If you’re like me, you probably don’t enjoy having to come up with something to cook when you get off work. Monday through Friday, it’s best to have easy weeknight dinners on hand that can help you save money and time. I’ve found these 10 recipes to be perfect for just that.
1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies
I love a good one-pan meal. This lemon herb chicken and veggies is a go-to for my family. It is simple and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for dinner during the week. Just season your chicken thighs or breasts and roast them alongside your favorite veggies. You can serve it with rice to complete the meal.
2. Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is another quick, comforting dish that you can typically make with things you already have on hand. You just need pasta, eggs, parmesan cheese, and bacon. It’s easy and affordable. You also won’t be stuck doing a pile of dishes after you’re done.
3. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Again, sheet pan meals are a lifesaver. If you are in the mood for fajitas but want something low-effort, these sheet pan fajitas are great. You just have to toss chicken (or your protein of choice), bell peppers, and onions along with a blend of spices on a sheet pen. Roast them and then serve on tortillas with whatever toppings you love. Best of all, there are usually some leftovers, which can be great for lunch wraps or salads.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir fry is another low-cost, easy meal. You can use whatever vegetables you might have on hand and toss them in a soy-based sauce. You can also use leftover chicken or other meat for added protein. Once it’s cooked, serve it over rice or noodles. It’s a quick, satisfying meal.
5. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a favorite of my husband’s and I love that because it’s easy to cook and there’s almost always leftovers. You just combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. (We also typically use ground sausage in our ziti.) Then bake everything together until it’s bubbly. Another thing that makes this meal great is that it freezes really well, making it a good option for make-ahead meals for busy weeks. Or, if you’re like me, you might make a huge batch before having a baby (we ate ziti twice a week for a few weeks after my son was born).
6. Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sloppy joes are super easy. Turning them into sliders makes it a fun, kid-friendly meal. You can use ground beef or turkey and mix it with the delicious sloppy joe sauce. Serve it on small buns and that’s it! You can shove some fries into the oven for a side or serve it with a salad. It’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly.
7. Instant Pot Chili
I love anything I can put in the crockpot or Instant Pot. For this one, you just combine your ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices in your pressure cooker. It doesn’t take much time and there’s usually more than enough to go around. I like to serve mine with cornbread.
8. Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole is something I love. It’s a retro classic that has stayed affordable and remains satisfying. There are several different recipes out there, but I like this one the most. Overall, it’s a great dish for using pantry staples.
9. Loaded Baked Potatoes
A good baked potato can be a filling, yet cost-effective meal. You can top them with anything you’ve got on hand. We’ve done chili, bacon bits, sour cream, cheese, butter, and even broccoli. You can serve them by themselves or with some steamed veggies or a salad. It’s an easy way to turn humble ingredients into a tasty meal.
10. Quick Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another favorite in my house. We use leftover chicken, beans, or veggies in ours. Fill your tortilla with your ingredients and cook in a skillet until it’s golden. You can serve it with guacamole, sour cream, or a queso sauce. These are a hit at my house and have become a dinner staple.
Quick, Affordable, and Delicious
At the end of the day, no one wants to come home and stress over a meal. These 10 weeknight dinners prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor just to save money and time. Each of these meals is easy to make and will fit just about any budget. With these recipes, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evenings.