45 Frugal 30-Minute Dinners (2024)

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Need quick and easy recipes to get dinner on the table fast? These
30-minute meals are the perfect solution! They’re made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients and are ideas that the whole family will love. Includes ground beef, chicken, sausage and meatless options.

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I’m in a stage of life where I simply don’t feel like I have much time to spend making meals for my family.

And yet it’s important to me to feed my family well and also not resort to lots of pre-made store-bought or restaurant meals.

So I end up relying on quick and easy 30-minute dinners a lot!

Not only do they allow me to make delicious, wholesome meals for my family, but they also often use simple ingredients that I always keep on hand too.

Whether you simply don’t enjoy cooking and want to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible or are just really busy and looking for ideas to get dinner on the table fast to avoid resorting to takeout, I hope you will find this collection of recipes helpful!

Chicken Recipes

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Super Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Photo Credit:www.thriftyfrugalmom.com

Hearty, delicious and made with simple pantry staples, this casserole is the perfect quick and easy family dinner!

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One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

A one pan skillet meal that is full of Mexican inspired flavors and a great switch for traditional taco night.

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Easy Chicken Curry Soup with Rice

This hearty soup is packed full of curry flavor and ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work! You can make it as mild or spicy as your family prefers.

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Southwest Chicken Skillet

Photo Credit:www.budgetbytes.com

This Mexican skillet meal is delicious, easy to make, and costs less than $10 to feed 4 to 6 people! The leftovers reheat well, so you may want to make a double batch.

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One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Photo Credit:www.thechunkychef.com

Enjoy this classic chicken parm pasta recipe without all of the hassle, using just one pan! The ingredient list is simple and it's ready in just half an hour!

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Chicken Stir Fry

Photo Credit:togetherasfamily.com

We love a good stir fry recipe that the whole family can enjoy. Serve this dinner by itself or over your favorite variety of rice for an easy 30 minute meal.

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One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Who's ready for comfort food in 30 minutes? Whip up this creamy chicken and rice recipe that is quick, easy, and budget friendly!

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Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps

These pan-fried chicken wraps are so simple to make, full of flavor, and freeze well for later! All you need is chicken, salsa, cheese, seasoning, and tortillas to make this easy meal.

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Coconut Chicken Curry

Photo Credit:www.jocooks.com

You are going to fall in love with this creamy chicken curry! No need for takeout, because this version is healthier and so simple to make. And I love that it's made in one pan for easy clean-up.

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20 Minute Garlic Chicken

Photo Credit:amandascookin.com

We make this recipe all of the time and my kids love it!! I like to double the gravy because we love lots of sauce, plus it stretches it farther too!

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Chicken Stroganoff

Photo Credit:lilluna.com

If you love beef stroganoff, you have to try the chicken version! It's quick, easy, and only requires pantry staples!

12

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Italian-Style Skillet Chicken with Tomatoes and Mushrooms

Photo Credit:www.themediterraneandish.com

Tender juicy chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes made in a skillet and so delicious you would never think it could be ready so quickly! No need for sides, unless you want to serve it with rice or potatoes.

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30 Minute Chicken and Dumplings

Photo Credit:www.theslowroasteditalian.com

The perfect mouthwatering comfort food and made totally from scratch. Yet simple and quick to make too!

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Healthy Chicken Alfredo

Photo Credit:ifoodreal.com

Rich, creamy, delicious and with just the right amountof cheese, this classic favorite is always a hit! Serve with your favorite pasta and a simple salad for an easy weeknight dinner

15

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Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini

Photo Credit:ifoodreal.com

This one-pan recipe is not only nutritious and filling but it's also budget-friendly too!

16

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30 Minute Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Photo Credit:midwestfoodieblog.com

Get the taste of Mexico in just minutes with these easy-to-make fajitas. They are hearty, tasty and also very versatile! Add more veggies, swap out the chicken for other meat or add in some hot pepper for a bit of heat.

17

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One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Photo Credit:www.lecremedelacrumb.com

Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients, this one-pot chicken and rice recipe is great for an easy simple dinner!

