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.
In my kitchen, I found that the recipe for love is simple: take two hearts, add a dash of ingredients, and stir with care.
1. Steak Frites
The juicy, savory steak pairs perfectly with crispy, salty fries.
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
Cook time: 40 minutes
- Start by cutting your potatoes into thin fries. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) 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 3-4 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°F (175°C) for 3-4 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
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
Cook time: 25 minutes
- First things first, get that pasta water boiling! Add a generous pinch of salt to the water – we’re talking flavor central here.
- While the water’s doing its thing, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tbsp of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. It’s gonna smell so good, you’ll wanna face-plant right in.
- Once that butter’s all melty and gorgeous, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let ’em sizzle for like 30 seconds until they smell like heaven.
- Now for the star of the show – add those juicy shrimp to the skillet! Cook ’em for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and curled up. They should look like little Cs, not Os (overcooked alert!).
- When the shrimp are looking fire, take ’em out of the skillet and set aside. Don’t forget about your pasta – it should be al dente by now, so drain it but save a cup of that starchy pasta water (it’s 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’s 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. T
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
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them thin.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge the chicken.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 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
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
Cook time: 45 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Cut the tops off the peppers and remove 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 30-35 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, while the tender-crisp asparagus adds a spring-like freshness.
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
Cook time: 20 minutes
- 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 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same pan, add butter and garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 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’s swoon-worthy.
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
Cook time: 35 minutes
- 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, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in wine and stir until absorbed.
- Begin adding warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
- Continue this process for about 18-20 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’s absolutely to die for.
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
Cook time: 25 minutes
- 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.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
- Cornmeal for dusting – $0.20
Instructions
Cook time: 20 minutes, plus dough resting
- 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 pizza onto the preheated stone or sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from 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.
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
Cook time: 20 minutes, plus marinating
- Mix 2 tbsp olive oil with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this mixture all over the lamb chops and 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 3-4 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.
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
Cook time: 45 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds and salt them. Let sit for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
- Set up a breading station: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
- Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and 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 20-25 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.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
- Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.40
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 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 3-4 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 and roast for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Total estimated cost: $11.03
12. Shrimp Scampi
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 time: 20 minutes
- 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 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, and 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
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
Cook time: 1 hour
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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
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
Cook time: 25 minutes
- 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 10-12 minutes until the fat renders and the skin is crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 4-5 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
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
Cook time: 35 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wilt spinach in a pan with minced garlic.
- Mix cooled spinach with crumbled feta and cream cheese.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the mixture.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear chicken on both sides.
- Squeeze lemon juice over chicken and transfer skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 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
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
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Sear beef for 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to a baking sheet.
- Roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-15 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
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
Cook time: 25 minutes
- 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
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
Cook time: 20 minutes, plus marinating
- 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 4-5 minutes per side until tender.
- Brush with remaining marinade while grilling.
- Serve hot, sliced if desired.
Total estimated cost: $9.44
19. Seafood Paella
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
Cook time: 40 minutes
- 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. Don’t stir!
- Cook for another 10-15 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
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
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Press tofu to remove excess water, then cube.
- 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
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
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and chopped thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook pork chops for 4-5 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
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
Cook time: 20 minutes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 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 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: Sauté minced garlic in the remaining butter.
- Add white wine and lemon juice, and simmer until reduced.
- Spoon sauce over baked cod and garnish with lemon slices.
Total estimated cost: $14.58
23. Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread
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
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
Cook time: 45 minutes
- 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.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake cornbread at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve hot chili with a side of warm cornbread.
Total estimated cost: $10.88
24. Beef Bourguignon
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
Cook time: 3 hours
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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 and 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
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
Cook time: 40 minutes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss chopped vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 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’re cooking for your boo or treating yourself, don’t forget that every meal is a chance to make a memory.
