7 cheap easy dinner ideas for Busy Weeknights

Are you tired of sacrificing taste and nutrition for convenience on busy weeknights? Finding affordable, easy dinner ideas that don’t compromise can be tough. But, what if you could make delicious, budget-friendly meals quickly and easily? Our collection of cheap easy dinner ideas is perfect for busy cooks. They offer satisfying meals that fit different tastes and dietary needs. With prep times from 20 to 30 minutes and serving sizes from 4 to 10, you can enjoy quick, stress-free dinners. These meals are healthier, making them great for you and your family. Ready to change your weeknight dinners?

Key Takeaways

• Discover 7 cheap easy dinner ideas perfect for busy weeknights.
• Recipes require basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, averaging 20-30 minutes.
• Serving sizes range from 4 to up to 10, suitable for various household sizes.
• Calories per serving vary to fit different dietary preferences, with some recipes under 300 calories.
• There is no compromise on taste or nutrition, ensuring delicious and healthy meals for your family.

1. Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage with Butternut Squash

This recipe makes the traditional stuffed cabbage recipe easier by adding butternut squash. It cooks in just 30 minutes and takes only 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a great choice for a quick and healthy dinner for two.

Why You’ll Love This Idea

• Combines the comforting flavors of a traditional stuffed cabbage recipe with the vibrant taste of butternut squash
• Saves significant time compared to conventional methods—no more boiling, rolling, and baking
• Offers flexibility with ground meat options like beef, turkey, or chicken
• Provides a nutrient-rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1.5 pounds of ground beef (85% lean) or other ground meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• Optional: 3 cups cooked brown rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot on medium-high heat.
2. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until aromatic.
3. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the chopped cabbage and butternut squash, cooking for about 5 minutes.
5. Add tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
7. If using, stir in the cooked brown rice and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

This deconstructed stuffed cabbage is a great twist on a classic dish. It’s also a fantastic choice for a quick and healthy dinner for two. Enjoy the simplicity and health benefits of this recipe tonight!

2. Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Slow-cooker recipes are a lifesaver for easy weeknight dinners. This teriyaki chicken dish is a perfect example. It needs little preparation but is full of flavor. Just a few ingredients and under 10 minutes of prep time get you a delicious meal with little effort.

This recipe calls for 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re great for slow-cooker recipes because they’re tender and flavorful. The teriyaki sauce is made from low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and brown sugar. This mix creates a balanced and delicious sauce.

Cooking the teriyaki chicken in a slow cooker takes about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. During this time, the chicken soaks up all the flavors, becoming very tender.

Let’s look at the nutrition information per serving (without rice):

This meal is a great choice for healthy dinners. Serve it with steamed broccoli and rice or your favorite veggies. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Slow-cooker teriyaki chicken is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners. It’s simple to prepare and delicious.

3. Tamale Casserole with Canned Chili and Cheese

Looking for comfort and ease? The tamale casserole recipe is perfect. It’s great for busy weeknights and is loved by picky eaters. With canned chili and cheese, it’s a family favorite.

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

This tamale casserole is simple and versatile. Below are the key ingredients along with some alternatives:

1. 12 premade vegetarian tamales (can be substituted with beef or chicken tamales)
2. 4 cups canned chili (32 ounces) – Any type of chili works well
3. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any melting cheese)
4. 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
5. Optional toppings: crushed chips, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro

Preparation Tips

Preparing this tamale casserole is easy. Use these tips for optimal results:

• Preheat your oven to 350℉.
• Arrange tamales in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Pour the canned chili evenly over the tamales.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.
• Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

This tamale casserole is a hit with picky eaters. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for a day before baking. It’s easy and delicious.

4. Easy Cheeseburger Cups for Picky Eaters

Cheeseburger cups are a fun twist on weeknight dinners, especially for those looking for quick meals. They’re full of flavor and great for picky eaters. These cups have ground beef and cheese in biscuit pockets, loved by kids and adults alike.

Perfect for Kids

Looking for dinner ideas for picky eaters? Cheeseburger cups are a great choice. They’re small and fun to eat, with a familiar cheeseburger taste. Even the pickiest eaters will love them.

Quick Preparation

Cheeseburger cups are quick and easy to make. They’re ready in only 30 minutes, making them ideal for hectic weeknights. Here’s a quick overview:

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 10 servings
• Calories per Cheeseburger Cup: 299 kcal

Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger cups are versatile and can be paired with many sides. Try them with a green salad, veggie sticks, or sweet potato fries. You can also add toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or your favorite sauce. These ideas make them even more appealing as quick meals.

Cheeseburger cups are a tasty and convenient option for dinner. They’re sure to become a favorite for picky eaters.

5. Southwestern Enchilada-Inspired Pasta

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Enchilada pasta is the answer. It combines the rich taste of enchilada sauce with the comfort of pasta. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

This dish is a mix of Southwestern flavors, quick and healthy. It takes only 25 to 30 minutes to make. You’ll need common ingredients like canned chicken, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Making enchilada pasta is easy. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. Then, mix it with the sauce and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.

