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$5 DINNERS | FIVE Quick & Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes Made EASY! | Frugal Fit Mom

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Frugal Fit Mom
Frugal Fit Mom
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Recipes in this Video

6 recipes

In the United States, quick and easy dinners have become a staple for busy families looking to save time and money. These meals often feature affordable ingredients that can be prepared in under an hour, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. Variations abound, with many families adapting recipes based on personal preferences and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • ground beef
  • onion
  • garlic
  • canned tomatoes
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • dried oregano
  • dried basil
  • cheese
  • frozen vegetables
  • broth
  • bay leaf
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot.
  2. 2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3Drain pasta and set aside.
  4. 4In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  5. 5Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. 7Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. 8Drain excess fat from the beef if necessary.
  9. 9Stir in canned tomatoes, broth, and spices.
  10. 10Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  11. 11Add frozen vegetables and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  12. 12Combine pasta with the meat sauce and mix well.
  13. 13Serve hot, topped with cheese if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans are often more affordable and provide a good protein source.

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

pasta

Healthier: whole wheat pasta

Cheaper: rice

Rice is often cheaper and gluten-free.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a cost-effective alternative.

Techniques

boilingsautéing

Equipment

large potskilletcolanderspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilkwheat

Also Known As

Budget-Friendly MealSimple DinnerAffordable Dinner

A popular dish in Italian-American cuisine, often enjoyed for family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. 6Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. 7Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. 8Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
  9. 9Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
  10. 10Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Equipment

large potskilletcolanderspoonmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. 3Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. 4Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. 5Stir in the white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and lime juice until well combined.
  7. 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. 8Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Equipment

large potmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonscutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. 1In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. 3Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. 5Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. 6While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns if desired.
  7. 7Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
  8. 8Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Equipment

large skilletspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3Add broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. 4In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
  5. 5Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  6. 6Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
  7. 7Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
  8. 8Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Equipment

large skilletwoksmall bowlspatula

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. 2Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. 8Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Equipment

large skilletspoonmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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