Pouring a glass of wine and slowly preparing a roast or pottering in the kitchen is one of my favourite things to do on the weekend, but when it comes to weeknight meals, I look for budget-friendly dinner options which are quick and easy to prepare. Feeding a family can be expensive, but you absolutely can create delicious, budget-friendly meals at home without sacrificing on quality or freshness. These are my top 20 dinners under $20.
1
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Now you can make your favourite Indonesian classic at home! This Nasi Goreng (Indian Fried Rice) recipe is the ultimate quick and easy Asian dish to whip up for your family on busy weeknights. Featuring chicken and veggies stir-fried in a flavour-packed sweet soy sauce, then served with rice and fried eggs, it only takes 20 minutes of your precious time.
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2
Chicken Gyros
For fans of classic Greek street food, now you can make your favourite treat at home with this easy Chicken Gyros recipe. The ultimate fakeaway, tender chicken is marinated in lemon, oregano and garlic, then stuffed into pita breads along with tzatziki, tomato, onion, olives and herbs. Even better, it all comes together in just 20 minutes.
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3
San Choy Bow
San Choy Bow is a delicious dinner that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Lettuce cups are filled with a flavoursome minced (ground) pork and veggie mixture. Add vermicelli rice noodles if you like!
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4
Homemade Nachos
There's no need to buy takeout when you can make this Homemade Nachos recipe quickly and easily at home in only 15 minutes. Made with economical ingredients like minced (ground) beef, canned beans, corn chips and pantry flavourings, this one-pan wonder emerges from the oven brimming with golden melty cheese. Simple avocado and tomato salsas are served on top, along with sour cream and jalapeños.
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5
Peanut Chicken Satay
Thanks to this simple Peanut Chicken Satay recipe, now you can make your favourite takeout at home in just 15 minutes. Boneless chicken thighs are cooked until tender, then combined with a delicious satay sauce featuring peanut butter, curry powder, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, garlic and rice vinegar. Serve topped with crunchy chopped peanuts and steamed rice.
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6
Sticky Pork Noodles
Economical, easy, quick and delicious, this 10-minute Sticky Pork Noodles recipe is a family favourite. Minced (ground) pork is cooked with egg noodles and a handful of pantry staples to create a super tasty treat that's ideal for weeknights. Top it with a golden fried egg if you like (I do!).
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7
One-pot Greek Chicken and Rice
Bursting with the beautiful Mediterranean flavours of lemon, garlic and oregano, this One-pot Greek Chicken and Rice recipe is easy to make and ideal as a satisfying, family-friendly weeknight meal. Chicken is marinated, then cooked with rice in stock in one pan. The rice soaks up the beautiful juices and the dish is finished with some creamy crumbled feta.
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8
Toasty Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Toasty Roasted Pumpkin Soup is a low-maintenance version of the comforting classic. Made with simple, low-cost ingredients, this winter warmer is perfect for making a big batch and freezing.
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9
Chicken and Chorizo Paella
A twist on the classic, but way easier and faster to make, this Chicken and Chorizo Paella recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. Filled with chicken, chorizo and rice in a garlicky tomato sauce, you can enjoy the flavours of Spain anytime you feel like it with this one-pot wonder.
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10
Sticky Beef Noodles
Needing only simple, low-cost ingredients, one pan and 15 minutes to prepare, these delicious Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles are the perfect stress-free, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
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11
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
You can now make your favourite takeaway at home in just 25 minutes, without having to worry about the cost or waiting time of home delivery! This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl recipe is a full meal in a bowl, packed with chicken cooked in a flavoursome marinade and an array of colourful shredded veggies.
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12
Mexican Beef Casserole
Mexican Beef Casserole is a delicious, one-pan easy option for a satisying family midweek dinner. Only simple, low-cost ingredients are needed and it's all ready in just 35 minutes.
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13
Creamy Pea and Bacon Spaghetti
This Creamy Pea and Bacon Spaghetti recipe shows what you can do with a handful of economical pantry and fridge staples in just 20 minutes. Frozen peas and crispy bacon are cooked in a creamy sauce flavoured with garlic, parmesan and chicken stock, then served with spaghetti or your favourite pasta.
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14
Quick Chicken Chow Mein
Quick Chicken Chow Mein is the ideal stress-free weeknight meal. Tender slices of chicken breast are stir-fried with veggies and noodles in a delicious garlicky soy sauce.
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15
Baked Chicken Risotto
In this brilliant, stress-free Baked Chicken Risotto recipe, there's no need to stand over a hot stove, constantly stirring. Chicken, mushrooms, asparagus and rice are quickly mixed together with herbs, stock, spices and parmesan on the stovetop, then transferred to the oven to bake to perfection. Leftovers of this one-pan wonder are delicious and also freezer-friendly.
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16
Vietnamese Pork Bowl
My Vietnamese Pork Bowl recipe is a favourite with the whole family and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Bursting with flavours and textures, the dish features minced (ground) pork cooked in a caramelised sticky sauce along with noodles, spring rolls (from the freezer!), fresh veggies and herbs. A simple nuoc cham dressing is drizzled over at the end for the perfect finishing touch.
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17
Chicken and Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Bake
This creamy and comforting Chicken and Sun-dried Tomato Pasta bake is the ideal satisfying meal for the whole family. Tender chicken is first cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, cream and spinach, then combined in a baking dish with cooked pasta, topped with melty mozzarella and baked in the oven until gloriously golden and bubbling.
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18
Easy Fried Rice
Easy Fried Rice makes a lovely light meal on its own, or you can serve it as a side to an Asian-inspired meal.
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19
10 Minute Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This 10 Minute Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe is super quick to prep and cook, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal in a hurry.
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20
Sticky Soy Chicken Wings
These addictive Sticky Soy Chicken Wings are economical, easy to prepare and are just as good for serving as party appetisers as they are for wholesome family dinners.
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