Healthy Weeknight Meals on a Budget! Who are we kidding? Weeknights are the bane of our existence. You’re tired from work and you just want to hang out at home in your sweats and eat something good for you. Well, that’s exactly what I’m about to show you how to do on a budget.
Of course you want to eat healthier. Who doesn’t? Maybe you don’t have a ton of time to meal plan so healthy weeknight meals on a budget are what you’re looking for. I’m here to help with that.
QUICK & EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS ON A BUDGET
CHEESY GROUND BEEF PASTA SKILLET
If you only end up trying one recipe this week THIS IS THE ONE!
This cheesy pasta was a HUGE hit with the family so much so i’ve already made it 2 more times.
I will say though that this recipe is a tad on the spicier side so if that isn’t your thing I would definitely omit it. The first time I made it with the spice and the 2nd and 3rd time without and was amazing both ways.GET RECIPE
DORITOS TACO SALAD
I’ve tried a lot of taco salads over the years but never any with Doritos.
annnnnd…. If I’m being completely honest I mainly put this on the meal plan because of the Doritos.
My kids love chips and I love it when they eat dinner so why the heck not right?
This ended up being so yummy and extremely quick to throw together. Perfect for those nights when you are too tired to cook.GET RECIPE
PHOTO CREDIT: www.tasteandtellblog.com
FRENCH DIP TORTILLA ROLL UPS – EASY SUMMER DINNER IDEA
If you’re looking for a dinner you can throw together in a few minutes look no further.
This was so quick and easy to put together that even my husband (who has absolutely no cooking skills) was able to do it without a hitch.GET RECIPE
3 INGREDIENT RAVIOLI BAKE (A.K.A. LAZY LASAGNA)
This is one of my personal faves to make on a really busy weeknight because it’s easy to prepare in the morning and then throw in the oven later when you need it.
Impossible to mess up and comes out perfect every single time.GET RECIPE
BACON PIEROGI BAKE RECIPE
I’ve been making pierogies like this for a really long time.
My husband grew up on pierogies and I never really enjoyed them all too much until I found this recipe. I love switching up the meats and vegetables depending on what’s on sale.
My favorite way to put this together is to use Italian sausage, bell peppers, and cheese YUM!GET RECIPE
EASY TERIYAKI CHICKEN (WITH VIDEO)
This recipe totally lived up to its name. 15-minute teriyaki for sure.
I loved how minimal the ingredients were in fact I already had everything on hand I needed to put this together.
Even my pickiest child loved this recipe and he usually dislikes most chicken recipes.GET RECIPE
POPCORN CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD
In the summer I was making a popcorn chicken salad pretty much weekly and this is sort of that in a different way.
I absolutely love finding new ways to make pasta salads because they are easy to put together in the morning or the night before and because you eat them cold it takes next to nothing to serve them up on a busy weeknight.GET RECIPE
healthy dinners on a budget
Eating well doesn’t have to tug on your purse strings. Try these delicious and easy recipes which use everyday ingredients to create better-for-you meals.
21Roast mushrooms with spinach and ricotta
Chickpeas make this meat-free dish filling and hearty, and add protein and fibre.
22Healthier chicken and vegie one-pot
This lighter chicken and veg casserole will cure all your comfort food cravings without derailing your healthy eating plan.
23Healthier chicken breast and zucchini linguine
On the table in 20 minutes, this healthier creamy chicken ‘pasta’ dinner will be a hit with the whole family. It’s also low in calories and gluten free.
24Moroccan-spiced pork meatballs
These Moroccan-spiced pork meatballs make for a tasty dinner kids will love!
25Healthy chilli con carne
Ready in 40 minutes, this healthy Mexican beef chilli con carne is packed with vegies and served with natural yoghurt.
26Healthy chicken noodle soup
Full of nutrient-dense vegies, including broccolini and buk choy, and chicken things for iron, this hearty Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup is good for the body and soul!
27Chipotle bean and corn shepherd’s pie
We’ve given this vegetarian shepherd’s pie a Mexican makeover. Best of all this hearty dinner recipe is ready in just 30 minutes!
28Healthy chicken pasta salad
We’ve given classic creamy pasta salad a healthy makeover by using buckwheat pasta and a lighter zesty dressing, as well adding lots of nutritious ingredients such as vegies, seeds and chicken.
29Five-spiced eggplant with tofu and Chinese greens
Try something a little different with this Asian-inspired main meal.
30Healthy zucchini superfood slice
This healthy version of the family-favourite zucchini slice is loaded with quinoa, zucchini and kale, and makes a perfect vegetarian dinner or lunchbox filler
budget family meals under $5 a serve
Make your weekly shopping budget go the distance with these cheap and cheerful dinner ideas that cost just $5 (or less!) per serve.
Pork and apple rissoles
A tasty rissole with a delicate apple flavour. A big hit with the family.
Baked cheesy meatballs
A tasty and simple recipe that’s sure to be a winner with the whole family.
Sour cream quiche
A creamy quiche that’s easy to make.
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
A delicious and easy economical meal for the slow cooker.
Chicken Curry
This simple chicken curry is a cinch to prepare on a busy weeknight and perfect for feeding the family! It uses coconut cream for richness and you can adjust the amount of curry powder if you prefer it more or less spicy.
Asparagus and chicken quiche
A lovely quiche to have with a salad.
Nachos
Great for an appetiser or snack.
One-cup quiche
Easy quiche recipe with ingredients no more than one cup, and only one bowl. Great to eat hot or cold. This is a base recipe and can be changed to suit personal tastes. Add other ingredients such as shredded chicken, ham, corn, asparagus or capsicum.
Socca
Genoese (Italian) flatbread made with chickpea flour (besan). Low fat, low GI and low carb. Can be used as a pizza base with flavourings, or plain with dips.
Slow cooker barbecue chicken
An easy, no-fuss chicken dish, which is a good recipe on a busy day.