22 Cheap Meals That Taste Like Payday

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Meatloaf Pizza aka Meatza

Imagine all the comforting goodness of a classic meatloaf but with a fun little twist—layering it with all your favorite toppings so every bite feels like a flavor explosion. It’s like giving this homestyle dish a “crust” that’s loaded with personality, whether you go bold, cheesy, or saucy. Think of it as two favorite comfort foods colliding into one delicious forkful that’s hearty, satisfying, and anything but boring. This is the kind of dinner that makes the table go quiet for a minute—because everyone’s too busy enjoying it.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Pizza aka Meatza

Cheese Taco Shells

There’s something magical about taco shells made entirely out of cheese—they come out super crunchy, full of flavor, and downright addictive. Not only are they keto and gluten-free, but they’re also so fun to make and even more fun to eat. Every bite has that perfect cheesy snap that takes an ordinary taco to a whole new level. Once you try tacos this way, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for regular shells.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Taco Shells

Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

This chicken taco soup is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s packed with tender chicken, plenty of beans, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Topped off with gooey melted cheese and creamy avocado slices, every bite is satisfying and cozy. Best of all, the Instant Pot makes it come together quickly and effortlessly, so you can have a family favorite on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

Pasta Al Forno

There’s just something so comforting about a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s tossed in a silky, tangy tomato cream sauce. Each bite is rich and flavorful without being too heavy, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special family meals. To take it over the top, it’s finished with a generous sprinkle of cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect texture. It’s cozy, satisfying, and almost guaranteed to become one of those dishes everyone asks you to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Al Forno

Manhattan Clam Chowder With Bacon

This dish brings together tender clams, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato broth that’s brimming with flavor. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels both cozy and nourishing, perfect for when you want something lighter but still deeply satisfying. Unlike its creamier New England cousin, this version lets the freshness of the seafood and the brightness of the broth shine through. Every spoonful is hearty without being heavy, making it a favorite for those who crave comfort food with a healthier twist.
Get the Recipe: Manhattan Clam Chowder With Bacon

Lentil Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade lentil soup to make you feel cozy and cared for. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor, yet completely plant-based—so it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free all at once. Even better, it’s made with simple, affordable ingredients, which means it’s as easy on your budget as it is on your stomach. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little comfort, this soup is proof that wholesome food can be both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a bowl of Slow Cooker Steak Chili after a long day. As it bubbles away for hours, the flavors slowly deepen and come together into something rich, hearty, and comforting. Even inexpensive cuts of beef turn luxuriously tender, breaking down into melt-in-your-mouth bites that make every spoonful satisfying. Pile on your favorite toppings—like shredded cheese, diced onions, or even a dollop of sour cream—for an extra layer of indulgence. Served with warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

Osso Buco

You won’t believe how a simple, budget-friendly cut of beef can be transformed into something that feels so luxurious. Slowly cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, the meat soaks up every bit of flavor from the rich, velvety sauce. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet it comes together more easily than you’d think. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this Italian-inspired meal proves that comfort food can also be downright elegant.
Get the Recipe: Osso Buco

Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

This old-fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is the kind of cozy, no-fuss meal that feels like a hug in a dish. It’s quick to put together, budget-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory tuna make it satisfying on its own, but it’s also super easy to dress up with extra veggies or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese on top. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just craving a taste of nostalgia, this casserole always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

This cozy one-pot Zuppa Toscana takes its cue from the Olive Garden favorite but feels even more special when you make it at home. The creamy, flavorful broth is loaded with spicy Italian sausage, smoky bacon, and hearty chunks of potato, creating the ultimate bowl of comfort. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and makes everyone linger at the table a little longer. Affordable, filling, and surprisingly easy to whip up, this soup is bound to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation after just one taste.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables

