Easy and inexpensive dinner ideas under $25

Easy and inexpensive homemade recipes are a great option if your takeout bill has reached new heights. And just because a meal is low on cost doesn’t mean it has to be low in excitement and flavor. Thanks to TikTok, finding easy, budget-friendly recipes is easier than ever. If you’re looking to save a little moolah, here are five easy, inexpensive dinner recipes under $25 that you and your wallet will both love.

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1. Beef and ramen stir-fry

This recipe ups the ante on instant ramen noodles. Begin by cooking ground hamburger meat. Once finished, drain out the hamburger grease and mix in one ramen noodle seasoning packet before setting aside. In the same pan, add water, mixed vegetables, ginger and ramen noodles. Next, stir in the other seasoning packet and cook until the noodles are done. Finally, mix in the hamburger meat and any additional ingredients such as an egg or green onions. Serve with soy sauce or hoisin sauce and enjoy!

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2. Buttered cod

Enjoy a tasty seafood dish without breaking the bank. This recipe, sardonically known as “the poor man’s lobster,” involves a skinless filet of cod heavily seasoned with lemon garlic pepper, salt, cayenne and paprika. Top the cod with melted butter before placing it in the oven. Once cooked, squeeze on some lemon juice and drizzle on more melted butter.

3. Spicy tomato pasta

This recipe proves that the right seasonings can turn a basic meal into a gourmet dish. After boiling pasta, sautée onions, tomato purée, chili flakes, paprika and garlic powder in a large frying pan. Follow that with cream cheese and leftover pasta water. Then season with salt and pepper. Finally, mix in some grated parmesan and the cooked pasta before topping it off with fresh parsley.

4. Baked chicken quesadilla

Who doesn’t love quesadillas? This chicken variation involves layering tortillas over the entire surface area of a baking sheet. Next, cover the tortillas with shredded cheese, shredded chicken, peppers, salsa and a final layer of cheese. Then fold over the edges of your tortilla before placing another tortilla on top to cover all the ingredients. Finally, wrap the giant quesadilla with aluminum foil before cooking it in the oven. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

5. Vegan dollar store sloppy joes

TikToker @chefjoya made this vegan dinner with ingredients all purchased from a dollar store! Begin by boiling lentils. Then add in onion soup mix, minced garlic, chopped jarred red peppers, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder and black pepper. After mixing this first round of ingredients, add apple cider vinegar, ketchup and barbecue sauce. Give the mix a final stir before slapping it on a hamburger bun for a meal that’s as delicious as it is messy.

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