Let’s face it, eating out every night can seriously dent your wallet. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious food for the sake of your budget. With a little creativity and planning, you can whip up delicious and affordable dinners that will satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank.
Here are some cheap dinner ideas to get you started:
Embrace the Power of the Bean
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse and incredibly budget-friendly.
Chili: A classic for a reason! Toss in some ground beef or turkey for extra protein, and top with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.
Black Bean Burgers: Mash black beans with some spices and breadcrumbs to form patties. Grill or pan-fry them, and serve on whole-wheat buns with your favorite toppings.
Three Bean Salad: A simple and refreshing side dish that can be a meal on its own. Combine black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans with a simple vinaigrette.
Pasta Power
+ Dinner Recipes for Two On a Budget – Oh, That’s Good
Pasta is a versatile and affordable staple.
Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A simple yet satisfying meal. Use canned crushed tomatoes or make your own sauce with fresh or frozen tomatoes. Add some herbs, garlic, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Pasta Primavera: Toss pasta with a variety of colorful vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add a simple olive oil and garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Mac and Cheese: A childhood favorite that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Use elbow macaroni and top with a simple cheese sauce. Get creative with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere.
Rice Recipes
Rice is another budget-friendly staple that can be used in countless ways.
Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to make a quick and easy fried rice dish. Add chopped vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce for extra flavor.
Rice Bowls: Create customizable rice bowls with a variety of toppings like grilled chicken or tofu, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Lentil Soup with Rice: A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cold winter night. Serve with a side of rice for a complete meal.
Sheet Pan Suppers
Sheet pan suppers are a quick and easy way to cook a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
Sheet Pan Fajitas: Toss chicken or tofu with fajita seasoning and roast on a sheet pan with bell peppers and onions. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and all the fixings.
Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables: Roast a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies: Roast chicken thighs or drumsticks on a sheet pan with potatoes and your favorite roasted vegetables.
Embrace the Power of the Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a fantastic way to cook delicious and affordable meals with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A classic comfort food that’s easy to make in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Chili: Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or burritos.
Soup’s On!
Soup is a budget-friendly and comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Lentil Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup that’s packed with protein.
Vegetable Soup: Use a variety of seasonal vegetables to create a delicious and nutritious soup.
Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for a cold day.
Salads That Satisfy
Salads don’t have to be boring!
Grilled Chicken Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with grilled chicken, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette.
Tuna Salad: A classic for a reason! Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, celery, and onion. Serve on bread, crackers, or in lettuce wraps.
Greek Salad: A refreshing and flavorful salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
Breakfast for Dinner
Sometimes the best dinner ideas are the simplest ones.
Pancakes: A classic for a reason!
Scrambled Eggs: Add some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
French Toast: A sweet and satisfying way to end the day.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan to help you stay on track and avoid impulse purchases.
Shop your pantry: Use up what you already have before buying new groceries.
Buy in bulk: Stock up on non-perishable items like rice, beans, and pasta when they’re on sale.
Take advantage of sales and coupons: Clip coupons or use grocery store apps to save money on your groceries.
Grow your own herbs: Fresh herbs can add a lot of flavor to your dishes.
Cook in bulk: Make large batches of meals and freeze leftovers for easy dinners later in the week.
Get creative with leftovers: Use leftover chicken in salads, tacos, or stir-fries.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try new recipes and find what you and your family enjoy.
Conclusion
Eating delicious and affordable meals doesn’t have to be a challenge. By embracing simple ingredients, planning your meals, and getting creative in the kitchen, you can enjoy delicious and budget-friendly dinners all year round. So ditch the takeout menus and start cooking! Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.
