Favorite low cost meals that beat inflation and fill our bellies! Move over square meals, these cheap dinner ideas are here to stay.
I scoured the Great Island recipe archives for cheap dinner ideas and came up with so many winners. By getting back to basics you can not only stretch your dollar but rediscover those simple classic meals you might have lost touch with. Some of the best meals are only pennies per serving, so we can bring the joy back to the dinner table, if not the checkout lane!
cheap dinner ideas jump links
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…)
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.
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!
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.
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.
I love these frugal recipes, Sue! I will put them to good use.
Have fun Tressie!