Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen—or blowing your grocery budget. With these lazy, healthy dinners you can make for cheap, you’ll enjoy wholesome, filling meals that come together fast and cost next to nothing.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these 22 easy recipes prove that healthy eating can be simple, delicious, and affordable. From cozy soups and veggie-packed meals to protein-rich dinners made with pantry staples, there’s something for everyone here.
So grab your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or just a single pan—these low-budget meals will help you eat well without the stress (or the mess).
Need more Budget-Friendly meal ideas? 21 Delicious Meals For $5 and Under has lots of delicious, easy-to-make, and filling meals that won’t cost you a fortune, and this Budget-Friendly Meal Plan for Families is filled with our Family’s favorites.
Lazy Healthy Dinners That Won’t Break the Bank
We’ve all been there—tired after a long day, staring into the fridge, wondering what to make that’s actually healthy and affordable. The good news? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or a fortune at the grocery store to eat well.
These lazy healthy dinners are simple, delicious, and budget-friendly. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, comforting, and still good for you.
Instant Pot Pork Adobo
With simple pantry ingredients and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, Instant Pot Pork Adobo is the ultimate lazy dinner win. Tender pork shoulder and savory seasoning make this a go-to favorite.
Get the recipe here: Instant Pot Pork Adobo
If you’re an Instant Pot fan like I am, you’ll also enjoy my Instant Pot Ham and Potato Chowder — hearty, healthy, and super affordable!
Chicken Meatballs
These Chicken Meatballs are light, healthy, and completely flour-free! Great for pairing with rice, veggies, or pasta for an easy, protein-packed meal.
Get the recipe here: Chicken Meatballs
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a sweet and tangy dinner you can just set and forget. Perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy but effortless.
Get the recipe here: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
And since I have a serious love affair going with SUPER SIMPLE dinners, don’t miss my collection of Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes — perfect for those nights when you just want to dump everything in and come back to a warm, homemade meal.
Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Wholesome, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes—this Instant Pot Lentil Curry is one of the easiest healthy dinners you can make. It’s rich in plant-based protein and perfect for meal prep.
Get the recipe here: Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Red Lentils with Sweet Potatoes
Budget-friendly and nutrient-packed, Red Lentils with Sweet Potatoes make a cozy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and easy to whip up any night of the week.
Get the recipe here: Red Lentils with Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Need dinner fast? This Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is simple, filling, and made with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Get the recipe here: Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Chicken Pomodoro
A quick 30-minute meal that feels fancy but costs less than takeout. Chicken Pomodoro is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the recipe here: Chicken Pomodoro
Boiled Rice and Chicken
Sometimes, simple is best. Boiled Rice and Chicken is comforting, nourishing, and made with just a few budget-friendly staples.
Get the recipe here: Boiled Rice and Chicken
Vegetable Soup
A bowl of Vegetable Soup is the ultimate lazy, healthy dinner. Toss in whatever veggies you have on hand for a cozy, colorful meal your whole family will love.
Get the recipe here: Vegetable Soup
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Five ingredients. One delicious meal. This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is rich, creamy, and ready in under an hour—without the price tag of restaurant pasta.
Get the recipe here: Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Packed with flavor and high in protein, Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a healthy, budget-friendly dinner that’ll keep you full for hours.
Get the recipe here: Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Quinoa Tuna Casserole
Skip the noodles—this Quinoa Tuna Casserole is a clever twist on a classic, and it’s lighter, healthier, and budget-approved.
Get the recipe here: Quinoa Tuna Casserole
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
With just 5 ingredients, Chicken Stuffed Peppers make a colorful, nutrient-packed meal that’s easy enough for any night of the week.
Get the recipe here: Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy, comforting, and full of fall flavor, this Butternut Squash Soup is made with simple ingredients and big flavor.
Get the recipe here: Butternut Squash Soup
Parsley Pasta with Parmesan
A 15-minute meal that costs less than $5! Parsley Pasta with Parmesan is light, flavorful, and proof that healthy dinners don’t have to be complicated.
Get the recipe here: Parsley Pasta with Parmesan
Veggie Chow Mein
Forget takeout—Veggie Chow Mein is quick, easy, and loaded with fresh vegetables. Plus, it’s made in one pan for easy cleanup.
Get the recipe here: Veggie Chow Mein
Vegan Enchilada Pasta
This Vegan Enchilada Pasta is creamy, spicy, and done in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a lazy, satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the recipe here: Vegan Enchilada Pasta
Taco Lettuce Cups
All the taco flavor, none of the guilt. Taco Lettuce Cups are a healthy twist on a favorite and take just minutes to make.
Get the recipe here: Taco Lettuce Cups
Healthy Mongolian Beef
Ready in under 30 minutes, this Healthy Mongolian Beef is sweet, savory, and so much cheaper than takeout.
Get the recipe here: Healthy Mongolian Beef
Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
You won’t miss the meat with these Vegan Cauliflower Tacos—crispy, flavorful, and super easy to make.
Get the recipe here: Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
Jacket Potato with Cheesy Pesto
Jacket Potatoes with Cheesy Pesto are comfort food at its best—simple, satisfying, and made from pantry staples you already have.
Get the recipe here: Jacket Potato with Cheesy Pesto
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
A hearty, one-pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup that’s wholesome, filling, and perfect when you’re short on time (and cash).
Get the recipe here: Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Eating healthy on a budget doesn’t have to be hard—or boring! With a few smart swaps and time-saving tricks, you can make nutritious, tasty dinners that are easy on your wallet and your schedule.
So next time you’re tempted to order takeout, try one of these lazy healthy dinners instead—you’ll save money and feel good about what’s on your plate.
