These crispy bean patties from Yewande Komolafe are a delight to eat on their own or tucked into a soft roll. They work with any kind of bean, so no need to shop https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/healthy-recipes for anything special. For those who don’t like spicy foods, substitute tomato paste for the harissa.
Homemade Mexican Rice
- If you’re vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, pairing grains with legumes (like rice and beans or quinoa and lentils) creates a complete protein.
- Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, quick, and perfect for turning leftover chicken into a budget friendly dinner.
- Feeling peckish and in need of a quick, satisfying bite?
- These are the best cheap crock-pot meals that are a must-try.
- A hearty pot of classic chili made with pantry staples and ground beef.
- One of my family’s favorite dinners is a big blank-canvas pan of basic nachos alongside several bowls of taco meat, queso, shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream and cubed avocado.
Pizza Sliders are fun, cheesy, and easy to make – a playful budget friendly dinner everyone will ask to repeat. Red Curry brings aromatic spices and creamy coconut together for a budget friendly dinner with bold flavor. Sweet, sour, and salty, these lettuce cups are ripe for improvisation and can be served with all sorts of accompaniments. Crunchy raw vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots can add heft, and a drizzle of chili oil is a must for spice lovers.
Cheap and Easy Dinner Ideas for Every Night of the Week
That one doesn’t eat raw tomatoes, this one hates chicken (unless it’s in nugget form) and that one over there won’t touch anything green. The 29 recipes below are just those sorts, with a few guaranteed crowd-pleasers like pancakes and nachos thrown in — and they are cost-conscious to boot. Oh, you’re going to love this garlic butter pasta—it’s creamy, garlicky, and ready in no time. Perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Easy Tortellini Soup
Hobo casserole layers ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce. All the gooey, savory magic of a Philly cheesesteak without the price of ribeye. Ground beef keeps it budget-friendly, melty cheese keeps it comforting, and the sautéed peppers and onions make it feel like more than just another sandwich night. A stir fry is our go-to weeknight dinner when we just don’t have the energy to spend a long time in the kitchen or hit the grocery store—this recipe is no exception. Make it as is for our best-ever version, then use it as a jumping-off point to create your perfect chicken stir-fry.
Chicken and potatoes is a classic comfort food combination that never disappoints. In this sheet-pan meal, Ali Slagle uses store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi in place of the potatoes for a faster, more fun riff on the dish. The recipe calls for two packages of gnocchi, but one reader smartly used one package and one head of cauliflower cut into florets, writing that it worked like a charm. Sherry Rujikarn’s pork laab (also known as moo larb or laap) is a fragrant Thai dish made with ground pork, fresh herbs, shallot, lime juice, fish sauce and chile. Some readers swap ground chicken or turkey for the pork.
How to use up leftover sausages
Keep a jar stocked in the fridge, then work it into fried rice, noodle bowls, or burgers. Dal is a timeless classic — and this version is an ideal starter if you’ve never made it before. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the whole thing only takes 20 minutes. The original recipe calls for red split lentils, but if you want to get more creative, add some French lentils, too. The recipe calls for a mixture of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, but of course you can swap in whatever canned beans or grains that are already in your kitchen. For this crowd-pleasing, low-cost dinner idea, just pile spiced chicken and gooey cheese atop a mound of tortilla chips before digging in!
Mediterranean White Beans & Greens
With planning and smart choices, anyone can make healthy meals that are actually satisfying. Foods like rice, beans, and veggies are wallet-friendly and filling, and are packed with nutrients like protein and fiber. If you can’t get enough of the fresh flavors of bruschetta, get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This chicken pasta—loaded with cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parm—brings the summer vibes every time it’s served. I’ll be honest, I’ve never exactly been what you would describe as savvy with my money.
Slow Cooker 12 Layer Lasagna
With a few clever swaps and some seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy clean, nourishing meals without overspending. With a little planning, lunch can be one of your cheapest meals of the day. Bonus points if you prep extra for the rest of the week. And if budget isn’t your only criteria, check out our comprehensive list of delicious, easy breakfast ideas here.
Fried Rice From Gimme Some Oven
You’re in luck because this pumpkin soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just need a little pick-me-up. When it comes out of the oven, the mac and cheese will be gloriously gooey with a satisfying crunch. Try serving it with a side of steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. Best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, this vegetable omelette is delightfully fluffy with a nice crunch from the veggies. Try serving it with a side of avocado or a dollop of salsa for an extra kick. Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer.
That kind of financial behavior has largely followed me, but not anymore. In 2026, I’m getting serious about budgeting, as I’m sure many of you are, and the grocery store is a great place to start. Instead of hitting the store without a plan in mind, bring this list of 20 ingredients—many of them quite cheap—that can be used to make 10 different flavorful, filling meals.
Flavor is your best friend, and thankfully, it’s cheap. Garlic, onions, spices, herbs, lemon juice, and sauces (like soy sauce or hot sauce) can totally transform basic ingredients. Roasting your veggies instead of steaming them adds depth, and a splash of vinegar or a dollop of yogurt can brighten up any dish. Also—don’t be afraid to remix leftovers into something new. Yesterday’s roasted veggies can become today’s quesadilla filling, grain bowl base, or soup add-in. Everything cooks in one pot, even the rice, which means fewer dishes and more time to exhale.
Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
Spicy ground turkey, red bell peppers, cannellini beans, tomatoes, and kale all combine for a cozy soup that will warm you up all winter long. unimeal reviews consumer reports This chickpea skillet is inspired by our one-pan coconut-lime chicken. Scroll through our best vegetarian meals, easy air-fryer recipes, and meal prep ideas. If you’re craving a takeaway treat but don’t want to spend the extra cash, try this slow cooker chicken tikka masala to bring the curry house to you.
Sheet-Pan Sausage With Spring Onions, Potatoes and Mustard
Beans have reinvented themselves in more ways than I can count, and these Mediterranean white beans and greens are about to elevate our current roster. A one-skillet recipe like this, made of hearty escarole stewed in a rich tomato sauce with lots of cannellini beans, is exactly what you’re surfing the web for. Use purse-friendly chicken thighs for an easy alternative to pulled pork. It’s best served in a bun or with rice – a satisfyingly simple summer meal for the family. For more oomph, add slices of pan-fried tofu, cauliflower or broccoli. Fried rice has the potential to make everyone happy because it works with any number of ingredients.
