Making tasty dinners doesn’t have to empty your pockets. I understand how difficult it may be to feed a household whereas staying inside price range, particularly with at the moment’s rising meals prices.
These low cost and simple dinner recipes use easy elements you will discover at any grocery retailer and value lower than $2 per serving. My assortment contains fast pasta dishes, casseroles, and one-pan meals that take minimal time to organize whereas delivering most taste for your loved ones.
Listed below are the highest 20 low cost and simple dinner recipes
1) Vegetable Enchilada Bake
I like making this simple vegetable enchilada recipe once I need a budget-friendly meatless meal. The mixture of broccoli, spinach, and black beans creates a filling dish that’s filled with protein.
For further taste, I combine in some roasted salsa verde and spices like cumin and garlic powder. The melted queso fresco and cottage cheese on high make it creamy and satisfying.
This dish is ideal for meal prep. I can prep all of the greens forward of time by chopping zucchini into small cubes and slicing inexperienced onions. The leftovers style nice the following day too.
2) Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
I like this 30-minute one-pan gnocchi dish that makes use of store-bought potato gnocchi. The easy tomato sauce wants just some primary elements out of your pantry.
I begin by heating olive oil and cooking minced garlic till aromatic. Then I add canned tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a pinch of crimson pepper flakes for further taste.
When making this dish, I cook dinner the gnocchi proper within the sauce as an alternative of boiling it individually. This protects time and lets the gnocchi absorb all of the tasty sauce.
For serving, I like to recommend including contemporary basil and grated Parmesan cheese on high. A slice of heat Italian bread makes the right facet to absorb the additional sauce.
3) Simple Mexican Casserole
I like making this easy Mexican casserole once I need the style of burritos with out all of the work. It’s excellent for busy weeknights.
The layers embrace tortilla chips, seasoned floor beef, beans, salsa, and melted cheese. I generally add bitter cream on high too.
I’ve discovered that this dish is actually budget-friendly and versatile. I usually make two batches without delay – one for dinner and one for the freezer.
My favourite method to serve that is with further chips, contemporary salsa, and a inexperienced salad on the facet. The leftovers style even higher the following day.
4) Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy
I like this traditional consolation meals dinner that prices a lot lower than actual steak. The seasoned floor beef patties style wonderful when topped with wealthy mushroom gravy.
I like to recommend serving this hearty meal over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles to absorb all of the scrumptious gravy. A facet of inexperienced beans or peas provides good colour and freshness.
To make it further particular, I generally add melted cheese on high of the patties earlier than spooning on the mushroom sauce. The entire meal takes about 45 minutes to organize from begin to end.
5) Hen and Broccoli Stir Fry
I like making this 20-minute rooster and broccoli stir-fry once I want a fast dinner. It’s excellent for busy weeknights and saves cash in comparison with takeout.
I begin by reducing rooster breast into bite-sized items and chopping contemporary broccoli florets. The hot button is having all elements prepared earlier than heating the wok.
I cook dinner the rooster first till golden, then set it apart. Subsequent, I stir-fry the broccoli till crisp-tender. A easy sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger brings all of it collectively.
One of the best half is I solely want one pan, which suggests much less cleanup. I serve this simple stir-fry over rice for a filling meal that prices just some {dollars} per serving.
6) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This traditional Italian pasta dish wants simply three essential elements: spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. I like how fast and budget-friendly it’s.
I begin by cooking spaghetti in salted water till al dente. Whereas that’s cooking, I slice contemporary garlic very thinly.
To make the sauce, I warmth olive oil in a pan and gently cook dinner the sliced garlic till golden. Typically I add crimson pepper flakes for warmth.
I toss the cooked pasta with the garlic-infused oil and add a little bit of reserved pasta water to create a light-weight sauce. A sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan cheese makes it excellent.
7) Chili Con Carne
I like making low cost chili con carne once I have to feed a number of folks on a price range. A primary pot prices round $4 and serves 4 folks.
The principle elements are floor beef, canned tomatoes, beans, onions, and garlic. I generally use Quorn mince as an alternative of beef to make it vegetarian-friendly.
