$5 Dinners To Hold You Over Til Pay Day

Pasta Al Forno

A close up image of penne pasta, sauce, and bread crumbs. — Pasta Al Forno. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Deliciously cooked pasta enveloped in a zesty tomato cream sauce, generously sprinkled with extra cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, is sure to become a new family favorite. Pair it with garlic knots or breadsticks for a truly delightful meal. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Al Forno

Southern Mac and Cheese

Enjoy a bowl of rich and creamy mac and cheese, generously topped with crispy bread crumbs. This decadent dish brings the ultimate comfort to your dining table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It's sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Green Gnocchi with Wild Spinach

Green gnocchi made with wild spinach, also known as lamb’s quarters, offers a unique twist on a classic dish. Surprisingly easy to make, these gnocchi use simple ingredients and wild spinach to create a flavorful dinner with a beautiful green hue. Topped with a rich, creamy gorgonzola sauce, this dish transforms foraged greens into a delicious meal. You might even be inspired to cultivate wild spinach in your garden next year!
Get the Recipe: Green Gnocchi with Wild Spinach

Wild Garlic Risotto

As the cold of winter melts away into the soothing warmth of spring, nature around us comes alive with vivid greens and sweet-scented blossoms. This time of renewal has filled our kitchen with a bountiful harvest of fresh wild garlic, sparking our culinary creativity. Each meal becomes a celebration of the season's flavors and aromas.
Get the Recipe: Wild Garlic Risotto

Bulgogi Ramen

Prepare delicious bulgogi ramen noodles in just 25 minutes using only 12 ingredients! You can easily swap in other noodles, such as udon, for a tasty vegetarian beef noodle stir fry. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Bulgogi Ramen

20-Minute Sticky Aubergine / Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Teriyaki aubergine rice bowl taken from overhead, with lime and other garnishes around it. — 20-Minute Sticky Aubergine / Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl. Photo credit: The Fruity Jem.

Savor the deliciously sticky aubergine (eggplant) coated in teriyaki sauce. Transform this dish into a rice bowl by incorporating your favorite vegetables to complement the teriyaki aubergine! It’s a perfect way to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Sticky Aubergine / Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Slow Cooker Applesauce Chicken

This Slow Cooker Applesauce Chicken is a breeze to make and perfect for a family-friendly dinner! Simply combine the sweet and savory flavors of applesauce and chicken in your Crockpot, set it, and forget it—no hassle required. Naturally healthy and free of refined sugars, this recipe is also gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. It's great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal with minimal effort. Pair it with rice or roasted veggies for a complete dinner everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Applesauce Chicken

Old-Fashioned Vegan Potato Soup

This is the ultimate Old-Fashioned Vegan Potato Soup! Quick, creamy, and comforting, it’s just like grandma’s but made dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly. With only 8 simple ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes, this budget-friendly soup is as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, it’s also fully customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you add herbs, extra veggies, or toppings, this homemade classic will quickly become a household favorite!
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Vegan Potato Soup

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines savory ground beef, tangy ketchup, and sweet brown sugar, all crowned with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. It’s a comforting, no-fuss dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Serve it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Louisiana Voodoo Fries

This homemade version of Wingstop’s Louisiana Voodoo Fries is incredibly tasty and much healthier than the original since the fries are baked in the oven. You’ll enjoy crispy, golden fries topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, ranch dressing, and flavorful Cajun seasoning, making it a perfect dish for your next game-day gathering! Plus, these fries are sure to impress your guests with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Get the Recipe: Louisiana Voodoo Fries

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

A plate of one pan chicken thighs ready to serve. — Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

These Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep, this dump-and-bake dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, the whole family will enjoy the vibrant mix of chicken and veggies that’s as tasty as it is colorful. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks on one pan!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Pizza Baked Butter Beans

Butter beans topped with pepperoni in a shallow bowl. — Pizza Baked Butter Beans. Photo credit: Life As a Strawberry.

These pizza baked beans are a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Simply combine drained canned beans with pizza sauce, toss in your favorite toppings, and bake for a warm, comforting meal that pairs perfectly with crusty bread. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Customize it with cheese, pepperoni, or veggies for a dish everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Baked Butter Beans

Garlic Oil and Chili Pepper Spaghetti

Spaghetti aglio e olio, also known as garlic and chili oil spaghetti, is a beloved Italian dish enjoyed worldwide for its simplicity and bold flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, it makes an excellent lunch or dinner with just four basic ingredients: pasta, olive oil, garlic, and chili pepper. Perfect for busy days, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Oil and Chili Pepper Spaghetti

Red Lentil Shepherd's Pie

This red lentil shepherd's pie is a delicious twist on classic comfort food. It’s not only hearty and satisfying but also easy on the budget and packed with nutrients. Every serving contains three portions of vegetables and is rich in healthy fiber. Plus, it's a great option for both weeknight dinners and meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake

Tuna and sweetcorn pasta in red dish on checked cloth with parsley. — Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Cinnamon & Kale.

Tuna and sweetcorn pasta bake is a quick and easy dish made with pantry staples, perfect for a midweek family dinner. It comes together fast using just a few common ingredients, resulting in a creamy, satisfying bake with a rich, cheesy sauce. Packed with protein and high-fibre sweetcorn, it pairs well with a side salad for a more balanced meal. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to create a gluten-free version, making it versatile for different dietary needs. Leftovers also reheat beautifully for the next day!
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake

Spicy Gochujang Noodles

A white bowl of noodles topped with onions and sesame seeds, there are chopsticks stuck in the noodles and some dried peppers next to the bowl. — Spicy Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: An Expression of Food.

These quick and easy gochujang noodles are bursting with bold flavors and perfectly balanced heat. The creamy sauce, combined with subtle sweet notes, makes this dish irresistible and sure to satisfy any spicy food cravings. Whether enjoyed as a meal on its own or paired with your favorite protein, these noodles are guaranteed to impress!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Noodles

Spicy Peanut Ramen

These spicy peanut butter ramen noodles are irresistibly flavorful and sure to become a favorite! With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, they make a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite protein, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy every time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Ramen

Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi

This crispy pan-fried gnocchi is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 20 minutes to prepare. The gnocchi is seared to golden perfection and coated in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter, and Parmesan. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi

Pesto Pasta

If you're craving something quick yet bursting with flavor, pesto pasta is the way to go. Made with just a few ingredients, the vibrant pesto sauce coats tender spaghetti in delicious herby goodness. It’s an ideal go-to for busy evenings or when you want a dish that feels fancy without the hassle. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and you have a satisfying meal perfect for sharing—or savoring all to yourself. Best of all, you can customize it with extras like grilled chicken or veggies to make it even heartier.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta

American Goulash

Big pot filled with cooked Goulash Recipe made with macaroni noodles, tomato sauce, and ground beef. — American Goulash. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

American Goulash is a simple, one-pot comfort dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and tender macaroni noodles. Perfect for any time of the year and even better as leftovers, this flavorful meal is sure to please even the fussiest eaters. Top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an extra cozy touch!
Get the Recipe: American Goulash