is a quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights. With minimal effort, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Get the recipe: Sweet and Spicy Beef Bowls

BBQ Chicken Pasta

This baked BBQ chicken pasta is cheesy, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combo of chicken and pasta with a creamy BBQ sauce makes for a meal that always hits the spot. Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Pasta

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Enjoy juicy chicken thighs and veggies in one simple dish. This healthy sheet pan meal is quick to make and ideal for busy weeknights when you need an easy, no-fuss dinner. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Better-than-Mom’s Hamburger Goulash

A bowl of hamburger goulash. — Image Credit: Kalyn’s Kitchen

When you’re craving comfort food that’s easy and cheap, this Better-than-Mom’s hamburger goulash is the move. It’s cozy, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit. Get the recipe: Better-than-Mom’s Hamburger Goulash

Hearty Pottage Stew

A bowl of pottage. — Image Credit: The Fruity Gem

This comforting pottage (medieval vegetable stew) is both healthy and hearty. Made with affordable ingredients, it’s an easy, feel-good meal that’s kind to your wallet and your body. Get the recipe: Hearty Pottage Stew

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

A plate of sheet pan fajitas. — Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This sheet pan chicken fajita recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and just one pan, you’ll have a tasty dish packed with tender chicken and all the fajita goodness. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

Overhead image of skillet spaghetti. — Image Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Classic skillet spaghetti and meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for an easy family meal. With fully cooked homemade meatballs, this one-pan dinner comes together with zero hassle. Get the recipe: Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia

A plate of baked lemon tilapia. — Image Credit: Sweet & Savory Meals

This baked lemon garlic tilapia is light and easy to prepare. It’s a simple dish that’s perfect for a quick, healthy dinner with minimal cleanup. Get the recipe: Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A plate of creamy tomato spinach pasta. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy tomato pasta is rich, smooth, and perfect for a fast, budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to make and tastes like a little effort went a long way. Get the recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta

Maple Glazed Pork Chops

These maple-glazed pork chops are tender, juicy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. No marinating needed, making them fast enough for weeknights and impressive enough for special occasions. Get the recipe: Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Oven Hamburger Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

Hamburger steaks on a plate. — Image Credit: The Dinner Bell

Hamburger steaks in mushroom gravy are an easy, budget-friendly dinner that hits the spot on busy nights. With ground beef and a simple sheet pan prep, it’s a low-effort, no-mess meal that still feels special. Get the recipe: Oven Hamburger Steaks with Mushroom Gravy