Budget-friendly Easter mains don’t have to look or feel cheap. These recipes are great for when you want something that tastes good, feeds a crowd, and still feels like a celebration. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but still have that “wow” factor you want on a holiday table. Whether you’re cooking for four or fourteen, these mains keep it low-cost without cutting corners on flavor or presentation.
Shepherd's Pie
This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie comes together in about an hour with lentils, mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. A hearty, budget-friendly Easter main that feels substantial without the high price tag.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd's Pie
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and veggies brings both color and texture to the Easter table. It’s an easy and budget-conscious option that still looks elegant enough for a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, ricotta, and parmesan, this one-pot creamy pasta is ready in 30 minutes. It’s an affordable Easter dinner that feels festive without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Easy Mushroom Wellington
This mushroom Wellington has a flaky crust wrapped around a savory mushroom and herb filling. It’s a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly Easter centerpiece that feels fancier than it is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
This spaghetti squash lasagna layers ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs in just 45 minutes for a comforting, meatless main. It’s a budget-friendly choice that still looks special enough for Easter.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Vegetable Pot Pie
Vegetable pot pie with a golden crust and a savory veggie filling is both nostalgic and impressive. It’s a smart budget-friendly Easter dinner that feeds a group without requiring expensive ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma features sautéed eggplant and a tomato-based sauce finished with fresh basil, ready in just 30 minutes. It's a traditional dish that makes for a budget-friendly Easter main without compromising on presentation.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Vegan Ham
This vegan ham uses vital wheat gluten to mimic traditional ham, complete with rich flavor and satisfying texture. It’s a budget-friendly Easter main that looks impressive on the table and skips the cost of meat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Herbes de Provence roasted chicken with garlic and lemon is crisp-skinned and juicy, great for feeding a group. It’s an affordable Easter main that’s simple to make but still fits the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
This gochujang cauliflower is bold and flavorful, perfect served with rice or as part of a shared meal. It's a low-cost Easter main with a vibrant look and bold taste that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Mushroom Ragù
Mushroom Ragù is easy to make and full of flavor, perfect served over pasta, polenta, or rice. It’s a wallet-conscious Easter main that still feels rich and satisfying on a holiday.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù
Salisbury Steak In The Slow Cooker (Gluten Free)
Slow cooker Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy turns out tender and comforting, with very little hands-on time. A budget-friendly Easter main that delivers big on flavor and presentation.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak In The Slow Cooker (Gluten Free)
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and creamy main that still feels festive. It’s a simple, budget-friendly Easter recipe that works just as well for a small dinner or larger gathering.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Stuffed Peppers
Roasted vegan stuffed peppers filled with lentils, quinoa, and vegetables are colorful and hearty. This is a budget-friendly Easter dinner that’s as pretty on the plate as it is filling.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Creamy lemon chicken thighs are full of bright flavor and easy enough for a weeknight but still special for Easter. This is a low-cost Easter main that doesn’t look or taste like a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli combines peas and Pecorino cheese in a comforting bowl of pasta that’s done fast. It’s a straightforward and affordable Easter main that still brings a special touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Air fryer ham steak is juicy and fast, ready in minutes with a holiday-style feel. It’s a practical Easter dinner for smaller gatherings that still brings that celebratory touch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe needs only three ingredients and about 20 minutes, but looks timeless and classic on any holiday table. This budget-friendly Easter recipe is a minimalist’s dream without feeling plain.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Bruschetta stuffed chicken breasts with garlic, tomatoes, and cheese make a bright and quick Easter main. It’s a low-cost option that doesn’t look like one, and tastes like spring.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
This spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms is ready in 30 minutes. It's a budget-conscious Easter main that brings color, freshness, and a little wow factor without the cost.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Baked Salmon With Greek Salsa
Baked salmon with Greek salsa is fresh and light with bold flavor from herbs and lemon. This is a lower-cost Easter fish dish that’s still centerpiece-worthy without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salmon With Greek Salsa
Vegan Turkey Roast
Made with chickpeas and seitan, this vegan turkey roast is hearty and full of flavor. It’s a low-cost Easter dinner idea that still feels festive and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells are packed with beef, peppers, and cheese, then baked until bubbly. A crowd-friendly Easter meal that’s full of flavor without a high grocery bill.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Slow Cooker Pork Loin
Slow cooker pork loin cooks until melt-in-your-mouth tender and needs minimal prep. It’s a budget-friendly Easter recipe that’s easy to pull off and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin
Trenette al Pesto
Trenette al Pesto is a fast pasta made with potatoes, green beans, and basil pesto from Liguria. It’s a comforting Easter main that’s easy on the wallet but still feels bright and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Cornish hens cooked in the air fryer come out crisp-skinned and juicy inside, great for more intimate meals. This is a budget-friendly Easter main that feels personal and special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Paccheri al Forno
Paccheri al Forno is a Southern Italian pasta bake that uses pantry ingredients and takes under an hour. It's a great budget-friendly Easter dinner that feeds a crowd and comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno
Juicy Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin
Bacon-wrapped pork loin is tender, juicy, and looks like it took much longer to make than it does. It’s a surprisingly affordable Easter dinner option with a centerpiece-worthy finish.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
This copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese takes just 20 minutes and comes out creamy and rich. It’s an easy, budget-friendly Easter dinner that everyone at the table will recognize and love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
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