25 Healthy Dinner Recipes For Two

These 25 dinner recipes for two may not give you everything you need for true love. But hold on to the taste that makes your first dinner night memorable.

1. Steak Frites

The juicy, savory steak pairs perfectly with crispy, salty fries.

Total Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• Ribeye steak (16 oz) – $15.99
• Russet potatoes (2 large) – $1.50
• Vegetable oil (for frying) – $1.00
• Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.40
• Garlic cloves (2) – $0.20
• Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Start by cutting your potatoes into thin fries. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep things warm.
• Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
• Cook the steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Add butter, garlic, and rosemary in the last minute.
• Let the steak rest while you fry the potatoes.
• Drain and dry the fries. Then fry in batches at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and keep warm in the oven.
• Slice the steak against the grain and serve with the hot fries.

Total estimated cost: $19.69

2. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Total Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti or linguine (8 oz) – $1.50
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb) – $12.99
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp) – $0.75
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic cloves, minced (4) – $0.30
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) – $0.10
• Lemon juice and zest (1 lemon) – $0.50
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup) – $0.75
• Salt and black pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• First things first, get that pasta water boiling. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. We are talking flavor central here.
• While the water is doing its thing, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tbsp of butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
• Once the butter is all melty and gorgeous, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they smell like heaven.
• Now for the star of the show. Add those juicy shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are pink and curled up. They should look like little Cs, not Os (overcooked alert).
• When the shrimp are looking fire, take them out of the skillet and set aside. Do not forget about your pasta. It should be al dente by now, so drain it but save a cup of that starchy pasta water. It is liquid gold, I swear.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer and get all saucy for a minute.
• Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. If it is looking a little dry, splash in some of that pasta water to make it nice and saucy.
• Add the shrimp back in and give everything a good toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Finally, sprinkle that fresh parsley all over and give it one last toss.
• Serve it up hot and watch your date’s eyes light up. This dish is seriously next level.

Total estimated cost: $17.49 (but like, can you put a price on romance?)

3. Chicken Marsala

This Italian American classic is all about rich, earthy flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (2) – $5.99
• All purpose flour (1/2 cup) – $0.25
• Mushrooms, sliced (8 oz) – $2.99
• Marsala wine (1/2 cup) – $3.50
• Chicken broth (1/2 cup) – $0.50
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup) – $0.75
• Butter (4 tbsp) – $0.80
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Fresh thyme (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them thin.
• Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge the chicken (coat both sides).
• Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Set aside and keep warm.
• In the same pan, sauté mushrooms until they release their liquid.
• Add garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute.
• Pour in the Marsala wine and let it reduce by half.
• Add chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and remaining butter. Simmer until thickened.
• Return chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, and serve hot.

Total estimated cost: $16.08

4. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Total Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers (4) – $3.99
• Quinoa (1 cup) – $1.50
• Black beans (1 can) – $0.99
• Corn kernels (1 cup) – $0.75
• Diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1.25
• Onion (1) – $0.50
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Cumin (1 tsp) – $0.15
• Chili powder (1 tsp) – $0.15
• Shredded cheese (1 cup) – $1.99
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
• Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
• In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
• Add spices, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Mix in cooked quinoa and half the cheese.
• Stuff the peppers with the mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
• Place in a baking dish with a little water at the bottom.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Total estimated cost: $12.17

5. Pan Seared Salmon with Asparagus

This dish is fresh, light, and oh so sophisticated. The crispy skinned salmon flakes beautifully. The tender crisp asparagus adds a spring like freshness.

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets (2, 6 oz each) – $12.99
• Asparagus bunch – $3.99
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.40
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Fresh dill – $0.75
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Trim the woody ends off the asparagus.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Place the salmon skin side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until crispy.
• Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
• In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
• Add asparagus and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and tender crisp.
• Squeeze lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with fresh dill.
• Serve salmon over asparagus with lemon wedges on the side.

Total estimated cost: $19.43

6. Mushroom Risotto

The earthy mushrooms and rich Parmesan create a depth of flavor that is swoon worthy.

