Delicious and Affordable Weeknight Dinners
Finding a meal that is both budget-friendly and a hit with the whole family can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Fear not, food lovers! We’ve got a collection of affordable and delicious weeknight dinners that won’t break the bank. They’re sure to satisfy every member of the family, no matter how picky they might be.
1. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
One pot, minimal clean-up, and a whole lot of flavor! This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Add broccoli for the last 4 minutes of cooking.
- In a separate pan, sauté the chicken and garlic until fully cooked.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving some pasta water.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, heavy cream, and cheese. Stir until creamy, adding pasta water if necessary. Season to taste.
2. Bean and Cheese Burritos
Who can resist the simple goodness of a bean and cheese burrito? It’s a budget-friendly classic loved by all.
Ingredients:
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream
Instructions:
- Warm the refried beans in a saucepan.
- Lay a tortilla flat, spread a generous spoonful of beans in the center, top with cheese.
- Roll the tortilla, folding in the ends. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook each burrito until lightly browned and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
3. Veggie Loaded Fried Rice
Add a healthy dose of vegetables to your family’s dinner with this easy, one-pan recipe. This dish is versatile and can be customized to your liking or what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent.
- Push onions to the side, crack the eggs into the pan and scramble.
- Add the rice, peas, and carrots. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the soy sauce, stirring to evenly coat all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes and serve.
4. Easy Tuna Casserole
This comfort food classic is not only affordable, but it’s also a great way to use pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, soup, milk, macaroni, cheese, and peas.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with bread crumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden.
5. Easy One-Pot Spaghetti
Making spaghetti in a single pot cuts down on dishes and amps up the flavor as the pasta absorbs the sauce while cooking. The result? A creamy, flavorful meal that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the spaghetti, tomatoes, garlic, onion, dried basil, dried oregano, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil.
6. Baked Bean Chili
This quick and hearty chili utilizes canned baked beans for added sweetness and depth of flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and cold winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans baked beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese and sour cream for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add the baked beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.
With these affordable and delicious dinner recipes, feeding your family well doesn’t have to strain your budget. These meals are packed full of flavor and nutrients, proving that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Happy cooking!
