Dinner doesn’t have to cost a lot to be worth looking forward to. These 21 meals are easy to make, filling, and don’t rely on expensive ingredients. They’re built around what you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. If you're trying to cook more without spending more, this list is for you.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a skillet dinner with crispy bacon and soft, sautéed cabbage. It comes together in about 20 minutes with just a few pantry staples. The flavor is smoky, salty, and slightly sweet from the cooked-down cabbage. It’s simple, filling, and works with almost any side.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling are crispy on the outside and creamy in the center. They take around 40 minutes using mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and basic seasonings. The taste is earthy and comforting with a golden crust. Serve with a salad or dip to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas in Green Tahini Sauce is hearty, nutty, and sauce-forward. It takes about 35 minutes to make with cooked quinoa, roasted squash, and canned chickpeas. The tahini sauce adds a lemony, herb-packed flavor that ties everything together. Great warm or cold, depending on your night.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad is warm, lightly sweet, and tossed with leafy greens. It’s ready in around 30 minutes using roasted squash, salad greens, and a basic vinaigrette. The dish has a soft bite and a slightly caramelized flavor. It’s a solid meatless dinner that doesn’t leave you hungry.
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Chicken Sancocho
Chicken Sancocho is a Colombian stew that’s both rich and filling without being expensive. Made with chicken thighs, potatoes, corn, and yuca, it simmers up in about an hour. The flavor is warm, savory, and a little tangy from lime. It’s a full meal in one pot and makes leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Easy Instant Pot Fish Soup is a brothy, lightly spiced soup with chunks of tender white fish. It takes just 30 minutes using frozen fish fillets, canned tomatoes, and broth. The taste is mild and comforting, with a touch of garlic and dill. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Matzo Brei Pizza
Matzo Brei Pizza is a mashup of crispy matzo brei topped like a pizza with cheese and sauce. It’s done in about 20 minutes with matzo, eggs, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. The flavor is savory and familiar, like pizza on a crunchy base. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and easy on ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Matzo Brei Pizza
Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian Endive Soup is light and smooth with a slight bitterness from the greens. It comes together in 35 minutes with endives, potatoes, and broth. The flavor is mellow, balanced with a bit of cream for richness. Serve it with bread for a calm, warming dinner.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel is baked pasta with mushrooms, leeks, and a creamy filling. It takes about 45 minutes to prep and cook with pantry pasta and a few fresh vegetables. The taste is savory, soft, and slightly sweet from the leeks. It’s a comfort dish that reheats well too.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Barley, Kale, and Romano Beans Soup is thick, warming, and packed with greens and grains. It’s ready in about 50 minutes using barley, canned beans, and chopped kale. The flavor is herby and earthy with a chewy texture. Serve with a slice of bread and it’s a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Borlotti Beans in Tomato Sauce with Eggs is a protein-packed dish with a saucy tomato base. It takes about 30 minutes using canned beans, tomatoes, and eggs poached right in the pan. The taste is savory and a little tangy with soft textures throughout. Great with toast or rice for a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Mujadara
Mujadara is a mix of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions with bold, earthy flavor. It’s done in around 40 minutes and only requires dry pantry basics like lentils, rice, and onion. The flavor is nutty and slightly sweet from the onions. It’s filling, cheap, and works hot or cold.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls are light wraps filled with seasoned tofu and fresh veggies. They take about 30 minutes to assemble with rice paper, herbs, and vegetables. The flavor is crisp, herby, and balanced with the tofu’s savory base. Dip them in peanut sauce and dinner’s covered.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce is pasta tossed in a simple tomato sauce with sautéed mushrooms. It’s ready in 25 minutes with dry pasta, canned tomatoes, and fresh mushrooms. The flavor is rich, savory, and slightly meaty from the mushrooms. It's a no-fuss dinner that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant Shakshuka is a skillet dish with tender eggplant, spiced tomato sauce, and poached eggs. It takes about 40 minutes using canned tomatoes, onion, and spices. The taste is smoky, saucy, and satisfying with every bite. Serve with bread to scoop it all up.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Shakshuka
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad is a chilled dinner option wrapped in fresh zucchini slices. It’s ready in 25 minutes using crab meat, mayo, and simple seasonings. The taste is fresh and creamy with a soft crunch from the zucchini. Light enough for summer, but filling enough for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Yellow Squash Casserole
Yellow Squash Casserole is a baked dish with soft squash, breadcrumbs, and a cheesy center. It’s done in about 35 minutes with yellow squash, cheese, and eggs. The flavor is mild and creamy with a golden top. It pairs easily with whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Breaded Panko Pork Chops are oven-baked with a crisp crust and tender inside. They take about 30 minutes to make using boneless pork chops and panko breadcrumbs. The taste is savory and crunchy without needing deep frying. Serve with potatoes or greens, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are filled with mashed potato, cheese, and bacon bits. They take about 45 minutes with russet potatoes, sour cream, and green onions. The taste is rich, creamy, and salty with a crispy shell. One or two can pass for dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie is a full meal baked under a golden crust with chicken, peas, and carrots. It’s ready in about an hour using leftover chicken or rotisserie for speed. The taste is warm and savory with a creamy filling and flaky top. It’s hearty and great for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken is a one-pan dish with juicy chicken breasts, tomatoes, and melted cheese. It bakes in 35 minutes with basic seasoning and pantry-friendly ingredients. The flavor is simple but satisfying, with a nice balance of savory and creamy. Serve with rice or greens to stretch it further.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
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