20 Cheap and Easy Dinner Ideas for Meal Prep

Dinner is a meal that many of us look forward to, but after a long day, the thought of cooking can be daunting. Meal prepping your dinners can be a game-changer, saving you time, money, and stress. This article provides 20 cheap and easy dinner ideas that are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious and homemade meal ready to go every night.

Casseroles and Bakes

1. Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

This creamy and comforting casserole is a perfect one-dish meal. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey sausage
• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the turkey sausage until browned. Add the onion, mushrooms, and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine. Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

2. Twice Baked Potato Casserole

All the flavors of a twice-baked potato in a convenient casserole form. This is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, baked and cooled
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the flesh out of the baked potatoes into a large bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mash the potato flesh with the sour cream, milk, and butter. Stir in half of the cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells or into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.

3. Vegan Lasagna

This dairy-free and meatless lasagna is so rich and flavorful, you won’t even miss the cheese and meat. The tofu ricotta is a game-changer.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
• 1 lb firm tofu, pressed
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 cups spinach

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. In a food processor, combine the tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, basil, and oregano. Blend until smooth. In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the cooked lentils. To assemble, spread a thin layer of the lentil marinara in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, tofu ricotta, spinach, and lentil marinara. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of marinara on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly.

4. Chicken and Rice Casserole

A classic comfort food dish that is both easy and affordable. It’s a one-dish meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, rice, and frozen vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is no longer pink.

One-Pot and Skillet Meals

5. Ground Turkey Stir Fry

A quick and healthy weeknight dinner that is packed with vegetables. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen stir-fry vegetables
• For the sauce: ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions: In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the sesame oil and frozen vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve over rice.

6. One-Pot Pasta

This genius recipe cooks the pasta and the sauce all in one pot, which means less cleanup for you!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 (12 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 4 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions: Combine the pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, and broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced to a sauce. Serve with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

7. Cheesy Kidney Bean Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a quick, easy, and incredibly cheap meal. They are perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and mashed
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions: In a bowl, combine the mashed kidney beans with the chili powder and cumin. Spread a layer of the bean mixture on one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

8. Skillet Mac and Cheese

This homemade mac and cheese is so much better than the boxed version, and it’s almost as easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 Tbsp butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

Slow Cooker and Instant Pot

9. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This recipe is incredibly easy and results in tender, flavorful pulled pork that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or on its own.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Place the chopped onion in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder on top. In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the pork. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Shred the pork with two forks and stir it into the sauce.

10. Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

A classic comfort food made even easier in the Instant Pot. The dumplings are light, fluffy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 count) refrigerated biscuits

Instructions: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened. Return the chicken to the pot and add the broth. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure. Remove the chicken and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them into the simmering stew. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through.

11. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This hearty and healthy soup is a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal. It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

12. Instant Pot Chili

Chili is a classic meal prep recipe, and the Instant Pot makes it even faster and more flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp cumin

Instructions: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Brown the ground meat with the onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

Sheet Pan Dinners

13. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

This is a super easy and customizable dinner. Just toss everything on a sheet pan and roast!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 lb broccoli florets
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan, toss the sausage, broccoli, potatoes, and onion with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned.

14. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

All the flavor of fajitas with less cleanup. This is a great way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet of fajita seasoning
• Flour tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings for serving

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan, toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onion with the olive oil and fajita seasoning. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

15. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus

This is an elegant and healthy meal that is surprisingly easy to make. The lemon and herbs give the chicken a bright, fresh flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a sheet pan, toss the chicken and asparagus with the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Arrange the lemon slices over the chicken. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.

Other Creative Ideas

16. Lentil Loaf

This vegan lentil loaf is a hearty and satisfying main course. It’s packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, grated
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• For the glaze: ¼ cup ketchup, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the loaf and mix well. Press the mixture into a greased loaf pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Spread the glaze over the top of the loaf. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the loaf is firm.

17. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic meal prep recipe. They are easy to make, and they hold up well in the refrigerator or freezer.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, any color
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a skillet, cook the ground meat and onion until the meat is browned. Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Spoon the mixture into the bell peppers. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

18. Black Bean Burgers

Homemade black bean burgers are so much better than the store-bought version. They are flavorful, hearty, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Burger buns and your favorite toppings for serving

Instructions: In a bowl, mash the black beans until they are partially broken down. Stir in the breadcrumbs, egg, onion, cumin, and chili powder. Form the mixture into patties. Cook the patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

19. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A simple and satisfying pasta dish that comes together in no time. The broccoli adds a nice crunch and a boost of nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package directions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the chicken and garlic until the chicken is cooked through. Drain the pasta and broccoli and add it to the skillet with the chicken. Toss to combine and serve with Parmesan cheese.

20. Shepherd’s Pie

A classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a chilly evening. The mashed potato topping is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• For the topping: 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed, ¼ cup milk, 2 Tbsp butter

Instructions: Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with the milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. While the potatoes are boiling, cook the ground meat, onion, and carrots in a skillet until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Stir in the frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.