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    Home » Main Dishes

    Frugal Main Dish Recipes

    The main dish is the starring attraction, the one that can make or break the meal. It can also make or break your budget.

    Whether you're going meatless with Spring Vegetable Soup or beefing things up with this homemade Carne Asada recipe, these frugal main dish recipes are sure to save your bacon.

    triple decker chicken salad club sandwich on board with checked cloth

    Chicken Salad Club Sandwiches

    grapes next to protein bento box

    Protein Box (aka DIY Bistro Box)

    chicken burrito bowl

    Chicken Burrito Bowls with Chipotle Crema

    A close up of a Veggie Pesto sandwich on a cutting board

    The Veggie Pesto Sandwich That’s Perfect for Packing

    A plate of asian style ChickenSalad

    Asian Chicken Noodle Salad – Very Make-Ahead

    pita sandwich halves in metal holder

    Tuna Pita Pockets

    seasoned salt on sausage and vegetables

    Sausage Packets for the Grill

    bowl of bowtie pasta salad with meal prep boxes

    Cannellini Bowtie Pasta Salad

    A person scooping chip into Santa Barbara Cowboy Caviar

    Santa Barbara Cowboy Caviar

    A plate of Poblano enchiladas with sides

    Poblano Chile Enchiladas

    black bean and pepper wrap cut open and stacked on a plate

    Black Bean and Bell Pepper Wraps

    quick chili in a white bowl with toppings.

    Quickest Chili in the West – Slow Cooker or Stovetop

    chicken breasts sliced on wooden cutting board

    Ditch the Wings – Make Grilled Buffalo Chicken!

    Chef's Salad Recipe | Good Cheap Eats

    Chef’s Salad with a Garlicky Anchovy Vinaigrette

    close up of mac and cheese on white plate.

    Stovetop Mac and Cheese – No Need for a Box!

    Shrimp Bowls Recipe from Good Cheap Eats

    Shrimp Bowls with Mango and Avocado

    A large BBQ Chicken pizza topped with cilantro

    BBQ Chicken Pizza with Bacon & Pineapple

    Queso Fundido Makes for Great Tacos

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    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

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    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    teal graphic with the words, do you know what's for dinner tonight.

    Mexican Food Recipes

    • chicken enchilada bake on plate with side dishes.
      60+ Budget-Friendly Mexican Dinner Ideas
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      3 Ways to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
    • the finished plate of loaded nachos.
      Nacho Bar
    • cooked taco meat in oval dish with taco toppings nearby.
      Easy Homemade Taco Meat
    • overhead shot of jalapeno cream cheese dip with sliced jalapeños on top and a spoon twirled in the cheese.
      Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
    • closeup of Spanish brown rice in white bowl.
      Spanish Brown Rice (Mexican Brown Rice)

    Reader Favorites

    • asian marinated chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and veg.
      5-Minute Asian Chicken Marinade Recipe
    • close-up of cream of celery soup in a jar with celery leaves behind.
      Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
    • small glass pitcher of milk on black background.
      20+ Easy Milk Recipes to Use Up the Leftover Gallon
    • with a fork fluffing the baked rice in the pan with steam rising.
      Baked Rice: How to Cook Rice in the Oven
    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
      Meal Prep Salads for Easy Lunches You’ll Want to Eat
    • best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
      Best Pulled Pork Recipe

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