Best Recipes of 2023

by Beth - Budget Bytes

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It’s that time of year again! At the end of every year, I like to round up my favorite recipes that we published throughout the year to make sure you don’t miss out on the best of the best. So get your bookmark tool ready because you’re going to want to save ALL of these recipes for later! These are the top 25 recipes that made me drool, that I can’t stop thinking about, and that I want all of you to experience at least once. So, if you’re wondering what to make for dinner tonight, here are our 25 best recipes of 2023 (In order from oldest to newest)!

Collage of recipes images from 2023 with title text in the center.

1. Paste e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli

A white serving bowl of pasta e fagioli soup topped with bacon, parsley and parmesan cheese, and surrounded by torn bread, uncooked pasta, a black serving spoon, italian parsley and a decorative blue and white dish cloth.
This easy Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a classic, budget-friendly Italian soup that combines beans, pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato-based broth.
4.97 from 28 votes
$6.71 recipe / $1.12 serving Get the Recipe

Pasta e Fagioli is a super cozy soup filled to the brim with all the good stuff (read: pork, vegetables, pasta, AND beans). It’s a true meal in a bowl that is also super budget-friendly!

2. Chicken Nachos

Chicken Nachos

Overhead shot of sheet pan chicken nachos with sliced jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro.
This is THE BEST chicken nacho recipe! What's not to love about crispy corn chips loaded with succulent chicken breast and melted cheese?
4.34 from 3 votes
$14.83 recipe / $1.85 serving Get the Recipe

I can’t pass up a good plate of nachos, especially these light and fresh Chicken Nachos! They’re piled high with fresh greenery, seasoned bites of chicken breast, and cool sour cream for the perfect crunchy-creamy-spicy mix!

3. Easy Dumpling Soup

Easy Dumpling Soup

A close up view of dumpling soup in a white bowl topped with white sesame seeds and chili crisp.
Easy Dumpling Soup is the perfect quick dinner because it’s endlessly versatile, insanely budget-friendly, and can be made in 15 minutes.
4.93 from 28 votes
$2.98 RECIPE / $1.49 SERVING Get the Recipe

Keep a bag of frozen dumplings stashed in your freezer because this super fast and easy Dumpling Soup is a LIFE SAVER on busy nights. It’s like upgraded instant ramen, but BETTER.

4. Spinach Tortellini Skillet

Spinach Tortellini Skillet

Overhead view of a bowl full of spinach tortellini with a fork in the side.
Spinach Tortellini Skillet is an easy and hearty dinner recipe that comes together quickly and will make you want to come back for seconds!
4.68 from 28 votes
$9.11 recipe / $2.78 serving Get the Recipe

Why are tortellini so fun to eat? I don’t know. There’s just something about those little cheese-filled pillows that makes them always delicious, and since they cook in a matter of minutes this Spinach Tortellini Skillet is a winner for quick weeknight meals!

5. Peanut Noodles with Chicken

Peanut Noodles with Chicken

Close up overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with tongs.
These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are an easy meal with a rich, creamy, sweet, and savory flavor that is completely addictive.
4.87 from 36 votes
$9.20 recipe / $2.30 serving Get the Recipe

Peanut sauce makes everything delicious, IMHO. So these Peanut Noodles with Chicken were an instant winner in my book. Creamy, rich peanut sauce, wide noodles, juicy pieces of chicken, and a little lime and red pepper for a kick!

6. Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet

Close up shot of Creamy Chicken And Orzo.
When you think you don't have time to cook, try this easy, buttery, and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! Bonus: It cooks in onepan!
4.81 from 52 votes
$7.99 recipe / $2.00 serving Get the Recipe

O.M.G. This one is just 🤤 You can’t beat a one-pot meal, especially when it includes a super creamy sauce, tender orzo pasta, and juicy chicken thighs. Put this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet on your list ASAP!

7. Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad

Overhead shot of tortellini salad in a white bowl.
This fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious Tortellini Salad feeds a crowd on a dime. The best part: you can put it together in minutes!
4.86 from 14 votes
$15.57 recipe / $1.30 serving Get the Recipe

I’m a sucker for a good “refrigerator salad,” the type of salads that hold up to refrigeration and you can eat off of for days, and this Tortellini Salad is one of the best!

8. Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

Overhead view of ramen noodle salad on an oval serving platter.
This light and fresh ramen noodle salad recipe features crisp cabbage, shredded chicken, crunchy ramen noodles, and an easy vinaigrette. 
5 from 8 votes
$8.33 recipe / $1.39 serving Get the Recipe

Ramen Noodle Salad is a CLASSIC for potlucks and summer get-togethers, but I love making it as a light and fresh meal prep to chomp on all week long! So delish!

9. Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake

A slice of chocolate cake being lifted out of the sheet pan.
Texas Sheet Cake might be the ultimate chocolate cake. It's incredibly easy to make and has a luscious buttery richness with a pure chocolate punch!
4.20 from 5 votes
$11.27 recipe / $0.75 serving Get the Recipe

We made this Texas Sheet Cake back in May, but I’m not lying when I tell you that I was digging around in our freezer just last week hoping to find some stashed in the back. It’s so good that I’m still craving it seven months later!

10. Potato and Green Bean Skillet

Potato and Green Bean Skillet

Close up overhead view of a bowl of potatoes and green beans.
This easy and delicious potato and green bean skillet is the perfect weeknight meal made with simple ingredients like potatoes, green beans, onions, and bacon.
5 from 8 votes
$6.86 recipe / $1.72 serving Get the Recipe

Six ingredients are all you’re going to need to make this simple stunner! This Potato and Green Bean Skillet is great as a side dish or in a larger portion as a quick meal. It’s got all the goodies: bacon, caramelized onions, potatoes, and plenty of seasoning!

11. Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera

A bowl of pasta primavera with a fork in the center.
Pasta Primavera is the perfect Spring dish packed with fresh seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light lemon and butter sauce.
5 from 9 votes
$5.96 recipe / $1.49 serving Get the Recipe

As soon as the Spring veggies start flooding the market, you’ve GOT to try this Pasta Primavera. It’s simple, elegant, fresh, and oh-so delicious!

12. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Side shot of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi in a silver skillet with a wooden spoon in it.
This delicious dish is full of pillowy gnocchi drenched in a rich buttery cream sauce, with pops of juicy chicken and earthy spinach. Plus it's so easy, you can make it in under thirty minutes!
4.71 from 55 votes
$8.41 recipe / $2.10 serving Get the Recipe

It had me at “creamy chicken.” But no, seriously, if you’re looking for an easy, indulgent, and comforting meal to make for dinner, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is it!

13. Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini Muffins

Side view of Zucchini muffins on a wire rack.
These irresistible Zucchini Muffins are fluffy, super moist and the perfect way to use up your generous supply of summer zucchini!
4.75 from 16 votes
$3.53 recipe / $0.44 each Get the Recipe

These Zucchini Muffins alone are reason enough to look forward to summer! They’re sweet, moist, and the perfect compliment to your morning coffee. Make sure to bookmark this one for when your zucchini plant starts producing!

14. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Overhead close up view of stuffed bell peppers on a serving plate.
These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food that’s hearty, filling, has incredible flavors, and can easily feed a large family.
4.74 from 78 votes
$12.21 recipe / $2.03 serving Get the Recipe

A comfort food classic and perfectly portioned for meal prep, you can’t miss with these delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers!

15. Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon Pound Cake

Side view of a sliced loaf of lemon pound cake.
This delicious, moist and easy lemon pound cake recipe is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, and perfect for dessert or paired with coffee or tea.
4.47 from 15 votes
$4.85 recipe / $0.40 serving Get the Recipe

PROMISE me you’ll never pay $3 for a slice of pound cake at the coffee shop ever again because you can make this Lemon Pound Cake at home for about $0.50 per slice and keep it stashed in the freezer for whenever the craving hits!

16. Pickled Jalapeños

Easy Pickled Jalapeños

Overhead view of a bowl full of pickled jalapeños.
These quick pickled jalapeños are the perfect way to top all of your favorite foods, including nachos, sandwiches, pizza, chili, and more.
5 from 5 votes
$2.30 recipe / $0.29 serving Get the Recipe

I want to eat these Pickled Jalapeños on EVERYTHING. They’re so good and only take six ingredients to make, so I will never not have them in my fridge from now on!

17. Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Muffins

Overhead view of a basket full of pumpkin muffins with coffee and pumpkins on the sides.
These pumpkin muffins are moist, subtly sweet, full of warm spices and have a hidden dollop of sweet cream cheese in the center. 
5 from 14 votes
$5.43 recipe / $0.45 each Get the Recipe

I know everyone goes crazy for pumpkin in October, but these Pumpkin Muffins are too good to not make the rest of the year. They’re super soft and moist and have the most delicious little cache of cream cheese in the center.

18. Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Side view of a pumpkin pie bar on a white plate with whipped cream on top.
These easy Pumpkin Pie Bars are rich, creamy, full of warm spices, and made with a buttery shortbread crust. The perfect stress-free dessert to make this holiday season!
4.54 from 15 votes
$5.63 recipe / $0.63 serving Get the Recipe

These Pumpkin Pie Bars were a runaway hit with our readers and I have to agree. The simple shortbread crust is SO much easier than a traditional pie crust and you can cut them into perfect little single-serving-sized squares for parties or Thanksgiving day.

19. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings

Overhead view of chicken and dumplings in a skillet.
This cozy homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich gravy and topped with fluffy dumplings made from scratch.
4.91 from 33 votes
$7.26 recipe / $1.21 serving Get the Recipe

I would eat these Chicken and Dumplings every day of my life if I could. ‘Nuff said.

20. Navy Bean Soup

Navy Bean Soup

Overhead view of a dutch oven pot full of navy bean soup with a ladle scooping some out.
This Navy Bean Soup with ham is hearty, cozy, super flavorful, and perfect on a chilly day. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!
4.84 from 12 votes
$7.32 recipe / $1.22 serving Get the Recipe

Beans are the quintessential budget ingredient, but when they’re prepared like this they feel absolutely gourmet. This Navy Bean Soup is rich, hearty, and everything your cozy dreams are made of.

21. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

Overhead view of a whole sweet potato pie with one slice cut and being lifted out of the pie pan.
Impress your guests with this creamy & delicious Sweet Potato Pie recipe! It adds the perfect touch to finish your Thanksgiving meal.
4.74 from 15 votes
$4.71 recipe / $0.59 serving Get the Recipe

Okay, this Sweet Potato Pie is going to be a new tradition in my house because I couldn’t get enough of it this past Thanksgiving! It’s rich and sweet, but not too heavy. Absolute perfection!

22. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Overhead view of a serving bowl of chicken pot pie soup with one hand holding the bowl and the other hand holding a spoon .
This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is hearty, comforting and perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It’s simply cozy comfort food in a bowl!
5 from 25 votes
$10.19 recipe / $1.69 serving Get the Recipe

If you love chicken pot pie but hate fussing with a crust, you’ve got to try this Chicken Pot Pie Soup! It’s so easy but every bit as delicious and comforting.

23. Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Close up overhead view of cream cheese icing being spread onto homemade cinnamon rolls.
These incredibly delicious homemade cinnamon rolls have soft, buttery layers of cinnamon and sugar topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. 
4.58 from 7 votes
$4.59 recipe / $0.51 each Get the Recipe

Words can not describe how in love I am with these Cinnamon Rolls. I ate them for a week straight during the recipe testing phase and still want more. I’ll definitely be making these on Christmas morning for years to come. …Or just whenever I need some sweet, cinnamon goodness. ;)

24. Orange Cranberry Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread

Front view of a sliced loaf of orange cranberry bread.
This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is a sweet dessert loaf featuring tart cranberries, sweet orange, and a citrus zest glaze.
5 from 10 votes
$5.91 recipe / $0.59 serving Get the Recipe

Hello Gorgeous! I’m a sucker for anything orange-cranberry flavor and this Orange Cranberry Bread is my favorite treat so far. The combination of tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and sweet glaze is just heavenly.

25. Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti

Overhead view of chicken spaghetti in a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon placed inside.
This creamy Chicken Spaghetti recipe is made with a cheesy, luscious, cream sauce and baked to perfection. A pasta lover’s dream!
4.86 from 41 votes
$11.81 recipe / $1.96 serving Get the Recipe

YES PLEASE. This Chicken Spaghetti is warm, creamy, and cozy with juicy chunks of chicken and just a little bit of a kick to cut through all that creaminess. Totally crave-worthy!

What were your favorite recipes from 2023? Share yours with us in the comments below!

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Beth MoncelI’m a food lover, number cruncher, and meticulous budgeter. I love science and art, and the way they come together when I cook. I love to create, problem solve, and learn new things. Making great food is my passion, my purpose, and my favorite thing to share with others.More About Beth

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  1. Oooh, I missed the chicken and gnocchi the first time around – I’m adding it to my “to try” list now!

    This year, I LOVED Beth’s fudge (it’s the fudge I’ve been dreaming of making for years, but didn’t want to mess around with a candy thermometer) and coconut curry chickpeas (great for lunch prep), but probably my all-time 2023 favorite was your lentil bolognese – it is OUT OF THIS WORLD good in both flavor and texture, and I’ve made it at least once a month.

    Thank you, thank you for another wonderful year of recipes! I cook Budget Bytes recipes more than any other source, and I know I can always count on y’all for healthy, easy, exciting meals that don’t make me feel bad for having a tight budget. Here’s to another great year!

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