Have you ever had that moment when you checked your wallet and found that your budget wouldn’t allow for a fancy dinner or dining out?
It’s a bummer, but don’t let your budget get in the way of enjoying a delicious meal. Have no worries. Here are 43 budget-friendly dinner recipes that are easy and healthy.
43 Cheap Dinner Ideas for the Budget-Savvy
1. Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is perfect for you. This recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be customized to your liking.
Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, and you’re good to go.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
You only need spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil, and voila! You have a classic Italian dish.
It’s a quick and easy meal that is both delicious and satisfying.
3. Black Beans and Rice
Beans and rice are perfect staples for a quick and easy one-pot dinner. You can add tons of flavors to make it your own.
The combination of black beans and rice is both filling and delicious.
4. Broccoli and Cheese Soup
This recipe is perfect for cold weather. Broccoli is a superfood rich in nutrients. Add some cheese to make this soup more filling and creamy.
5. Loaded Sweet Potato
If you’re looking for something sweet and savory, a loaded sweet potato topped with ground beef and cheese is perfect.
It’s a meal that can be made in a few minutes, and the combination of flavors is perfect.
6. Fish Cakes
Fish cakes are a great way to use up leftover fish. Simply mix up some fish, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, form them into patties, and fry them up.
Serve them with a salad and some garlic mayonnaise for a tasty dinner.
7. Tuna Salad with Avocado
Tuna salad is a simple dish that can be made in minutes. Pair it with avocado for a filling and healthy dish.
8. One-pot Chicken and Rice
Add some chicken and rice into a pot along with some chopped veggies, and you have a tasty one-pot meal.
It’s a great way to use up what you have in your fridge.
9. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Nothing beats a classic combination of soup and grilled cheese.
Make some tomato soup from scratch and grill up some cheese and bread for a satisfying dinner recipe.
10. Shakshuka
This dish is a popular Middle Eastern breakfast but is great for dinner too.
All you need are some eggs, tomato sauce, bell peppers, and spices for a flavorful and filling meal.
11. Soba Noodle Stir Fry
A stir fry is a great way to use up veggies in your refrigerator and add some soba noodles for a filling and nutritious dinner.
12. Eggs in Purgatory
This meal is effortless yet delicious. Top some eggs in tomato sauce and bake it in the oven. It’s a perfect dinner recipe when you’re short on time.
13. Tomato Pasta with Bacon
Add some bacon to your pasta for a mouth-watering twist on a classic dish.
It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create something tasty.
14. Oven-Baked Chicken with Potatoes
A one-pan meal with chicken and potatoes is a great dinner recipe that is satisfying and easy to prepare.
15. Spicy Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a great way to add some plant-based protein into your diet. Add some spice to make it more flavorful and satisfying.
16. Spaghetti With Mushroom Tomato Sauce
Tomato and mushroom pasta is simple, yet delicious. Add some garlic and olive oil to the sauce to make it more flavorful.
17. Slow-Cooker Chili
Chili is great for feeding a crowd.
Add some ground beef, beans, and spices to a slow cooker for an easy dinner recipe that can be enjoyed for days.
18. Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
Grill up some chicken and veggies for a healthy and easy meal.
You can add any veggies you have on hand for a perfect dinner recipe.
19. Summer Salad
A summer salad is a great way to use up fresh produce. Add some chicken or tuna for added protein and flavor.
20. Instant Pot Beef Stew
The Instant Pot is a great kitchen gadget for busy weeknights. Throw in some beef, veggies, and spices for a tasty and comforting dinner.
21. Greek Salad Wraps
This delightful culinary creation takes all the vibrant flavors of a classic Greek salad and wraps them up in a convenient and portable package.
It’s a feast for the senses, offering a balance of textures and a medley of fresh ingredients that evoke the sun-soaked shores and blue seas of Greece.
22. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings for a flavorful and budget-friendly dinner option.
23. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté a variety of vegetables with soy sauce and spices for a quick and healthy dinner. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
24. Margherita Pizza
Make your own pizza dough or use store-bought, top it with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a classic and affordable pizza.
25. Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cooked chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then grill or bake until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
26. Vegetable Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice and vegetables into a flavorful stir-fried dish by adding soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of protein.
27. Egg Fried Rice
Turn simple ingredients like rice, eggs, and vegetables into a satisfying fried rice dish. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.
28. Baked Ziti
Combine cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, cheese, and herbs, then bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting and affordable pasta dish.
29. Tofu Stir-Fry
Sauté tofu with an array of colorful vegetables and your choice of sauce for a nutritious and wallet-friendly dinner.
30. Loaded Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, salsa, and any other desired toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with guacamole and sour cream.
31. Caprese Salad
Combine fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant salad.
32. Vegetable Curry
Simmer a medley of vegetables in a flavorful curry sauce made from spices, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
33. Teriyaki Chicken
Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce, then grill or sauté until cooked through. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious Asian-inspired dinner.
34. Lentil Tacos
Replace ground meat with cooked lentils seasoned with taco spices for a vegetarian twist on traditional tacos. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
35. Margherita Quesadilla
Fill tortillas with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, then grill or bake until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with marinara sauce.
36. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Coat chicken pieces in a homemade sweet and sour sauce, then bake or stir-fry until cooked through. Serve over rice or noodles.
37. Mexican Rice Casserole
Combine cooked rice with ground beef, beans, corn, and salsa, then bake until bubbly and golden for a flavorful and filling casserole.
38. Caprese Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze for a refreshing and budget-friendly salad.
39. Chickpea Curry
Simmer chickpeas in a fragrant curry sauce made with spices, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a hearty vegetarian meal.
40. Vegetable Frittata
Whisk together eggs, milk, and your choice of vegetables, then bake until set for a simple and nutritious dinner. Serve with a side salad.
41. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Spread barbecue sauce on pizza dough, top with cooked chicken, red onion, and cheese, then bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
42. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
Toss together crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and grilled chicken for a fresh and protein-packed salad.
43. Vegetable Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with sautéed vegetables and cheese, then grill or bake until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Final Thoughts,
Preparing dinner on a budget requires a bit of creativity, but it’s achievable.
These 43 budget-friendly and easy dinner recipes are perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend too much money or time in the kitchen.
With a bit of creativity and some staple ingredients, you can prepare a delicious and satisfying meal.
