Real recipes, real prices. Most dinners on Farean cost about $2 per serving.
Quick Meals

Dinner in 30 minutes or less

Quick Meals

Fast, cheap dinners for the nights you have no time and no plan. Most use pantry staples you already have.

5 recipes · average $1.33 per serving

Clean-Out-the-Fridge Fried Rice
Vegetarian

Clean-Out-the-Fridge Fried Rice

Day-old rice, frozen veggies, and eggs turn into dinner in 15 minutes.

$3.87 recipe$0.97 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
12 min
Total
17 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked rice, cold$0.80
  • 4 large eggs$1.00
  • 2 cups frozen peas and carrots$1.00
  • 3 green onions, sliced$0.33
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce$0.30
  • 1 tsp sesame oil$0.12
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced$0.16
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil$0.16

Total $3.87 · $0.97 per serving

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scramble the eggs, then move them to a plate.
  2. Add the rest of the oil, the garlic, and the frozen vegetables. Cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Add the cold rice and press it flat. Let it crisp for 2 minutes before stirring.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, eggs, and green onions. Cook 1 more minute and serve.

Budget notes

  • Cold rice is key. Fresh rice turns mushy.
  • Add any leftover meat or veggies you need to use up.
Crispy Black Bean Quesadillas
Vegetarian

Crispy Black Bean Quesadillas

Melty, crunchy, and ready in 15 minutes. A family favorite for about $1.60 per serving.

$6.33 recipe$1.58 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 8 medium flour tortillas$1.79
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained$0.89
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese$2.50
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed$0.50
  • 1 tsp cumin$0.10
  • 1 lime$0.40
  • 1 Tbsp butter$0.15

Total $6.33 · $1.58 per serving

Instructions

  1. Lightly mash the beans with the cumin and lime juice.
  2. Spread beans on 4 tortillas, then top with corn and cheese. Cover with the other tortillas.
  3. Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Rest for 1 minute, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa or sour cream.

Budget notes

  • Make 4 at once on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 10 minutes.
  • Add leftover chicken for a heartier meal.
Fried Egg and Cheese Toast Sandwiches
Vegetarian

Fried Egg and Cheese Toast Sandwiches

A 10-minute diner-style sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or a lazy dinner.

$2.70 recipe$1.35 per serving
Prep
2 min
Cook
8 min
Total
10 min
Servings
2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sandwich bread$0.60
  • 4 large eggs$1.00
  • 2 slices American or cheddar cheese$0.50
  • 1 Tbsp butter$0.15
  • 1 handful baby spinach$0.40
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)$0.05

Total $2.70 · $1.35 per serving

Instructions

  1. Toast the bread.
  2. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggs until the whites are set.
  3. Place a slice of cheese over each pair of eggs and cover the pan for 30 seconds to melt.
  4. Layer spinach and eggs on toast, add hot sauce if you like, and close the sandwich.

Budget notes

  • Break the yolk if you prefer them well done.
  • Leftover sandwiches do not keep, so make them fresh.
15-Minute Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles
Vegetarian

15-Minute Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles

Ramen noodles (toss the seasoning packet) in a savory soy and garlic sauce with crisp vegetables.

$4.18 recipe$1.04 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 4 packs instant ramen noodles$1.00
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced$1.29
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix$0.80
  • 1 carrot, shredded$0.20
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce$0.40
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar$0.05
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha$0.20
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced$0.16
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil$0.08

Total $4.18 · $1.04 per serving

Instructions

  1. Boil the noodles for 2 minutes (without the flavor packets) and drain.
  2. Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, and 2 Tbsp water together.
  3. Stir-fry the garlic, pepper, cabbage, and carrot in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add the noodles and sauce and toss over high heat for 1 minute.

Budget notes

  • Save the seasoning packets to flavor soups or popcorn.
  • Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
Microwave Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Vegetarian

Microwave Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes cook in 10 minutes in the microwave. Pile on beans, cheese, and salsa.

$6.86 recipe$1.71 per serving
Prep
5 min
Cook
12 min
Total
17 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes$2.80
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained$0.89
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar$1.50
  • 1/2 cup salsa$0.70
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt$0.75
  • 2 green onions, sliced$0.22

Total $6.86 · $1.71 per serving

Instructions

  1. Scrub the sweet potatoes and poke them all over with a fork.
  2. Microwave on a plate for 8 to 12 minutes, turning halfway, until soft in the center.
  3. Warm the beans in a bowl for 1 minute.
  4. Split each potato and top with beans, cheese, salsa, yogurt, and green onions.

Budget notes

  • For crispier skin, finish them in a 425°F oven for 10 minutes.
  • Greek yogurt is a cheaper, high-protein swap for sour cream.

Keep cooking

Recipes
Recipes8 recipes
Meal Prep
Meal Prep4 recipes
Budget Tips
Budget Tips5 guides

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Fresh vegetables on a kitchen counter next to a cutting board