Easy Cheap Dinner Ideas: Delicious and Affordable Meals for Every Night

Are you tired of spending a fortune on dinner every night? Look no further than easy cheap dinner ideas. These meals are not only affordable, but they are also delicious and easy to prepare. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of cooking easy cheap dinners, provide tips for creating them, and give you some recipe ideas to get started.

Benefits of Cooking Easy Cheap Dinners

Saves Money

One of the most significant benefits of cooking easy cheap dinners is saving money. When you plan your meals ahead of time, you can make sure you're utilizing ingredients you already have and buying only what you need at the store. Additionally, many easy cheap dinner ideas utilize inexpensive ingredients like pasta, rice, and beans, so you won't have to break the bank to eat well.

Saves Time

Cooking dinner every night can be time-consuming, but easy cheap dinner ideas can save you time in the kitchen. One-pot meals, sheet pan dinners, and slow cooker recipes are all great options for busy weeknights. Plus, when you plan your meals ahead of time, you won't waste time figuring out what to make each night.

Allows for Creativity in the Kitchen

Cooking easy cheap dinners doesn't have to be boring. In fact, it can be an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. With inexpensive ingredients like pasta, rice, and canned tomatoes, you can experiment with new flavors and cuisines without breaking the bank.

Provides a Healthy and Nutritious Meal

Contrary to popular belief, easy cheap dinners can still be healthy and nutritious. By incorporating plenty of vegetables and lean proteins, you can create a well-balanced meal that won't break the bank.

Tips for Creating Easy Cheap Dinners

Meal Planning and Prepping

The key to cooking easy cheap dinners is meal planning and prepping. Take some time at the beginning of each week to plan out your meals and make a grocery list. You can even prep some ingredients ahead of time, like chopping vegetables or marinating meat, to save time during the week.

Shopping Smart

When shopping for ingredients for your easy cheap dinners, shop smart. Look for sales and coupons, buy in bulk when possible, and compare prices at different stores. You can also buy frozen vegetables and fruits, which are often less expensive and just as nutritious as fresh.

Utilizing Leftovers

Don't let leftovers go to waste. Instead, incorporate them into your next meal. For example, leftover chicken can be used in a stir-fry or sandwich, and leftover veggies can be added to a salad or pasta dish.

Incorporating Pantry Staples

Having a well-stocked pantry can make cooking easy cheap dinners a breeze. Some pantry staples to have on hand include canned tomatoes, beans, and tuna, rice, pasta, and spices. These ingredients are versatile and can be used in many different recipes.

Easy Cheap Dinner Ideas

Now that we've covered the benefits of cooking easy cheap dinners and some tips for creating them, let's dive into some recipe ideas.

One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals are a great option for busy weeknights when you don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning up. Try this recipe for One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the spaghetti, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and vegetable broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Sheet Pan Dinners

Sheet pan dinners are another easy and delicious option. Try this recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil
• Flour tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, peppers, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with warm tortillas.

Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow cooker recipes are perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready when you get home. Try this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Egg noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, garlic, mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mushrooms.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
3. Stir in the sour cream and serve over cooked egg noodles.

Stir-Fries and Fried Rice Dishes

Stir-fries and fried rice dishes are great for using up leftover ingredients. Try this recipe for Chicken Fried Rice:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cooked chicken

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the carrots and peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then mix them in with the vegetables.
5. Add the cooked rice and chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.

Veggie-Packed Dishes

Incorporating more vegetables into your meals is not only healthy, but it can also save you money. Try this recipe for Veggie-Packed Spaghetti Squash Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Place the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and chickpeas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Scoop the spaghetti squash out of its skin and add it to the skillet.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion

Cooking easy cheap dinners doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. With a little bit of planning and some simple recipes, you can save money and still enjoy delicious meals at home. So next time you're feeling strapped for cash, try one of these recipes and see how easy and affordable cooking at home can be.