Cheap Dinner Ideas
Discover a variety of budget-friendly dinner ideas that are quick, easy, and family-friendly, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
One-Pot Dinner Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup rice Use any type of rice
- 2 cups leftover veggies Can include broccoli, bell peppers, or others
- 2 cups broth Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sour cream For topping
Chicken Stew Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs
- 2 cups carrots Chopped
- 2 cups potatoes Chopped
- 1 cup onions Chopped
- 1 cup noodles Optional addition
- 4 cups water
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey Healthier alternative to beef
- 1 jar jarred sauce
Miscellaneous Ingredients
- 4 pieces naans or tortillas For serving with toppings
- 1 can canned tomatoes Affordable pantry staple
- 1 can canned beans For quick meals
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients before starting.
- Chop vegetables and prepare meats as needed.
Cooking One-Pot Dinner
- In a large skillet, heat sausage and cook until browned.
- Add leftover vegetables, rice, and broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked.
Cooking Chicken Stew
- Combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, onions, and water in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let simmer until chicken is tender.
- Add noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Preparing Meatballs
- Form meatballs with ground turkey and simmer in sauce for 20 minutes.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or sliced bread.
Notes
Meal prepping can help save time. Use frozen vegetables for convenience. Leftovers can be repurposed into new meals, which helps reduce food waste.