10 Recipes Cheap Dinner Ideas Save Big with These – Quick & Tasty

Wondering how cheap dinner ideas to make a tasty dinner without spending too much? These budget-friendly recipes are perfect. They’re great for a family of four or for just one person. You won’t have to spend a lot to enjoy a delicious meal. You can save time and money by using simple tips. For example, using pre-cubed squash cuts down on prep time. Or try making teriyaki chicken in a slow cooker for a tasty meal. You could also make pasta fagioli quickly by using ready-made broth. These meals are easy to make and will keep your food costs low.

Our recipes cheap dinner ideas are all about preparing meals quickly. Many dishes are ready in less than 30 minutes. We use different cooking methods like slow cookers and simple stovetop meals. This makes cooking simple for anyone with a busy schedule. You can find recipes with ground beef, chicken, turkey, and pasta, all at a low cost. Plus, using pantry items and frozen veggies helps save even more money.

We offer recipes cheap dinner ideas from various cuisines, including Italian pasta and southwestern casseroles. Most of our recipes are perfect for quick dinners during the week. This gives you many options for meals every day. Whether you like vegetarian dishes or meals with meat, we have something for you. These recipes are tasty and won’t strain your budget.

Are you ready to cheap dinner ideas change how you do dinner without spending a lot? Try our budget-friendly recipes and start saving today!

Chicken Stir-Fry

This recipe is perfect cheap dinner ideas for busy nights. In under 20 minutes, you can have a yummy, healthy meal. This chicken stir-fry is full of veggies and a tasty sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce ($0.44)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar ($0.12)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil ($0.20)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.16)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated ($0.20)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch ($0.08)
• 2 tbsp cold water ($0.00)
• 1 tbsp sriracha ($0.05)
• 2 cups broccoli florets ($1.75)
• 1 large carrot, sliced ($0.31)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced ($1.33)
• 1 small onion, sliced ($0.32)
• 2 green onions, chopped ($0.22)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water, and set it aside.
2. Heat toasted sesame oil in a wok or large skillet.
3. Saute garlic and ginger for one minute, until it smells good.
4. Add chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha until chicken is coated.
6. Put broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and onion in the skillet, cooking until they’re a little soft but still crisp, around 5 minutes.
7. Add the cornstarch mix to the pan to thicken the sauce, and stir for about 2 minutes.
8. Top with green onions before serving.

Tips for Customization

Make this chicken stir-fry your own by changing some ingredients:

• Add More Veggies: You can add snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
• Adjust the Heat: Change the amount of sriracha to fit your taste.
• Swap the Protein: Try tofu, beef, or shrimp instead of chicken for different flavors.

This dish has a high rating for its taste cheap dinner ideas and budget-friendliness. Enjoy a meal that’s both quick and delicious.

Indian Butter Chickpeas

Enjoy the rich flavors of Indian-inspired cooking with cheap dinner ideas Indian Butter Chickpeas. This vegetarian dish turns canned chickpeas into a tasty meal. It’s cooked in a tomato gravy with traditional spices.

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. grated ginger
• 1 tsp. (or more) kosher salt
• 1/2 c. tomato paste
• 2 (14.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed
• 1/2 c. serrano chile, seeded, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. grated or finely chopped peeled ginger
• 1/8 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. garam masala
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. Kashmiri chili powder (or 3/4 tsp. paprika plus 1/4 tsp. cayenne)
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp. dried fenugreek leaves or kasoori methi (optional)
• 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Coconut milk
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Cayenne pepper
• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and grated ginger, cooking until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the garlic, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and cumin until fragrant.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cooking until the mixture thickens.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add the chickpeas and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and optional dried fenugreek leaves or kasoori methi, letting the dish simmer for another few minutes.
8. Season with kosher salt to taste.

Serving Suggestions

To make it real, serve the Indian Butter Chickpeas with steamed cheap dinner ideas basmati rice or naan bread. It’s a hearty and affordable meal. It brings the Indian cooking vibe right to your table.

