60+ Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week
- 1/65
60+ Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week
Shopping for a week's worth of fresh ingredients for tasty weeknight dinners can seem like a major strain on your wallet. But smart home cooks can serve up all kinds of creative family dinner ideas on a budget — the trick is knowing how to maximize every ingredient in your fridge and pantry. For example, using one package of ground beef for two different meals, transforming chicken thighs into multiple dinners, or dressing up canned beans for a yummy vegetarian recipe. Our favorite homemade dinners are budget-friendly and surprisingly delightful to put together, and the best part is that most of these easy, cheap dinners come together in 30 minutes or less.
An organized shopping list is key to putting together a menu of delicious weeknight dinners that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. We have tips for super-fast dinners all your favorite proteins, including beef, chicken breasts, pork, salmon and tilapia, not to mention a variety of healthy vegetables, too. Prepping your meals in advance helps you cut down on time spent in the kitchen at the end of the day, too.
Our collection of the best cheap and easy weeknight dinners can be made using kitchen gadgets and tools you probably already own, including Instant Pot recipes, sheet pan recipes and grilling recipes. You'll spend less time fidgeting over fussy directions and get right to the good stuff with pastas, salads, roasts, and stews that are sure to make you, your family and your credit card very, very happy.
- 2/65
Salmon With Skyr and Sauteed Kale
Broiling salmon in the oven cuts cooking time down to just eight minutes. Budget tip: A family-sized fillet packet at your local fishmonger should save you from paying the packing upcharge on individual pieces.
- 3/65
Crispy Chicken With White Wine Pan Sauce
Chicken thighs are often left behind in favor of breasts; but these cheaper cuts can be quite flavorful in a bath of stock, creating a pan sauce you'll swear is ultra fancy (it's actually just wine!).
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken With White Wine Pan Sauce »
RELATED: 60+ Healthy Chicken Recipes for the Best Dinner Ever
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 4/65
Steak With Grilled Green Beans, Fennel & Farro
Lucky enough to have access to a grill all year long? Perfectly charred steak is ready in just 12 minutes, just enough time for you to boil farro for the whole fam.
Get the recipe for Steak With Grilled Green Beans, Fennel & Farro »
- 5/65
30-Minute Dinners: 85 Delicious Recipes
Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com
$24.95
Looking for even more dinner ideas? Our newest cookbook is available now. Easy 30-Minute Dinners is filled with 85+ easy, budget-friendly recipes for busy cooks, including special chapters dedicated to air-fried treats and one-pot dinners. Armed with this book, any home cook will be ready to pull off stress-free weeknights.
- 6/65
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
You just need 30 minutes to make this pasta dinner made with fresh peas and noodles. Skillet chicken joins the fun for a super zesty, creamy meal everyone will love.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 7/65
Mediterranean Baked Cod
How in the world can you turn freshly baked cod into a full meal in just 15 minutes? Easy: Pack a skillet full of roasted veg and a bit of water, and you have a perfect steamy situation.
- 8/65
Pan-Fried Chicken With Lemony Roasted Broccoli
This is the ultimate sheet pan dinner: Simply toss your veg in lemon juice and seasonings, and watch as it crisps to perfection in less than 10 minutes.
Get the recipe for Pan-Fried Chicken With Lemony Roasted Broccoli »
- 9/65
Steak and Fingerling Frites
Steak and potatoes are a classic combo, but we love to dress up our favorites every once in a while. Pesto and butter come together to make a steak dressing you can't resist.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 10/65
60+ Super Cheap and Fast Dinners for Any Night of the Week
- 11/65
Chicken Parmesan
It's a weeknight classic for a reason: Ready in 30 minutes, insanely flavorful, and minimal work required! Armed with just six ingredients, you've got a classic Italian favorite.
- 12/65
Chicken Marsala
Creating a savory sauce using the drippings in your frying pan is key to a delicious chicken dinner on the fly. This marsala sauce is made better thanks to velvety mushrooms and a side of greens.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 13/65
Seared Chicken With Pesto Zucchini Orzo
It's definitely an al fresco meal designed for summer nights. Orzo and zucchini (plus squash!) make for a delicious sidekick to chicken — in less than 10, no less!
Get the recipe for Seared Chicken With Pesto Zucchini Orzo »
- 14/65
Veggie Medley on Sweet Potatoes
A delicious fall-time vegetarian dinner, this bright bowl of sweet spuds is blended into a silky bed for fresh veggies thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and (plenty of) butter. It's all ready in just under 25 mins!
- 15/65
Mustard Glazed Pork Chops
Apple cider vinegar, mustard, olive oil and fresh parsley are whipped into a silky glaze for bone-in chops.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 16/65
Zucchini and Cheese Quesadillas
Upgrade your classic cheese 'dilla with a healthy dose of fresh zucchini, which only adds to its super luxe creamy profile.
