Cooking dinner for two doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Whether you’re feeding yourself and a partner or just meal-prepping for the week, there are plenty of easy cheap dinner recipes that are perfect for a budget-friendly meal. These dishes are affordable, delicious, and made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of dinner ideas for two that cost less than you might think!
Why Cheap Dinners Can Still Be Delicious
The key to creating tasty, affordable meals is focusing on basic ingredients that pack a lot of flavor and nutrition. Simple staples like rice, pasta, beans, and vegetables can be turned into delicious meals with the right seasonings and cooking techniques. Plus, cooking at home is far more cost-effective than dining out.
Here are some budget-friendly dinner recipes for two that are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
This one-pan lemon garlic chicken dish is not only easy to make, but it’s packed with flavor. It’s also a low-cost meal that uses basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
Cost breakdown:
- Chicken breasts: $3.00
- Lemon: $0.50
- Garlic: $0.10
- Olive oil: $0.20
- Zucchini: $0.75
- Carrot: $0.30
Total cost: $4.85 for two servings
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, zest, garlic, and olive oil.
- Arrange the chicken breasts and vegetables on a baking sheet, and drizzle the lemon mixture over everything.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A classic Italian dish, spaghetti aglio e olio is made with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly affordable—perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Cost breakdown:
- Spaghetti: $1.00
- Garlic: $0.15
- Olive oil: $0.50
- Red pepper flakes: $0.10
- Parsley: $0.30
Total cost: $2.05 for two servings
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic is golden.
- Toss the spaghetti in the garlic oil, garnish with parsley, and serve.
3. Black Bean Tacos
Tacos are always a great budget option, and these black bean tacos are no exception. They’re high in protein, full of flavor, and super affordable.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 small tortillas
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- ½ avocado, sliced
Cost breakdown:
- Black beans: $1.00
- Tortillas: $0.80
- Salsa: $0.50
- Cheese: $0.50
- Avocado: $0.75
Total cost: $3.55 for two servings
Directions:
- Heat the black beans in a pan until warm.
- Fill each tortilla with black beans, salsa, cheese, and avocado slices.
- Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Stir-fries are an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables, and this vegetable stir-fry is both nutritious and easy on the wallet. You can customize it with any veggies you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- ½ onion, chopped
Cost breakdown:
- Rice: $0.50
- Soy sauce: $0.10
- Olive oil: $0.20
- Bell pepper: $0.75
- Carrot: $0.30
- Onion: $0.25
Total cost: $2.10 for two servings
Directions:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the vegetables until tender.
- Add soy sauce and stir to combine. Serve over rice.
5. Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese recipe is a comfort food classic, made with simple ingredients that are easy to find and affordable. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for two.
Ingredients:
- 200g elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or any preferred variety)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
Cost breakdown:
- Macaroni: $0.75
- Milk: $0.30
- Cheese: $1.50
- Butter: $0.10
- Flour: $0.05
Total cost: $2.70 for two servings
Directions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pot, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
6. Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas are an inexpensive source of protein, and this chickpea curry is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cost breakdown:
- Chickpeas: $1.00
- Diced tomatoes: $0.80
- Onion: $0.25
- Curry powder: $0.10
- Olive oil: $0.20
Total cost: $2.35 for two servings
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until softened.
- Add the curry powder and stir for 1 minute. Then, add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Serve over rice or with bread.
Conclusion
Cooking dinner for two on a budget is easier than you might think. With these easy cheap dinner recipes, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without spending more than $5 per serving. From hearty lemon garlic chicken to classic spaghetti aglio e olio, these recipes are quick, affordable, and perfect for any weeknight. Try them out and enjoy delicious dinners that won’t hurt your wallet!