10 Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinners On A Budget - Mommy Can't Afford That.
Life as a busy mom is a juggling act of endless responsibilities, from managing the household to taking care of the kids, often while working full-time. With so much on your plate, finding time to prepare healthy, delicious meals can be challenging, especially when you're watching your budget. But don't worry, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or taste to stick to your budget and get dinner on the table quickly. Here are ten quick, easy, and affordable weeknight dinners that are perfect for those times when mommy can't afford to spend too much time or money on meals.
## 1. **One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Veggies
### Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
### Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs and vegetables with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Chicken thighs: $4.00
- Vegetables and seasonings: $3.00
**Total cost per serving* ~$2.00
## 2. **Pasta Primavera**
### Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti or any pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
### Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables and cook until tender.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture, season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Pasta: $1.00
- Vegetables and seasonings: $3.00
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.25
## 3. **Black Bean Quesadillas**
### Ingredients:
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
### Directions:
1. Spread black beans, cheese, and salsa on one half of each tortilla.
2. Fold the tortillas in half.
3. Heat a skillet with olive oil and cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Tortillas: $1.00
- Black beans: $0.75
- Cheese and salsa: $2.25
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.50
## 4. **Chicken Stir-Fry**
### Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
### Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken slices and cook until no longer pink.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and honey, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Chicken breasts: $4.00
- Vegetables and seasonings: $2.50
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.65
## 5. **Egg Fried Rice**
### Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
### Directions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.
3. Add cooked rice, peas, carrots, and soy sauce. Stir until everything is heated through.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Rice and vegetables: $1.50
- Eggs and seasonings: $1.00
**Total cost per serving* ~$0.75
## 6. **Tuna Salad Wraps**
### Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 flour tortillas
### Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, and mustard.
2. Lay a lettuce leaf on each tortilla and spread the tuna mixture on top.
3. Roll up the tortillas and serve.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Tuna: $2.00
- Tortillas and other ingredients: $2.00
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.00
## 7. **Baked Potato Bar**
### Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
### Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and poke holes in the potatoes, then bake for 45 minutes.
3. Slice open and top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, and broccoli.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Potatoes: $2.00
- Toppings: $2.50
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.15
## 8. **Chicken Tacos**
### Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
### Directions:
1. Heat tortillas in a dry skillet.
2. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, salsa, and cilantro.
3. Serve with lime wedges.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Chicken breasts: $4.00
- Tortillas and toppings: $2.50
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.30
## 9. **Spaghetti Aglio e Olio**
### Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
### Directions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and cook garlic until golden.
3. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the garlic oil and red pepper flakes.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Spaghetti: $1.00
- Other ingredients: $2.00
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.00
## 10. **Vegetarian Chili**
### Ingredients:
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
### Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili powder.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes.
### Cost Breakdown:
- Canned beans and tomatoes: $3.00
- Vegetables and seasonings: $2.00
**Total cost per serving* ~$1.25
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Balancing a tight budget while trying to feed your family nutritious meals can feel overwhelming, but with these ten quick and easy weeknight dinners, you’ll have delicious and budget-friendly options that save you time and money. Each recipe is designed to be simple, cost-effective, and satisfying, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying precious moments with your loved ones. Bon appétit.
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**Share your own budget-friendly recipes or tips in the comments below. Let's help each other make meal times less stressful and more enjoyable!.