18

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Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

Photo Credit:www.crunchycreamysweet.com

Made with simple ingredients, this rice bowl recipe is full of delicious Asian inspired flavors and it's ready in under 30 minutes!

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Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos

You'll love these chicken tacos! They're crunchy, nutritious and have just the right amount of spice.

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One-Pan Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Photo Credit:www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

This one-pan meal is so cheesy and delicious! I love that it's made with simple, frugal ingredientstoo. Always a win!

Ground Beef Recipes

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Super Easy Sloppy Joes from Scratch

This vintage recipe has a deliciously flavorful sauce that's made using basic pantry staples. Simple and kid-friendly too!

2

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Super Easy Macaroni and Beef Skillet (American Goulash)

Made withsimple ingredients, this recipe makesa great weeknight dinner. And we think it's 10 times better than Hamburger Helper!

3

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Photo Credit:thesaltymarshmallow.com

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the perfect meal when you're in a hurry. It's fast, easy and full of tasty taco flavors!

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Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Packed with veggies, this simple soup makes a comforting, hearty dinner. Even my pickier eaters love it!

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Taco Skillet

Photo Credit:ifoodreal.com

This skillet recipe is a one-pan wonder that allows you to make tacos in less than 25 minutes. It kind of reminds me of a Mexican pizza with the layered corn tortillas!

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Speedy Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

Made with just seven simple ingredients, this easy recipe makes for a budget-friendly, quick family meal!

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The BEST One Pot Lasagna Soup

Photo Credit:thegirlonbloor.com

You can easily make this soup in the slow cooker or Instant Pot - it's comfort food at its finest, freezer friendly, and tastes like the traditional dish.

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

Photo Credit:kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com

Zesty flavors and tender ground beef make this an easy meal that’s sure to please the whole family!

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Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Photo Credit:iwashyoudry.com

This simple skillet meal will have your family asking for seconds!It's packed with classic flavors, but so much easier to make than the traditional recipe.

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30 Minute One Pan Beef Penne

Photo Credit:www.girlgonegourmet.com

I love that this recipe cooks the pasta right along with everything else. Super easy! And it's such a great hearty, family-friendly dinner!

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Frito Chili Pie

Photo Credit:www.lovefromtheoven.com

Homemade chili is combinedwith Frito chips and cheese for a super delicious twist!

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Easy Beef Burrito Skillet

Photo Credit:www.recipessimple.com

All the classic flavors of a beef burrito but in an easy-to-make skillet recipe!

Sausage Recipes

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Creamy Sausage and Potatoes

A favorite from my childhood, this easy recipe combines tender potatoeswith crumbled sausage and a creamy milk-based sauce.

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One Pot Cheesy Sausage Penne

Photo Credit:www.crunchycreamysweet.com

Craving easy, delicious comfort food? This simple recipe combines Italian sausage and penne pasta with a quick tomato sauce and then tops it all with gooey cheese!

3

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Creamy Sausage Pasta

Photo Credit:www.shakentogetherlife.com

Made with just a few simple ingredients, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! What's not to love?

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Italian Sausage Quesadillas

Photo Credit:www.mysequinedlife.com

A simple recipe but so full of flavor! And they reheat well too.

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Sausage & Rice Skillet

Photo Credit:dinnersdishesanddesserts.com

A quick, one-pan dinner that you can whip up when you are short on time. Even the leftovers are delicious! If you don't like smoked sausage you can swap it for your favorite variety.

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Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Photo Credit:www.lecremedelacrumb.com

Zucchini is stuffed with sausage, peppers and mushrooms, then topped with bread crumbs and cheese. Healthy, easy and delicious!

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Kielbasa, Peppers, and Potato Hash

Photo Credit:www.momontimeout.com

Full of veggies and ready in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect quick and easy meal for busy days!

Other Recipes

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Easy Mexican Rice Bowls

Quick to assemble, budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients, these rice bowls are a family favorite and great if you want a meatless but filling meal.

