We're all looking for something inexpensive, quick, easy, and filling for dinner on the weeknights (after all, we have to look forward to them all day).These recipes easily satisfy all three requirements.You don't have to spend a lot of money to make something delicious that you can have on your table in less than an hour. You can save money and time by making these dishes all in one pan, using your favorite kitchen appliance, or using some of our favorite kitchen shortcuts. You can save money by choosing cheaper proteins like chicken, ground proteins, or vegetarian options.These 70 inexpensive and simple meals are sure to please everyone in your family without costing a fortune.

Choosing cheaper cuts of meat or creatively utilizing more expensive cuts of meat is one of the easiest ways to reduce dinner expenses.Add ground turkey, chicken, or ground beef for a cheap way to bulk up old favorites.Try roasting a whole chicken or purchasing a rotisserie chicken and using it for pizza and tacos throughout the week.Make smaller, more affordable portions of our Creole jambalaya, smoked salmon pasta, or creamy steak fettuccine by adding more expensive seafood or steak to pasta or rice.The way you use the protein matters more than avoiding it altogether.

Consider this your signal to purchase a slow cooker, air fryer, or Instant Pot if you've been hesitant about certain kitchen appliances.They really speed up the process of putting together dinners, and even we are impressed by how often we use ours.Our Crockpot white chicken chili, air fryer chimichangas, and Instant Pot chicken noodle soup are just a few of the imaginative recipes we have for them here. However, you should also check out our more in-depth lists for the air fryer (over 100 recipes!).Crockpot and Instant Pot as well.

We bet you already have sheet pans, a Dutch oven, and casserole dishes in your kitchen that will help you get dinner on the table quickly, even if you aren't ready for another appliance.We've included some of our favorite recipes, like our sheet pan chicken fajitas, vegetarian chili mac, and chicken pot pie casserole, but once you know the basics, you can get creative.

Going meatless (and not just on Mondays) is one of the best ways to save money.In addition, we are not referring to substituting cheap beans, tofu, and plants for proteins—although we are all about those occasionally—but rather to making vegetarian meals.To see how adaptable and satisfying these dishes can be, give our vegan crunchwrap, vegan lasagna, vegan creamy mushroom pasta, vegan tofu katsu curry, or vegan lasagna a try.

Do you want more easy, cheap meals?Take a look at our top 30-minute meals, our favorite 5-ingredient dishes, and food editor June's entire Budget Eats series.She comes up with something amazing for less than $25!