27 Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes for Every Night

Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune.

With a little planning, creativity, and the right ingredients, you can prepare delicious, hearty dinners without breaking the bank.

These 27 cheap dinner recipes are designed to be affordable, easy to make, and full of flavor.

From comforting soups and stews to simple stir-fries, pasta dishes, and one-pan meals, there’s something here for every taste and skill level.

Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or meal-prepping for the week, these recipes will help you stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying satisfying meals.

27 Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes for Every Night

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on taste or nutrition.

These 27 cheap dinner recipes show that it’s possible to prepare meals that are affordable, delicious, and satisfying.

From hearty soups and stews to quick stir-fries, casseroles, and pasta dishes, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to save money while still enjoying home-cooked meals.

Try them out and discover how easy and tasty budget-friendly cooking can be!

One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew

This hearty stew is a budget-friendly dinner that makes use of inexpensive pantry staples like lentils, carrots, and potatoes.

With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it can feed a family without stretching your grocery bill.

It’s also nutritious, filling, and easy to prepare in just one pot, saving time on both cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in the carrots and potatoes, letting them cook for about 5 minutes to start softening.
3. Add paprika, thyme, and cumin, stirring well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the rinsed lentils.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread if available.

This one-pot lentil and vegetable stew is a simple, comforting, and affordable dinner.

Packed with protein and fiber, it keeps you full while remaining light on your budget.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Rice

Chicken drumsticks are one of the most cost-effective cuts of meat, and when paired with rice, they create a filling and delicious dinner.

This baked version lets the oven do most of the work while you enjoy a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken drumsticks with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and rub the seasoning evenly.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe pan or baking dish. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the rice, coating it lightly in the oil and onion mixture.
5. Place the chicken drumsticks on top of the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the rice is evenly spread out under the liquid.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the chicken skin to crisp and the rice to finish cooking.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This baked chicken drumsticks with rice dish is comforting, filling, and stretches just a few simple ingredients into a complete family dinner at a low cost.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles

A quick stir-fry is one of the cheapest and fastest meals you can prepare.

Using affordable vegetables and simple noodles, this dish delivers a tasty dinner that can be easily customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried noodles (spaghetti or ramen works fine)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
4. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until heated through and well combined.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if available.

This vegetable stir-fry with noodles is a quick, cheap, and versatile dinner.

It’s proof that a satisfying meal doesn’t need expensive ingredients—just a few fresh vegetables and simple seasonings.

Black Bean and Corn Tacos

These black bean and corn tacos are budget-friendly, delicious, and come together quickly with pantry staples.

They’re filling, full of flavor, and can be dressed up with whatever toppings you have on hand, making them both versatile and affordable.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in black beans and corn, followed by chili powder and cumin. Cook for 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld together.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. Spoon the black bean and corn mixture onto each tortilla. Add optional toppings as desired.
5. Serve immediately while warm.

These black bean and corn tacos are proof that you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal on a tight budget.

They’re healthy, customizable, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Cabbage and Egg Fried Rice

This cabbage and egg fried rice is a super cheap dinner that uses leftover rice, eggs, and inexpensive cabbage to create a hearty and tasty dish.

It’s quick to make, perfect for weeknights, and can be adapted with any other vegetables you have in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, diced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Add a little more oil if needed, then stir-fry cabbage and carrot until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and toss everything together. Stir in chopped green onions at the end.
5. Serve hot as a stand-alone meal.

Cabbage and egg fried rice transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying and inexpensive dinner.

It’s filling, flavorful, and a great way to stretch your grocery budget.

Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake

This cheesy potato and broccoli bake is comforting, affordable, and hearty enough to serve as a main course.

With simple vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a layer of melted cheese, it’s a perfect family dinner on a budget.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until thickened into a sauce.
3. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish, then add half of the broccoli. Pour some cheese sauce over the top. Repeat with remaining potatoes, broccoli, and sauce.
5. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

This cheesy potato and broccoli bake is warm, hearty, and budget-friendly.

It takes basic ingredients and turns them into a comforting dinner that the whole family can enjoy.

Chickpea Curry with Rice

This chickpea curry is an incredibly cheap and flavorful dinner that relies on pantry staples like canned chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.

