Cheap One-Pot Dinner Meals for Busy Weeknights

One-pot meals are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something easy to cook and clean up. With minimal ingredients and just one pan, these cheap one-pot dinner meals are both time- and budget-friendly.

1. One-Pot Cheesy Pasta

This cheesy pasta dish is creamy, comforting, and ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pasta ($1.00)
• 2 cups chicken broth ($1.00)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup milk ($0.50)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $3.50

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is tender.
2. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese until creamy.
3. Serve immediately for a cheesy, delicious meal.

2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This chicken and rice recipe is a classic one-pot dish that is filling and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs ($3.00)
• 1 cup rice ($0.50)
• 2 cups chicken broth ($1.00)
• 1 onion, diced ($0.50)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $5.00

Instructions:

1. Brown the chicken thighs in a pot until the skin is crispy.
2. Remove the chicken and sauté the onion until softened.
3. Add the rice and chicken broth to the pot, then place the chicken back on top.
4. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

3. One-Pot Lentil Soup

Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this lentil soup hearty and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils ($1.00)
• 1 carrot, diced ($0.30)
• 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
• 4 cups vegetable broth ($1.50)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $3.30

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and carrot until softened.
2. Add the lentils and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

4. One-Pot Chili Mac

A cross between chili and mac & cheese, this one-pot chili mac is both filling and easy on the wallet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pasta ($1.00)
• 1 can kidney beans ($1.00)
• 1/2 pound ground beef ($2.50)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese ($1.00)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $6.50

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a pot, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add the pasta, beans, diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook until the pasta is tender, then stir in the shredded cheese until melted.

5. One-Pot Veggie Stew

For a vegetarian option, this one-pot veggie stew is warm, hearty, and budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) ($2.00)
• 1 potato, diced ($0.50)
• 4 cups vegetable broth ($1.50)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $5.00

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Conclusion

With these cheap one-pot dinner meals, you can enjoy delicious, easy-to-make dinners with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re in the mood for cheesy pasta, chicken and rice, or a hearty veggie stew, these recipes are sure to make your busy weeknights a little easier—and more affordable.