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What’s For Dinner? (#15) | Five Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas | Budget Dinner Ideas

Deciding what’s for dinner can often be a challenge, especially when time is limited and the budget is tight. Fear not! We’ve rounded up five quick and easy dinner ideas that are not only simple to prepare but also gentle on the wallet. Say goodbye to stress and hello to delicious meals that the whole family will love.

1. One-Pan Chicken and Veggies

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and surround it with your choice of chopped vegetables.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over everything.
4. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Budget Tip: Buy vegetables in bulk or use frozen veggies for even lower costs.

2. Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• Assorted fresh or frozen vegetables (broccoli, cherry tomatoes, spinach)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add your vegetables.
3. Sauté until they are tender, then add cooked pasta to the skillet.
4. Toss everything together with Italian seasoning, and serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Budget Tip: Look for store brands of pasta, which can save you money without sacrificing quality.

3. Taco Night

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option)
• Taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the meat and drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, and simmer for a few minutes.
2. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
3. Serve the meat in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Budget Tip: Use dried beans instead of meat for a cost-effective and nutritious alternative.

4. Stir-Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Assorted vegetables (frozen mixed veggies work great)
• Soy sauce
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pan or wok over high heat and add a bit of oil.
2. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then add the cooked rice and vegetables.
3. Pour in soy sauce and stir until everything is heated through. Garnish with green onions.

Budget Tip: Leftover rice is a lifesaver here, making this dish incredibly budget-friendly.

5. Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and diced tomatoes, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Budget Tip: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and get creative!

With these five quick and easy dinner ideas, you can conquer the age-old question of "What’s for dinner?" without breaking the bank. Whether you’re short on time or need to feed a crowd, these budget-friendly meals will leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy stress-free cooking and delicious family dinners!