Finding easy and affordable dinner ideas can make meal prep a breeze, especially when you're on a budget. With 27 simple recipes, you can whip up satisfying meals that save time and money. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for making ahead, so you can enjoy delicious home-cooked dinners throughout the week. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese Salad
This grilled halloumi salad is simple and satisfying, featuring just a handful of ingredients. It brings together warm, salty halloumi cheese with fresh greens, chickpeas, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. A creamy homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together nicely. This dish is perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t require much effort. It’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty and healthy salad.
Turkey Ragù
This turkey ragù is a favorite in our home. It's a simple and delicious pasta dish that everyone enjoys. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly and easily. You won’t need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to whip this up. This is a great option for meal prep, giving you a satisfying meal ready to go.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This sandwich is perfect for taking with you to work or school. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Packed with flavor and filling ingredients, it keeps well throughout the day. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or a snack on the go. This is a simple and satisfying option for busy weeks.
Thin Basil Chicken Breasts
Thin chicken breasts can be prepared in the air fryer for a simple and tasty dinner. In just 6 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Seasoned with garlic and basil, this dish brings a nice kick to your weeknight dinner. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something quick. This is a good dinner choice that won't take much time to make.
Crème Fraîche Carbonara
This version of carbonara is packed with flavor and is a great twist on the classic dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using affordable ingredients, this meal is budget-friendly and satisfying. It's a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy tasty leftovers throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels special without breaking the bank.
Air Fryer Meatballs
These air fryer meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. Made without eggs or breadcrumbs, they offer a lighter take on the classic recipe. With their juicy and tender texture, they stand out from any meatballs you've made before. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy these Swedish-style meatballs as a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ground Beef Chili
This healthy chili is made in a slow cooker and includes beans, corn, and peppers, along with masa harina for added texture. It’s packed with flavors that remind you of the Southwest. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. It’s a simple and satisfying option that doesn’t require much work. Enjoy a hearty bowl that warms you up and keeps you full.
Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It’s a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the classic dish, but you can whip it up in no time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe is perfect for busy weeks. Enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a delicious option for dinner that everyone will love.
Baked Chicken Legs
Baked chicken legs are a great option for a simple and satisfying meal. They come out tender and juicy, with a nice crispy skin. This dish is easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks. It's a perfect choice for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
This recipe is simple and full of great BBQ flavor, perfect for any day of the week. You can enjoy all the taste without having to use a grill. It's a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to have tasty meals ready to go. This dish is budget-friendly, so you won't break the bank while preparing it. It's a great choice for busy nights when you want something satisfying and quick.
Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
This Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a great choice for a cozy meal. With only 8 simple ingredients you probably already have at home, it’s easy to prepare. It’s a straightforward recipe that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy evenings. This dish is filling and flavorful, ideal for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
This slow cooker vegan chili is a great option for a healthy dinner. It's simple to prepare and full of good ingredients. With a vegan twist on a classic dish, it’s perfect for those cooler days. This meal is not only nutritious but also flavorful, making it a satisfying choice. Enjoy a warm bowl of chili that’s easy to whip up any day of the week.
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
This dish features tender and juicy chicken paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's a simple and quick way to enjoy a creamy Alfredo pasta. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting plate of pasta that everyone will love.
Beef Bibimbap
Beef Bibimbap is a simple Korean rice bowl filled with a variety of vegetables, tasty side dishes, and sweet spicy beef, all topped with an egg. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It combines different flavors and textures, making it a fun and delicious meal. You can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. This is a great option for meal prep, as it keeps well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Peruvian Drumsticks
Oven baked drumsticks are packed with flavor from a marinade of vinegar and classic Peruvian spices like smoked paprika and cumin. This dish is perfect for anyone wanting to add some excitement to their dinner plans. It’s simple to prepare and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. These drumsticks are a great option for busy nights when you still want something delicious. Enjoy a tasty meal that won’t take up too much of your time.
Walking Taco Casserole
This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a potluck or a simple dinner during a busy week. You can throw it together without much effort, and everyone will love it. This is a great way to enjoy taco night without the fuss.
Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with chili flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy week. The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to go. This is a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week.
Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup
This meal is sure to please everyone in the family. It combines the delicious flavors of pizza with bow-tie pasta, creating a comforting dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be stored in the freezer for later. This is a great option for busy weeks when you need something quick and satisfying. Enjoy a warm bowl of this soup anytime you want!
Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
Creamy, savory, and ready in just a few simple steps, Instant Pot Tuna Casserole is comfort in a bowl. This family-friendly dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes and is made in just a few easy steps!
Homemade Hamburgers
This dish is simple and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal during the week. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up something delicious. It's great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite burger toppings for a fun twist. This is a great option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Instant Pot Chicken Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that you can whip up in just over an hour. It's creamy and has a nice little kick to it, making it a comforting choice for any night. With its rich flavors, this soup is sure to warm you up. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you a hearty dish to enjoy throughout the week. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup anytime you need a satisfying meal.
Eggplant Moussaka
Eggplant Moussaka is a simple and satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both filling and comforting. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make meal.
Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce
Lamb burgers can be a great way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. They are packed with fresh herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley, which really bring out the flavor. Adding feta cheese and cumin gives them an extra kick that makes them special. The Tahini sauce adds a creamy touch that really enhances the overall dish. This is a delicious option for meal prep that won't break the bank.
Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
Vegetarian tacos can be a delicious and satisfying meal option. These tacos are packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, giving them a great flavor and texture. Topped with fresh homemade pico de gallo, they add a nice burst of freshness. This is a simple and quick recipe that anyone can whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies
This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. It requires minimal effort, just some chopping at the beginning. Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll enjoy a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and flavorful sauce all in one dish. It's a simple way to get a satisfying meal on the table.
Spinach Broccoli Pea Soup
This meal prep idea is budget-friendly and perfect for the week ahead. It’s satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. You’ll find it easy to prepare, and it keeps well in the fridge. This dish is all about convenience without sacrificing taste. Enjoy a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
This cold bruschetta pasta salad features fresh cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fragrant basil. The addition of homemade sourdough breadcrumbs gives it a nice crunch and a flavor reminiscent of classic bruschetta. It's a simple yet tasty dish that works well for a dinner party, a barbecue, or even as a packed lunch. This salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeks. Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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