40 Cheap Dinner Ideas for Two: Delicious, Budget-Friendly Meals

Cooking dinner for two doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune or sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, an easy weeknight meal, or just want to enjoy something homemade without tons of leftovers, these cheap dinner ideas for two balance affordability, ease, and taste. With recipes inspired by global cuisines, comforting classics, and clever shortcuts, you’re sure to find fresh inspiration for your next meal.

1. Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz con pollo is a classic one-pot meal where tender chicken and seasoned rice come together for a satisfying, flavorful dinner. It’s the definition of comfort food, and any leftovers are as tasty as the day it’s made.

• Uses accessible pantry staples and chicken thighs for value.
• Leftover-friendly; reheats beautifully for lunch.

2. Vodka Meatballs

A creamy vodka sauce paired with chicken meatballs creates an easy yet decadent-feeling dinner. The vodka enhances the dish’s flavor, creating a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of tomato paste.

• Simple, quick-cooking meatballs and sauce make for a fast weeknight meal.
• Serve with pasta or crusty bread.

3. Chicken Parm-Stuffed Peppers

All the cheesy, crispy goodness of chicken Parmesan, but baked right inside bell peppers. This dish combines two favorites for a nutritious and economical twist.

• Peppers act as an edible vessel, reducing carbs and boosting nutrition.
• A complete meal that comes together in about an hour.

4. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is the ultimate solution for leftover rice and proteins. Fry up your rice with chicken, vegetables, and savory soy sauce for a quick dinner that tastes just like takeout.

• Substitute with other proteins like shrimp or tofu.
• Customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

5. Marry Me Meatballs

Sink into a hearty, flavorful meal with these tender meatballs simmered to perfection in a decadent sauce. Ideal for date nights or simply upgrading your dinner routine.

• Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or warm bread.
• Freezes well for future meals.

6. Baked Feta Pasta

This viral favorite couldn’t be easier: cherry tomatoes, feta, and olive oil roast together, then are tossed with pasta for a rich, creamy sauce—and minimal cleanup.

• Only a handful of ingredients needed.
• Great for customizing with spring veggies or greens.

7. Indian Butter Chickpeas

A vegetarian spin on butter chicken, creamy butter chickpeas deliver big flavors on a budget. The sauce is rich and tomato-based, providing warmth and comfort.

• Protein-packed chickpeas make this dish hearty.
• Serve with rice or naan.

8. Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a restaurant classic you can make at home in minutes. A creamy, cheesy sauce brings chicken and pasta together for a filling, budget-friendly supper.

• Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
• Add broccoli or peas for extra vegetables.

9. Chicken Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas filled with melty cheese and seasoned chicken make quesadillas an easy weeknight go-to. Customize fillings based on what you have on hand—avocado, beans, or sautéed veggies are all delicious.

• Pan-fried for extra crunch.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

10. Taco Spaghetti

Combine two favorites with taco spaghetti, where all the zesty beef, cheese, and taco seasonings merge with spaghetti noodles in a one-pot dish. The result is hearty, cheesy, and ready fast.

• One-pot dish saves time and cleanup.
• Top with jalapeños, cilantro, or sour cream if desired.

11. Cajun-Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breast stuffed with cheese, spices, and peppers gives you a burst of flavor without much shopping needed. This dish feels special but comes together in under an hour.

• Tex-Mex spices elevate affordable chicken breast.

12. Chicken Tacos

American-style chicken tacos use seasoned chicken, corn tortillas, and endless topping options for a fresh, fast meal. Perfect for using up leftover poultry and vegetables.

• Cheap, filling, and endlessly customizable.
• Offer a toppings bar for extra fun.

13. Chicken & Rice Casserole

Combining rice, chicken, and creamy mushroom soup, this classic casserole is pure comfort and stretches ingredients to serve more than once.

• Can use fresh, frozen, or leftover chicken.
• Substitute soup with homemade cream sauce if desired.

14. Brown Sugar Salmon

For a sweet-and-savory twist, try brown sugar-glazed salmon. It caramelizes quickly, ensuring tender, flaky fish in just 15 minutes.

• Quick prep and clean-up.
• Serve with roasted veggies or a simple salad.

15. One-Pot Baked Risotto With Tomatoes & Burrata

Baked risotto means no endless stirring—just creamy, satisfying rice, roasted tomatoes, and a dollop of oozy burrata cheese for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

• Oven-baked for hands-off cooking.
• Finish with fresh basil or herbs for a burst of flavor.

16. Sheet-Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken

Roast chicken pieces and onions together for a meal that’s equal parts juicy, savory, and easy. The pan drippings create an instant sauce when blended for serving.

• Uses affordable bone-in chicken and common aromatics.
• Easy to scale up for more servings.

17. Spinach & Artichoke White Bean Skillet

This vegetarian meal takes inspiration from creamy spinach-artichoke dip, combining it with protein-rich beans for a one-pan dinner that’s nutritious and hearty.

• Ready in 30 minutes.
• Serve with crusty bread or pita chips.

18. Chili-Stuffed Cornbread

Turn cornbread into the main event by stuffing it with rich, cheesy chili. The result? A hearty, soul-warming meal for two that uses pantry staples.

