Creating tasty dinners doesn’t have to mean expensive ingredients. These budget-friendly meals offer satisfying flavors without breaking the bank, letting you enjoy variety and creativity in the kitchen. These 20 affordable recipes use budget-friendly items to craft flavorful, filling meals. Each recipe includes tips to enhance flavors and stretch your dollar further!
One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil
Ingredients: Spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, Parmesan (optional).
Tip: Cook the spaghetti in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to add depth of flavor.
bakeandbewell
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients: Canned black beans, sweet potatoes, tortillas, spices.
Tip: Roast the sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cumin and paprika for added warmth. Top with a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
Elizabeth Stark
Lentil Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients: Lentils, carrots, celery, onions, canned tomatoes, spices.
Tip: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
faithfulplateful
Fried Rice with Eggs and Vegetables
Ingredients: Rice, eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, green onions.
Tip: Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame oil for authentic flavor.
thiswifecooks
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
Ingredients: Sausages (Italian or chicken), potatoes, bell peppers, onions, seasonings.
Tip: Chop vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking, and toss with olive oil and seasoning for a crispy finish.
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, spinach, canned tomatoes, onion, curry powder, coconut milk.
Tip: Sauté the curry powder with onions for richer flavor before adding other ingredients.
leelalicious
Tuna and White Bean Salad
Ingredients: Canned tuna, canned white beans, olive oil, lemon, greens.
Tip: Mix with chopped parsley, olives, and a touch of Dijon mustard for added zest.
Elise Bauer
Baked Ziti with Marinara
Ingredients: Ziti pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese.
Tip: Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra flavor, and layer with ricotta for a creamy texture.
Isa Zapata
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Ingredients: Potatoes, cheese, sour cream, green onions, optional toppings (beans, bacon bits).
Tip: Scoop out some of the potato, mix it with cheese and toppings, then refill and bake for a richer flavor.
Anna Watson Carl
Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)
Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, spices, eggs.
Tip: Top with crumbled feta and fresh herbs, and serve with crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.
Youtube
Peanut Noodles with Vegetables
Ingredients: Pasta or noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, shredded carrots, green onions.
Tip: Use a squeeze of lime and a dash of sesame oil for extra depth and garnish with crushed peanuts.
storyofakitchen
Beef and Bean Chili
Ingredients: Ground beef (or turkey), beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder, onion, bell pepper.
Tip: Add a square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee to deepen the chili flavor.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients: Bell peppers, rice, ground meat or beans, tomato sauce, cheese.
Tip: Precook the bell peppers in the oven for 10 minutes before stuffing to soften them slightly.
Brian Macdonald /Photodisc/Getty
Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
Ingredients: Tortillas, shredded cheese, bell peppers, spinach, beans.
Tip: Serve with salsa or Greek yogurt for dipping, and use low-fat cheese to keep it lighter.
inspiredtaste
Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Rice
Ingredients: Chicken breast, broccoli, rice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger.
Tip: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and a bit of honey for extra flavor, and top with sesame seeds.
Youtube
Homemade Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, basil, garlic, spaghetti.
Tip: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added richness.
justslowcooker-recipes
Italian-Style Frittata with Veggies
Ingredients: Eggs, frozen or fresh vegetables, cheese.
Tip: Use leftover veggies, and top with fresh herbs or a dollop of pesto for extra flavor.
themediterraneandish
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients: Chicken thighs, rice, broth, frozen veggies, seasoning.
Tip: Season the rice with onion powder and garlic for a savory base, and bake with a lid to keep it moist.
JULIA GARTLAND
Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, garlic, spices, yogurt, cucumber.
Tip: Serve with pita and lettuce, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.
cookinguphappiness
Margherita Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients: Flatbread, tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil.
Tip: Bake at a high temperature to crisp the flatbread and drizzle with olive oil after baking.
spicecravings
