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Weeknight dinners done right: 21 quick & easy budget meals

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By Zuzana Paar

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Keep weeknight dinners stress-free and wallet-friendly with this collection of 21 meals designed for speed and savings. Each recipe is a solution to the “What’s for dinner?” dilemma, providing tasty, satisfying options that come together quickly and don’t cost a fortune. It’s all about making smart, simple choices that keep the joy of dinner alive without taxing your time or your budget.

A white casserole with asparagus quiche.
Asparagus Fathead Quiche. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Stir up something quick and flavorful with a Healthy Chicken Stir Fry. It tosses together colorful veggies and tender chicken in a savory sauce, showing you can have a meal that’s both fast and balanced. It is ideal for busy evenings when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Burger Mini Bites offer all the flavors of a classic burger in a fun, bite-sized snack. These are great for a quick dinner or serving at a casual gathering, proving that good things definitely come in small packages.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Add a splash of color to your dinner with Rainbow Fathead Pizza, a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a creative and fun way to enjoy pizza night, ensuring that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken is a dish that brings the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking right to your weeknight dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, and the combination of juicy tomatoes and melty mozzarella is always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Brioche French Toast Casserole

Brioche cubes inside casserole.
Brioche French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

When you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying, Brioche French Toast Casserole is the way to go. This dish is perfect for those mornings that demand a special breakfast with minimal fuss, making any day feel like the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Brioche French Toast Casserole

Zucchini Boats with Bacon

Stuffed zucchinis on a baking paper.
Zucchini Boats with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Zucchini Boats with Bacon are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your vegetables. Filled with savory fillings and topped with crispy bacon, they’re a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, showing that healthy can also be hearty.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats with Bacon

Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A skillet with vegetables and chicken in it.
Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

For a quick and nutritious meal, look no further than this stir fry. It combines tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a flavorful sauce, making the Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a weeknight win. Perfect for those evenings when time and health are priorities.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks

Meatloaf with green leek around it.
Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Mixing up the dinner routine doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. With its blend of savory meat, melted cheese, and sweet leeks, this Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks is a comforting dish that satisfies without all the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks

Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas

Mexican enchiladas in a baking dish.
Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas are a testament to the fact that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor. These enchiladas are packed with taste and texture, making them a meal everyone will look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas

Asparagus Fathead Quiche

A white casserole with asparagus quiche.
Asparagus Fathead Quiche. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bringing a low-carb delight to the table, this quiche pairs fresh asparagus with a keto-friendly crust. The Asparagus Fathead Quiche is an inventive breakfast or dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, proving that lighter eating can be utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Fathead Quiche

Pumpkin Meatballs

Pumpkin meatballs with baked pumpkin pieces.
Pumpkin Meatballs. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Infusing traditional meatballs with the rich taste of pumpkin, this recipe offers a seasonal treat that’s both wholesome and hearty. Pumpkin Meatballs are a perfect way to introduce fall flavors into your diet, making dinner time anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Meatballs

Ramen Chicken Noodles

Keto Ramen Chicken Noodles in a black bowl with various vegetables and boiled egg.
Ramen Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Turning a simple packet of noodles into a gourmet meal is easier than you might think. Ramen Chicken Noodles are an elevated version of a classic comfort food, enhanced with juicy chicken and vibrant veggies for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Brussel Sprouts Casserole piece on a white plate.
Brussel Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Brussel Sprouts Casserole turns a much-debated vegetable into a creamy, cheesy delight that even skeptics will love. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your greens, proving that with the right preparation, Brussel sprouts can shine as the star of a meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Cucumber Rolls on a black board.
Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These sushi rolls offer a fresh and light option for sushi lovers, wrapping up delicious fillings in thinly sliced cucumber. Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a creative and healthy take on sushi, ideal for a quick, nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups

Chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese on a bed of rice.
Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This dish brings elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort, featuring chicken breasts rolled up with flavorful fillings. Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups are a surefire way to impress at dinner, offering a sophisticated meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups

Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Keto Bacon Fathead Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Pizza night gets a low-carb makeover with this innovative dough, incorporating the rich flavor of bacon into a keto-friendly base. Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough is the start of a pizza that’s as satisfying as it is good for you, making it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

A white plate filled with asparagus pasta and sauce.
Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This pasta dish is a celebration of simplicity and freshness, featuring tender asparagus and light tagliatelle in a dish that screams spring. Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle is an easy, flavorful meal that brings a touch of elegance to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Curry Chicken with Onion is a dish that combines tender chicken and sweet onions in a rich, aromatic sauce. This meal brings the complexity of curry flavors to your table in a surprisingly simple way, making it a perfect option for spicing up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy the sushi experience without the guilt with these innovative rolls. Low Carb Sushi Rolls swap out rice for healthier alternatives, offering a tasty way to enjoy sushi on a low-carb diet. They’re perfect for a light dinner or a nutritious snack.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce inside a white dish.
Stuffed Pepper. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This colorful dish is a fantastic way to serve up a balanced meal in a single, edible package. Stuffed Pepper is filled with a savory mixture that can be tailored to your liking, making it a versatile and easy option for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles close up.
Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Here’s a lighter version of a classic favorite, using shirataki noodles for a dish that’s low in calories but high in taste. Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles is a quick, flavorful meal that keeps dinner light, healthy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

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