When it’s dinner time and you’re staring into the fridge like it’s going to give you all the answers, we’ve all been there. But instead of reaching for the takeout menu again, why not whip up something that’s actually quick, cheap, and tastes great? These dinner recipes are perfect for saving the night without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. You’ll find options that are easy enough to make on a Monday after a long day but still tasty enough that you won’t miss the drive-thru.
![Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cream-cheese-chicken-landscape-1-1024x576.jpg)
Chicken Lime Soup
![Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/chicken-lime-soup-1.jpg)
Chicken lime soup is like the best of both worlds—comforting like chicken noodle but with a little kick from the lime. No noodles here, just a quick and flavorful dinner that warms you up and gets the job done fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup
Mexican Vegetable Soup
![Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mexican-vegetable-soup-1.jpg)
Mexican vegetable soup is a fast fix when you need something hearty and healthy. With quinoa for that extra protein boost, this veggie-packed soup is on the table in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight win.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
![A bowl of green soup garnished with lettuce leaves, fried garlic slices, and crumbled bits.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Creamy-Garlic-Brussels-Sprout-Soup-4optimized-1024x640.jpg)
Creamy brussels sprouts soup is as easy as tossing everything in a blender. Full of garlic goodness and ready in minutes, it’s the go-to for when you need something fast, cheap, and great-tasting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
![A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/brussels-sprouts-pasta-msn-1.jpg)
Brussels sprouts pasta is a 25-minute wonder. With just six ingredients, it’s a great weeknight meal that feels a bit fancy thanks to the bacon and sun-dried tomatoes. Quick, easy, and delicious enough to impress.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Salsa Chicken
![A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/salsa-chicken-MSN-1.jpg)
Salsa chicken is that weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. Juicy chicken breasts baked with salsa, corn, and cheese, all in under 30 minutes. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it’s a family favorite in the making.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Kale and Feta Egg Bake
![Kale and feta egg bake in a white ramekin with a piece of toasted bread to the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/kale-feta-egg-bake-1.jpg)
Kale and feta egg bake is your perfect lazy dinner. Just a few ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you’re done. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s ready to save the night.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Feta Egg Bake
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
![Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bucatini-cacio-e-pepe-landscape-FDL-1.jpg)
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple pasta dish that’s big on flavor. Just five ingredients and you’ve got a creamy, comforting meal that’s ready in no time and great for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
![Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ground-beef-cabbage-recipe-1.jpg)
Ground beef and cabbage skillet is your answer to a quick and hearty dinner. Full of flavor and ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, cheap, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
![Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pork-cabbage-stir-fry-landscape-1.jpg)
Pork and cabbage stir fry is quick and easy, with ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms all cooked up in a tasty sauce. It’s a great choice when you need dinner on the table in a hurry without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
![Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ground-beef-sweet-potato-skillet-landscape-1.jpg)
Ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a one-pan meal that brings together southwestern flavors. Easy to make, great for meal-prepping, and the leftovers are just as good, making this a go-to for fast, cheap, and delicious dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Cream Cheese Chicken
![Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cream-cheese-chicken-landscape-1.jpg)
Cream cheese chicken is the answer to boring weeknight meals. Seasoned with five flavor-packed spices, it’s creamy, savory, and full of goodness. It’s a quick fix that brings plenty of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla
![Cheddar quesadilla with summer vegetables.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cheddar-vegetable-quesadilla-landscape-1.jpg)
Vegetable cheddar quesadillas are as simple as it gets. Whether you use frozen or fresh veggies, these cheesy quesadillas make dinner a breeze when you need something fast, cheap, and easy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla
Grilled Ham Steak
![Grilled fresh ham steak with rosemary dijon maple glaze.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/grilled-ham-steak-1.jpg)
Grilled ham steak is a nice change from the usual grilled fare. With a rosemary maple Dijon glaze, it’s a simple yet flavorful dinner. Fresh or cured ham steaks make this meal quick to prepare and easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
![White skillet with buffalo ground turkey and cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalo-turkey-skillet-landscape-1.jpg)
Buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet is a four-ingredient wonder that’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It’s also a great meal-prep option for the week, saving time and money while still tasting great.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Air Fryer Sausage
![Air fryer sausage on a white plate with sauteed peppers and onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/air-fryer-sausage-1.jpg)
Air fryer sausage is the easiest, quickest way to get perfectly juicy, golden-brown sausages. With minimal effort, you’ve got a fast, cheap, and delicious dinner option that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
![Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/white-bean-quesadilla-1.jpg)
Smashed white bean quesadillas with kale are an indulgent meatless meal. Melty cheddar and a creamy BBQ sauce make these quesadillas a fast and flavorful option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
![Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sheet-pan-pork-chops-landscape-1.jpg)
Sheet pan pork chop dinner is a one-pan meal that includes red cabbage, potatoes, and apples. Perfect for hectic weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and leaves you with just one pan to clean up. Fast, cheap, and great for saving the night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner