15 Cheap and Easy Dinner Recipes That’ll Spice Up Your Weeknights

Busy nights call for easy, delicious meals that don’t break the bank. If you’re tired of the same old weeknight dinners, it’s time to shake things up with fresh, flavorful recipes that anyone can make. These recipes are simple, affordable, and perfect for adding some zest to your routine. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Say goodbye to bland meals and hello to tasty, budget-friendly dinners that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

Taco Stir-Fry

Taco Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’ll add some spice to your weeknight dinner. Start by browning ground beef or chicken in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Once cooked, add chopped bell peppers, onions, and a packet of taco seasoning. Stir in a can of diced tomatoes and a splash of water, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve the stir-fry over rice or in soft tortillas, and garnish with shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. It’s a super easy meal that’s both filling and delicious.

One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a great way to get a delicious, vegetable-packed dinner with minimal cleanup. Cook pasta in a large pot, and about halfway through, toss in chopped zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Once the pasta is cooked, drain most of the water, leaving a little bit for the sauce. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and toss everything together until coated. This dish is light, fresh, and packed with flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

For a meal that’s quick, tasty, and comforting, make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice. Sauté shrimp in a large skillet with butter and minced garlic until they’re pink and cooked through. Meanwhile, cook rice on the stove or in a rice cooker. Once the shrimp are done, toss them with the cooked rice, adding lemon juice, a bit of parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. This meal is full of rich flavor and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas are a family favorite that’s both easy and flavorful. Slice chicken breasts into strips and cook them in a skillet with sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with fajita seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Once everything is cooked, serve it with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. This quick and customizable recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.

Veggie Stir-Fry

Veggie Stir-Fry is a healthy, budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to throw together. Heat some oil in a pan and sauté a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Add a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a dash of honey or brown sugar. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a delicious meal. This dish is not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly customizable depending on what vegetables you have on hand.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a meal in minutes. Shred cooked chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce, then spread the mixture onto a tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with another tortilla. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of coleslaw or salsa for an extra kick.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is an easy Italian dish that uses just a few ingredients but is packed with flavor. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan, adding salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to taste. This simple dish is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that won’t break the bank.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are the ultimate no-fuss dinner that takes less than 30 minutes. Toss sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the fajita mixture in tortillas with your favorite toppings, like cheese, sour cream, or salsa, for a tasty and easy meal.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty dish that combines the savory goodness of beef with comforting rice and cheese. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then stir in cooked rice, a can of diced tomatoes, and a packet of taco seasoning. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. This dish is filling, flavorful, and perfect for a busy weeknight.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto Chicken Pasta is a simple and flavorful dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes. Cook chicken breasts and slice them thinly. Meanwhile, cook pasta and toss it with a few spoonfuls of store-bought or homemade pesto. Add the cooked chicken to the pasta, mixing it all together. For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of Parmesan cheese or heavy cream. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s full of fresh basil flavor.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to make. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, and then serve it on hamburger buns. This recipe is perfect for a filling dinner that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken is a light, fresh dinner that’s quick to make. Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts, and slice them into strips. Toss together fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. Add the grilled chicken on top and season with salt and pepper. This dish is a perfect combination of protein and fresh vegetables, ideal for a light, healthy dinner.

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic, comforting dish that’s always a hit. Cook ziti pasta and mix it with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This is a simple, satisfying dinner that feeds a crowd without much effort.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is an Italian classic that’s easy to make at home. Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake them until golden and crispy. Top with marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese, then bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve the chicken over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a filling, flavorful dinner.

Stir-Fry Tofu with Vegetables

Stir-Fry Tofu with Vegetables is a vegetarian-friendly dish that’s simple and full of flavor. Press and cube tofu, then sauté it until golden in a hot pan. Add your choice of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and stir-fry until tender. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and serve over rice or noodles. This dish is a great option for those looking for a light, healthy dinner with plenty of texture and taste.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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