I begin by sautéing diced onions and garlic, then brown the bottom beef earlier than including tomatoes and seasonings. The entire meal takes about 30-40 minutes to organize.
I serve my chili over rice or with tortilla chips. For further taste, I high it with shredded cheese and bitter cream. The leftovers style even higher the following day.
8) One-Pot Mac and Cheese
I like making one-pot mac and cheese as a result of it’s fast, simple, and creates fewer dishes to clean. The pasta cooks proper within the milk and water combination, making it further creamy.
This 20-minute consolation meals wants simply primary pantry elements like pasta, milk, cheese, and seasonings. I discover it’s excellent for busy weeknights once I need one thing filling with out a lot fuss.
I like to recommend utilizing medium or sharp cheddar cheese for the most effective taste. Including a little bit of butter and a few black pepper makes it style like a gourmand meal, regardless that it’s budget-friendly.
One of the best half is that every little thing goes into one pot – no separate boiling or draining required. My household loves this easy dinner that prices lower than takeout.
9) Sheet Pan Hen Fajitas
I like making these simple sheet pan rooster fajitas for a fast weeknight dinner. The rooster and veggies cook dinner collectively on one pan, making cleanup easy.
I exploit boneless rooster breasts, bell peppers, and onions seasoned with a mixture of taco seasoning and cumin. The elements price round $10 complete.
I unfold every little thing on a pan, drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. The peppers get barely charred whereas the rooster stays juicy.
These make an excellent freezer meal too. I can prep the elements forward and freeze them for as much as 3 months.
I serve the fajitas with heat tortillas and my favourite toppings like cheese, bitter cream, and contemporary cilantro.
10) Turkey and Bean Chili
I make this hearty chili with lean floor turkey, which prices lower than beef and has fewer energy. The beans add protein and make the meal much more budget-friendly.
A mixture of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans creates nice texture and taste selection. I like so as to add corn for a contact of sweetness.
The fundamental elements embrace tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and traditional chili spices. I simmer every little thing collectively for about half-hour till the flavors mix.
This chili is ideal for busy weeknights because it’s fast to organize. I usually serve it with shredded cheese and bitter cream on high. It tastes even higher the following day, making it nice for leftovers.
11) Candy Potato and Black Bean Tacos
I like making these flavorful vegetarian tacos for a fast and budget-friendly dinner. The mixture of roasted candy potatoes and black beans creates a filling meal that prices little or no.
To make them, I cube and roast candy potatoes with primary spices like cumin and chili powder. Whereas they cook dinner, I warmth black beans with onions in a pan.
I heat corn tortillas and fill them with the candy potato-bean combination. Then I high with contemporary elements like cilantro, lime, and do-it-yourself pico de gallo. The entire meal takes about 25 minutes to organize.
These tacos are excellent for meal prep since I could make further filling to make use of all through the week. One batch normally provides me 8-10 tacos.
12) Pasta Primavera
I like making Pasta Primavera once I need a mild and contemporary dinner that received’t break my price range. The dish combines pasta with plenty of colourful seasonal greens.
I begin with 8 ounces of spaghetti or penne pasta as my base. Then I add no matter greens I’ve readily available – broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work nice.
One of the best half is I could make this fast one-pot meal by cooking the pasta and veggies collectively. I end it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
I discover this recipe actually versatile since I can use any pasta form or greens I’ve obtainable. It’s excellent for utilizing up leftover greens from my fridge.
13) Lentil Soup
I like making lentil soup recipes for busy weeknight dinners. Lentils cook dinner shortly and don’t want soaking like different legumes.
The fundamental elements are very low cost – simply lentils, greens, broth, and spices. I spend lower than $10 to make an enormous pot that feeds my household for a number of meals.
This creamy lentil vegetable soup is one in all my favorites. I add carrots, celery, and onions for further vitamin and taste.
I like utilizing crimson lentils as a result of they break down and make the soup thick and hearty. Including coconut milk on the finish provides it a wealthy, clean texture.
My soup all the time seems filling and nutritious. I serve it with crusty bread for a simple full meal.
