If you've ever watched the popular BBC show Eat Well for Less, you'll know you don't need to spend loads of money on your weekly food shop to enjoy tasty dinners. Not only are the Eat Well for Less recipes featured on the show super affordable, but they're also very tasty and will be loved by the whole family.
Looking for some easy dinner ideas for your meal planning? From filling pasta dishes to delicious vegetarian dinners, we've rounded up our 15 favourite Eat Well for Less recipes for you to try at home.
Broccoli and anchovy pasta
It may not be a combination you've tried before but this delicious pasta dish combines anchovies with broccoli for a pasta dish full of flavour and goodness. It's a great dish for the summer months, so why not take it out to the garden to enjoy? If you're feeling fancy, you could even have a go at making your own pasta!
Preparation time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Cooking time: less than 10 mins
Serves: 3
Slow cooker lamb and sweet potato tagine
Now we know there are a lot of ingredients to this recipe but it's actually very simple to put together and in the end, you'll be rewarded with this tasty tagine, made up of flavourful Moroccan ingredients. You will need to have a slow cooker to hand to make this recipe.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: over 2 hours
Serves: 6
Chinese-style sticky chicken
Try swapping your Chinese takeaway with this lovely sticky chicken dish for a homemade alternative. Not only is it quick to pull together (there are just five steps!) but it's a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. Serve alongside steamed rice and veggies.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Serves: 2
Vegetarian moussaka
Both gluten-free and vegetarian, this moussaka is the ultimate warming comfort food that is stuffed with veggies. There are quite a few steps to complete so it may be one to try over the weekend. Serve with lemon roasted potatoes or warm crusty bread and butter.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Serves: 4–6
Smoked salmon, pea and broccoli frittata with homemade chips
Can you believe that this dish costs less than £2.50 per portion? Super simple to throw together, it's a nutritious all-rounder that includes peas and broccoli to help you work towards your all-important 5 a day.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Serves: 4
One-pot chorizo pasta
We love that one-pot recipes require much less washing up and you can't go wrong with pasta! This chorizo dish is full of veggies and finished with parmesan. Why not make a larger portion so you have leftovers for tomorrow's dinner or even lunches?
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Serves: 6
Beer-braised beef with creamy mash
If you're looking for a change from your usual Sunday roast, why not give this beef stew a go? You may need to pop to your butcher but it's a hearty budget-friendly meal that will leave anyone satisfied. Enjoy with creamy mash and lots of veggies.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: over 2 hours
Serves: 6
Vegetable Balti
You can whip this veggie curry together in no time and it's super easy and cheap to make. There are quite a few ingredients required in this vegetarian recipe but the paste you'll make will provide enough for four curries for four people so you can store the rest in the fridge or freeze it until required.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Serves: 4
Tandoori chicken skewers
These mini skewers work well for party food or even just as a lunch option or side dish for your meals. They require just a few ingredients and are deliciously morish, especially with a squeeze of lime.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Makes: 15 skewers
Easy veggie chilli
This chilli packs a real punch and is full of lovely vegetables such as peppers and carrots. Another batch cook favourite, serve it with pitta, rice and a sprinkle of cheese for a filling mid-week dinner that also makes a great high-protein vegetarian meal idea.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Serves: 4
Healthier mini cheesecakes
We can't forget pudding! These healthy mini cheesecakes are a brilliant baking idea and will make a delicious after-dinner treat, and they can also be made gluten-free if required. If you're feeling creative, why not try out some alternative toppings such as blueberries or even mango?
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Makes: 12
Prosciutto and pesto chicken thighs
This dish requires just three ingredients and has just three steps - our favourite kind of recipe! Serve with your favourite veggies and boiled new potatoes for a tasty dinner all round.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Serves: 2
Vegetarian bolognese
While you might wrinkle your nose at the idea of a spag bol without meat, this veggie bolognese is a must-try. It's made with lentils for a protein fuelled pasta dish and will leave you feeling good inside and out.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Serves: 8
Coconut chicken
These little chicken goujons are easy and cheap to make and you'll love the accompanying dipping sauce made from peanut butter. They're a great finger food for parties or a delicious family meal idea served with your favourite sides or with a tasty salad recipe in the summer.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Serves: 2
Quick pepperoni pizza
Who doesn't love a quick pizza? You can whip this together in no time as there's no proving time required and you don't even require a pizza oven. You don't have to use pepperoni if you don't want either, just tailor the ingredients to whatever you fancy. Chicken? Meatballs? Pineapple? The possibilities are endless!
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
Serves: 2–3
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.