- 17/65
Vegetarian Chili Macaroni
A dream Meatless Monday meal that comes together in 20 minutes, flat. (Of course, it's really designed to be delicious on any day of the week that ends in y.)
- 18/65
Grilled Moroccan Steak and Carrots
Rather than a bottled marinade, you'll use a few aromatic spices to dress these steaks up a few days beforehand. It'll burst with flavor alongside seasonal veggies.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 19/65
Miso Spinach Noodles
Instant ramen has a bad rap among busy families, but this lightning fast bowl of glass noodles will easily change your mind. The fresh spinach is a 30-second addition that'll make the bowl that much better.
- 20/65
Shrimp Packets With Kale Couscous
Shrimp is impossible to mess up: A foil packet allows you to set the oven and simply walk away. Dinner goes from the fridge to the table in 25 minutes flat.
Get the recipe for Shrimp Packets With Kale Couscous »
RELATED: 28 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Cook Shrimp at Home
- 21/65
Crispy Sesame Pork
Because pork chops are delicate and thin, they become crispy in a hot pan of oil in just a few minutes — making this dinner a breeze to whip up.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 22/65
Zesty Shrimp Tacos
Frozen or fresh, shrimp cooks up in just a few minutes (even less on the grill!). Store-bought tortillas come to life thanks to fresh cilantro, sliced radish, salsa and Cotija cheese.
- 23/65
Tomato-Quinoa Soup
Who needs the canned stuff when this heavenly bowl of zesty purée is ready in just 30 minutes? Top it with crunchy quinoa for a flavor-packed bite.
- 24/65
Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi
Sautéing fresh shrimp and a medley of vegetables to buttery perfection can be done in just five minutes.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 25/65
Seared Steak With Blistered Tomatoes
A 20-minute steak-and-salad meal is one of the easiest dinners you'll ever make. The velvety tomatoes are just an added bonus.
- 26/65
Veggie Skillet Lasagna
This veggie-packed lasagna is a great way to clear the fridge of your leftover haul from the farmer's market. Plus, you can prep the dish on Sunday and simply fire it up on the stove on Monday.
- 27/65
Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Alright, alright — this one takes 45 minutes to perfect, we'll admit. But the extra 15 minutes of prep time ensures your meatballs feel more like a special night out than a routine dine-and-dash at home.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 28/65
Thai Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry
While a packet of instant rice is both fast and budget friendly, the umami blend of veggies and beef can also be served over noodles, too.
- 29/65
Beef Stroganoff
Another one-pan weeknight hero that is insanely flavorful, white wine and beef broth deglaze the umami bits of sirloin in the pan.
- 30/65
Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Green Beans
Turn five ingredients into a shockingly mouthwatering Mediterranean plate.
Get the recipe for Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Green Beans »
RELATED: 30+ Easy Salmon Recipes You'll Love
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 31/65
Korean Pork Lettuce Wraps
Slowly stewed pork in a Instant Pot makes these fresh lettuce wraps feel much more luxurious.
- 32/65
Skillet Lemon Chicken With Artichokes
Six ingredients into the skillet (including a generous splash of white wine) makes for a deliciously zesty and bright chicken dinner.
- 33/65
Spicy Italian Mussels and "Frites"
Please the kids when they ask for French fries for dinner — but give them an adult spin with a jus made from fresh mussels.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 34/65
Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon and Scallions
Fresh corn, basil and scallions are only brightened by a healthy dose of salty bacon in a creamy pan sauce.
Get the recipe for Creamy Corn Pasta With Bacon and Scallions »
- 35/65
Dijon Pork & Asparagus Sauté
Tarragon and salt spice up this bed of asparagus that sits atop olive oil. You'll sear pork chops and brown each side.
- 36/65
Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad
A salad that feels more like a snack plate? Sign us up! This rustic Cobb feels deconstructed in the best way possible — more of everything you love.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 37/65
Almond-Crusted Creole Salmon
A hack for a delicious glaze in record time? Dipping into creamy, fresh Greek yogurt and a dusting of almonds, all brightened by a pop of lemon zest.
- 38/65
Red Curry Shrimp and Cilantro Rice
Making a big batch of rice for the week? Curry shrimp and veggies are sautéed perfectly in zesty lime juice.
- 39/65
Chickpea and Kale Rigatoni With Smoky Bread Crumbs
An updated take on classic bolognese, this rigatoni pairs chorizo and breadcrumbs with shards of creamy manchego cheese.
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Kale Rigatoni With Smoky Bread Crumbs »
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 40/65
Instant Pot Risotto With Parmesan
Stop fretting over a hot stove and trying to avoid messing up a creamy base; simply tap your Instant Pot to do the heavy lifting. This luxe risotto is ready in 30 minutes flat.
- 42/65
Sweet and Sticky Tofu With Baby Bok Choy
Crispy tofu and udon noodles are tossed together in a sticky sweet sauce with soy sauce, sugar, pepper and cornstarch.
Get the recipe for Sweet and Sticky Tofu with Baby Bok Choy »
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 43/65
Pork Chops With Balsamic-Braised Cabbage and Apples
You'll love how sliced apples seemingly melt into this bed of massaged cabbage, all dressed in a delicious pan sauce.
Get the recipe for Pork Chops with Balsamic-Braised Cabbage and Apples »
- 44/65
Mac 'n' Cheese With Crispy Bacon and Sweet Potatoes
Savory bacon and sticky sweet potatoes come together as a creamy duo in this uber satisfying macaroni and cheese recipe.
Get the recipe for Shortcut Mac 'n' Cheese with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Potatoes »
- 45/65
Tuscan Veggie Stew
Can't bear to part with a loaf of stale bread? This stew breathes new life into bread as well as hearty beans.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 47/65
Quick Pork Ragu with Ravioli
Dress up store-bought cheese ravioli with a quick-fire ragu that's ready in just 15 minutes.
- 48/65
Crispy Tofu Bowl
There are so many crunchy layers to this dish, including nutty quinoa and cashews and water-packed cucumbers. The crispy crunch of fried tofu is just an added bonus.
Get the recipe for Crispy Tofu Bowl »
RELATED: 38 Easy Tofu Recipes That Vegetarians and Meat Eaters Can Both Love
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 49/65
White Bean and Tuna Salad With Basil Vinaigrette
Parlay a can of tuna into a super zesty bean salad with plenty of green beans and toothy white beans.
Get the recipe for White Bean and Tuna Salad With Basil Vinaigrette »
- 50/65
Quick Sautéed Cuban Beef
You'll love this updated take on a classic Cuban dish, as it ups the flavor of spiced beef with a dash of briny olives. It's ready in just 25 minutes.
- 51/65
Spring Chicken and Biscuits
This flavorful stew-like dish is a low-effort interpretation of a pot pie thanks to the sub of a pie crust with hearty biscuits instead.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 52/65
Soy-Glazed Cod and Bok Choy
Tender cod fillets can be broiled to perfection in just seven minutes. But you'll be amazed by this sweet glaze that comes together in 60 seconds (thanks to your microwave!).
- 53/65
Grilled Chicken With Coconut-Lime Slaw
Coconut milk, freshly squeezed lime juice and sugar come together to make a superfast base for a light slaw you'll love year round.
- 54/65
Lemony Salmon Piccata
You may fall even more in love with this Italian classic when you swap chicken for tender salmon fillets.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 55/65
Philly Cheesesteak
Who said sandwiches are only good for lunch? This stuffed sub feels like the best of both worlds; a medley of flavors and something fast you can eat with your hands!
- 56/65
Grilled Chicken Wings
Ditching a fryer for the grill can make whipping up a batch of finger-licking-good chicken wings less of a mess — and saves you time, too!
- 57/65
Roasted Salmon With Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
A bed of broccoli and potatoes allows the oven's hot air to evenly roast all sides of your salmon fillets (translation: So much faster!).
Get the recipe for Roasted Salmon With Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli »
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 58/65
Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl
Pasta isn't the only sidekick for hearty Italian sausage. Try a base of quinoa and crunchy broccoli instead.
- 59/65
Greek Salad
It's one of the only salads that feel like a complete meal on it's own: A medley of tomatoes and fresh cucumbers alongside creamy feta cheese make this Greek salad feel simply bountiful.
- 60/65
Fish Packets With Caper Butter and Snap Peas
We love a simple "assembly" dinner: This fish plate comes together by simply throwing in a handful of ingredients into a packet and then into the oven. Done!
Get the recipe for Fish Packets with Caper Butter and Snap Peas »
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 61/65
Ginger Pork and Cucumber Salad
Picked up a pound of ground pork on sale, but don't want to do meatballs? Grab a few fresh herbs and give this bowl a whirl.
- 62/65
Pork Chops with Rosemary Truffle Sauce
Pork chops can taste just as decadent as lamb or the finest cut of steak; a five-minute homemade truffle butter will see to that.
- 63/65
Swordfish With Summer Salad
Catching yourself in a salmon or tilapia rut? Take a chance on swordfish, especially in the summer season, as this hearty protein grills perfectly.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 64/65
Grilled Steak Tortilla Salad
Hello, upgraded taco salad! It's all of your favorite bits and pieces of a great taco rolled into a rustic salad plate.
Say hello to your new weeknight heroes. 😍
