A home-cooked dinner on a budget often gets a bad wrap.
But with a little planning and creativity, you might make delicious meals on the cheap.
What are we going to do for dinner?
Inflation-proof your budget with this$65 two-week meal plan for two.
Most of them consist of pantry ingredients with maybe one or two extras.
Cacio E Pepe
Um, what?
It consists of four ingredients pasta, butter and (you guessed it) parmesan cheese and pepper.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you might easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
The most expensive ingredient here will be your parmesan cheese.
Use fresh if it’s possible for you to manage it.
Baked Ziti
Lets stick with an Italian theme and turn to another classic, baked ziti.
Who doesnt love this delicious comfort food, also known as lasagnas less demanding cousin?
You could make a meatless version and stay really cheap.
We really like this version fromSpend With Pennies, which uses Italian sausage.
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3.
Omelets
Breakfast for dinner!
But, still, omelets can definitely be a cheap dinner option by comparison.
The great thing about an omelet is you could get as creative and inexpensive as you like.
You dont need fancy cheddar cheese or high-end ham or bacon.
You dont need meat at all.
Throw in a few of your favorite cheap veggies and youre good to go.
Good Cheap Eatshas a basic omelet recipe you’re free to follow.
If you really want to stretch your breakfast muscles,Eating Wellhas a long list of creative omelet options.
Enchiladas
Something about the warm cheesiness of freshly prepared enchiladas that makes the stomach swoon, right?
And theyre so simple.
Taco-Stuffed Potatoes
If youre looking for an inexpensive delicious meal, potatoes should absolutely be on your go-to list.
you’re able to get a 5-pound bag for just a few bucks.
And those delicious spuds are flexible enough to be a side or a main course.
In this case, we love the potatoes as a main feature.
Bake them, then like any taco, fill them up with the toppings of your choice.
This version fromYellow Bliss Roadlooks like it really hits the spot.
AndBrit + Coups the ante with these 15 stuffed potato ideas if you want to spend a little more.
Fried Rice
Bring this hibachi steakhouse staple home for a fantastic weeknight dinner.
you’ve got the option to always substitute cauliflower rice for an even healthier version.
Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti
Ground turkey is cheaper than ground beef, plus its healthier.
Use both to your advantage for a weeknight take on this Italian classic.
Well Platedmakes a version with dried herbs, spaghetti, ground turkey, breadcrumbs and parm.
All of this comes together rather inexpensively and is perfect for leftovers to revisit throughout the week.
Vermicelli Noodle Bowls
Vermicelli are simply slimmer rice noodles that are used in Asian and Thai dishes.
They are vegan-friendly, gluten-free and pair beautifully with veggies and a nice soy-based sauce.
Add some tofu for a few bucks and you have a relatively inexpensive delicious weeknight meal.
It really doesnt get more foolproof than this.
ThisBudget Bytes recipeis perfect for your chili mood.
Go an extra step withAdd A Pinchs recipethat includes bacon.
Thishearty recipefrom Taste of Home gets our approval.
Or you could follow Six Sisters Stuffs lead with thesegrilled cheese sliders.
It all comes together with Hawaiian rolls, mayo, cheddar, provolone and butter.
Pair your sliders with a can of tomato soup for the perfect dinner pairing.
Give thiscutlet recipefrom Food web connection a try.
In just a total of 40 minutes, youll make a comforting and inexpensive weeknight dinner.
Beef and Ramen Noodles
Take the classic dorm room meal up a notch with just a few extra ingredients.
Whats In The Panhas a tasty recipe to satisfy anyones ramen cravings.
Its not just cheap.
Robert Bruce is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering earning, saving and managing money.
He has written about personal finance for more than a decade.
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