Low-cost dinners that stretch your dollar and satisfy. Forget “square meals” ~ these budget champs are sticking around!
I dug through the Great Island archives for cheap dinner ideas and found so many winners. Getting back to basics not only stretches your dollar, it also brings back those simple, classic meals you might have forgotten. Some of the best dinners cost just pennies per serving ~ so we can keep the joy at the table, even if the checkout lane isn’t quite as fun.
cheap dinner ideas jump links
pasta recipes
When you’re looking for cheap dinner ideas, pasta is an age old solution, but the key is to eat pasta like an Italian, not an American! The Italians eat smaller portions, use lighter sauces, and more fresh ingredients.
Giada’s Lemon Spaghetti
Giada's lemon spaghetti is the ultimate in easy summer eating ~ it's hot pasta tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, a little starchy water, and lots of fresh basil to seal the deal.
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Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes
My quick no-cook pasta sauce recipe with fresh pesto, creamy ricotta, and heirloom cherry tomatoes. This easy dish is ready in minutes and bursting with flavor.
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Mushroom Carbonara with Gruyere and Hazelnuts
Mushroom Carbonara with Gruyere and Hazelnuts is a cozy 30 minute dinner with restaurant flavor. It'll be your favorite (almost) meatless meal!
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Broccoli and White Cheddar Baked Shells
Broccoli and cheddar baked shells is comfort food at its finest! This classic macaroni and cheese is quick and easy for family meals, and upscale enough for company.
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Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant 30 minute meal that tastes like Spring! Use whatever veggies are in season to create your own custom recipe.
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Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta
Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta is cozy and comforting, yet light and springy at the same time ~ this easy pasta recipe is incredibly delicious!
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Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes
My quick no-cook pasta sauce recipe with fresh pesto, creamy ricotta, and heirloom cherry tomatoes. This easy dish is ready in minutes and bursting with flavor.
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Pasta with Broccolini and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Pasta with Broccolini is a dish from Italy's "cucina povera" or poor kitchen, which focuses on simple seasonal ingredients with great flavor.
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Jamie Oliver’s Easy Sausage Carbonara
Jamie Oliver's Easy Sausage Carbonara is my latest 5-ingredient, 30 minute meal obsession and gives spaghetti and meatballs a whole new meaning. Yes it's simple enough to memorize, but don't worry, make this quick and comforting pasta dinner once and your family will never let you forget it!
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canned tuna recipes
Tuna is a cost-effective, nutritious cheap dinner idea that’s high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, low in calories and fat, and convenient (with a long shelf life!) Look for sustainable, low mercury brands (read your cans.) Sub other canned fish in these recipes if you like.
Tuna and White Bean Salad
This tuna and white bean salad is the very definition of a pantry meal ~ ready in 15 minutes!
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Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Tuna
My Mediterranean orzo salad with tuna has all the healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet, but this pasta salad with tuna is also delicious!
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Spaghetti Peperonata with Tuna and Olives
Spaghetti Peperonata with Tuna and Olives is a rustic Italian style pasta that's easy to throw together on a weeknight.
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Sheet Pan Tuna Melts
Sheet pan tuna melts are a quick and easy meal that everyone loves!
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Tunapeño Poppers
Tunapeño poppers are irresistible little peppers stuffed with tuna and baked up with lots of bubbly cheese.
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Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna is one of our quick go to dinners, it's got everything we crave when we're super hungry ~ carbs, protein, and lots of crunchy veggies. It's ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
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Spaghetti with Tuna, Lemon and Dill
Spaghetti with Tuna, Lemon and Dill is a straight from the pantry meal full of vivid Mediterranean flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is weeknight eating at its best.
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egg recipes
Eggs are a high-quality protein source, providing all essential amino acids and nutrients and a great cheap dinner choice. They’re versatile, affordable, have a long shelf life, with minimal waste. Eggs got a bad rap in the latter part of the last century, but they’ve bounced back as the new superfood on the block.
Vegetable Frittata
A vegetable frittata is one of the best ways to feed yourself ~ it's budget friendly, healthy, and can be whipped up with fridge leftovers in a snap.
