When you're looking to whip up a satisfying dinner without overspending, you've got options that are both delicious and economical. Think about how a hearty bean chili or a cheesy potato casserole could transform your weeknight meals. One-pot pasta delights and savory chicken stir-fry can save you time and effort in the kitchen, while a flavorful vegetable curry offers a satisfying vegetarian choice. But which of these recipes will become your go-to? Let's investigate the five best cheap dinner recipes that might just change your dinner routine.
One-Pot Pasta Delight
One-Pot Pasta Delight
One-Pot Pasta Delight is a simple and satisfying meal that brings together your favorite pasta and vegetables in a quick, hassle-free way. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a filling dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you can create a delicious dinner that everyone in the family will love.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the pasta, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finally, stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
Serve warm, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize your One-Pot Pasta Delight by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, like chicken or chickpeas, for extra nutrition.
If you prefer a creamier texture, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
For added flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices, such as red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Always taste before serving to adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Savory Chicken Stir-Fry
Savory Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a mix of savory sauces for a satisfying dinner.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes and is highly customizable based on what you have on hand. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they're tender-crisp.
Return the chicken to the skillet, then stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to create a sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
You can also incorporate other vegetables like carrots or zucchini based on your preference or what's in season.
To make it even quicker, use pre-cut frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes, and feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste.
Serve your stir-fry over warm rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a nice finish!
Flavorful Vegetable Curry
Flavorful Vegetable Curry is a delightful and budget-friendly dish that packs a punch of flavor while being easy to make. This curry isn't only a great way to use up leftover vegetables, but it also allows for creativity in the kitchen as you can mix and match your favorite ingredients.
With a combination of spices, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, peas, cauliflower)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or naan for serving
Cooking instructions: In a large pot or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, stirring to combine the spices with the onion mixture.
Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the mixed vegetables and chickpeas, then season with salt and pepper.
Cover and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve hot over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Extra tips: To improve the flavor of your vegetable curry, consider toasting the spices in the oil before adding the onion, which will release their essential oils and deepen their taste.
You can customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or even protein like tofu or chicken for a heartier meal. If you prefer a spicier curry, feel free to add some chili powder or fresh chopped chilies.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop!
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together creamy potatoes and gooey cheese, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a potluck.
This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be assembled in no time, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The casserole can be customized with your favorite seasonings or additional ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of frozen hash browns
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture until well combined. Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an added flavor boost, consider mixing in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions before baking.
You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.
If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; simply adjust the baking time if cooking from cold.
Serve your Cheesy Potato Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Hearty Bean Chili
Hearty bean chili is a perfect dish for those looking for a nutritious and filling meal that won't break the bank. This chili is packed with protein and fiber from a variety of beans and vegetables, making it not only delicious but also a great option for vegetarians and anyone seeking a healthy dinner.
With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this hearty bean chili is ideal for a cozy night in or for meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of mixed beans (black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans)
- 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado
To prepare the hearty bean chili, begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), mixed beans (drained and rinsed), and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
When cooking this hearty bean chili, feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences. You can add different vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition, or adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later use, making this dish an excellent option for meal prep.
Also, consider serving it with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of chili!