Planning a week’s worth of dinners on a budget can be tough. But, it’s possible to enjoy tasty meals without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we’ll explore seven dinner ideas that fit a $50 meal plan. These recipes are not only budget-friendly but also simple to prepare. They use common ingredients you might already have at home. By following these meal ideas, you can save money and still eat well.

Let’s dive into these affordable dinner options that will keep both your wallet and taste buds happy.

Spaghetti With Marinara

You will need the following ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 1 pound
• Marinara sauce – 2 cups
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Salt – to taste
• Parmesan cheese – optional, grated

Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and spaghetti. Cook until al dente. Drain the pasta. Set aside.

Heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Mix well to coat. Serve hot. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if you like.

Chicken Stir-fry

Chicken breast, bell peppers, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and rice. These are the main ingredients. Fresh vegetables are best for flavor. Boneless chicken is easy to cook.

Cut chicken and vegetables into small pieces. Heat oil in a pan. Add garlic and ginger first. Cook until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Pour soy sauce over, mix well. Serve with rice. Quick and healthy dinner option.

 

Vegetable Tacos

 

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans
• 8 small taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tsp taco seasoning

Mix tomatoes, onions, corn, and beans in a bowl. Add taco seasoning and stir well. Warm the taco shells in a pan or microwave. Fill each shell with the vegetable mix. Top with lettuce and cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your meal.

 

Bean And Rice Bowls

Black beans, cooked rice, chopped tomatoes, diced onions, corn, avocado slices, lime wedges, cilantro, salt, pepper, olive oil.

Start with a base of cooked rice. Add black beans on top. Follow with chopped tomatoes and diced onions. Add corn and avocado slices. Squeeze lime over the bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Mix and enjoy.

 

Homemade Pizza

For a simple pizza, you’ll need basic ingredients. Get pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings like pepperoni or veggies. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Also, buy some olive oil and seasonings like oregano and basil.

Preheat your oven to the highest setting. Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Spread the sauce evenly on the dough. Add cheese and your favorite toppings. Place the pizza on a baking sheet. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

 

Lentil Soup

Lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme.

Rinse lentils in cold water. Chop carrots, celery, and onion. Mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve hot.

 

Eggplant Parmesan

 

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the eggplant into thin rounds. Sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes. Pat dry. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each eggplant slice in egg, then breadcrumb mix. Place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, turning once.

In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Add a layer of baked eggplant. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake for another 20 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Feed A Family Of 5 On $50 A Week?

Plan meals, buy in bulk, use coupons, and shop sales. Cook at home, avoid pre-packaged foods. Prioritize affordable proteins, grains, and vegetables.

What Are 7 Healthy Dinners?

1. Grilled chicken with quinoa and vegetables. 2. Baked salmon with sweet potatoes. 3. Veggie stir-fry with tofu. 4. Turkey lettuce wraps. 5. Spaghetti squash with marinara sauce. 6. Black bean tacos. 7. Mixed green salad with grilled shrimp.

What Is A Realistic Weekly Grocery Budget?

A realistic weekly grocery budget ranges from $50 to $150 per person. It depends on dietary needs and shopping habits.

What To Cook For 7 People On A Budget?

Prepare a big pot of spaghetti with marinara sauce. Add a side of garlic bread and a simple salad. Affordable, filling, and delicious!

Conclusion

These seven dinner ideas show that eating well on a budget is possible. Each meal is tasty, simple, and affordable. You can enjoy diverse flavors without spending much. Planning meals saves time and money. So, try these ideas and see how they fit into your routine.

Cooking at home brings joy and health. Enjoy your meals and the savings!