21 Cheap Eats That Taste Way More Expensive Than They Are

Hungry for some delicious eats that won’t empty your wallet? Get ready to be blown away by 21 cheap finds that taste way fancier than their price tags suggest. We’re talking about mouthwatering dishes that pack a punch in flavor without breaking the bank!

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

Skip the takeout and make your own delicious Thai peanut curry at home with this easy recipe. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Best of all, this homemade curry is budget-friendly and customizable, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you’re craving something flavorful and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

Cauliflower Steaks

Who says eating healthy has to be boring? These cauliflower steaks are proof that nutritious meals can also be tasty and satisfying. Simply seasoned and roasted to perfection, these “steaks” are a delicious alternative to traditional meat dishes. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a meatless meal or just trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet, these cauliflower steaks are a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of homemade roasted tomato basil soup that’s bursting with flavor. Comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side, this tomato basil soup is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Best Lemon Pasta

Brighten up your dinner table with this lemon pasta that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, this lemon pasta is sure to please. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Vegetable Fritters

Crispy, crunchy, and packed with veggies, these vegetable fritters are the perfect way to sneak in some extra greens. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these vegetable fritters are sure to please. Plus, they’re easy to make and budget-friendly, making them a great option for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Wild Rice Casserole

Impress your family and friends with this hearty wild rice casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. A comforting dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish alongside your favorite protein, this wild rice casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Hash Browns

Crispy, golden, and oh-so-delicious, these homemade hash browns are the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Whether you enjoy them alongside eggs and bacon or stuffed into a breakfast burrito, these hash browns are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make and budget-friendly, making them a great option for busy mornings when you want a hearty and satisfying meal without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Tortilla Pizza

Craving pizza but short on time? Whip up these easy tortilla pizzas for a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. Whether you prefer classic cheese and pepperoni or more adventurous toppings like barbecue chicken or pesto, these tortilla pizzas are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings without breaking the bank. They’re a great option for busy weeknights or impromptu pizza parties with friends.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Hashbrown Casserole

Start your day off right with this cheesy hashbrown casserole that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this hashbrown casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty and delicious meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Craving something sweet and savory? These air fryer glazed carrots are the perfect side dish to satisfy your cravings. Sweet, caramelized carrots with a hint of tanginess that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite main dish or snacking on them straight from the air fryer, these glazed carrots are sure to impress without costing a fortune.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Pizza Rolls

Craving pizza but don’t want to deal with the hassle of making dough? These pizza rolls are here to save the day. Then bake until golden brown and bubbly for a delicious and satisfying snack or meal. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, lunch, or late-night snack, these pizza rolls are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Corn Casserole

Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, this corn casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish. It’s a rich and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or roasted veggies, this corn casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s a great option for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, these roasted sweet potato cubes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Irresistibly crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside sweet potato cubes that are bursting with flavor. Whether you serve them alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu, these roasted sweet potato cubes are sure to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Vegetable Stew

Warm up on chilly days with a comforting bowl of vegetable stew that’s both nourishing and delicious. It’s easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread for dipping, this vegetable stew is a budget-friendly option that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Start your day right with this hearty breakfast casserole that’s both filling and flavorful. This dish is the perfect way to kickstart your morning. Plus, it’s easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a go-to option for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this egg and potato casserole is sure to impress without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: gg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Vegan Ratatouille

Transport yourself to the south of France with this classic vegan ratatouille that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Whether you serve it as a main course with crusty bread or as a side dish alongside grilled protein, this ratatouille is sure to impress. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Cacio e Pepe

Transport to the streets of Rome with this classic Italian pasta dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, this cacio e pepe is sure to please. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make, making it a great option for pasta lovers looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Vegetable Stir Fry

Whip up a quick and flavorful meal with this vegetable stir fry that’s bursting with color and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, this stir fry is a lifesaver. And with endless possibilities for customization, you can switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge, making it a budget-friendly option that’s always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Penne Arrabiata

Spicy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, this penne arrabiata is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s a flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for spice lovers. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish alongside grilled protein, this penne arrabiata is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Penne Arrabiata

Pizza Sauce

Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own delicious pizza sauce at home with this easy recipe. It’s a flavorful and versatile sauce that’s perfect for topping your favorite homemade pizzas. This homemade pizza sauce is sure to take your pizza game to the next level. Plus, it’s easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a great option for pizza night at home.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

7 Layer Salad

Upgrade your salad game with this crowd-pleasing 7 layer salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This salad is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, it’s a surefire way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s affordable and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad