Introduction
When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all want something quick, easy, and budget-friendly. With a little planning and some simple ingredients, you can create delicious meals that won't break the bank. In this article, we have compiled a list of easy and cheap weeknight recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
1. Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition:
Calories: 350
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 8g
2. Baked Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cups of mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and onions)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season with dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the mixed vegetables around the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
Calories: 300
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 10g
3. One-Pot Chili Mac
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of macaroni
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, macaroni, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the macaroni is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
Calories: 400
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 15g
4. Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the vegetables.
6. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
Calories: 150
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
5. Black Bean Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn kernels
- 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tortillas
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork.
2. Add the corn, bell peppers, red onion, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl and stir to combine.
3. Spread the black bean mixture evenly over two tortillas.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the black bean mixture.
5. Top with the remaining tortillas.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crispy.
7. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Nutrition:
Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 10g
Conclusion
With these easy and cheap weeknight recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without spending a fortune. From pasta primavera to black bean quesadillas, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. So, next time you're in need of a quick and budget-friendly dinner, give these recipes a try!
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