Sheet-Pan Tikka Masala

The Sheet-Pan Tikka Masala makes dinner easy and tasty cheap dinner ideas. It serves 4 and is great for quick, less-mess meals. You only need 1 hour and 5 minutes, 10 of which are for prep, making this perfect for busy nights.

Start by gathering the ingredients. You’ll need:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1-inch minced ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 large potato, cubed
• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized chunks
• 1 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of Tikka Masala paste
• 1 1/2 lb. of baby yellow potatoes

The sauce uses cheap dinner ideas a can of crushed tomatoes. This ensures great taste without the usual hard work.

Put the chicken, potatoes, and vegetables into a sheet pan. Spread them with Tikka Masala paste. Bake at 425°F for 35 to 45 minutes. The onions will soften in 7 minutes, and the sauce will thicken in 10.

One great thing is it uses chicken thighs. They’re juicy because they have more fat than white meat. Plus, cauliflower and potatoes are full of fiber and nutrients. Add rice, cilantro, and yogurt to make it even better.

This time-saving recipe turns a classic dish into a simple yet elegant meal. It’s a hit for anyone looking for easy, tasty dinners. It’s a top choice in the world of sheet-pan dinners.

Classic Stuffed Peppers

Classic Stuffed Peppers cheap dinner ideas bring something special to your kitchen. They’re a top choice for traditional recipes and belong to the best family favorites. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone looking to save money on meals. These are big bell peppers packed with a tasty mix of meat, grains, and spices, then baked until they are just right.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 1.25 teaspoons of kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 bell peppers
• 1.5 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep and an hour and a half to cook these stuffed peppers. Each serving is around 419 calories.

Variations

This dish is so flexible cheap dinner ideas. It can match various tastes and needs:

• Greek Stuffed Peppers: Use ground lamb and feta instead of beef. Mix in olives and fresh oregano for a Greek twist.
• Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers: Change beef to steak slices. Add sautéed mushrooms and onions, and use provolone on top.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Skip the meat and go for falafel or bean mixes. Enhance the flavor with seasoned quinoa.

These tweaks keep the classic cheap dinner ideas stuffed peppers a top pick for everyone. You can also prep in advance to save time and money, keeping your meals economical.

Sesame Tofu & Broccoli

Enjoy cheap dinner ideasthe mix of flavors in Sesame Tofu & Broccoli. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Plus, it’s a great choice for plant-based eaters.

Ingredients

• 1-14 oz package of tofu
• ¾ cup sesame seeds
• 2 ½ cups broccoli
• ½ cup yellow onion
• 1 cup carrot
• 4 cloves garlic
• ⅓ cup vegetable broth
• ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
• 3 Tablespoons coconut sugar
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and press the tofu to remove as much water as possible. Then, cube the tofu.
2. Mix the tofu cubes with a bit of vegetable oil and half the sesame seeds. Place them on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes until they’re crisp.
3. Now, in a pan, heat a bit of vegetable oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until they’re soft.
4. Add the broccoli and cook until it’s just a bit tender, still keeping its brightness, for about 5 minutes.
5. Next, in a bowl, mix the broth, tamari, coconut sugar, and the peppers. Pour this mix over the veggies and let it simmer.
6. Finally, add the tofu, stir, and top with the rest of the sesame seeds.

Serving Tips

Serve the dish over rice for a full meal. Add green onions and sesame oil on top for a real Asian flavor. It’s a meal that’s quick, yummy, and gentle on your wallet cheap dinner ideas.

Egg Roll Bowls

Egg Roll Bowls are a smart take on classic egg rolls, perfect for family-friendly meals. They keep the known taste but ditch the wrapping and frying steps. You can make this dinner for four in just 30 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep and 20 for cooking.

It lets you pick your ground meat from choices like pork, turkey, beef, or chicken, fitting many diets. For low-carb eaters, you can skip the rice or noodles. Adding those makes it more hearty.

This meal offers 353 calories per serving, with 22g of protein and 3g of fiber. It’s also rich in Vitamin C and iron, good for you in many ways.

Egg Roll Bowls also save you money, using cheap ingredients and common pantry items. This makes it great for those looking for quick recipes that are both tasty and healthy.

