Cheap Healthy Dinners For 6

Feed a Crowd with Healthy, Budget-Friendly Dinners

It can be hard to find healthy dinner options that won’t break the bank. Especially when you’re cooking for a crowd, the price of the ingredients can add up quickly. But eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few simple strategies and a little creative meal planning, you can create delicious and nutritious dinners for six, all for under $30.

Start with What’s In Season

Eating with the seasons isn’t just good for your health, it’s also good for your wallet. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are generally cheaper and fresher than those that are out of season and have to be shipped in from around the world. Plus, you can often find them in bulk, so you’ll have plenty of ingredients to feed a crowd. In the summer, look for berries, stone fruits, and leafy greens. In the winter, root vegetables, squash, and apples are all good options.

Make the Most of Your Pantry Staples

You don’t always need to buy fresh produce to create a healthy dinner. Use pantry staples like canned beans, grains, and tomatoes to create satisfying and nutrient-dense dishes. For example, you can make a pot of chili with canned black beans, canned diced tomatoes, and spices. Serve it with cornbread for a complete meal. Or try cooking farro with canned chickpeas, roasted peppers, and greens for a hearty and healthy vegetarian dinner.

Opt for Frozen Veggies

Frozen vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh and they have a much longer shelf life, so you can always have them on hand. You can save yourself time and money by using frozen veggies in place of fresh. Frozen vegetables are also great for making stews, soups, and stir-fries. Simply add them to the pot or pan when cooking and they’ll be tender and flavorful in no time.

Make It a Casserole Night

Casseroles are a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. You can easily make enough to feed six people for around $20. Start with a base of grains, like rice or quinoa, then add in your favorite vegetables, a protein-rich ingredient, like beans or tofu, and a creamy sauce. Top it off with some cheese and herbs and bake until golden and bubbly. Try this easy vegan quinoa casserole for a delicious, budget-friendly meal.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Making the most of your leftovers is key to creating healthy, budget-friendly dinners. If you have some cooked grains, beans, or vegetables left over from a previous meal, you can easily turn them into something new. For example, you can combine cooked grains, beans, and roasted vegetables to make a simple grain bowl. Or toss cooked grains and roasted vegetables into a stir-fry with some spices and a splash of broth. You can also use leftovers to make a frittata or a savory oatmeal.