10+ Cheap Healthy Dinner Recipes You Can Make in 15 Minutes
Store-bought chicken meatballs keep the low-effort theme going all the way to the table. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are one of our go-to proteins when we’re meal planning on a budget. Chicken thighs are usually less expensive than chicken breasts and we find they cook up juicier and more flavorful. Here, we’re marinating the chicken before grilling it over medium heat. Once the chicken is cooked, stuff it into pitas and top with purchased hummus and fresh veggies. Noodle dishes are known to be easy on the wallet, but they’re often short on protein.
Cheap Healthy Meals (That Actually Taste Amazing)
Learn how to create delicious and nutritious meals while saving money. By avoiding these common mistakes and being mindful of your shopping habits, you can save money and ensure you’re getting the most nutritional value for your money. Another mistake to avoid is not shopping the sales and stockpiling non-perishable items, like canned goods and whole grains, when they’re at their cheapest.
Grilled Side Dish Ideas:
Save even more money when you substitute dried herbs you have on hand for the fresh herbs. Poor Man’s Stew is a remarkable example of how https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/healthy-recipes to create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. What’s more, this hearty stew is also incredibly easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit various cooking methods, including the Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch Oven. For those looking for a budget-friendly meal option that won’t break the bank, Poor Man’s Stew is an excellent choice. This hearty dish is made with ground beef and comes out to under $2 per serving, making it an accessible option for anyone on a tight budget. What’s more, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time in the kitchen.
What’s for Dinner Tonight?
Groceries aren’t cheap, but you can eat well without paying a fortune or sacrificing flavor. These ideas for healthy meals on a budget are easy on your wallet and tasty, too. This cheater version of beef biryani from Kay Chun doesn’t taste like a shortcut at all. The beef reviews on unimeal finishes cooking on top of the rice, which is then fluffed and served.
- Here are 20+ of my best easy and inexpensive meal ideas for large groups.
- Round out the recipe with bean, andouille sausage, and dried pasta.
- Cover the entire baking dish with foil and cook for 30–35 minutes or until the zucchini is soft and the cheese is melted.
- In a remarkable display of simplicity and speed, this vegan lentil shepherd’s pie can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Some are made super easy with just raw ingredients and canned beans – like a chickpea salad.
- Boxed blended soups are the perfect canvas for simple stir-ins to make them more substantial and satisfying.
Hearty Baked Penne Pasta
Additionally, consider buying eggs, which are a great source of protein and can be used to make a variety of meals, from omelets to frittatas. We have pulled together 15 of our favorite recipes for when you need to save time and money. These easy meals feature healthy, inexpensive staples, like beans, pasta and frozen vegetables—and all take 15 minutes or less to make. As always, feel free to make substitutions with whatever veggies and proteins you have on hand to make these recipes even less expensive and more convenient.
Quinoa and Black Beans
Another key to affordable healthy eating is buying seasonal and local produce. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are not only cheaper but also taste better and have higher nutritional value. Additionally, buying from local farmers or at farmer’s markets can help reduce costs and support the local economy. Some of the cheapest healthy food options in the produce category include carrots, potatoes, and onions, which are versatile, nutritious, and can be purchased in bulk. With the rise of health consciousness, many of us are seeking ways to eat healthier without breaking the bank.
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Furthermore, this recipe has earned a special place in our household as a beloved family favorite! For those interested in trying out this mouthwatering dish, please check out the link provided. I’d love to hear about your go-to inexpensive healthy meals! Drop a comment below with your favorite affordable recipe, or let me know which of these you plan to try first. When groceries cost more, a lot of us are tempted to turn to quick fixes such as fast food or highly processed options, hoping to save.
It’s possible with this simplified recipe from Nargisse Benkabbou. Making preserved lemons at home is easy and completely worthwhile, but if you’re in a pinch, normal lemons work, too. If you’re not a fan of raw salads, this warm one from Yossy Arefi is the perfect solution.
When hosting a weekend brunch with loved ones, I always turn to this tried-and-true recipe. It’s incredibly quick to prepare and doesn’t require much fuss, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely morning meal or a low-key gathering. Being frugal in the kitchen starts with how you fill your cart. If you can master a few smart grocery shopping habits, you’ll stretch your dollar further and avoid those midweek “what do I cook now? Eating healthy on a budget just takes a little planning and some pantry staples. You’ll feel better, spend less, and maybe even find some new go-to favorites.
Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs
Other healthy and affordable protein sources include tofu, tempeh, and seitan, which can be used to make a variety of stir-fries and other Asian-inspired dishes. You can also consider buying chicken or turkey in bulk, and using it to make a variety of meals, from soups to stews. When shopping for protein sources, be sure to look for sales and discounts, and consider buying in bulk to save money.
Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chickpeas
Probably because it’s so easy to make and everyone likes it. After baking the casserole, serve it over some pasta. For a group, I’d recommend doubling it to make enough for a 9×13 dish.
Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing
Think of it like a beautiful green ship (packed with nutrients) that will send your delicious dinner sailing into your stomach. This is a great gluten-free, low-carb option to try out when you feel like enjoying delicious chicken parm without the pasta. Elevate the simplicity of Instant Pot Fajita Rice by adding succulent chicken and generous amounts of cheese. Customize this delightful dish with your preferred toppings to create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.