Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for your family’s budget? Look no further! In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever to stretch your dollar and still manage to serve up delicious meals. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 20 mouth-watering dinner recipes that are not only easy on the wallet, but also packed with flavor.
From classic comfort foods like one-pot spaghetti with garlic bread to international-inspired dishes like lentil and vegetable soup, there’s something for everyone in this collection of budget-friendly meals. And the best part? These recipes won’t break the bank – many can be made for under $10 per serving!
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 delectable dinner ideas that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re feeding your family without breaking the bank.
One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Bread
Quickly cook a delicious spaghetti dish and garlic bread in one pot, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices Italian bread
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
3. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and onion; cook until softened (4-5 minutes).
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in reserved pasta water.
5. Return spaghetti to the pot; stir to combine with tomato mixture.
6. Meanwhile, butter Italian bread slices on both sides.
7. Place bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Enjoy your one-pot spaghetti with garlic bread!
Vegetable Stir Fry with Rice
A flavorful and nutritious meal that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines the best of vegetables, rice, and savory sauce for a delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp.
5. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Bean and Cheese Burritos
A classic comfort food gets a boost with this simple recipe. Flaky tortillas wrapped around creamy beans, melted cheese, and savory spices make for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the burrito into a neat package.
6. Serve hot and customize with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake
A classic comfort food recipe that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! This creamy tuna pasta bake is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 1 can of tuna in water (5 oz.), drained
– 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp. dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine tuna, frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and parsley. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, tuna mixture, and shredded cheese. Mix well to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This comforting dish is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm, satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker can do all the work for you.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until the rice is well coated with the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. When the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup recipe combines the nutritional benefits of lentils with a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Potato and Sausage Casserole
A hearty and satisfying casserole that combines the comfort of mashed potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and salt.
3. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine mashed potatoes, cooked sausage, and cheesy sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with additional shredded cheese (optional).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Egg Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
A classic Chinese dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! This recipe combines fluffy eggs, savory vegetables, and aromatic rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry until translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; cook until tender.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
A flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas, these black bean and corn-filled tortillas are perfect for a quick dinner or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, corn kernels, olive oil, garlic, and cumin.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the bean-corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Hot Dogs
A comforting twist on the classic mac and cheese, this recipe adds sliced hot dogs for a fun and flavorful twist.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup butter
– 2 hot dogs, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and sliced hot dogs. Mix well to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chickpea and Spinach Curry
A flavorful and nutritious curry that combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the earthy taste of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or ghee for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add chickpeas, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne; stir well.
4. Add coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in spinach leaves; cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Pizza with Basic Toppings
Make a delicious homemade pizza with your favorite toppings! This recipe provides a simple and quick way to create a tasty pie that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a circle or rectangle.
7. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Top with mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Bean Chili with Cornbread
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty Beef and Bean Chili served with crispy Cornbread.
Ingredients:
For the chili:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cornbread:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tbsp butter, melted
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, eggs, milk, and melted butter in a large bowl.
7. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the tomato-basil mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuna and Pea Pasta Salad
A refreshing and protein-packed salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. bow tie, penne)
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained and flaked)
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flaked tuna, frozen peas, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine with the tuna mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Vegetable and Cheese Omelet
A classic breakfast recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whip up this omelet on a weekend morning for a delicious start to the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/4 cup diced mushrooms
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and let them cook for about 30 seconds until the edges start to set.
4. Add the diced bell peppers and mushrooms on one half of the omelet.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the vegetables.
6. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelet over the filling.
7. Cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
8. Slide the omelet out of the skillet onto a plate and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Peanut Butter Noodles with Veggies
A twist on classic pasta dishes, this recipe combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. noodles (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 2 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine peanut butter, garlic, and 1/4 cup of the roasted veggies (sliced into small pieces). Stir over medium heat until smooth and creamy.
4. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss with peanut butter mixture until well combined.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines juicy ground turkey with sautéed onions and rice, all wrapped up in tender bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, and paprika to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Homemade Pancakes with Syrup and Fruit
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy homemade pancakes, drizzled with sweet syrup and topped with fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Syrup (your choice of flavor)
– Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or cooking spray if necessary.
5. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
7. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve with your favorite syrup and fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Lentil and Rice Pilaf
This hearty pilaf is a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a packed lunch. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying and filling dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rinsed lentils, cooked rice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add the water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious and budget-friendly dinner recipes perfect for families. From classic spaghetti with garlic bread to creamy tuna pasta bake, there’s something for everyone. Other options include homemade bean and cheese burritos, slow cooker chicken and rice, lentil and vegetable soup, and more. These simple and satisfying meals are easy on the wallet and won’t break the bank. With a range of flavors and textures, you’re sure to find a new family favorite.
