Creating delicious, nutritious dinners on a budget can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking to make meals ahead of time. Whether you have a busy week ahead or simply want to ensure your family has hearty meals without breaking the bank, these six budget-friendly dinners are perfect solutions. Each recipe can be prepared in advance and costs less than $20 to make. From Thai Chicken Curry to classic Lasagna, these dishes are sure to become staples in your meal rotation.
Ingredients for Thai Chicken Curry
- Chicken Curry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Thai Chicken Curry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop and mince: Begin by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating or finely mincing the ginger.
- Slice vegetables: Slice the red and green bell peppers, carrots, and prepare the broccoli florets.
Step 2: Cook the Curry
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add curry paste: Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for another minute to release its flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them with the curry paste mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season: Stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar, adjusting to taste.
- Add vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli florets. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Serve and Store
- Garnish and serve: Serve the Thai Chicken Curry over steamed rice, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- Store for later: Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients for Classic Lasagna
- Lasagna:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 box (16 ounces) lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Classic Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and simmer: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
- Boil the noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt.
- Layer the ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 5: Store for Later
- Refrigerate or freeze: Once cooled, cut the lasagna into portions and store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
About the Main Ingredients
Thai Chicken Curry
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them ideal for this curry. Thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
- Coconut Milk: This ingredient gives the curry its rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness, balancing the heat from the curry paste.
- Thai Red Curry Paste: This paste is a blend of red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and other spices, providing a robust and spicy base for the curry.
- Fish Sauce: Essential in Thai cuisine, fish sauce adds a salty, umami depth to the curry.
Classic Lasagna
- Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base for the sauce. Ground turkey or sausage can be used as alternatives.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy layer that balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce is key for a flavorful lasagna. Homemade or store-bought can be used.
- Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are boiled before layering, but no-boil noodles can be used for convenience.
These recipes showcase the versatility of budget-friendly ingredients, transforming them into delicious, make-ahead dinners that are perfect for busy families. Enjoy the convenience and savings while savoring these hearty meals!