Total Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• Arborio rice (1 cup) – $2.50
• Mixed mushrooms (8 oz) – $3.99
• Vegetable broth (4 cups) – $2.00
• White wine (1/2 cup) – $1.50
• Onion (1 small) – $0.50
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – $2.00
• Butter (3 tbsp) – $0.60
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Fresh thyme – $0.75
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Heat broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
• In a large pan, sauté mushrooms in 1 tbsp each of butter and oil until golden. Set aside.
• In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic in remaining oil until softened.
• Add rice and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Pour in wine and stir until absorbed.
• Begin adding warm broth, one ladle at a time. Stir constantly and wait for each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
• Continue this process for about 18 to 20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
• Stir in mushrooms, remaining butter, Parmesan, and thyme.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Total estimated cost: $14.64

7. Beef Stir Fry with Mixed Vegetables

The tender beef and crisp veggies are coated in a savory sweet sauce that is absolutely to die for.

Total Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Beef sirloin (12 oz), sliced thin – $8.99
• Mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) (2 cups) – $3.50
• Soy sauce (1/4 cup) – $0.50
• Oyster sauce (2 tbsp) – $0.75
• Brown sugar (1 tbsp) – $0.10
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – $0.10
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Ginger (1 inch), grated – $0.25
• Vegetable oil (3 tbsp) – $0.30
• Sesame oil (1 tsp) – $0.20
• Green onions for garnish – $0.50

Instructions:

• Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
• Stir fry beef in batches until browned. Set aside.
• Add remaining oil to the pan and stir fry vegetables until crisp tender.
• Push veggies to the side and add garlic and ginger to the center. Cook until fragrant.
• Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce.
• Stir fry everything together until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
• Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
• Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Total estimated cost: $15.49

8. Homemade Margherita Pizza

The crispy crust is topped with sweet tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil for a simple yet mind blowing flavor combo.

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes, plus dough resting

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (1 lb) – $2.99
• San Marzano tomatoes (1 can) – $3.50
• Fresh mozzarella (8 oz) – $4.99
• Fresh basil leaves – $1.99
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Cornmeal for dusting – $0.20
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to its highest setting with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside.
• Let the pizza dough come to room temperature for easier stretching.
• Crush tomatoes by hand and mix with minced garlic, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• On a cornmeal dusted surface, stretch the dough into a 12 inch circle.
• Transfer to a pizza peel or another inverted baking sheet.
• Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
• Tear mozzarella into chunks and distribute over the sauce.
• Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or sheet in the oven.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
• Remove from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil.
• Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Total estimated cost: $14.47

9. Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce

The rich, slightly gamey meat pairs perfectly with the cool, tangy mint sauce.

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes, plus marinating

Ingredients:

• Lamb chops (4) – $14.99
• Fresh mint leaves (1 cup) – $1.99
• White wine vinegar (1/4 cup) – $0.50
• Sugar (1 tbsp) – $0.10
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Rosemary (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Mix 2 tbsp olive oil with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Rub this mixture all over the lamb chops. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• For the mint sauce, finely chop mint leaves and mix with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat.
• Grill lamb chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare.
• Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot with the mint sauce on the side.

Total estimated cost: $19.13

10. Eggplant Parmesan

The tender eggplant is coated in a crispy crust and layered with tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese.

Total Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• Eggplant (1 large) – $2.99
• Marinara sauce (2 cups) – $2.50
• Mozzarella cheese (8 oz) – $3.99
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) – $2.00
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – $0.75
• Eggs (2) – $0.50
• All purpose flour (1/2 cup) – $0.25
• Fresh basil – $1.99
• Olive oil (1/4 cup) – $1.00
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds and salt them. Let sit for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
• Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another bowl, breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan in a third bowl.
• Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Fry eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides.
• In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
• Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Total estimated cost: $16.07

11. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Breasts

The juicy chicken is infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (2) – $5.99
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) – $2.99
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.40
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
• In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and lemon zest.
• Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.
• Heat an oven safe skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tbsp butter.
• Sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden.
• Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and add lemon slices to the pan.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Total estimated cost: $11.03

12. Shrimp Scampi

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb) – $12.99
• Linguine pasta (8 oz) – $1.50
• Garlic (6 cloves) – $0.60
• White wine (1/2 cup) – $2.00
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Butter (4 tbsp) – $0.80
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) – $0.10
• Fresh parsley – $0.99
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink.
• Remove shrimp and set aside.
• Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add the remaining butter and return the shrimp to the pan.
• Toss in cooked pasta, adding pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Total estimated cost: $20.08