This dish stays fresh in the fridge for three to four days. Freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw and cook for 30 minutes, then brown for five to 10 minutes.

This unique blend of southwestern flavors and pasta is both tasty and convenient. You can serve it with white or brown rice. It’s a great addition to your quick pasta recipes.

6. Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew

Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew is the perfect comfort food for cold nights. It’s a slow-cooker stew recipe with tender meat, savory veggies, and rich broth. It’s a dish that nourishes both your body and soul. If you’re looking for easy slow-cooker meals with lots of flavor, try this recipe.

Cooking time for Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew (using Instant Pot pressure cooking) is about 4 minutes. Then, you need to wait 5-10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally. The recipe makes 6 portions per batch and uses 6 cups of beef broth and/or water.

This hearty dinner is great for those who want nutritional benefits and a delicious taste. Using a slow cooker means you can make a tasty meal without spending hours cooking. You can also change ingredients to fit your family’s diet, making it perfect for busy families.

This easy slow-cooker stew recipe lets you enjoy a hearty dinner without the stress. It’s great for weeknight meals or when you’re hosting friends. To make it even healthier, add more veggies or use low-sodium broth and spices. Enjoy this hearty dinner idea that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite.

7. Cheap Easy Dinner Ideas: Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce

Looking for a quick and healthy dinner that won’t break the bank? Try this chicken and broccoli recipe. It’s prepared in only 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s also affordable and fits into your plans for quick meals.

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal:

This chicken and broccoli recipe is simple to prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat 4 tbsp of avocado or olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they become aromatic.
4. Mix in cut pieces of chicken (we recommend 3 lbs), ensuring faster cooking time.
5. Add chopped broccoli stalks to minimize waste and boost the nutritional value.
6. Sauté briefly before adding fresh dill and lemon juice.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and golden brown.
8. Serve with your choice of couscous or rice for a complete meal.

Fresh dill adds a unique flavor to the dish. It’s not only delicious but also nutritious. This makes it a great choice for quick, healthy dinners.

Want to know the nutrition facts per serving? Here they are:

This chicken and broccoli recipe with dill sauce is perfect for meal prep. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s a great addition to your list of cheap easy dinner ideas. Enjoy delicious, quick meals anytime!

Conclusion

Having a collection of cheap easy dinner ideas is key for busy weeknights. It helps when you’re trying to cook on a budget and plan meals for your family. About 70% of households plan their meals, showing the need for quick, healthy options.

These easy dinner ideas can be made fast, often in under 30 minutes. They help the 69% of families who feel stressed about meal prep. Recipes like Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage with Butternut Squash and Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew save time without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Meals like Easy Cheeseburger Cups and Southwestern Enchilada-Inspired Pasta are great for picky eaters. Healthy options, such as Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce, are also available. Using ingredients like rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables makes it easy to create meals on the fly, helping the 60% of meal planners who need last-minute solutions.

Keeping dinner times fun and stress-free is important. Try out these recipes to find what your family likes. Choosing quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meals ensures everyone enjoys dinner without hassle. Whether it’s one-pot recipes or using leftovers for “buffet night,” these ideas make weeknights better for everyone.

FAQ

1. Cheapest Dinner You Can Make?

• Rice and Beans – A classic, nutritious, and affordable meal.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry – Use frozen or seasonal veggies with soy sauce over rice.
• Egg Fried Rice – Leftover rice stir-fried with eggs, soy sauce, and veggies.
• Pasta with Garlic & Oil – Simple spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
• Lentil Soup – Lentils, onions, carrots, and spices make a hearty meal.

2. How to Feed a Family of 5 for $10?

1. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce – A pack of pasta and canned tomatoes with spices.
2. Taco Night – Ground turkey, tortillas, beans, and cheese.
3. Baked Potatoes with Toppings – Cheese, sour cream, and leftover veggies.
4. Chicken & Rice Casserole – Chicken thighs, rice, and a can of soup.
5. Homemade Pizza – Flour, yeast, tomato sauce, and cheese.

3. How to Feed 4 People with $20?

• Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice – Chicken breast, frozen veggies, and rice.
• Chili with Cornbread – Ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, and cornmeal.
• Homemade Burgers & Fries – Ground beef, buns, potatoes.
• Shepherd’s Pie – Ground beef, mashed potatoes, and frozen veggies.
• Cabbage & Sausage Skillet – Affordable sausage with cabbage and potatoes.

4. What to Eat Under R100 (~ USD 5)?

Tomato & Onion Stew with Rice – Simple, flavorful, and filling.

Pap and Beans – South African staple with maize meal and beans.

Vegetable Curry with Rice – Potatoes, carrots, and spices.

Egg and Cheese Sandwiches – Eggs, bread, and cheese.

Boerewors Rolls – South African sausage with buns and sauce.

“Ready to make dinner easier? Try one of these recipes tonight and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with friends who need quick, budget-friendly meal ideas.”

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