5 Quick Weekday Dinners Under $15

In the hustle of busy weeknights, preparing a quick and affordable dinner can seem challenging. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can create meals that are both satisfying and easy to make. For an added touch of creativity, consider using themed prints on cups to enhance your dining experience.

In the hustle and bustle of the workweek, finding the time to prepare a delicious and budget-friendly dinner can often feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and planning, it is entirely possible to whip up fast meals that are both satisfying and economical. This article presents five quick weekday dinner ideas, each costing less than $15, allowing you to enjoy tasty meals without breaking the bank.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

This easy one-pan dish is a weeknight favorite. It involves minimal clean-up and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs ($5)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots) ($3)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.50)
• 1 lemon, juiced ($0.50)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
4. Add the mixed vegetables around the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Rice

Stir-fries are not only quick but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This vegetarian option is nutritious and can be made in less than 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice ($2)
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced ($2)
• 1 cup broccoli florets ($1.50)
• 1 carrot, julienned ($0.50)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.50)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil ($0.50)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated ($0.25)

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add ginger and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot, cooking until tender.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and serve hot.

3. Taco Night: Ground Beef Tacos

Taco night is always a hit! These ground beef tacos are quick to prepare and loaded with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef ($6)
• 1 packet taco seasoning ($1)
• 8 taco shells ($2)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce ($1)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes ($1)
• 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning according to package instructions.
3. Warm taco shells in the oven or microwave as per package directions.
4. Assemble tacos with beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
5. Serve with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

4. Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a light and colorful dish that celebrates seasonal vegetables. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta ($1)
• 1 zucchini, sliced ($1)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ($2)
• 1 bell pepper, diced ($1)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.50)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.25)
• Parmesan cheese for serving ($1)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes; sauté until tender.
4. Mix cooked pasta into the skillet, toss, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

5. Simple Chickpea Salad

This no-cook option is not only healthy but also quick to put together. It’s perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained ($1)
• 1 cucumber, diced ($1)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ($2)
• 1/2 red onion, diced ($0.50)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.50)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ($0.50)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.25)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Cooking during the week doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. With these five quick dinner ideas, you can have satisfying meals on the table in no time, all while staying within a modest budget. Whether you prefer chicken, pasta, or a refreshing salad, there’s something for every palate. Happy cooking!

FAQ

What are some quick weekday dinner ideas under $15?

Some quick weekday dinner ideas include spaghetti aglio e olio, vegetable stir-fry with rice, tacos with ground turkey, homemade pizza with store-bought dough, and a hearty vegetable soup.

How can I make a filling dinner for under $15?

You can make a filling dinner by using affordable ingredients like beans, rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables, which can be combined into dishes such as chili or casseroles.

What are some healthy dinner options that are budget-friendly?

Healthy budget-friendly options include quinoa salad with mixed vegetables, baked chicken thighs with roasted broccoli, and lentil soup with whole grain bread.

Are there quick recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less?

Yes, quick recipes include shrimp stir-fry, chicken fajitas, and omelets, all of which can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

What are some tips for saving money on weekday dinners?

To save money, plan your meals ahead of time, buy in bulk, use seasonal produce, and prepare meals using leftovers from previous dinners.