5 Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Introduction

If you're looking for quick, easy, and budget-friendly dinner recipes that the whole family will love, you're in the right place! This article will provide you with a list of 5 budget-friendly dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

1. One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables

• 1 pound pasta
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the vegetables to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add the pasta to the skillet and cook until heated through.
5. Stir in the milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

2. Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 pound vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, or green beans)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the chicken and vegetables on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

• 1 pork shoulder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 12 tortillas
• Your favorite taco toppings (such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese)

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, and water.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the pork and return it to the slow cooker.
4. Serve on tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.

4. Tuna Melt Sandwiches

• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 8 slices bread

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and cheese.
2. Spread the tuna mixture onto four slices of bread.
3. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

5. Quesadillas

• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked meat (such as chicken, ground beef, or steak)
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (such as onions, peppers, or corn)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese and your other desired fillings.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many budget-friendly dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily create delicious and healthy meals that your whole family will love.