Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes For 2

September 15, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents [Show]

Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes POPSUGAR Food from www.popsugar.com

Description

Cooking for two doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. With a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can whip up delicious and affordable meals in no time. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite easy cheap dinner recipes for 2 that are both tasty and budget-friendly.

Prep Time

All of the recipes listed below have a prep time of 15 minutes or less. This means you can get dinner on the table in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Cook Time

The cook time for each recipe varies, but none of them take longer than 45 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Each recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need: Recipe 1: Chicken Stir-Fry - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper - 1 green bell pepper - 1 onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste Recipe 2: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - 8 oz spaghetti - 1/2 lb ground beef - 1/2 onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 can crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Recipe 3: Baked Salmon with Vegetables - 2 salmon fillets - 1/2 lb baby potatoes - 1/2 lb asparagus - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

You'll need basic kitchen equipment for these recipes, including a cutting board, knife, skillet, pot, and baking sheet.

Method

Recipe 1: Chicken Stir-Fry 1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. 2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. 3. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. 4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. 5. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips. 6. Mince garlic. 7. Add more oil to the skillet if necessary and sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender. 8. Stir in soy sauce and return chicken to skillet. 9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 10. Serve hot over rice. Recipe 2: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce 1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. 2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Dice onion and mince garlic. 4. Add onion and garlic to skillet and sauté until tender. 5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. Serve hot over spaghetti. Recipe 3: Baked Salmon with Vegetables 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Wash and slice baby potatoes into thin rounds. 3. Snap off tough ends of asparagus. 4. Toss potatoes and asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 5. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and surround with vegetables. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until salmon is cooked through. 7. Serve hot.

Notes

- You can swap out the vegetables in these recipes for whatever you have on hand. - Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Info

- Recipe 1: Chicken Stir-Fry Calories: 267 Fat: 12g Carbohydrates: 10g Protein: 30g - Recipe 2: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Calories: 546 Fat: 17g Carbohydrates: 65g Protein: 31g - Recipe 3: Baked Salmon with Vegetables Calories: 332 Fat: 14g Carbohydrates: 19g Protein: 31g

Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in the stir-fry recipe? A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in the spaghetti recipe? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh in the salmon recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if that's what you have on hand.

Recipe Tips

- To save time, you can prep the ingredients for each recipe ahead of time. - Make a double batch of the meat sauce in the spaghetti recipe and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on. - You can add a splash of white wine to the salmon and vegetables before baking for added flavor.