10 Easy Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish requires minimal ingredients and is a quick fix for a delicious dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 400 g spaghetti

• • 4 cloves garlic, sliced

• • ½ cup olive oil

• • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

1. 1. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown.

1. 1. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan. Toss well to coat.

1. 1. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

2. Chickpea Stir-Fry

This vegetarian stir-fry is packed with protein and can be made in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• • 1 can chickpeas, drained

• • 1 bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 onion, sliced

• • 2 cups spinach

• • 2 tbsp soy sauce

• • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

1. 1. Add the onion and bell pepper, sauté until the onion is translucent.

1. 1. Add chickpeas and soy sauce, stir well for about 5 minutes.

1. 1. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

1. 1. Serve hot over rice or on its own.

3. Vegetable Curry

A hearty and creamy vegetable curry that makes use of whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, peas, etc.)

• • 1 can coconut milk

• • 2 tbsp curry powder

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a pot, heat vegetable oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent.

1. 1. Add curry powder and stir for a minute.

1. 1. Add mixed vegetables, coconut milk, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes.

1. 1. Serve hot with rice or naan.

4. One-Pot Tomato Rice

This simple recipe comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups rice

• • 4 cups vegetable stock

• • 1 can diced tomatoes

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.

1. 1. Add rice, stock, and diced tomatoes. Stir well.

1. 1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.

1. 1. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender, fluffing with a fork.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5. Egg Fried Rice

A quick and satisfying dish that utilizes leftover rice and eggs.

Ingredients:

• • 4 cups cooked rice

• • 2 eggs

• • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

• • 2 tbsp soy sauce

• • 2 green onions, chopped

• • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. 1. In a pan, heat sesame oil and scramble the eggs. Set aside.

1. 1. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.

1. 1. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; stir well.

1. 1. Mix in the scrambled eggs and garnish with green onions.

1. 1. Serve hot and enjoy!

6. Black Bean Tacos

These easy tacos provide a quick, healthy, and filling meal for those busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• • 1 can black beans, drained

• • 8 small tortillas

• • 1 avocado, sliced

• • 1 tomato, diced

• • ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)

• • 1 tsp cumin

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a pot, heat black beans with cumin, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.

1. 1. Assemble tacos with black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese.

1. 1. Serve with your favorite salsa.

7. Baked Potato with Chili

This dish transforms a humble potato into a filling meal, perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• • 4 large potatoes

• • 1 can chili (vegetarian or beef)

• • 1 cup shredded cheese

• • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. 1. Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake for about 45-60 minutes until tender.

1. 1. In a saucepan, heat the chili until warm.

1. 1. Cut open the potatoes and top with chili and cheese.

1. 1. Garnish with green onions and serve.

8. Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly nutritious!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup lentils, rinsed

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 carrots, diced

• • 4 cups vegetable broth

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tsp cumin

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.

1. 1. Add carrots, lentils, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

1. 1. Blend for a smoother texture if desired. Serve hot.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tasty stuffed peppers are an ideal way to combine healthy veggies and grains.

Ingredients:

• • 4 bell peppers

• • 1 cup cooked rice

• • 1 can diced tomatoes

• • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.

1. 1. In a bowl, mix rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.

1. 1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender. Serve warm.

10. Pesto Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for meal prep and pairs well with any protein.

Ingredients:

• • 250 g pasta of choice

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • ½ cup pesto sauce

• • 1 cup mozzarella balls

• • 1 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto.

1. 1. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Serve chilled or at room temperature.