75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (2024)

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (1)

If it's time to add some new family dinner recipes to the rotation, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up our best easy dinner ideas, from inexpensive make-ahead meals to 30-minute meals the whole crew will enjoy. Getting a nutritious dinner on the table that meets everyone's dietary requirements can be challenging, but there's a recipe here for everyone. Whether you need low-calorie meals, vegetarian dinners or kid-friendly recipes that will satisfy even the pickiest eater, there's sure to be an easy dinner recipe or two here that checks all the boxes.

Several of these recipes make use of your trusty kitchen gadgets. We're talking air fryer recipes that come together in minutes, slow cooker recipes that bring hearty, slow-simmered flavor to the table with minimal effort and plenty of Instant Pot recipes that make use of the do-it-all kitchen appliance. Plus, there are plenty of one-pot meals and sheet pan dinners that make cleanup a breeze.

Whether you're looking for a recipe for your next potluck dinner, a cozy date night meal that doesn't take forever to make, a simple Sunday dinner recipe or just something that makes the week a little less chaotic, you're sure to find what you're looking for here. Keep reading to see our easy dinner recipe ideas.

1

Pasta e Piselli

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (3)

This cozy dinner comes together using just five ingredients: pasta, chicken bouillon, frozen peas, parmesan and onion. It's a one-pot meal that takes just 25 minutes to create, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a bowl of comfort food ASAP.

Get the Pasta e Piselli recipe.

RELATED: 50 One-Pot Meals for an Easy Dinner and Even Easier Clean Up

2

Herbed Shrimp and Watercress Salad

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (4)

This fresh and satisfying salad comes together with succulent quick-poached shrimp, luscious avocado and a simple homemade dressing. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make.

Get the Herbed Shrimp and Watercress Salad recipe.

3

Sheet Pan Chicken With Apples and Delicata Squash

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (5)

If you're looking to add a new sheet pan dinner to the rotation, bookmark this one! The easy autumnal dinner brings together juicy chicken prepared with lemon and rosemary along with roasted delicata squash and apples.

Get the Sheet Pan Chicken With Apples and Delicata Squash recipe.

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4

Five-Spice Steak and Broccoli

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Put down the takeout menu! This savory, satisfying weeknight dinner can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.

Get the Five-Spice Steak and Broccoli recipe.

RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy

5

Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (7)

This smoky, protein-packed soup served over fluffy rice is sure to become a family favorite.

Get the Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup recipe.

6

Steak, Peach, and Watercress Salad

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (8)

This summery salad comes together in less than 30 minutes. Steak pairs perfectly with juicy peaches, toasted walnuts and flavorful blue cheese crumbles.

Get the Steak, Peach, and Watercress Salad recipe.

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7

Cumin Lime Shrimp

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (9)

Pan-fried shrimp + flavorful cumin-lime butter = this delicious dinner that can be on the table in 10 minutes.

Get the Cumin Lime Shrimp recipe.

RELATED: 30 Seriously Easy Shrimp Recipes

8

Air Fryer Falafel Salad

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (10)

Skip the takeout order and try these DIY falafel balls. They come together in your air fryer and are the perfect protein for a simple cucumber and herb salad.

Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.

9

Shepherd's Pie

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (11)

Nothing's quite as comforting as this meat-and-veggie casserole topped with a thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes.

Get the Shepherd's Pie recipe.

RELATED: 50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food

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10

Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (12)

This flavorful rub is inspired by tandoori masala and takes both chicken and cauliflower to the next level. Once you add in the seasoned onions, warm naan, and creamy Greek yogurt, you've got a meal the whole family will be begging you to make again.

Get the Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads recipe.

11

Creamy Kale Pasta

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (13)

This decadent pasta is packed with good-for-you things like leafy greens and protein. The trick is to reserve some pasta water and mix it in with your sauce and kale at the end to bring it all together.

Get the Creamy Kale Pasta recipe.

12

Peanut Sauce Soba With Crispy Tofu

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (14)

Whether you're a vegetarian household or just need a new idea for meatless Mondays, this easy noodle dish deserves a spot in your rotation. Crispy air-fried tofu marinated in garlic and soy sauce can't be beat.