These oven-baked chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade that locks in so much flavor without needing any extra fuss. Paired with a mix of roasted vegetables, it all comes together on one sheet pan, which means minimal prep and hardly any cleanup at the end of the night. It’s hearty, comforting, and feels like something you spent a lot of time on—even though it’s actually super quick to throw together. Best of all, it’s an affordable, family-friendly meal that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for casual weekend dinners.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole is one of those dishes that gives you all the comfort of pizza night without the extra work of making dough from scratch. It’s loaded with all the good stuff—melty cheese, savory sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and plenty of veggies—so every bite tastes like a slice of your favorite pie. The best part? It’s low-carb, easy on the budget, and can be customized with whatever toppings your family loves most. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving something cozy, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Poor Man's Burnt Ends

Think of this as the budget-friendly cousin of classic burnt ends. You still get all those crave-worthy smoky, caramelized edges and that deep, rich barbecue flavor, but without needing to splurge on a pricey brisket. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for when you want that authentic BBQ experience without breaking the bank. Best of all, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone go back for seconds, even if they don’t know it’s a more affordable twist.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man's Burnt Ends

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of slow cooker beef stew to make chilly days feel a little cozier. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers for hours, soaking up all the savory flavors of the broth. Paired with soft, hearty vegetables and a rich, gravy-like sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a basket of fluffy rolls, and you’ve got comfort food at its finest—hearty, satisfying, and easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Soba Noodle Pasta

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of soba noodles that doesn’t try too hard yet tastes incredible. With just a few simple ingredients like sautéed onions and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, you can create a dish that feels both hearty and budget-friendly. The noodles soak up all that savory goodness, making each bite satisfying without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to slurp up on a busy weeknight, when you need something quick but still crave a little homemade comfort.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta

Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef

If you’re craving comfort food but don’t have the time or budget for a fancy meal, this Ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect solution. It takes the classic dish you know and love and gives it a quick, weeknight-friendly twist by using ground beef instead of steak. The rich, creamy mushroom sauce coats every bite of tender noodles, making it both hearty and satisfying without being complicated. Best of all, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, so you can have a cozy, homemade dinner on the table faster than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

These Panko Pork Chops are the perfect balance of comfort and elegance, making them a dinner win any night of the week. The pork stays tender and juicy on the inside, while the golden panko coating gives you that irresistible crunch with every bite. Best of all, the recipe uses budget-friendly ingredients—Japanese panko bread crumbs add big flavor and texture without breaking the bank. It’s a simple, affordable dish that still feels special enough to serve to family or guests.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Chicken Taquito Casserole

This Chicken Taquito Casserole is one of those magical dinners that takes something simple—like frozen taquitos—and transforms it into a meal that feels homemade and comforting. With just a few extra ingredients, you get a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to throw together on a busy night. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying without spending a fortune. The best part? It’s one of those budget-friendly meals that the whole family will love and ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taquito Casserole

Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

Crock pot cube steak and gravy is one of those cozy, no-fuss meals that makes dinnertime so much easier. With just a few simple ingredients, the steak slowly cooks until it’s unbelievably tender and soaks up all the rich, savory flavors of the brown gravy. It’s a true dump-and-go recipe, which means you can toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day. After a few hours, you’re rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth beef smothered in comforting gravy that feels like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of rice, and you’ve got a hearty, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This cheesy hamburger casserole is the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and just the right amount of gooey, melty cheese to bring it all together. Not only is it simple to throw together, but it’s also easy on the wallet, making it a win for both busy weeknights and tight grocery budgets. Best of all, it’s a dish the whole family will dig into without a single complaint—which means you’ll want to keep this one in your regular dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Easy One-Pot Cheesy Meat Bake

This cheesy meat bake is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver—simple, budget-friendly, and ready in no time. With just four ingredients, it comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering big on comfort and flavor. The hearty mix of meat and bread makes it filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest eaters, and that golden, melty cheese on top is hard to resist. Pair it with a crisp green salad and you’ve got a no-fuss dinner that feels complete, cozy, and perfect for busy nights when you just need something easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Cheesy Meat Bake

Marry Me Butter Beans

These savory butter beans are simmered in a rich, creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce that’s loaded with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and tender baby spinach. Everything comes together in one pan, making it the kind of low-effort, high-reward dinner we all love. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can have a cozy, satisfying meal on the table even on your busiest weeknights. Affordable, comforting, and full of wholesome goodness—this dish is proof that simple ingredients can make something truly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans