21 Easy Dinner Recipes Healthy Cheap

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We all know the struggle: you want to make dinner that’s delicious, healthy, and affordable, but finding recipes that check all three boxes can feel like an impossible task.

That’s where we come in! Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or somewhere in between, these 21 recipes are here to simplify your evenings.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and full of flavor, these meals prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank or take hours in the kitchen.

From comforting soups to creative twists on classics, there’s something here for everyone.

Easy Dinner Recipes Healthy Cheap

1. Stir-Fried Vegetables and Rice

A simple, quick, and nutritious dinner option!

Start by sautéing mixed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers in olive oil with garlic and a splash of soy sauce.

Serve this colorful medley over cooked brown or white rice.

To add extra protein, toss in some scrambled eggs, tofu, or shredded chicken.

This recipe is super versatile just use whatever veggies you have on hand.

It’s a perfect way to avoid food waste and make a budget-friendly, healthy meal.

2. Lentil Soup

Hearty, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying!

Simmer lentils with diced tomatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and your favorite spices like cumin and paprika.

Add in chopped carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

Pair with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.

Lentils are affordable and packed with protein, making this soup a go-to for both your wallet and your health.

3. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toppings

Who says healthy can’t be fun?

Bake whole sweet potatoes until tender, then slice them open and load them with toppings like black beans, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

You can also sprinkle on some cheese or avocado slices for added flavor.

It’s a comforting dish that’s rich in vitamins and super easy to customize.

4. Pasta with Marinara and Veggies

Pasta night just got healthier!

Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber, and mix it with marinara sauce and sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch.

This dish is satisfying, budget-friendly, and perfect for a quick weekday dinner.

5. Black Bean Tacos

Tacos don’t have to be complicated!

Warm up some corn tortillas and fill them with seasoned black beans, shredded lettuce, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Add a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

You can even top them with a few slices of avocado for a healthy fat boost.

A crowd-pleaser that’s light on your wallet and your time.

6. Egg and Veggie Scramble

Breakfast for dinner, anyone?

Whisk a few eggs and scramble them with sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, and onions.

Serve with a slice of whole-grain toast or some roasted sweet potatoes on the side.

This quick, protein-packed meal is ideal for nights when you’re low on time but want something nutritious.

7. Chickpea Curry

Bring some warmth to your dinner table with this easy curry!

Simmer canned chickpeas in a sauce made from coconut milk, curry powder, and diced tomatoes.

Add in spinach or frozen peas for extra greens.

Serve over rice or quinoa for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s easy on the budget.

8. Tuna Salad Wraps

For a no-cook dinner, mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, a dash of mustard, and chopped celery.

Spoon the mixture into whole-grain tortillas and add some lettuce or shredded carrots for crunch.

These wraps are light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

9. Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

Take a whole-grain tortilla and fill it with cheese, black beans, spinach, and diced tomatoes.

Cook it in a skillet until golden and crispy on the outside.

Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or Greek yogurt for dipping.

These quesadillas are kid-friendly and customizable with whatever fillings you have at home.

10. Baked Chicken and Vegetables

For an easy sheet-pan dinner, roast chicken drumsticks or thighs alongside seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini.

Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with your favorite herbs.

Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

11. Rice and Bean Bowls

Rice and beans are a budget-friendly classic.

Combine cooked rice (white or brown) with black beans, corn, and a generous scoop of salsa.

Add toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor.

This simple dish is as satisfying as it is affordable.

12. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Halve some bell peppers and remove the seeds, then fill them with a mixture of cooked rice, beans, diced tomatoes, and cheese.

Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

These colorful, nutrient-packed boats are as fun to make as they are to eat.

13. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Sauté shredded cabbage with garlic, soy sauce, and a dash of vinegar for a quick, tasty side or main dish.

Add scrambled eggs, tofu, or leftover chicken for protein.

This dish is incredibly affordable and a great way to use up a humble but nutrient-rich vegetable.

14. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Spiralize fresh zucchini into noodle-like strands and toss them with pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes.

This low-carb, gluten-free meal is light but satisfying.

If you’re extra hungry, mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.

15. Homemade Veggie Burgers

Mash black beans with breadcrumbs, an egg, and your favorite spices to form burger patties.

Cook them in a skillet until crispy, then serve on whole-grain buns with your favorite toppings.

These veggie burgers are not only healthy but also super budget-friendly.

16. Minestrone Soup

A big pot of minestrone is both comforting and nutrient-packed.

Combine mixed vegetables, canned beans, pasta, and broth.

Season with Italian herbs like oregano and basil.

This one-pot wonder is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

17. Baked Salmon and Asparagus

Place salmon fillets and asparagus spears on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Bake until the salmon is flaky and the asparagus is tender.

This elegant yet simple meal is perfect for a healthy dinner.

18. Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes

Use ground turkey or lentils to make a sloppy Joe mixture with tomato sauce and seasonings.

Spoon it over baked sweet potato halves for a creative twist on a classic.

This dish is hearty, nutritious, and a fun way to serve up a childhood favorite.

19. Vegetable Fried Rice

Got leftover rice?

Turn it into a delicious dinner by stir-frying it with scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and a splash of soy sauce.

This recipe is quick, versatile, and perfect for using up leftovers.

20. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken

Toss cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese with olive oil and lemon juice.

Top with slices of grilled chicken for a protein-packed salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

21. Shepherd’s Pie

Make a hearty shepherd’s pie by layering a mixture of ground turkey or lentils with vegetables and broth, then topping it with creamy mashed potatoes.

Bake until the top is golden. This comforting dish is perfect for feeding a family on a budget.