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Cream Cheese Potato Soup with Ham

Cozy, satisfying and full of flavor (thanks to garlic & dill), this soup is the perfect recipe for any cold day!

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French Bread Pizza

Photo Credit:togetherasfamily.com

Kick up pizza night with this thick French bread pizza recipe. It's simple, quick, and a favorite that is covered in melty cheese and pepperoni. Add your favorite toppings to make the options endless!

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Easy Mexican Bean Soup

Photo Credit:www.thriftyfrugalmom.com

This hearty bean soup is flavorful, made with simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes. We love serving it with sour cream and corn chips. So good!

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Best Shakshuka Recipe

Photo Credit:downshiftology.com

You can't beat a good Shakshuka for breakfast or dinner. It's simple, healthy and delicious! Made with tomatoes, eggs, onions, and a variety of seasonings that add the best flavors.

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Cheesy Vegetable Pasta Bake

Photo Credit:domesticsuperhero.com

This cheesy pasta recipe is great to make when you need a meal that's fast, fresh and full of flavor. It only takes one pot so it makes clean-up easy too!

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One-Pan Mexican Quinoa

Photo Credit:gatheringdreams.com

Nutritious, full of flavor and easy to make, this frugal recipeis great for any busy day!

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Easy Canned Tuna Pasta

Super healthy and made with simple pantry staples! Plus, it's ready in less than 30 minutes too.

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45 Frugal 30-Minute Dinners (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest meal you can make? ›

65 Easy And Cheap Dinner Ideas That You'll Want To Make On Repeat
  • Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burritos. tasty.co. ...
  • Barbecue Beer Can Chicken. tasty.co. ...
  • Zucchini Noodles with Kale Pesto. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Chicken Alfredo Penne. ...
  • Avocado Quinoa Power Salad. ...
  • Tofu Scramble. ...
  • Egg Pizza With Scallions.
Dec 21, 2023

What is a frugal meal? ›

Frugal meals are the meals that do not require expensive ingredients but are hearty and nutritious. These meals require only a little planning in advance so that you can gather all the required ingredients.

How do you feed a family of 5 for $10? ›

Cheap Family Meals Under $10
  1. Spanish Rice Soup. ...
  2. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables. ...
  3. Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole. ...
  4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. ...
  5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta. ...
  6. Easy Cheese Manicotti. ...
  7. White Bean and Spinach Soup. ...
  8. Black Bean Enchilada Casserole.
Apr 2, 2023

How do you plan a frugal meal? ›

10 tips to get you started on meal planning on a budget:
  1. Make a menu. ...
  2. Plan your meals around foods that are on sale. ...
  3. Plan some plant-based meals every week. ...
  4. Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. ...
  5. Enjoy grains more often. ...
  6. Avoid recipes that need a special ingredient. ...
  7. Look for seasonal recipes.
Feb 22, 2023

How can I eat if I have no money? ›

Your local food bank can help you find food today, even if you need temporary help. They partner with food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs in your local community to give away free food. Enter your zip code to find the food bank partnering with Feeding America.

What kind of food can you afford on $1 a day? ›

More $1 Meal Ideas
  • A boiled egg, brown rice, and raisins with milk.
  • Whole wheat pancakes and a side of fruit or juice.
  • Oatmeal pancakes and applesauce.
  • Scrambled egg, toast and juice.
  • Hash browns, eggs, and fruit.
  • A green smoothie with a side of toast.
  • A muffin with a side of banana and yogurt.
Dec 7, 2022

How to be insanely frugal? ›

12 Tips for Frugal Living
  1. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  2. Prioritize value over price. ...
  3. Use credit wisely. ...
  4. Declutter regularly. ...
  5. Use a budget to guide your spending. ...
  6. Know the difference between wants and needs. ...
  7. Be a savvy consumer. ...
  8. Prioritize your values.
Oct 17, 2023

What foods are budget friendly? ›

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Foods
  • Seasonal Fruits & Veggies. This might sound obvious, but it's more complicated than simply seeing what the grocery store has in its aisles. ...
  • Frozen Fruits & Veggies. ...
  • Dried & Canned Beans. ...
  • Canned Tomatoes. ...
  • Pastas & Grains. ...
  • Potatoes. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Canned Tuna.