Get the Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu recipe.

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13

Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (15)

This is impressive enough to serve at your next dinner party, but luckily, it's also easy to make. It comes together in just one pan and takes less than an hour to make.

Get the Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes recipe.

RELATED: 60 Healthy Chicken Recipes for the Best Dinner Ever

14

Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (16)

This soup is not only delicious, it's packed with protein and fiber. Make an extra-large batch and freeze your leftovers so that you always have this cozy, nutritious meal on hand.

Get the Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup recipe.

15

Roasted Hash and Jammy Eggs

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (17)

Nothing gets the kids (or adults, honestly) excited like breakfast for dinner. Especially when it's this combo of jammy eggs, roasted potatoes and crispy bacon.

Get the Roasted Hash and Jammy Eggs recipe.

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16

Pasta e fa*gioli

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The best thing about this cozy dish is that it can be modified depending on what you have in your pantry, making it an easy budget meal. All you need is some pasta, canned beans, stock and whatever veggies you want to include.

Get the Pasta e fa*gioli recipe.

17

Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (19)

Fire up the grill for this meal, which comes together in less than 30 minutes. You'll grill not only the chicken, but also the kale and the lemon.

Get the Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale recipe.

RELATED: 30 Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes That Make the Perfect Summer Meal

18

Air Fryer Salmon Flatbread

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (20)

This is a perfect weeknight dinner. It takes just 15 minutes to come together thanks to the air fryer, and it's packed with protein and veggies.

Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbread recipe.

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19

Creamy Corn Pasta

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (21)

Shake up your weekly pasta night with this easy recipe. It only requires five main ingredients and has fresh flavors thanks to the fresh basil and puréed corn.

Get the Creamy Corn Pasta recipe.

20

Chickpea Salad With Smashed Cucumbers

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (22)

One way to cut down on costs (and prep time) is to add some meat-free meals into the rotation. This delicious protein-packed salad brings together chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, creamy feta and a flavorful dressing.

Get the Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers recipe.

RELATED: 37 Delicious Healthy Salads That Are Fresh and Filling

75 Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest meal you can make? ›

65 Easy And Cheap Dinner Ideas That You'll Want To Make On Repeat
  • Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burritos. tasty.co. ...
  • Barbecue Beer Can Chicken. tasty.co. ...
  • Zucchini Noodles with Kale Pesto. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Chicken Alfredo Penne. ...
  • Avocado Quinoa Power Salad. ...
  • Tofu Scramble. ...
  • Egg Pizza With Scallions.
Dec 21, 2023

How do you feed a family of 5 for $10? ›

Cheap Family Meals Under $10
  1. Spanish Rice Soup. ...
  2. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables. ...
  3. Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole. ...
  4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. ...
  5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta. ...
  6. Easy Cheese Manicotti. ...
  7. White Bean and Spinach Soup. ...
  8. Black Bean Enchilada Casserole.
Apr 2, 2023

What to make when low on food? ›

15 Delicious Things to Throw Together When You're Pressed for Food Options
  1. Buttery, gooey grilled cheese.
  2. PB&J because duh.
  3. Tuna melt tostadas.
  4. Pancakes! Pancakes!
  5. Scrambled eggs.
  6. Waffles.
  7. A Hagrid-size bowl of cereal.
  8. Spaghetti carbonara.
Apr 28, 2020

How can I feed a lot for cheap? ›

MORE INEXPENSIVE MEALS FOR LARGE GROUPS
  1. Baked Potato Bar – Potatoes are cheap and filling! ...
  2. DIY Pizza Station – Have pizza crust made and ready to top and let people make their pizzas how they like! ...
  3. Breakfast Buffet – Whip up some of our amazing pancakes and have breakfast for lunch or dinner, too. ...
  4. B.Y.O.M.

How to feed a family of 4 on $10 a day? ›

We'd be crying of boredom after Day 2. But we wouldn't be hungry. If we ate cereal and milk for breakfast, a PB&J and an apple for lunch, and protein-enriched pasta with store-brand marinara and a couple of carrots sticks and broccoli or green beans for dinner, we could get by on $10.34 per day.