• Flexible: use beef, turkey, or veggie chili.

19. Sweet & Sour Tofu

Crispy tofu cubes tossed in a tangy, homemade sweet and sour sauce make for a low-cost, satisfying vegetarian dinner. Pair with steamed rice or sautéed greens.

• Makes tofu craveable, even for skeptics.
• Adjust sauce to taste (sweeter or tangier).

20. Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Quickly sauté strips of beef with broccoli in a soy-based sauce for a Chinese takeout favorite that saves time and money.

• Use flank steak or swap with chicken for more savings.
• Serve over rice or noodles.

21. Vegetable Pad Thai

Homemade pad Thai uses inexpensive rice noodles, eggs, and plenty of veggies for a tangy, nutty meal that’s easier (and cheaper) than takeout.

22. Stove-Top Mac & Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 20 minutes, mac & cheese makes for a nostalgic meal. Add spinach, peas, or crispy bacon for variety.

23. Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Simmer canned chickpeas with tomatoes, garlic, and spinach for a flavorful meatless meal. Top with feta and herbs for extra richness.

24. Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

Affordable frozen shrimp, tossed with lemon, garlic, and butter, create a luxurious pasta dish worthy of any date night—no splurging needed.

25. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Skip the seasoning packet and dress up instant ramen with sautéed veggies, eggs, and a quick soy glaze for a filling, speedy meal.

26. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies

One pan, minimal effort: just toss sausage links and chopped vegetables with oil and herbs, then roast for a color-packed dinner.

27. Greek Chicken Pitas

Marinate chicken in lemon, garlic, and oregano; grill or sauté, then serve in pita with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki.

28. Creamy Tuscan White Beans

Simmer white beans with kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of cream for an affordable Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Serve with toasted bread.

29. Pulled Pork Sliders

Slow-cooked pork shoulder piled onto mini buns with slaw; great for using leftovers or adapting to pressure-cooking to save time.

30. Shakshuka

Eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, served with warm bread for dipping, creates a North African-inspired dinner that’s hearty and vegetarian.

31. Stir-Fried Udon Noodles

Chewy noodles meet crisp veggies and a savory stir-fry sauce—easy on the budget and flexible to whatever is in your produce drawer.

32. Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavors of classic egg rolls—ginger, garlic, soy, and cabbage—but as a fast, filling stir-fried bowl. Low-carb and endlessly customizable.

33. BBQ Chicken Flatbread

Top a store-bought flatbread or naan with BBQ sauce, chicken, cheese, and scallions for takeout-style pizza at home, on the cheap.

34. Black Bean Burritos

Mash seasoned black beans with rice, cheese, and salsa in tortillas for a speedy, filling meal that covers all the bases for flavor and sustenance.

35. Spicy Peanut Noodles

Whisk up a quick peanut sauce with noodles and vegetables for a protein-packed, vegetarian-friendly meal that’s creamy and satisfying.

36. Corn & Zucchini Fritters

Crisp, savory fritters roasted or pan-fried and served with yogurt or sour cream. Great for summer squash or frozen corn.

37. Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

Sweet and tangy chicken thighs roast in the oven until caramelized for a fuss-free dinner with tons of flavor for little cost.

38. Mushroom Risotto

Creamy arborio rice with sautéed mushrooms and parmesan—rich, comforting, and easily halved for two people.

39. Tuscan Garlic Tomato Pasta

Sautéed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs tossed with pasta for a bright, summery meal you can make year-round on a budget.

40. Sausage, Potato & Kale Skillet

Simple, hearty, and complete: slices of sausage, tender potatoes, and kale make for a one-pan dinner that satisfies and stretches your dollar.

Budget Dinner Tips for Two

• Batch cooking saves money: Make extra and save leftovers for lunch.
• Use pantry staples: Canned beans, tomatoes, and grains stretch your dollar further.
• Shop sales and use substitutes: Be flexible with proteins and vegetables.
• Embrace one-pot cooking: Less cleanup and often lower ingredient needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes a good cheap dinner for two?

A: A good cheap dinner balances affordable ingredients, minimal waste, and maximum flavor. Look for recipes that use pantry items, bulk proteins, and in-season produce.

Q: How can I reduce food waste when cooking for two?

A: Plan meals with overlapping ingredients, freeze what you won’t use, and repurpose leftovers into new dishes.

Q: Are there meatless cheap dinners for two?

A: Absolutely! Dishes like spinach & artichoke white bean skillet, sweet & sour tofu, black bean burritos, creamy Tuscan white beans, and shakshuka are filling and affordable vegetarian options.

Q: What pantry staples should I always have for budget meals?

A: Stock rice, pasta, canned beans, tomatoes, dry spices, onions, and garlic. They’re versatile, have a long shelf-life, and form the backbone of countless affordable recipes.

Q: How do I make a dinner for two feel special on a budget?

A: Presentation goes a long way! Use fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of cheese to finish dishes. Light a candle, set the table, and pick a recipe slightly outside your comfort zone for a memorable meal without the splurge.

Make Every Night Delicious—and Affordable

With variety, creativity, and a handful of budget-friendly recipes, delicious homemade dinners for two are always within reach. Try a few of these ideas and turn even the simplest night in into a flavorful, comforting experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman