We've all been there: it's seven o'clock, and you haven't a clue how to fill your stomach for dinner. It would be nice to just close your eyes and dream up an extravagant feast, but your wallet and the clock are working against you.

Never fear! We've got you covered with our selection of 70 cheap and easy dinner recipes. Whether you're single, living on a budget, or cooking for a family of four, these recipes are sure to provide much-needed relief during busy weeknights when time is of the essence and money is tight.

Keep reading for plenty of ideas that prove it really is possible to cook hearty dinners without going broke or insane—you don't even have to call for takeout!

Budget-Friendly Dinners

We all know dinner can be one of the most expensive meals of the day. But you don't have to break the bank just to make a tasty dinner that your family will love. If you’re looking for delicious, budget-friendly dinner recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

Here we’ve compiled a collection of inexpensive recipes that won’t cost an arm and a leg – but don’t skimp on flavor! Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights. From tasty tacos and hearty soups to homemade pizza and casseroles, there's something everyone in your family will love—all without breaking your budget.

Easy-to-Prepare Salads & Sides

Salads and sides can quickly make a meal feel more substantial, and you don't need to be an expert cook to put them together! Here are some recipes that will make your dinner complete in no time.

  1. Roasted Veggies: Toss root vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite herbs, then roast at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. It doesn't get easier than this!
  2. Potato Salad: Boil potatoes until they're tender and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, celery seed and some chopped pickles. It's a classic side dish that never disappoints!
  3. Green Salad: Toss together lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and your favorite dressing. You can also add nuts or seeds if you'd like some crunch
  4. Mediterranean Couscous: Cook couscous according to the instructions on the package, then mix in feta cheese, kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, fresh mint leaves and a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice for a delicious side that goes well with just about anything.

No matter what you choose to cook for dinner tonight—whether it's one of these dishes or something totally different—you can be sure you'll have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Quick and Healthy One-Pot Meals

Making dinner doesn't have to be a daunting task, especially not when you can put almost everything into one pot and still end up with a delicious meal. Imagine being able to feed your family a hearty and healthy dinner in under half an hour! These recipes make that happen. Here are just some of the fabulous one-pot meals you can make this week:

Egg Fried Rice

This simple takeout favorite is sure to be a hit with the whole family. All you need is some cooked rice, vegetables, eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create stir fried perfection. You'll love how quick and easy it is!

Pasta Primavera

Toss some noodles in boiling water along with some broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms for this classic Italian dish. Top this deliciously healthy meal off with parmesan cheese and your favorite marinara sauce for added flavor.

Chili Mac

This quick and easy classic will quickly become a weeknight staple for sure! Throw together some ground beef, macaroni noodles, beans and chili seasoning mix into one pot for the ultimate comfort food. Don't forget to top it off with your favorite cheese blend!

Meatless & Vegetarian Meals on a Budget

If you're trying to reduce your meat and dairy intake, or just trying to eat a bit healthier, there are lots of options for cheap and easy dinner recipes that don't involve meat at all. The secret? Being resourceful with affordable ingredients - you'll be surprised how far a few cans of beans, a head of broccoli, or a carton of mushrooms can stretch.

Here are some vegetarian meals you can whip up in no time:

  1. Veggie Chili: A pantry staple like canned black beans, diced tomatoes and corn make up the bulk of this chili—all you have to do is cook it in one pot! Top with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream for an extra special touch.
  2. Loaded Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes are filling on their own, but add some cheese, sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, or black beans to ramp it up. Drizzle on some chipotle mayo or sour cream and serve with a side salad for an easy dinner.
  3. Pasta Puttanesca: This classic Italian dish takes just minutes to prepare—all you need is olive oil, anchovies and olives for the sauce. Toss with your favorite pasta shape like penne or spaghetti for a meal in no time!

Quality Protein Dishes for Less

You don't have to spend a lot of money on dinner to make something delicious. In fact, protein dishes often lend themselves to lower cost recipes. You can get creative with inexpensive ingredients while still making a quality dish that's tasty and filling.

Get Intuitive with Your Protein Sources

Don't think you have to stick solely with chicken or beef for your proteins. Get creative by looking for alternative sources like tofu, tempeh, seitan, black beans, eggs, or even edamame. These options can be more budget-friendly than typical proteins and often offer similar levels of nutrition.

Learn New Techniques

Trying a new cooking technique can help you make the most of the ingredients you have on hand. For example, cooking foods in parchment or foil allows you to easily serve portions while keeping ingredients moist and full of flavor. You can also bake eggs in individual ramekins instead of cooking a dozen eggs in an omelet pan—which allows you to cook smaller servings in less time, so nothing goes to waste.

Recipe Ideas

Using the tips above, here are some great dinner idea that keep dinner cheap and healthy:

  1. Teriyaki Salmon & Veggies Bowls
  2. Pesto Baked Chicken & Tomatoes
  3. Mediterranean Tofu & Chickpea Bowls
  4. Chickpea Quinoa Buddha Bowls
  5. Roasted Eggplant Caprese Stacks

No matter what method or ingredients you choose, there are tons of ways to make dinner cheaper without sacrificing taste or nutrition!

Family-Style Casseroles & Slow Cooker Classics

If you’re looking for delicious, hearty meals that won’t break the bank, casseroles and slow cooker recipes are the way to go. Whether you’re cooking for a full house or for just a few people, these dishes have plenty of leftovers and you can mix and match ingredients to make anything your heart desires.

Casseroles

Casseroles are one of the easiest dishes to make, and they don’t require too much effort. Just throw all your ingredients in a big dish and bake! There’s something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. A few family-style casserole ideas include beef enchiladas, mac ‘n cheese bake or an easy chicken pot pie.

Slow Cooker Classics

Once you master the art of the slow cooker, there will never be a shortage of delicious meals in your repertoire. Throw in your ingredients in the morning before work (or on Sunday for meal prepping) and enjoy tasty eats by dinner time! Recipes like slow cooker pulled pork with coleslaw or maple garlic chicken thighs can be served alongside some crafted sides like mashed potatoes and kale chips which are all easy to make with minimal fuss.