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Scrambled Egg Tartines
Scrambled egg tartines have that je ne sais quoi that somehow turns egg toast into an elegant breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
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Eggs Benedict Quiche with Hollandaise Sauce
Eggs Benedict Quiche with Hollandaise Sauce ~ this brilliant hack lets you enjoy your favorite luxury breakfast in easy sliceable form ~ complete with little chunks of Canadian bacon and a quick and creamy hollandaise sauce!
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Wild Mushroom Crustless Quiche
My easy crustless quiche is packed with mushrooms ~ it's that vegetarian low carb dinner recipe you've been looking for!.
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Quiche Lorraine
A quiche Lorraine is a lesson in the power of simplicity and the importance of texture in great food. Restrained yet exuberantly luxe at the same time, (how do the French do it?) you can't beat this classic quiche.
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Tomato and Egg Puff Pastry Tarts
Baked eggs and tomatoes cradled in a frame of golden puff pastry.
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Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata ~ is there anything easier, and more comforting, than eggs for dinner? This is a convenient busy day meal that always feels like a treat to me.
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rice recipes
Generally, rice is cheaper than pasta on a per-serving basis and stars in so many of my favorite cheap dinner ideas like risotto and rice bowls. Experiment with whole grain rice like brown, red, black, and wild (actually a grass,) which are more nutrient dense compared to white rice.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a comforting and creamy risotto with roasted squash, Italian sausage, and fragrant sage, made in the Instant Pot or on the stove top.
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Fried Rice Bowls
Fried Rice with Asparagus and Peas- a fast and delicious weeknight meal that lets spring flavors shine!
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Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
My easy stuffed cabbage casserole has everything you love about classic stuffed cabbage rolls, reworked into a weeknight friendly meal the whole family will love.
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Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Rice Bowls
Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli Rice is my new favorite 30 minute meal. Basically tender chicken thighs drenched in teriyaki sauce over a fresh broccoli jasmine rice, this Japanese inspired dinner is healthy and yummy!
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Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Make restaurant quality lemon asparagus risotto on a weeknight in about 20 minutes total ~ hands off! (Stove top instructions included.)
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Salmon Sushi Bowls
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with a healthy delicious salmon sushi bowl – a Japanese inspired meal that's ready in 30 minutes!
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noodle recipes
I keep an assortment of Asian noodles in my pantry along with a few key condiments. I might add some scallions, crushed nuts, and a fried egg to complete my meal.
Burning Noodles
Burning Noodles are a simple and delicious Sichuan noodle bowl made in 30 minutes!
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Peanut Butter Noodles
Peanut butter noodles is a quick and cozy pantry friendly meal you can whip up in minutes!
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Chili Oil Noodles
Szechuan chili oil noodles are a famously easy late night meal, but these spicy Chinese noodles are welcome any time, especially after a busy day. When you're fiercely hungry, totally beat, and short on time and ingredients, this recipe comes to the rescue.
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Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
Vegan dan dan noodles is a plant based version of our favorite weeknight meal ~ this easy Chinese noodle bowl has got all the flavor without the meat!
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Chow Mein
Chow mein (Chinese stir fried noodles) is a quick, satisfying dinner that everybody loves! Add chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or eggs for extra protein!
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soup for dinner
Soup for dinner is one of my favorite solutions to so many problems. It’s easy, filling, and low in calories compared to traditional Western meals. As cheap dinner ideas go, this is one of the most diet friendly.
Creamy Lemon Salmon Soup
My creamy salmon soup has chunks of tender salmon and veggies in a light lemon cream broth.
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Romanian Bacon Soup
Warm up with Romanian bacon soup ~ this simple recipe with white beans, dill, and sour cream is our new favorite fall soup!
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Lemony Tuscan Tortellini Soup
Craving a cozy meal? Tuscan tortellini soup with a burst of lemon is warm comfort food with a kick!
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Mushroom Barley Soup
Mushroom barley soup is thick and creamy and makes a wonderful meal with crusty bread. This classic Jewish deli soup is hearty and delicious!
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Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty, comforting soup that's ready in under an hour.
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Lemony Chicken Soup with Orzo
My lemon chicken soup made with lots of garlic, and ginger has all the comforting feels, plus it's a darned easy weeknight meal ~ chicken noodle soup never tasted this good!
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Smoked Salmon Chowder
Smoked salmon chowder is a creamy comforting soup made for chilly nights.
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Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is a meal the whole family can get behind. I have to confess I love this comforting soup even more than its namesake.