Leftover Egg Roll Bowls store well in the fridge for up to three days. This is handy for making meals ahead of time. For serving suggestions, enjoy with rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or veggies.

To sum up, Egg Roll Bowls bring the best of takeout to your home in an affordable, family-friendly way. They offer versatility, great taste, and wallet-friendliness.

Creamy Corn Pasta

Try something new with Creamy Corn Pasta. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick and tasty. This dish is all about a smooth finish without using heavy cream. We use a blend of fresh corn, garlic, and scallions to make a creamy, light sauce. Then, Pecorino cheese and basil top it off, making every bite rich, without the cream.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (around 4 ears of corn)
• 12 ounces shell pasta
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup Pecorino cheese, grated
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Nutritional data: approximately 532kcal per serving.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook pasta as directed, saving 1½ cups of pasta water when done.
2. In a big pan, cook shallots and garlic until they smell wonderful.
3. Add the corn and cook till it’s golden, maybe 5-7 minutes.
4. Put half this corn in a blender with some water, lemon juice, and make it smooth.
5. Now, mix the puree back with the rest of the corn in the pan, and the pasta. Add cheese until it thickens.
6. Add basil and more pasta water if needed for a perfect sauce.

Additional Toppings

To make your meal even better, add these toppings:

• Extra corn kernels for chewiness
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Black pepper as you like it

Mexican Chicken Casserole

The cheap dinner ideas Mexican Chicken Casserole is a favorite among one-pan dishes. It brings together the tasty Tex-Mex flavors that many enjoy. It’s not just quick to prepare; it’s packed with taste for a cozy family meal.

Start with 4 cups cooked chopped chicken and season it with a 1-oz package of taco seasoning. For creaminess, mix in 1¼ cups sour cream and a 10.5-oz can of Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup. Add 1 cup black beans, a 10-oz can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 1 cup corn kernels for that true Tex-Mex feel.

Top cheap dinner ideas your casserole with 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese and ¾ cup tortilla strips. Then, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and gold. This dish serves six, making it perfect for families.

You can prepare this casserole ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s great for planning your meals. For those watching what they eat, you can use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap tortilla strips for crushed chips.

If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors or need something fast, this casserole is a great pick. Add some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh finish. It’s like enjoying cheap dinner ideas both tacos and enchiladas in one tasty dish.

Cheap Dinner Ideas: Hamburger Casserole

Redefine your favorite comfort foods with the Hamburger Casserole. It’s a perfect meal for quick weeknight dinners. This dish is made by mixing ground beef, cheese, and pasta to create a warm, tasty meal. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it simple and quick to make.

Ingredients

• 1 (1lb) box of medium pasta shells
• 1lb ground beef
• 2 (10oz) cans of tomato soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Water, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any fat.
4. Mix the cooked pasta, ground beef, tomato soup, and seasonings in a big bowl.
5. Put this mix into a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish. Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish feeds 6-8, making it great for family dinners or cooking ahead. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pair with salad or steamed broccoli for extra health. Add your favorite pantry items or fresh veggies for variety.

This recipe is perfect cheap dinner ideas for saving money without losing taste. It’s a budget-friendly yet flavorful meal.

Conclusion

These 10 cheap dinner ideas show that eating on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on taste. You can save money while enjoying delicious food. There are options for everyone like easy sheet-pan meals and comforting classics.

Looking at the prices, it’s clear there are affordable meals for different budgets. For gatherings, a Hot Dog Bar for $15 or a Nacho Bar for $42, both for 16 people, show budget-friendly options. Meanwhile, prices on meals like a Baked Potato Bar ($17 for 16 people) or hearty Corn Chowder ($21 for 12 people) have increased, but they’re still good deals.

Easy-to-make meals, like veggie Chana Masala or quick Veggie Stir-Fry, fit well in a busy day. Planning ahead helps save time and money. You’ll enjoy a variety of great meals without breaking the bank.

These recipes cheap dinner ideas and planning tips make dinner exciting and budget-friendly. They work for both big events and cozy family meals. Showing that delicious meals can be wallet-friendly is a true win.