15 Cheap Eats That Taste Like A Million Bucks

Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending big. Some of the most satisfying meals come from simple, inexpensive ingredients that do the job without any fancy price tag. There’s no need to fork over cash for flashy dishes when you can make these low-cost options taste just as impressive. By making smart choices and knowing which basics pack the most flavor, you’ll be eating like royalty in your own kitchen.

Ground beef sweet potato skillet. — Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Chicken and sweet potatoes with pecans on a plate. — Chicken and Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dinner is all about simplicity and flavor. Throw chicken and sweet potatoes on a sheet pan, bake, and you’ve got a great meal without the big price tag.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel. — Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a straightforward dish with just five ingredients. It’s creamy, simple, and makes a cheap meal feel gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pasta with meat and tomatoes in a white dish with a wooden spoon. — Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this ground beef pasta in under 30 minutes. It’s simple, rich in flavor, and looks like you spent hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Salsa Chicken

Chicken breasts covered in a cheese salsa sauce in a casserole dish. — Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This salsa chicken recipe is a quick, under 30-minute meal that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s easy, cheap, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Bomb Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork. — Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is a hit with its juicy texture and a sweet, tangy glaze on top. Easy to make and easy on the wallet, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent a lot more.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Red cabbage and pork chops with potatoes in a baking pan. — Sheet Pan Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sheet pan pork chop dinner is easy and filling, with red cabbage, potatoes, and apples. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and has minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This one-pan ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a great meal-prepping choice. It’s full of flavor and perfect for those on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas with spinach and cheese. — Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try these smashed white bean and kale quesadillas for a great meatless option. They’re cheesy, topped with creamy BBQ sauce, and easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

A plate with pork and broccoli on it. — Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try these easy baked pretzel crusted pork chops with a simple maple dijon sauce. They’re a healthy, protein-packed dinner option that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Chinese sweet and sour tofu stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks. — Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sweet and sour tofu recipe is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great pick if you love classic flavors but want something lighter and cheaper.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Zucchini noodles with chicken in a skillet with a fork. — Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These Chinese chicken zoodles come together in 15 minutes and are a healthier take on your favorite takeout. They’re quick, full of flavor, and light on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Two bowls of chickpeas with rice and vegetables. — Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a vegan twist on your favorite takeout with these Kung Pao chickpeas. The sauce is spot-on, making this dish a great alternative with simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry with rice and chopsticks. — Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry in no time. It’s packed with flavors that are so good, everyone will think it’s takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken thighs in a cream cheese sauce with potatoes and parsley on a wooden table. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Transform your weeknight dinners with this cream cheese chicken, spiced to perfection. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Cheddar Chicken Bake

A casserole dish filled with chicken, vegetables and cheese. — Cheddar Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Use leftover chicken to make this cheddar chicken quinoa bake. It’s easy, fills you up, and keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.