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Cheap Dinner Ideas – want dinner ideas that won’t break the bank? Here are 25 of my favorite dinner recipes that are cheap and easy for any night of the week!
Do you struggle with finding dinner recipes you want to try that won’t cost an arm and a leg? Or doesn’t need one spice that the grocery store doesn’t sell, and you don’t want to spend $5 for a teaspoon of something you will never use again?
Well today I am trying to help. I put together a list of 25 of my favorite cheap dinner ideas. And the bonus is they are quick and easy too! A couple of them are crock pot recipes, so you can just let it cook all day. But nothing here is going to break the bank. Lots of ground beef, chicken, rice, and pasta. Staples most people have on hand, and can just grab and start cooking.
So if you are looking for cheap dinner ideas for any night of the week, keep scrolling. Let me know which you want to try first!
5 from 12 votes
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Crock Pot Potato Soup – Creamy loaded potato soup that is made in the crock pot. Perfect comfort food for a cold winter night
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni- Ditch the box mix Hamburger Helper and make this homemade version instead! Dinner is ready in minutes, with just a few pantry ingredients.
Ham and Bean Soup – a hearty and comforting soup that is not only good for you, but filling and comforting for cold nights.
5 from 9 votes
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken – quick and easy chicken stir fry packed with veggies and a little kick. Add whatever veggies you want and have dinner ready in minutes!
5 from 1 vote
Chickpea Curry
Chickpea Curry – a quick and easy dinner that is loaded with flavor! It uses pantry staple ingredients you can have on hand at all time to make any night of the week.
Pasta with Breadcrumbs is a quick, easy, and traditional Italian meal you can make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect when you just need something fast!
My family's favorite hamburger rice casserole is a filling dinner with fluffy rice, juicy ground beef, and veggies cooked in cream of mushroom soup. It's a Midwest classic!
This 20-minute ramen stir fry is an easy meal packed with juicy chicken, tender veggies, and silky ramen noodles in a flavor-loaded homemade stir fry sauce.
Easy tofu tacos are a high-protein vegetarian meal made with crumbly tofu taco filling fried with a smoky, spicy seasoning blend and served up in a warm tortilla. Don't forget the Mexican coleslaw and creamy avocado dressing!
Chile Relleno Casserole – turn classic chile relleno into a dish you can make at home in no time! Poblano peppers layered with cheese and eggs that is baked to perfection! Super simple with all the flavors you know and love.
One Pot Cajun Pasta is a great way to spice up your weeknights! One pan, 25 minutes, and you have dinner on the table! Creamy pasta with lots of Cajun flavors and your favorite sausage.
Creamy Tomato Soup – super easy tomato soup recipe you can make in the crock pot or on the stove top. Great for a quick dinner or lunch.
4.22 from 19 votes
Potato Tacos
Potato Tacos – corn tortillas loaded with mashed potatoes and cheese. Then they are fried until golden and crispy. Take your taco game to a whole new level with these!
Taco Pasta Skillet – All the flavors of taco night in a one pan meal, ready in 20 minutes! Homemade version of those box mix meals, with just a few staple ingredients.
Carrot Ginger Soup – Smooth and creamy carrot soup with ginger, turmeric, garlic, and chicken broth. Healthy, comforting, and and the perfect way to brighten up a cold day!
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup – Make the classic minestrone soup at home! This soup is made all in one pan, is full of all sorts of veggies and even pasta, all in a delicious rich tomato based broth.
Sausage and Rice Skillet – smoked sausage and rice come together in one pan for a delicious and easy dinner. Ready in just minutes, so perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Old Fashioned Goulash – The same American goulash recipe that you grew up with. A hearty recipe that the entire family can enjoy any night of the week.
Sesame Noodles
If you love Asian-infused cuisine you will love these Sesame Noodles. So full of flavor and ready in 15 minutes! Perfect for those crazy busy nights
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Welcome to Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts where my love of food meets my busy life. My name is Erin and I’m a casual home cook who loves to feed people. On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of quick and easy recipes made mostly from scratch. My days are spent in the kitchen, creating new recipes to share with family and friends.
Wow! Exceptional and mouth-watering ideas! I always struggle for dinner and what to make, but I’ll do that no more with your ideas. Thanks a bunch. 😉