What to make for dinner with no money? ›

Here are some additional cheap easy meals to make when you're broke:
  • Tuna Melts.
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
  • Lentil Soup.
  • Fried Rice.
  • Potato Soup.
  • Vegetable Soup.
  • Hamburger Stew.
  • Macaroni and Cheese.

How to feed 3 people cheap? ›

Homemade meals, use the internet and find recipes that will fit your families taste and budget. Rice, beans, potatoes, and noodles are cheap and filling. Make your own bread, store bought bread costs between $1 for cheap junk on sale to over $5 per loaf. If you buy flour and yeast it's a lot cheaper and tastes better.

How can I feed my family on a very small budget? ›

How to feed your family for less - Experts tips for shopping and cooking on a budget
  1. Don't feel pressured to always buy fresh. ...
  2. Eat seasonally. ...
  3. Substitute pricey lettuce. ...
  4. Meal plan with the catalogue in hand. ...
  5. Top trick to find the lowest priced groceries. ...
  6. Learn how to stretch your food further. ...
  7. Shop the 'dodgy' bin.

How to feed 6 people cheaply? ›

Budget meals for large families
  1. Orzotto with pancetta & peas. ...
  2. Double bean & roasted pepper chilli. ...
  3. Halloumi flatbreads. ...
  4. Slow cooker ratatouille. ...
  5. Easy sausage casserole.
  6. Courgette & tomato soup. ...
  7. Mexican pulled chicken & beans.
  8. Vegetable curry for a crowd.

What to cook when you're broke? ›

  • Creamy pasta carbonara. A lovely, creamy version of a well-known favourite.
  • Best Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry. ...
  • Devilled sausages. ...
  • Potato and leek soup. ...
  • Lemon chicken. ...
  • Salt and pepper chicken. ...
  • Chicken and bacon carbonara.

How to feed 100 people cheaply? ›

Serving budget-friendly cuisines like salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes can be a very cost-effective choice. Or, if you're looking for a more casual option, how about a barbeque? Burgers, hot dogs and other grill-oriented foods are sure to be crowd favorites, and they won't rack up a big bill.

How to eat for $1 a day? ›

More $1 Meal Ideas
  1. A boiled egg, brown rice, and raisins with milk.
  2. Whole wheat pancakes and a side of fruit or juice.
  3. Oatmeal pancakes and applesauce.
  4. Scrambled egg, toast and juice.
  5. Hash browns, eggs, and fruit.
  6. A green smoothie with a side of toast.
  7. A muffin with a side of banana and yogurt.
Dec 7, 2022

What kind of food can you afford on $1 a day? ›

More $1 Meal Ideas
  • A boiled egg, brown rice, and raisins with milk.
  • Whole wheat pancakes and a side of fruit or juice.
  • Oatmeal pancakes and applesauce.
  • Scrambled egg, toast and juice.
  • Hash browns, eggs, and fruit.
  • A green smoothie with a side of toast.
  • A muffin with a side of banana and yogurt.
Dec 7, 2022

What can I make to eat with $20? ›

Top 20 Recipes Under $20 Dollars
  • One Pot Spaghetti Carbonara. Recipe Cost – $11.30. ...
  • Chicken Kiev. Recipe Cost – $11.46. ...
  • Retro French Chicken. Recipe Cost – $11.85. ...
  • Mexican Breakfast Casserole. Recipe Cost – $13.12. ...
  • Best Homemade Lasagna. Recipe Cost – $13.34. ...
  • Country Fried Steak. ...
  • Mac and Cheese Pizza. ...
  • Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie.
Aug 11, 2023

What food is cheaper to make than buy? ›

Never purchase these food staples again – you can easily make most if not all of them at home from scratch.
  • powdered sugar. This will literally take a few seconds to make. ...
  • brown sugar. ...
  • tomato sauce. ...
  • peanut butter. ...
  • bread. ...
  • ketchup. ...
  • mustard. ...
  • apple cider vinegar.
Sep 14, 2022

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