Cooking dinner can be both time-consuming and expensive, and if you’re not careful, it can easily become one of your biggest expenses.
Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly dinner ideas that can help you save money without compromising on taste and nutrition.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up 35 tasty and affordable dinners that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
35 Budget-Friendly Dinners
1. One-Pot Pasta
A classic one-pot pasta is an effortless and low-cost option that makes for a satisfying meal. Simply combine pasta, vegetables, and protein in one pot to cook together and create a flavorful dish.
2. Tortilla Pizza
Using tortillas as a base for mini pizzas is an easy way to avoid ordering takeout. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), add tomato sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings, then bake for 10-15 minutes.
3. Lentil and Vegetable Stew
This hearty stew is packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Combine lentils, carrots, onions, garlic, and other vegetables in a pot and let simmer until tender.
4. Black Bean Quesadillas
Not only are quesadillas delicious, but they’re also quick and easy to prepare. Fill flour tortillas with cheese, black beans, and any other desired ingredients. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until the cheese is melted.
5. Tuna Salad
This salad is an excellent example of a quick, healthy meal. Combine canned tuna with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onions. Serve on whole-grain bread or over salad greens.
6. Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This casserole is an excellent way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. Fry the onion and broccoli in a pan, then mix with cooked rice, cheese, and other ingredients of your choice.
7. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Stuffed chicken breasts are a fantastic way to switch things up. Butterfly your chicken breast, add spinach, cheese, and any other ingredients you like. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
8. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
An easy stir fry is a simple and tasty way to use up leftover veggies and meat. Cut beef into thin strips and stir-fry with broccoli, garlic, onions, and other seasonings.
9. Shepherd’s Pie
This classic comfort food is an excellent way to repurpose leftovers. Mix leftover mashed potatoes with cooked ground beef, onion, corn, and carrots. Top with additional mashed potatoes and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
10. Southwest Chicken Skillet
A one-pan Southwest Skillet is a quick and flavorful dinner option. Combine chicken, black beans, corn, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet. Add seasonings and cook for 10-15 minutes.
11. Baked Potato Bar
Take a timeless American favorite and add your toppings to create a healthy dinner option. Bake potatoes and serve with a selection of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives.
12. Chickpea Curry
Spice up dinner with a delicious and protein-packed curry filled with chickpeas, garlic, onion, tomato, cilantro, and other seasonings.
13. Vegetable Frittata
A vegetable frittata is an easy way to incorporate your favorite veggies into your diet in a tasty and affordable way. Top with your favorite cheese and broil for five minutes!
14. Homemade Sloppy Joes
Try out a new take on a classic sandwich. Cook ground beef in a pan with tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve on a warm bun.
15. Lemon Garlic Salmon
Great source of Omega 3. Broil salmon fillets with garlic, butter, and lemon juice. Serve with your favorite grain or sautéed vegetables.
16. Clean-Out-The-Fridge Stir Fry
Utilize any leftover veggies or rice from earlier in the week and whip up a delicious stir-fry. Add frozen veggies, nuts, or edamame for protein.
17. Carrot Ginger Soup
Delicious and healthy, this soup is made with carrots, ginger, garlic, and onion. This delicate blend of flavors is perfect for a chilly night.
18. Chicken Caesar Salad
Make your own homemade dressing using mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Serve over kale and seasoned chicken.
19. Veggie Omelet
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a quick omelet is a go-to. Try zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach with a sprinkle of feta cheese.
20. Spaghetti Bolognese
A timeless classic. Cook spaghetti and serve the Italian classic with ground beef, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
21. Barbecue Pulled Pork
For easy comfort food, put a pork roast in the crockpot with barbecue sauce. Leave it to cook while you work, and then enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal after a long day.
22. Potato and Sausage Skillet
A one-pan dish that combines sliced potatoes, sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Season and cook until everything is tender and flavorful.
23. Vegetable and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and seasoning. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is delicious.
24. Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas
Saute mushrooms, spinach, and garlic in a skillet, then fill flour tortillas with the mixture, along with cheese. Cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
25. Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry
A vegetarian option that’s both budget-friendly and delicious. Toss cubed tofu with a variety of vegetables and a homemade stir-fry sauce. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
26. Bean and Rice Burritos
Combine cooked rice with canned beans, seasonings, and any additional ingredients you like. Roll the mixture in tortillas, top with cheese, and heat until the burritos are hot and the cheese is melted.
27. Egg Drop Soup
A simple and comforting soup made with chicken or vegetable broth and beaten eggs. Add green onions, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
28. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mix canned chickpeas with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a simple vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and budget-friendly salad.
29. French Bread Pizza
Slice a French baguette in half, top with tomato sauce, cheese, and your preferred toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
30. Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Spread hummus on a tortilla, add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and any other vegetables you like. Roll it up for a quick and healthy meal.
31. Baked Zucchini Parmesan
Coat sliced zucchini with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake until crispy. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
32. Peanut Noodles
Cook your favorite noodles and toss them in a homemade peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. Add some vegetables for a filling and delicious meal.
33. Pita Pockets with Falafel
Serve store-bought or homemade falafel in pita pockets with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and tahini sauce for a flavorful and budget-friendly dinner.
34. Veggie and Bean Chili
Make a hearty and budget-friendly chili using canned beans, mixed vegetables, and chili seasonings. Top with cheese and enjoy a filling dinner.
35. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cut acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill the cavities with a mixture of cooked quinoa, mixed vegetables, and seasonings. Bake until the squash is tender and the filling is delicious.
Final Thoughts,
Eating dinner is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, and with the help of these 35 budget-friendly dinner recipes, dinner doesn’t have to be expensive. With these meal ideas, you can eat well and enjoy some variety while managing your expenses.
The recipes in this post vary in preparation time and ingredients, but they all have a common goal: to help you save money while eating healthy and delicious meals. Start making a list and save excitement to try out all these budget-friendly dinner recipes today!
