Easy and Affordable Dinner Recipes for Home Cooking
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Source: hips.hearstapps.com
Introduction
Finding the perfect balance between convenience and cost-effectiveness can be quite a challenge, especially when it comes to meal planning. While it's always tempting to just order takeout or dine out, budgeting and eating in can save you money in the long run. Fortunately, there are 80 cheap dinner recipes that are practically easier than ordering delivery.
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The importance of having cheap and easy dinner recipes
Having a collection of cheap and easy dinner recipes can make meal planning a lot less daunting. It saves you from the hassle of thinking about what to cook every night, while keeping your expenses in check. With recipes that are easy to follow and prepare, you can whip up meals that are not only budget-friendly but also delicious.
Choosing cheaper proteins and vegetarian options
One of the easiest ways to save on ingredients is to choose cheaper proteins. Chicken, beef, and turkey are great options that won't break the bank. You can make use of these proteins in various ways to create delicious and satisfying meals. Additionally, vegetarian options such as beans, lentils, and tofu are also great sources of protein that are significantly cheaper than meat.
To make meal planning even easier, the Budget Eats series on YouTube offers recipes that cost less than $25 to make. These dishes are perfect for those who want to save money without sacrificing taste. Whether you're a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, these cheap dinner recipes are a must-try. So ditch takeout and boring meals for good, and try out these budget-friendly recipes that are both easy and delicious.
Chicken Dinner Recipes
Chicken is a popular protein choice for easy dinner recipes as it is affordable, versatile, and cooks quickly. Here are two delicious chicken dinner recipes that are sure to please everyone at the table:
Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken
Source: www.familyfoodonthetable.com
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on grill and brush with lemon mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
This easy grilled lemon chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The tangy lemon and honey marinade gives the chicken a delicious flavor that pairs well with almost any side dish.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to skillet and cook until vegetables are softened.
5. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to skillet and stir to combine.
6. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer cooked rice, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot with fresh cilantro for garnish.
This chicken fajita casserole is a great way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant at home. It’s easy to make and can be customized with different vegetables and spices to suit your tastes.
In conclusion, chicken dinner recipes are a budget-friendly and delicious way to feed your family on a busy weeknight. These two recipes are just the beginning – don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own easy dinner masterpieces.
Ground Beef Dinner Recipes
Ground beef is an affordable and versatile protein that can be used in a variety of delicious dinner recipes. Here are two easy and budget-friendly ideas to try out:
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Source: www.errenskitchen.com
This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner option that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 head broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add garlic and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour sauce over beef and broccoli and stir to coat.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until sauce is thickened.
This beef burrito skillet is a quick and easy dinner that's loaded with flavor and customizable to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add onion and pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add black beans, corn, salsa, rice, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the skillet and cover with a lid.
6. Allow cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or cilantro.
In conclusion, ground beef is a great choice for cheap and easy dinner recipes that can be whipped up in no time. With these two recipes, you'll have delicious and satisfying meals that won't break the bank. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to these recipes, and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make them your own.
Turkey Dinner Recipes
Turkey is a lean protein that can be a great substitute for chicken or beef in many recipes. Here are two delicious turkey dinner recipes that are easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
Source: www.lifeloveliz.com
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
3. Add sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This turkey and sweet potato skillet is a one-pan meal that is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a great way to use up sweet potatoes and other vegetables you have on hand.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
3. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until vegetables are softened.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the sauce over the turkey mixture and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve hot on hamburger buns.
These turkey sloppy joes are a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. The tangy, sweet, and savory sauce pairs perfectly with ground turkey and makes for a quick and satisfying dinner.
In conclusion, turkey dinner recipes are a great option for those looking for a lean and affordable protein to add to their meal rotation. These two recipes are easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own easy dinner masterpieces.
Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
If you're looking for meatless meal options, you don't have to sacrifice on flavor or satisfaction. Here are two easy vegetarian dinner recipes that are sure to please even the biggest carnivores.
Vegetarian Chili
Source: www.tasteofhome.com
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with desired toppings.
This vegetarian chili is loaded with protein and fiber from the beans and has a rich, smoky flavor from the spices. It's a comforting and filling meal that's perfect for chilly nights.
Mushroom and Spinach Pasta
Source: www.thelastfoodblog.com
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Drain cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Toss to combine.
7. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
This mushroom and spinach pasta is a simple and flavorful vegetarian dinner option that can be on the table in under 30 minutes. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and can be customized with your favorite pasta shape and cheese.
In summary, these two vegetarian dinner recipes are easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking to add more meatless meals to your rotation, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
One-Pot Dinner Recipes
When it comes to easy and stress-free dinners, one-pot recipes are a lifesaver. These meals are simple to make and require minimal cleanup, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Here are two delicious and convenient one-pot dinner recipes to try.
