10 Cheap Dinner Ideas That Save Money and Taste Amazing

Hey there! Looking for some delicious yet budget-friendly dinner ideas? You’ve come to the right place! We all know how quickly food expenses can add up, especially when you’re trying to whip up something tasty every night.

But don’t worry – you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a great meal. In this guide, we’ll share a variety of affordable dinner recipes that are not only easy on your wallet but also super satisfying.

From hearty soups and stews to creative pasta dishes and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into some tasty and cheap dinner ideas!

1. One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

This comforting dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Chicken, rice, and vegetables are all cooked together in one pot with a creamy cheese sauce, minimizing cleanup. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy on the wallet.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, frozen peas, and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, stir in the cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Serve with: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli.

Drink with: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea.

2. Lentil Soup with Lemon and Herbs

This vegetarian soup is packed with protein and fiber from lentils, and brightened with fresh lemon juice and herbs. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and coriander, and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve with: Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Drink with: A light, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon.

3. Tuna Noodle Casserole

A classic comfort food that’s easy to make and inexpensive. Canned tuna, creamy sauce, egg noodles, and vegetables are baked together for a warm and satisfying casserole.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, tuna, peas, and cheese. Add the noodles and mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly. Serve hot.

Serve with: Steamed green beans or a Caesar salad.

Drink with: A Chardonnay or a glass of cold lemonade.

4. Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayo

These vegetarian burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef. Black beans are mashed with spices and formed into patties, then grilled or pan-fried. Chipotle mayo adds a smoky flavor for a truly satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated onion
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 burger buns
• Chipotle mayo (mix 1/2 cup mayo with 1-2 teaspoons chipotle sauce)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth. Stir in breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy and heated through.
3. Serve the burgers on buns with chipotle mayo and your favorite toppings.

Serve with: Sweet potato fries or a corn and tomato salad.

Drink with: A hoppy IPA beer or a fruity iced tea.

5. Spicy Sausage and Veggie Pasta

A one-pan wonder, this dish combines spicy Italian sausage, colorful vegetables, and your favorite pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound spicy sausage, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
3. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic, and cook until veggies are tender.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Serve with: A side of garlic bread or a mixed green salad.

Drink with: A robust red wine like Zinfandel or a sparkling water with a twist of lime.

6. Creamy Tomato and White Bean Soup

This creamy soup is bursting with flavor and protein. Cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs are simmered in a broth until tender, then blended for a smooth and comforting meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add white beans, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Serve with: Grilled cheese sandwiches or a side of garlic bread.

Drink with: A dry rosé wine or an Italian soda.

7. Baked Eggs with Avocado and Toast

An elevated twist on breakfast for dinner, this dish is simple and satisfying. Toast is topped with mashed avocado, baked eggs, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for a complete and delicious meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 slices of bread
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish with butter.
2. Crack eggs into the dish, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the whites are set and yolks are runny.
3. While eggs bake, toast the bread.
4. Serve the baked eggs with avocado slices on top of the toast. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Serve with: Fresh fruit salad or a small green salad.

Drink with: A mimosa for brunch or freshly squeezed orange juice.

8. Cheesy Quesadillas with Black Beans and Corn

A great way to use leftover ingredients, these quesadillas are filled with black beans, corn, and melty cheese. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the tortilla.
3. Spread half of the bean and corn mixture on top of the cheese, then place another tortilla on top.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Serve with: Salsa, guacamole, and a side of Mexican rice.

Drink with: A classic margarita or a cold Mexican beer like Corona.

9. Sheet Pan Fajitas

This fajita recipe is a breeze to clean up. Chicken or steak is seasoned and roasted on a sheet pan with colorful peppers and onions. Serve with tortillas, your favorite fajita toppings, and enjoy a delicious and interactive meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken, bell peppers, and onion on a sheet pan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Serve with: Mexican rice, refried beans, or chips and salsa.

Drink with: A fruity sangria or a chilled glass of white wine like Riesling.

10. Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potato

This hearty chili is full of flavor and fiber. Kidney beans, black beans, sweet potato, and corn are simmered in a flavorful broth with warm spices for a chili that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add sweet potato and bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Serve with: Cornbread or a simple green salad.

Drink with: A dark beer like stout or a hot cup of spiced cider.

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