Paired with rice, it becomes a filling, protein-rich meal that doesn’t break the budget.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup rice (white or brown), cooked
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
2. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and paprika, letting the spices toast for 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over cooked rice.

This chickpea curry with rice is flavorful, hearty, and inexpensive. It’s a go-to budget dinner that still feels rich and comforting.

Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Sloppy Joes are a classic American budget meal that stretches a small amount of ground beef with sauce and seasonings.

Served on buns, they’re messy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 6 sandwich buns

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Spoon the mixture onto buns and serve warm.

Sloppy Joes are a cheap, filling dinner that kids and adults alike will enjoy. They’re easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

Tuna Pasta Casserole

Tuna pasta casserole is a classic budget dinner that turns canned tuna and pasta into a creamy, comforting dish.

It’s inexpensive, filling, and can feed a whole family with ease.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (any shape)
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a bowl, mix pasta with tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, and half of the cheese.
3. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
4. Melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over casserole.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

This tuna pasta casserole is creamy, hearty, and extremely budget-friendly. It’s a great way to stretch inexpensive pantry items into a full meal.

Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish that uses affordable ingredients like eggs, tomatoes, and spices.

It’s a cheap dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Stir in paprika and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
3. Add diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until eggs are set to your liking.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with bread for dipping.

Shakshuka is a flavorful, affordable, and protein-rich dinner. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting one-pan meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beans

Stuffed bell peppers are an economical yet hearty dinner that makes use of rice, beans, and vegetables.

They’re nutritious, filling, and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté onion until soft. Stir in black beans, rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
3. Spoon mixture into hollowed bell peppers. Place them in the baking dish.
4. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until peppers are tender.
5. Serve hot.

Stuffed bell peppers with rice and beans are nutritious, filling, and affordable.

They’re a great way to enjoy a balanced dinner without spending much.

Rustic Vegetable Soup

This rustic vegetable soup is one of the cheapest dinners you can make, especially if you use leftover or seasonal vegetables.

It’s healthy, filling, and perfect with a slice of bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
2. Stir in potatoes, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This rustic vegetable soup is comforting, wholesome, and incredibly cheap to prepare.

It’s an easy way to stretch simple ingredients into a satisfying family dinner.

Baked Ziti with Tomato Sauce

Baked ziti is an inexpensive, filling dinner that uses pasta, tomato sauce, and a little cheese to create a comforting meal.

It’s perfect for families or meal prep on a budget.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Baked ziti is a budget-friendly, hearty dinner that’s cheesy, comforting, and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.

Sausage and Potato Skillet

This one-pan sausage and potato skillet is a cheap, filling dinner that requires minimal prep.

Potatoes make the meal hearty while sausage adds flavor without needing expensive cuts of meat.

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages (any type), sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in sliced sausage and paprika. Cook for an additional 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender and sausage is browned.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

This sausage and potato skillet is simple, inexpensive, and packed with flavor.

It’s a perfect weeknight dinner for a tight budget.

Lentil and Spinach Soup

Lentils are one of the cheapest sources of protein, and paired with spinach, they make a hearty, healthy soup.

This meal is filling, nutritious, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrots; cook until softened.
2. Stir in cumin and paprika, letting them toast for 1 minute.
3. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Add spinach and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Lentil and spinach soup is a nutritious, filling, and extremely affordable dinner. It’s perfect for stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Homemade Vegetable Pizza

Making pizza at home can be much cheaper than ordering out.

Using a simple dough and affordable vegetables, this homemade pizza is both budget-friendly and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 batch of homemade or store-bought pizza dough
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven according to pizza dough instructions (usually 425°F/220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza pan. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the surface.
3. Sprinkle cheese on top, then arrange bell pepper and onion slices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle oregano.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
5. Slice and serve hot.

Homemade vegetable pizza is affordable, fun to make, and much healthier than takeout. It’s a great way to enjoy pizza on a budget.

Chicken and Bean Chili

Chili is a versatile, cheap dinner option that can feed a crowd. Using chicken and beans keeps costs low while delivering a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally with rice or bread.

Chicken and bean chili is hearty, affordable, and perfect for batch cooking. It’s a flavorful dinner that’s easy on the wallet.