14) Tomato Basil Soup
This budget-friendly tomato basil soup recipe takes simply 20 minutes to organize with solely 6 primary elements. I like how creamy and wealthy it tastes regardless of being so easy.
Fireplace roasted tomatoes create deep taste on this comforting soup. I like to recommend utilizing canned tomatoes since they’re cheap and obtainable year-round.
To make it further filling, I serve this creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. The leftovers keep contemporary within the fridge for 3 days – excellent for fast lunches.
15) Vegetable Fried Rice
I like making fast and simple vegetable fried rice once I want a quick weeknight dinner. It takes simply 20 minutes from begin to end.
I begin by cooking rice forward of time and letting it cool utterly. Chilly rice works greatest for frying as a result of it received’t get mushy.
Subsequent, I warmth oil in a skillet and sauté carrots and onions for 3-4 minutes. I can add any greens I’ve readily available – peas, corn, or bell peppers work nice.
I season my fried rice with soy sauce and a contact of sesame oil. These easy elements give it that traditional takeout taste at a fraction of the fee.
16) Eggplant Parmesan
I like making this traditional Italian dinner recipe as a result of it’s each filling and budget-friendly.
To make it, I slice eggplant skinny, coat the items with flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then bake them till crispy.
I layer the crispy eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The fundamental elements are easy: one medium eggplant, marinara sauce, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs, and garlic powder.
I discover this meal feeds my entire household for beneath $15, particularly once I serve it with pasta or garlic bread. The leftovers style even higher the following day.
17) Home made Margherita Pizza
I like making this fast and simple Margherita pizza that takes simply 20 minutes from begin to end. It’s excellent for busy weeknights once I need one thing easy however scrumptious.
I begin with a primary pizza dough and high it with a skinny layer of tomato sauce, contemporary mozzarella slices, and basil leaves. I drizzle some further virgin olive oil on high earlier than baking.
I be sure to not overload the toppings – the important thing to genuine Margherita pizza is conserving it easy with high-quality elements. The mixture of melted cheese, candy tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates wonderful taste.
I bake it till the crust turns golden brown and the cheese will get bubbly. The result’s a restaurant-quality pizza that prices a lot lower than takeout.
18) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
I like making this fast and wholesome zucchini noodle dish. It solely takes 10 minutes to organize.
The recipe wants 4 medium zucchini, contemporary basil pesto, olive oil, and non-compulsory cherry tomatoes for further taste. I exploit a spiralizer to show the zucchini into noodles.
I warmth a splash of olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Then I cook dinner the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes till simply tender however nonetheless agency. The hot button is to not overcook them.
I take away the pan from warmth and blend within the pesto till the noodles are properly coated. This mild meal prices round $8 complete and serves 4 folks.
19) Stuffed Bell Peppers
I like making simple stuffed peppers with simply 5 easy elements. First, I reduce bell peppers in half, take away the seeds, and bake them till barely tender.
Whereas the peppers bake, I combine cooked rice with floor sausage or beef. Then, I add shredded cheese and fire-roasted tomatoes for further taste. The meat combination takes about 10 minutes to organize.
I fill the pepper halves with the meat and rice combination, high with extra cheese, and bake till melted. I generally add candy chili sauce or bacon to make them even tastier.
These stuffed peppers make a filling dinner that’s prepared in about 20 minutes. I can even prep them forward and reheat them later within the week.
20) Hen Alfredo Pasta
I like making this traditional consolation pasta dish once I need one thing fast and filling. The creamy sauce pairs completely with tender rooster and al dente pasta.
To make the rooster, I season skinny cutlets with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then I pan-fry them till golden brown.
The wealthy Alfredo sauce comes along with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and many Parmesan cheese. I toss it with fettuccine pasta and sliced rooster.
I could make this complete meal for beneath $5 by procuring gross sales and low cost shops. Purchasing for elements like rooster breasts and Parmesan cheese at gross sales and low cost shops helps preserve the fee low. It feeds my entire household and tastes simply nearly as good as restaurant variations.