13. Vegetable Lasagna

Total Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles (9) – $2.50
• Ricotta cheese (15 oz) – $3.99
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups) – $3.99
• Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup) – $2.00
• Marinara sauce (24 oz) – $2.99
• Zucchini (2) – $1.50
• Spinach (10 oz) – $2.99
• Mushrooms (8 oz) – $2.99
• Onion (1) – $0.50
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Egg (1) – $0.25
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – $0.20
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
• Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms in olive oil.
• Add sliced zucchini and spinach. Cook until wilted.
• Mix ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
• In a 9×13 baking dish, layer: sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, veggies, and mozzarella.
• Repeat layers twice, ending with sauce and remaining cheese on top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Total estimated cost: $24.80

14. Pan Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce

Total Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Duck breasts (2) – $15.99
• Fresh cherries, pitted (1 cup) – $3.99
• Red wine (1/2 cup) – $2.00
• Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Honey (1 tbsp) – $0.25
• Shallot (1) – $0.50
• Thyme (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Butter (1 tbsp) – $0.20
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Score the duck skin in a diamond pattern. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place the duck skin side down in a cold skillet. Then turn the heat to medium low.
• Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the fat renders and the skin is crispy.
• Flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare.
• Remove the duck and let it rest.
• In the same pan, sauté minced shallots in duck fat.
• Add cherries, wine, vinegar, honey, and thyme. Simmer until reduced.
• Remove thyme and stir in butter to finish the sauce.
• Slice the duck and serve with cherry sauce drizzled over.

Total estimated cost: $24.03

15. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

Total Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (2) – $5.99
• Spinach (6 oz) – $2.50
• Feta cheese (4 oz) – $2.99
• Cream cheese (2 oz) – $1.00
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Paprika (1 tsp) – $0.10
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wilt spinach in a pan with minced garlic.
• Mix cooled spinach with crumbled feta and cream cheese.
• Cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff with the mixture.
• Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet. Sear chicken on both sides.
• Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken. Transfer skillet to the oven.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Total estimated cost: $13.88

16. Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Beef tenderloin (12 oz) – $19.99
• Red wine (1 cup) – $4.00
• Beef broth (1/2 cup) – $0.75
• Shallots (2) – $1.00
• Butter (3 tbsp) – $0.60
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Fresh thyme (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
• Sear beef for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Then transfer to a baking sheet.
• Roast in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes for medium rare.
• In the same skillet, sauté minced shallots in 1 tbsp butter.
• Add wine, broth, and thyme. Simmer until reduced by half.
• Remove thyme and whisk in remaining butter.
• Slice the beef and serve with the red wine sauce.

Total estimated cost: $27.44

17. Tomato Basil Gnocchi

Total Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Potato gnocchi (1 lb) – $3.99
• Canned San Marzano tomatoes (14 oz) – $3.50
• Fresh basil (1 bunch) – $1.99
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.40
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated) – $1.00
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) – $0.10
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
• Crush tomatoes by hand and add to the skillet.
• Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
• Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce, tossing to coat.
• Tear in fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and cheese.

Total estimated cost: $11.83

18. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes, plus marinating

Ingredients:

• Portobello mushrooms (4 large caps) – $5.99
• Balsamic vinegar (1/4 cup) – $1.00
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp) – $0.30
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Fresh thyme (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Clean mushrooms and remove stems.
• Whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs.
• Marinate mushrooms for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
• Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
• Grill mushrooms for 4 to 5 minutes per side until tender.
• Brush with remaining marinade while grilling.
• Serve hot, sliced if desired.

Total estimated cost: $9.44

19. Seafood Paella

Total Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• Arborio rice (1 cup) – $2.50
• Mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari) (1 lb) – $14.99
• Chicken broth (2 cups) – $1.00
• Onion (1) – $0.50
• Bell pepper (1) – $1.00
• Tomato (1) – $0.50
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Saffron threads (pinch) – $2.00
• Paprika (1 tsp) – $0.10
• Peas (1/2 cup) – $0.75
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Soak saffron in 1/4 cup hot water.
• Heat oil in a large paella pan or skillet.
• Sauté chopped onion, pepper, and garlic until softened.
• Add rice, paprika, and saffron water. Stir to coat.
• Pour in broth and diced tomato. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add seafood and peas to the top of the rice. Do not stir.
• Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until seafood is cooked and rice is tender.
• Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
• Serve with lemon wedges.