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German Potato Soup with Sausage
German Potato Soup with Bratwurst is an easy comforting recipe to add to your soup rotation this fall. It takes just 30 minutes to cook, and celebrates German cuisine, even if you can't get to Octoberfest.
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recipes for stretching meat and fish
When you’re searching for cheap dinner ideas, you don’t have to forgo animal protein to save money, just stretch it. I prefer mine as an accent rather than the main focus of a meal, here are a few ways I do that…
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles ~ Easy Weeknight Recipe! Spicy Asian noodles, a rich creamy sauce, crispy pork, and barely wilted greens ~ your regular dinner just got bumped up to first class 🙂
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Salmon Caesar Salad
Salmon Caesar Salad with juicy pan seared salmon and tons of flavor is a satisfying main course salad to boost your healthier meal plan.
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Spiced Lamb and Couscous Stuffed Red Peppers
A Middle Eastern twist on a classic comfort food!
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Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls
Sweet, savory, and kid-approved! These Korean beef rice bowls are quick to make and easy to customize, so everyone’s happy at the dinner table.
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Mexican Cornbread Casserole
An irresistibly cheesy Mexican cornbread casserole the family will love. Use chicken or beef in this Tex-Mex classic!
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Italian Wedding Risotto
Luxurious meatball risotto based on classic Italian wedding soup ~ don't miss this one!
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Egg Roll Bowls
Egg roll bowls provide all the yummy, comforting flavors of your favorite egg rolls in a low carb, protein rich, veggie packed bowl. This easy dinner bowl recipe is a universal people pleaser!
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Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese
Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese is modern comfort food with a sophisticated twist, this stuff is incredibly delicious!
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Firecracker Chicken Meatball Bowls
Firecracker Chicken Meatball Bowls are a homemade twist on a classic Panda Express recipe! These easy rice bowls can be prepped ahead for weeknight meals.
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dip for dinner!
Honestly if it were up to me I would have dip for dinner once a week. What a luxury!
Roasted Corn Dip
This rich and satisfying Mexican inspired roasted corn dip is a hit every summer!
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Hot Crab Dip
Hot Crab Dip is a delicious hot cheesy appetizer, perfect for holidays and game days, but easy enough for everyday ~ it always disappears fast!
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Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip
Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip is an easy hot appetizer that will have everybody begging for the recipe! It’s perfect for game nights, holiday entertaining, or just a romantic night in.
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Baked Mushroom Dip
An irresistible hot mushroom dip with Gruyere cheese and a touch of sherry.
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Caramelized Onion Dip
Baked Caramelized Onion Dip will spoil you for any other hot appetizers, trust me!
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meatless meals
There are so many good reasons to ditch the meat at least once a week. Meat is usually the most expensive food group on most of our grocery lists, for one thing. Here are a few favorite ideas for meatless Monday (and Tuesday…)
The Best Falafel Recipe
The best falafel recipe is a tender Middle Eastern chickpea fritter that's crispy on the outside, and brilliant emerald green on the inside!
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Zucchini and Lemon Pasta
A yummy pasta bowl with hearty rigatoni and silky zucchini ribbons in a fresh creamy lemon sauce!
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Tomato Tart
This easygoing French-style tomato tart is so simple and perfect for peak-summer tomatoes!
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Sweet Onion and Herb Quiche
My easy onion quiche with sweet onions and fresh herbs is a fabulous light meal!
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Instant Pot Cheddar Risotto with Fresh Sage
Instant Pot Cheddar Risotto with Fresh Sage is one of my favorite comfort foods…and it's also one of the quickest!
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Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
Vegan dan dan noodles is a plant based version of our favorite weeknight meal ~ this easy Chinese noodle bowl has got all the flavor without the meat!
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Flatbread Pizza
How to make flatbread pizza with a tortilla ~ this FABULOUS no- fail recipe is a family favorite! It's the best easy appetizer or light dinner.
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Saffron Risotto with Roasted Asparagus
Instant Pot Saffron Risotto with Roasted Asparagus in less than 30 minutes. This is the easiest restaurant quality meal you'll ever make.
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focus on cheese
While I wouldn’t rely on cheese as my main source of protein, it’s perfectly acceptable as the base for occasional meals, especially during lean times:
Good Source of Protein: cheese provides a decent amount of protein, for example one ounce of cheddar cheese contains about 7 grams of protein.
