15 Budget Friendly Copycat Recipes

Who says you need to spend a fortune to enjoy your favorite restaurant dishes at home? These budget-friendly copycat recipes are here to save the day! They’re perfect for anyone who loves a good meal but hates the hefty price tag. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these amazing meals that taste just like the real deal! They’re so good that you might just forget about ordering in ever again.

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you want to re-create a familiar restaurant favorite, Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich offers a direct route to nostalgia without the hefty price tag. This recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant experience right from your kitchen. It’s designed for easy replication at home, ensuring that anyone can whip it up without fuss. The result is a comforting meal that doesn’t dent your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of rich and creamy pasta dishes served in high-end restaurants, then making Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka at home is the budget-friendly answer. This version brings sophisticated flavors into your dining room without the upscale dining cost. It’s easy enough for anyone to attempt, translating a complex dish into a straightforward recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a taste of the Outback’s popular dish without leaving your home, try preparing Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. It captures the essence of the dish without the need to dine out. This recipe ensures a comforting, fulfilling meal that’s easy on your budget. Ideal for evenings when you crave something familiar yet economical.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Missing those classic diner dishes? With Diner Style Salisbury Steak, you can bring the diner experience into your home kitchen. This recipe is about comfort and nostalgia, paired with the affordability of a home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for a family meal that captures the essence of a hearty, comforting diner-style dish.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You can enjoy gourmet-style croquettes with Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes, a budget version of HelloFresh’s popular offering. This recipe lets you replicate that crisp, crunchy exterior and soft, savory interior. It’s just right for those looking for an upscale dining experience without the high costs associated with meal kits or fine dining.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy a meal that’s gentle on your budget. Everyone loves a creamy, comforting bowl of pasta, and Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo allows you to recreate this restaurant favorite cost-effectively. It’s perfect for those seeking to enjoy luxurious flavors without spending a fortune. This easy-to-follow recipe brings restaurant quality to your table at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When the craving for Italian food hits, Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is your go-to for a budget-friendly fix. This recipe captures the hearty flavors of Maggiano’s delicacy, streamlined for easy cooking. It’s a fantastic choice for introducing restaurant-level taste to your dining routine. Best enjoyed when you’re looking for something special yet economical.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing home the flavors of your favorite quick-service restaurant is simpler with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. This recipe offers a great way to enjoy a familiar taste with a homemade touch. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a fun meal with friends. Affordability meets convenience and flavor in this easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Indulging in Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home lets you enjoy restaurant-quality flavors on a budget. By preparing this dish yourself, you significantly cut costs while still relishing in a popular favorite. This recipe mimics the well-loved classic from Panda Express, giving you a chance to impress family and friends with your culinary skills without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For those chilly evenings when you crave something warm, Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup serves as a perfect budget-friendly meal. This soup offers a comforting, creamy consistency that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s an affordable alternative to dining out, bringing the familiar flavors of Jason’s Deli right into your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing Chinese cuisine to your dining table with Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken can be both fun and economical. This dish allows you to replicate the savory flavors found at Panda Express with ingredients already in your pantry or easily found at local supermarkets. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little DIY in the kitchen, making a typical takeout meal an affordable dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

An open-face NY Steamer sub copycat on a plate with Italian dressing.
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re a fan of hearty sandwiches, then Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich is your budget-friendly go-to. This recipe brings together rich flavors in a filling sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s an economical way to recreate a Firehouse Subs favorite, providing a satisfying meal without the cost of eating out.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dip that turns any occasion into a festive one, try making Creamy Jalapeno Dip at home. This dip is not only cost-effective but also a crowd favorite, adding a kick to any party or gathering. It replicates the creamy, spicy taste you’d find in a restaurant while being remarkably simple to put together. This makes it an ideal choice for entertainers looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the rich and flavorful Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup from the comfort of your home. This copycat recipe is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the beloved taste of Panera Bread’s soup without the expense of dining out. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add a little flair to their meal routine while keeping an eye on their budget.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate the indulgent experience of Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots with this simple at-home recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite flavors without spending extra on delivery fees. This dish is ideal for game nights, family gatherings, or as a fun snack during movie nights. It’s proof that you can have your tots and eat them too, economically.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

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