7 Affordable, Healthy Dinner Ideas to Save Money

If you wanted to save money on dinner your immediate thoughts would probably be meals with rice or pasta. And while we love a carb loaded dinner, it’s important to get all your food groups in and we’re big on protein and vegetables.

So if you’re looking for dinner ideas that are heavy on nutrition without burning your wallet, check out Wealth Elf’s recommendations, below.

And if you are itching for ways to save on groceries check out our guide: 11 Ways to Save on Food You Never Thought Of.

1. Lentil and Vegetable Stir Fry is a healthy yet budget-friendly dinner, costing only about $0.80 per serving. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from lentils, Lentil and Vegetable Stir Fry supports muscle repair and promotes digestive health while helping you stay full longer.

   
   

   The combination of carrots, onions, and garlic adds essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while canned tomatoes and broth provide rich flavor without the need for expensive ingredients

2. Egg fried rice (or quinoa) is a cheap but healthy dinner because it uses leftover grains, which reduces food waste and grocery costs, while incorporating affordable ingredients like eggs, frozen peas and carrots, and onions.

   
   

   This dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates from the rice or quinoa, protein from the eggs, and fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, making it nutritionally well-rounded.

3. A Chicken & Vegetable Sheet Pan dinner

   is a cheap and healthy meal because it uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs or drumsticks. These are less expensive cuts that are still rich in protein—and accompanied by budget-friendly vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.

   
   

   These staples provide essential nutrients and fiber, while olive oil adds heart-healthy fats. The meal is simple to prepare by tossing everything with oil, garlic, and herbs, then roasting it all together on one pan, which saves both time and energy

4. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans is a healthy and cheap dinner because it relies on nutritious, affordable staples. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, while canned black beans provide a budget-friendly source of plant-based protein and iron.

   
   

   Toppings like salsa and spinach add flavor and nutrients without adding much cost, and using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream offers extra protein and probiotics.

5. Black bean tacos are a cheap and healthy meal option that’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients: canned black beans, tortillas, onion, tomato, and lettuce. These ingredients are affordable and widely available, making this dish budget-friendly.

   
   

   Nutritionally, black beans are rich in fiber and plant-based protein, which support digestion and help keep you full longer. Fresh toppings like tomato and lettuce add vitamins and minerals without extra cost or calories

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a healthy and affordable dinner option that's both hearty and nutritious. Made with chicken thighs, carrots, celery, potatoes, broth, garlic, and herbs, it’s low in fat and packed with fiber and vitamins from the vegetables.

   
   

   Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly protein source, and the recipe is flexible enough to use leftover or low-cost produce, reducing food waste. Cooking everything together in a slow cooker not only saves time but also enhances flavor without the need for added fats or processed ingredients

7. Chickpea & Spinach Curry is a healthy and budget-friendly dinner that's rich in plant-based protein, providing around 14g per serving. Made with affordable, shelf-stable ingredients like canned chickpeas, frozen spinach, onion, garlic, curry powder, and canned tomatoes, it's both nutritious and easy to prepare. The dish is high in fiber, iron, and essential vitamins while being low in saturated fat. Serving it with brown rice or whole wheat flatbread adds complex carbohydrates and keeps the meal balanced and satisfying

Do you think these ideas would work for your family? Interested in saving on breakfast?

Check out Wealth Elf’s guide: Our Favorite Low Cost Breakfasts.