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Source: hips.hearstapps.com
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add chicken broth, heavy cream, fettuccine pasta, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Add chicken strips to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This one-pot chicken alfredo recipe is creamy, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you need a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Soup
Source: onedishkitchen.com
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Croutons, for serving
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
6. Serve hot with croutons on top.
This one-pot creamy tomato soup is a comforting classic that is perfect for chilly nights. The addition of heavy cream makes it rich and luxurious, while the use of canned tomatoes ensures that it can be made any time of the year.
In summary, one-pot dinner recipes are an excellent choice for those looking to make easy and flavorful meals with minimal cleanup. These recipes can be customized to suit your preferences and are sure to become staples in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Sheet pan dinner recipes are a great option for those who want easy and flavorful meals with minimal cleanup. With just one pan, you can cook a protein and a variety of vegetables for a complete meal that's both delicious and healthy. Here are two sheet pan dinner recipes to try tonight.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Source: www.budgetbytes.com
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortillas, for serving
- Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken strips, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onion. Add olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread out into an even layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
This sheet pan chicken fajitas recipe is a crowd-pleaser and takes just minutes of prep time. It's perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
Source: realbalanced.com
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced Italian sausage, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and sliced zucchini. Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Arrange the sausage and vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread out into an even layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot as is or with a side of rice or pasta.
This sheet pan sausage and vegetables recipe is a filling and satisfying meal that's perfect for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. The Italian seasoning gives the dish plenty of flavor, while the combination of vegetables makes it nutritious as well.
In conclusion, sheet pan dinner recipes are an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want something quick, easy, and delicious. Whether you're in the mood for chicken fajitas or sausage and vegetables, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings without adding to your cleanup time. Try them out tonight and enjoy a stress-free dinner with your loved ones.
Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes
Another great option for easy weeknight dinners is using a slow cooker. These appliances are perfect for busy individuals who don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Here are two delicious slow cooker dinner recipes to try.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Source: www.spendwithpennies.com
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits
Directions:
1. Add chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, onion, chicken broth, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return chicken to the slow cooker and stir in frozen mixed vegetables.
4. Cut each biscuit into quarters and add to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
5. Continue cooking on high for an additional hour, or until biscuits are cooked through.
This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening when you need something warm and satisfying.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Source: bellyfull.net
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup water
Directions:
1. Add beef stew meat, onion, beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker until fully combined.
4. Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until stew has thickened.
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cold winter days. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
In conclusion, slow cookers are a great tool for busy individuals who want to make delicious and easy weeknight meals. These recipes can be customized to suit your preferences and require minimal effort, making them perfect for those hectic days. Try these slow cooker recipes today and enjoy the convenience of stress-free cooking.
Slow cookers are an excellent option for busy individuals who want to have delicious and easy weeknight meals. These appliances are convenient and require minimal effort, making them perfect for those hectic days. In this section, we will provide two tasty and straightforward slow cooker recipes to try at home.
The first recipe is Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. The required ingredients for this recipe are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, onion, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, frozen mixed vegetables, and refrigerated biscuits. In a slow cooker, add chicken, cream soup, onion, chicken broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Afterwards, leave it to cook for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender. Then, shred the chicken with two forks and combine it with frozen mixed vegetables and biscuits. Lastly, continue cooking for an hour until the biscuits have cooked through.
The second recipe is Slow Cooker Beef Stew. For this recipe, the required ingredients are beef stew meat, onion, beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, flour, and water. Add all ingredients, except the flour and water, in a slow cooker and leave it to cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender. Then, make a slurry of flour and water and stir it into the slow cooker. Leave it to cook for an additional 30 minutes until the stew has thickened.
Both recipes are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cold winter days. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Feel free to customize these recipes to suit your preferences.
But why slow cooker recipes? Not only are they easy and delicious, but they can also save you money and time. Slow cookers require minimal effort in comparison to other cooking methods, such as grilling or frying. You can also use cheaper cuts of meat in slow cookers since they become tender as they cook for a longer time. Use this opportunity to choose less expensive protein such as chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, or vegetarian options. You can also save time by preparing ingredients in advance, setting the slow cooker in the morning, and letting it cook throughout the day.
In comparison to other methods of cooking, slow cookers can provide you with a delicious and cost-effective meal with minimal effort. These recipes have undoubtedly shown that these appliances are worth investing in. Try making these slow cooker dinner recipes today to enjoy the convenience of stress-free cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, slow cooker recipes are a great option for those who are busy but still want to enjoy delicious and easy weeknight meals. These slow cooker recipes are perfect for chilly evenings, and they can be customized according to preferences. Slow cookers are also cost-effective in comparison to other methods of cooking and can save both money and time. We hope these recipes have inspired you to try more slow cooker recipes at home.
