Free Fast and Easy Meal Plans on a Budget

black bean quesadilla on turquoise platter

Credit: bd.weld

One of the biggest challenges of cooking for two is the constant leftovers. Fortunately, each of these recipes serves a pair, providing a little more variety to your weekly dinners. We've curated a month's worth of budget-friendly dinners ready in 30 minutes or less, each of which yields two servings. Plus, we've included prepared grocery lists with tips on how to use leftover ingredients. Keep your meals creative and your grocery costs low with this curated meal plan.

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Week 1: Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

Credit: TTV78

Fresh lemon juice, pepper, and oregano add bright flavor to chicken breasts. Cut into strips and serve over a simple green salad such as this Spinach Pomegranate Salad. This filling and nutritious combination is just what you need to jumpstart your week.

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Week 1: Pork Fried Rice

side view of a serving of fried rice with pork, peasn, and carrots on a white plate

Credit: KGora

This recipe calls for boneless pork loin chop, but you can also substitute chicken or shrimp. "Just like at a restaurant!" says recipe creator Deidre.

Week 1: Stuffed Tomatoes

tight shot of cheese stuffed tomatoes

Credit: Cat Lady Cyndi

When tomatoes are at their best, you'll forget all about stuffed peppers, and opt for these simple stuffed tomatoes instead. Here, fresh tomatoes are stuffed with canned tomatoes and peppers, bread crumbs, Cheddar cheese, and smoked sausage. The classic Cheddar cheese and tomato combination takes on new form in this recipe.

Week 1: Tomato Basil Salmon

Tomato Basil Salmon

Salmon fillets are topped with dried basil, fresh tomato slices, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked. This simple recipe is one you'll want to keep in your rotation for easy weeknight dinners. Serve over rice.

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Week 1: Eggplant Sandwiches

sliced eggplant, tomato, lettuce, and cheese on bun

Credit: CookinBug

Going meatless just once a week can do amazing things for your budget! "I make this almost every week! One of the best veggie meals. Even my carnivore of a husband said that he liked it!" says reviewer Fran.

Week 2: Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chickpeas)

chickpeas over white rice

Credit: Christine Wooton

This healthy and filling combination of chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, and numerous spices means Meatless Mondays never have to be boring. Serve with Indian Naan Bread or basmati or jasmine rice.

Week 2: Broken Spaghetti Risotto

Broken Spaghetti Risotto

Credit: LatinaCook

"This pasta dish is not really risotto; it only refers to the similar technique used in that famous Italian dish," says Chef John. "Like the grains of Arborio rice, pieces of broken pasta are tossed in hot butter or oil before the liquid is added, but here we're going even further, and toasting it to a gorgeous nut-brown. This gives the dish its signature look, as well as adds a subtle nutty flavor."

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Week 2: Baja-Style Chicken Bowl

Baja-Style Chicken Bowl

Credit: Linda T.

These make-your-own burrito bowls are a whole lot cheaper than takeout. It's a great way to use any leftover chicken or rice you may have on hand. "For a little extra flavor, add the salsa while cooking instead of after," suggests recipe creator mlreffey.

Week 2: Authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Very Easy and Fast)

Thai basil chicken over white rice in bowl

Credit: Deb C

Fresh basil is the key to this quick and easy stir-fry. Be careful not to overcook it, instead, stir it in right before serving. Reviewer samantha505 says, "This comes together very quickly and is a great way to use up extra basil growing in the garden."

Week 2: Turkey Avocado Panini

sandwich with avocado, turkey, pepper, and spinach

Credit: fabeveryday

Keeps things simple on a Friday with this panini consisting of turkey, avocado, provolone cheese, fresh spinach, and roasted red peppers. If you don't have a panini press, you can place the sandwich in a skillet with a little oil, and top with a heavy skillet (such as cast iron) to press.

Week 3: Cheesy-Crust Skillet Pizza

Cheesy-Crust Skillet Pizza

Credit: The Gruntled Gourmand

It's hard to believe that this entire pizza is made with just four ingredients: shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. The melted, shredded mozzarella makes a crispy, thin crust (that's gluten-free!). Take it from reviewer Britney who says, "I was skeptical a cheese crust could hold up to the toppings I prefer. IT DID!"

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Week 3: Asian Salmon Wrap

rice and salmon in wrap

Credit: Linda T

Canned salmon is cheaper than fresh, making it an excellent, budget-friendly protein source. These wraps are loaded with green onions, radishes, cucumbers, rice, and salmon, all tossed in a soy sauce mixture. "I love sushi but nori paper is so expensive. This gives me my fix!" says reviewer soozeeque.

Canned Salmon Recipes

Week 3: Zucchini Caprese

Zucchini Caprese

Credit: Buckwheat Queen

Looking for a use for that summer zucchini crop? This caprese-inspired salad makes a meal when stirred into pasta. You can even add grilled chicken for more protein!

Week 3: Easy and Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Egg

Thai basil chicken with egg over rice in yellow bowl next to chopsticks

Credit: lutzflcat

Although this recipe calls for ingredients you'll likely only find at specialty grocery stores, you can easily swap out the Thai basil with regular basil and the Thai peppers with serrano peppers, as Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat did: "This was so full of flavor and so darn easy to make I simply couldn't believe it."

Week 3: Garlic-Herb Linguine

spaghetti on decorative plate

Credit: naples34102

This simple linguine is made using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen right now. Try adding grilled or sauteed veggies to make it a meal.

Week 4: Orange Chicken with Asparagus

bowl with rice, asparagus, and orange chicken

Credit: fabeveryday

Chicken and asparagus are tossed in an orange-soy sauce and served over brown rice to make a well-balanced weeknight dinner. If you prefer the sauce a little thicker, combine equal parts cornstarch and water, stir until smooth, and stir into sauce.

Week 4: Mushroom and Black Bean Quesadillas

black bean quesadilla on turquoise platter

Credit: bd.weld

Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will enjoy these quesadillas loaded with mushrooms, onions, black beans, cilantro, mozzarella cheese, and lime juice. Serve with salsa on the side, if desired.

Week 4: Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage

Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage

Credit: Deb C

This five-ingredient dinner comes together in just 25 minutes. You can use homemade pesto or jarred pesto in place of pesto sauce mix, according to reviewers.

Week 4: Quinoa Dijon and Swiss Burger

quinoa burgers with cheese on platter

Credit: Buckwheat Queen

Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen describes these quinoa burgers as, "A veggie burger to sink your teeth into." Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings, and pair with homemade sweet potato fries.

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta recipe on a white plate

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

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Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/budget-meals-for-two-30-minutes-or-less/