Total estimated cost: $24.99

20. Thai Green Curry with Tofu

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu (14 oz) – $2.99
• Green curry paste (2 tbsp) – $1.50
• Coconut milk (1 can) – $2.50
• Mixed vegetables (bell pepper, eggplant, bamboo shoots) (2 cups) – $3.99
• Thai basil (1/2 cup) – $1.99
• Kaffir lime leaves (2) – $0.50
• Fish sauce (1 tbsp) – $0.25
• Brown sugar (1 tsp) – $0.10
• Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – $0.20
• Jasmine rice (1 cup) – $1.00
• Salt to taste – $0.05

Instructions:

• Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes.
• Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
• Heat oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat.
• Fry curry paste until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
• Add vegetables and kaffir lime leaves. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Add tofu, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Stir in Thai basil just before serving.
• Serve hot over jasmine rice.

Total estimated cost: $15.07

21. Pork Chops with Apple Compote

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Bone in pork chops (2) – $7.99
• Apples (2, preferably Granny Smith) – $1.50
• Onion (1/2) – $0.25
• Brown sugar (2 tbsp) – $0.20
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) – $0.30
• Cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – $0.10
• Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.40
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Fresh thyme (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and chopped thyme.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
• Cook pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
• In the same pan, sauté diced onion and apples until softened.
• Add brown sugar, vinegar, and cinnamon. Simmer until syrupy.
• Stir in butter to finish the compote.
• Serve pork chops topped with the warm apple compote.

Total estimated cost: $11.84

22. Baked Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• Cod fillets (2, 6 oz each) – $9.99
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Butter (4 tbsp) – $0.80
• Garlic (2 cloves) – $0.20
• Fresh parsley – $0.99
• White wine (1/4 cup) – $1.00
• Panko breadcrumbs (1/4 cup) – $0.50
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Season the cod with salt and pepper.
• Melt 2 tbsp butter and mix with panko and chopped parsley.
• Top cod with panko mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce. Sauté minced garlic in the remaining butter.
• Add white wine and lemon juice. Simmer until reduced.
• Spoon sauce over baked cod and garnish with lemon slices.

Total estimated cost: $14.58

23. Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread

Total Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients for the chili:

• Mixed beans (2 cans) – $2.98
• Diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1.25
• Bell pepper (1) – $1.00
• Onion (1) – $0.50
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Vegetable broth (2 cups) – $1.00
• Chili powder (2 tbsp) – $0.30
• Cumin (1 tsp) – $0.15
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50

Ingredients for the cornbread:

• Cornmeal (1 cup) – $0.75
• All purpose flour (1 cup) – $0.50
• Milk (1 cup) – $0.75
• Egg (1) – $0.25
• Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.50
• Baking powder (1 tbsp) – $0.10
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – $0.05

Instructions:

• For the chili: Sauté chopped onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil.
• Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.
• For the cornbread: Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another bowl.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour into a greased baking dish.
• Bake cornbread at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
• Serve hot chili with a side of warm cornbread.

Total estimated cost: $10.88

24. Beef Bourguignon

Total Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

• Beef chuck, cubed (1 lb) – $8.99
• Bacon (4 oz) – $1.99
• Red wine (1 cup) – $4.00
• Beef broth (1 cup) – $1.00
• Pearl onions (8 oz) – $2.50
• Mushrooms (8 oz) – $2.99
• Carrots (2) – $0.50
• Garlic (3 cloves) – $0.30
• Tomato paste (1 tbsp) – $0.20
• Flour (2 tbsp) – $0.10
• Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.40
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Fresh thyme (2 sprigs) – $0.50
• Bay leaf (1) – $0.10
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• Brown beef cubes in bacon fat. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté carrots, pearl onions, and mushrooms until softened.
• Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Slowly add wine and broth, stirring to prevent lumps.
• Return beef and bacon to the pot. Add thyme and bay leaf.
• Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2.5 hours until the beef is tender.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.

Total estimated cost: $24.17

25. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

Total Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• Quinoa (1 cup) – $1.50
• Mixed vegetables (sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion) (4 cups) – $4.99
• Chickpeas (1 can) – $0.99
• Feta cheese (2 oz) – $1.50
• Lemon (1) – $0.50
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Honey (1 tbsp) – $0.25
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp) – $0.10
• Cumin (1 tsp) – $0.15
• Paprika (1 tsp) – $0.10
• Fresh parsley – $0.99
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Toss chopped vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
• For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, honey, and mustard.
• Toss roasted veggies with chickpeas and dressing.
• Serve over quinoa, topped with crumbled feta and chopped parsley.

Total estimated cost: $11.92

Conclusion

Even if you are cooking for your boo or treating yourself, do not forget that every meal is a chance to make a memory.