What is extremely frugal with money? ›

I mend holes in my clothes instead of throwing them away. I carry a water bottle and take my own teabags to work instead of buying expensive takeaway coffee. I re-use and recycle what I can, and try to save energy because that's good for the planet. If I don't have the money I try not to buy stuff I don't need.

How to feed 3 people cheaply? ›

Homemade meals, use the internet and find recipes that will fit your families taste and budget. Rice, beans, potatoes, and noodles are cheap and filling. Make your own bread, store bought bread costs between $1 for cheap junk on sale to over $5 per loaf. If you buy flour and yeast it's a lot cheaper and tastes better.

How can I feed my family on a very small budget? ›

How to feed your family for less - Experts tips for shopping and cooking on a budget
  1. Don't feel pressured to always buy fresh. ...
  2. Eat seasonally. ...
  3. Substitute pricey lettuce. ...
  4. Meal plan with the catalogue in hand. ...
  5. Top trick to find the lowest priced groceries. ...
  6. Learn how to stretch your food further. ...
  7. Shop the 'dodgy' bin.

How to feed 6 people cheaply? ›

Budget meals for large families
  1. Orzotto with pancetta & peas. ...
  2. Double bean & roasted pepper chilli. ...
  3. Halloumi flatbreads. ...
  4. Slow cooker ratatouille. ...
  5. Easy sausage casserole.
  6. Courgette & tomato soup. ...
  7. Mexican pulled chicken & beans.
  8. Vegetable curry for a crowd.

Is $200 a month enough for groceries for one person? ›

* YES! It is possible to eat healthy for $200 a month. 30 Days on $200 shopping list is intended for one person.

How to live on $50 a week for food? ›

How to Save on Weekly Groceries
  1. Shop your fridge, pantry, and freezer first. ...
  2. Keep versatile basics in the pantry. ...
  3. Maximize freezer space. ...
  4. Make a meal plan. ...
  5. Buy the ingredients you use the most in bulk, but ONLY if they're non-perishable or have a long shelf life. ...
  6. Repurpose your leftovers.
Jan 25, 2024

How to eat for a week on $50? ›

$50 Shopping List
  1. 4 pounds boneless chicken breast: $7.96.
  2. 3 five ounce cans of solid white albacore tuna: $3.75.
  3. 2 five ounce cans of salmon: $2.50.
  4. 1 frozen bag Brussel sprouts: $0.99.
  5. 1 frozen bag mixed vegetables: $0.99.
  6. 1 frozen bag whole green beans: $0.99.
  7. 1 frozen bag Asian stir fry: $0.99.
  8. 2 cans of black beans: $1.60.

What can I cook for $20? ›

Top 20 Recipes Under $20 Dollars
  • Chicken Kiev. Recipe Cost – $11.46. ...
  • Retro French Chicken. Recipe Cost – $11.85. ...
  • Mexican Breakfast Casserole. Recipe Cost – $13.12. ...
  • Best Homemade Lasagna. Recipe Cost – $13.34. ...
  • Country Fried Steak. Recipe Cost – $13.44. ...
  • Mac and Cheese Pizza. ...
  • Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. ...
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
Aug 11, 2023

What to make for dinner with no money? ›

Here are some additional cheap easy meals to make when you're broke:
  • Tuna Melts.
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
  • Lentil Soup.
  • Fried Rice.
  • Potato Soup.
  • Vegetable Soup.
  • Hamburger Stew.
  • Macaroni and Cheese.

What food is cheaper to make than buy? ›

Never purchase these food staples again – you can easily make most if not all of them at home from scratch.
  • powdered sugar. This will literally take a few seconds to make. ...
  • brown sugar. ...
  • tomato sauce. ...
  • peanut butter. ...
  • bread. ...
  • ketchup. ...
  • mustard. ...
  • apple cider vinegar.
Sep 14, 2022

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