Rich in Calcium: cheese is also high in calcium, which is important for bone health.
Versatility: cheese is versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes, so fill that cheese drawer for lots of cheap dinners.
Truffled Macaroni and Cheese
Truffle Mac and Cheese ~ a luxurious baked pasta with plenty of rich creamy sauce and an earthy flavor and aroma thanks to truffled cheese, truffle oil, and a dash of truffle salt.
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Cheese and Onion Enchiladas
A cozy 30 minute meal that proves delicious food doesn't have to be complicated.
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French Bread Pizza
French bread pizza brings family and friends together over homemade pizza made in minutes!
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No-Recipe Macaroni and Cheese
No recipe macaroni and cheese ~ the easy secrets to perfect creamy mac & cheese, no recipe required!
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Mushroom and Brie Soup
My mushroom and Brie soup is a little taste of luxury. Creamy, rich, and layered with flavor, it's the perfect comfort food.
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Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese
Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese marries the uber simple but powerfully flavored classic Italian pasta with everybody’s favorite comfort food ~ delish!
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Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese with smoked Gouda cheese and an imported Italian pasta that really clings to all that thick creamy sauce!
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breakfast for dinner
This is an old cheap dinner strategy from my younger years that still works. I happen to love breakfast food any time of day, and, no, I’m not talking about a bowl of cereal over the sink!
Breakfast Mac and Cheese
Breakfast mac and cheese with cheesy pasta, crisp bacon, and a barely set egg makes a cozy and satisfying morning meal!
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Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a protein-rich grab and go breakfast that everybody loves!
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Breakfast Pasta
Breakfast Pasta is modeled after pasta carbonara, but with a heavier emphasis on the meat and eggs. I used leftover ham, and a few slices of apple wood smoked bacon for this magical skillet pasta!
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Corned Beef Hash
Classic corned beef hash made with leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage!
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Cheddar Cornmeal Biscuits
Cheddar Cornmeal Biscuits are simple cheesy biscuits with great texture and flavor ~ they make the best homemade breakfast sandwiches EVER!
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rediscover sandwiches
I’ve had to work hard to convince my husband that a sandwich can be an appropriate dinner but I’m glad he finally came around.
Sheet Pan Turkey Reuben Sandwiches
Deli style turkey Reuben sandwiches grilled up in the oven, on a sheet pan!
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Perfect Patty Melts
Patty melts are the ultimate hot sandwich, with juicy smashed burgers layered with melty cheese and caramelized onions, all grilled up in crisp sourdough bread.
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Fried Green Tomato BLT
The fried green tomato BLT with a tangy remoulade mayo is the ultimate summer sammie and a creative Southern take on a lunchtime classic.
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Steak Taco Crunch Wraps
Steak taco crunch wraps are a weeknight favorite! Better than Taco Bell with juicy steak, lime crema, pico de gallo and lots of cheese!
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pop open a can of beans
Beans need no introduction ~ you either love them or…you don’t. But beans are probably the OG cheap dinner idea! While they might not have every essential amino acid in perfect amounts like animal proteins, as long as you’re eating a variety of foods throughout the day, beans help you get all the protein you need ~ the idea that you have to pair them with rice, etc, isn’t necessary.
Puttanesca Style Beans with Toast
Puttanesca Style Beans and Toast is an easy pantry meal that marries the vivacious flavors of pasta puttanesca with the humble bean ~ delicious!!
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Brothy Beans with Garlic Toast
Brothy Beans with Garlic Toast ~ yes beans and toast can be dinner, and a darned delicious one, at that, this is a healthy Mediterranean inspired meal!
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Warm Hummus with Mushrooms
Warm Hummus with Mushrooms ~ this is one of our favorite ways to do hummus ~ the sautéed mushrooms give this healthy appetizer a rich, meaty flavor.
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Chickpea Veggie Burgers
I swear, a simple, satisfying meatless burger has the power to change the world, and these delicious Chickpea Veggie Burgers are contenders, for sure — they're just as tasty as beef, but so much better for you!
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Never miss your posts. Your today Cheap Dinner ideas was outstanding. I copied several recipes. I also love all your baking and dessert recipes. Thank you so much
I’m so glad you found this one useful Rosemary, I appreciate your nice comment!
I love these frugal recipes, Sue! I will put them to good use.
Have fun Tressie!