Our Test Kitchen’s 10 Best Quick, Budget-Friendly Meals Will Feed Your Crowd Without Skimping on Flavor

When planning your dinners for the week, quick, low-cost dinner options will likely dominate the list — and rightfully so. Serving up a delicious meal for the whole family shouldn’t cost a pretty penny or take long to prepare. Plus, you can get creative by preparing hearty pastas, salads or rice dishes using everyday ingredients. (Make extra batches too if you want to enjoy leftovers for days to come!) Here’s a roundup of our test kitchen’s top 10 budget-friendly meals that even your pickiest eaters will want seconds of.

1. Zucchini Ribbon Pasta with Bacon

Thinly sliced zucchini, chopped bacon and fresh parsley all come together to create this bright and hearty pasta dish. Grated Parmesan cheese is also added for a nutty and cheesy kick. 

2. Hamburger Soup

Soups are a great way to use up the ingredients you already have on hand, especially this Hamburger recipe. It cooks low and slow to delicious perfection in a Dutch oven or stock pot.

3. Pico de Gallo Potato Salad

Store-bought pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa) gives this potato salad a zesty twist. This wallet-friendly dish is sure to be the star of your dinner spread.

4. Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

If you love creamy potato salad, this honey mustard variation is the right fit for your taste buds. Serve it at room temperature or store it covered in the fridge to deepen the tangy flavor.

5. Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya

Think of this jambalaya as a celebration of spiced flavors and vibrant ingredients. Plus, the combination of chicken and sausage in the dish makes it extra filling.

6. Caesar Chicken Bow-Ties

Caesar dressing makes this pasta dish creamy and indulgent, just like the actual salad. So, give it a try the next time you’re craving pasta for dinner.

7. Teriyaki Veggie Stir-Fry

Get your veggie fix by whipping up this Teriyaki Veggie Stir-Fry recipe. The veg cooks up tender and delicious in a thick teriyaki sauce in just 10 minutes.

8. Creamy Chicken and Rice

This velvety stew is the ultimate cozy dish that will satisfy your appetite. It uses shredded rotisserie chicken, however, any leftover cooked chicken works great. 

9. Caramelized Shallot and Spinach Dip

This dip maries the flavors of spinach dip and French onion dip to create a rich and pungent spread. Enjoy it with toasted bread or sliced veggies. Or, place a dollop inside of a fluffy baked potato.

10. Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto

Risotto is a restaurant-favorite that you can recreate at home with fewer carbs thanks to this Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto recipe. The buttery rice dish is topped with satuéed mushrooms, which add plenty of earthiness and heartiness.

Bonus: Save room for dessert with these easy-prep options

Preparing a scrumptious dessert on a dime is simple when you know how to utilize the sweet staples in your pantry. This 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse recipe uses chocolate and water to create an airy and indulgent treat. Enjoy a frozen delight with this Berry Condensed Milk Ice Cream. Or, bake this sweet and fruity Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake and serve it with ice cream or whipped cream. These inexpensive yet impressive desserts will end your meal on a sweet note!