Stir-Fried Ramen with Vegetables

A cheap, quick dinner using instant ramen, frozen vegetables, and a simple sauce.

It’s perfect for nights when you want something fast, tasty, and inexpensive.

Ingredients:

• 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add frozen vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Add noodles, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in sauce.
4. Serve immediately.

Stir-fried ramen with vegetables is a quick, easy, and cheap dinner that is surprisingly satisfying.

It’s a great way to turn instant noodles into a full meal.

Egg and Potato Breakfast Skillet Dinner

This egg and potato skillet doubles as a cheap, hearty dinner that’s both filling and quick to prepare.

Using basic pantry staples, it’s a versatile and affordable meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Make four small wells in the potatoes and crack an egg into each well. Cover skillet and cook until eggs are set to your liking, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

This egg and potato skillet dinner is cheap, filling, and versatile.

You can swap in other vegetables or spices to keep it interesting while sticking to a tight budget.

Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Bean and cheese quesadillas are a simple, quick, and inexpensive dinner.

They’re packed with protein, easy to make, and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Optional: salsa or sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Mash black beans slightly and mix with cumin and chili powder.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tortilla. Sprinkle half with cheese and half with the bean mixture. Fold over.
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
4. Serve hot with optional salsa or sour cream.

Bean and cheese quesadillas are cheap, quick, and satisfying. They’re ideal for busy nights or when you want a simple, flavorful dinner.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is an Italian classic that’s inexpensive, fast, and full of flavor.

With just garlic, olive oil, and pasta, it’s a perfect budget dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden (not burnt).
3. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is elegant in flavor yet cheap and quick to make. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create a satisfying dinner.

Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Turkey

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty, budget-friendly meal that uses inexpensive ground turkey or beef with mashed potatoes.

It’s filling, comforting, and great for stretching ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. In a skillet, cook ground turkey with onion until browned. Stir in frozen vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and heated through.

Shepherd’s pie is a filling, inexpensive dinner. It’s comforting, balanced, and perfect for feeding a family without overspending.

Fried Rice with Leftover Veggies

Fried rice is a cheap, flexible dinner that works perfectly with leftover rice and vegetables.

It’s quick, tasty, and stretches ingredients into a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Add vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until tender.
3. Add rice and soy sauce, mixing well. Stir in scrambled eggs and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot.

Fried rice with leftover veggies is cheap, quick, and delicious. It’s a perfect way to use leftovers and create a satisfying dinner.

Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables

Tilapia is an inexpensive white fish that pairs well with roasted vegetables for a simple, cheap dinner.

It’s healthy, quick to make, and perfect for a light evening meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tilapia and vegetables on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle olive oil over everything and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes until fish flakes easily and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with lemon slices for added flavor.

Baked tilapia with roasted vegetables is a healthy, affordable dinner. It’s easy to prepare and satisfying without costing much.

Potato and Carrot Stir-Fry

This simple potato and carrot stir-fry is a cheap, healthy, and filling dinner.

Using just a few vegetables and basic seasonings, it comes together quickly for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced into thin sticks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.
2. Add sliced potatoes and carrots. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Serve hot as a side or main dish.

Potato and carrot stir-fry is a simple, inexpensive, and satisfying dinner. It’s versatile, healthy, and perfect for a low-budget meal.

Peanut Butter Noodles

Peanut butter noodles are an affordable, quick, and flavorful dinner that uses pantry staples like noodles and peanut butter.

It’s creamy, satisfying, and can be adjusted to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or noodles
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons hot water

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and hot water until smooth.
3. Toss the cooked noodles in the peanut sauce until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately, optionally topped with chopped green onions or crushed peanuts.

Peanut butter noodles are an inexpensive, quick, and satisfying dinner. They’re creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a low-cost meal solution.

Cabbage and Noodle Stir-Fry

Cabbage and noodle stir-fry is a cheap, quick, and filling dinner. It uses inexpensive vegetables and pantry staples to create a flavorful, one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz noodles (any type)
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until tender.
3. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine and heat through.
4. Serve hot.

Cabbage and noodle stir-fry is a cheap, easy, and nutritious dinner. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for a low-budget meal.