When you’re trying to stick to a food budget but still want dinner to feel like something you want to eat (rather than something you’ve cobbled together in a panic), one-pan meals are your secret weapon. Minimal ingredients, barely any washing up, and lots of flexibility for what’s already in your kitchen.
Here are five of our favourite one-pan dinners that are big on taste, low on cost, and perfect for weeknight suppers.
1. Sausage, Sweet Potato & Apple Traybake
This dish is pure comfort food—with a little sweet-and-savoury twist. Roast sausages with cubed sweet potato, sliced red onion and wedges of apple. Add a drizzle of oil and a spoonful of wholegrain mustard mixed with a touch of honey. Roast at 200°C for 30–35 minutes until everything is golden and sticky. A handful of fresh parsley lifts it just before serving.
2. Cheesy Baked Rice with Peas & Spinach
A traybake take on risotto—without all the stirring. In a baking dish, mix uncooked long-grain rice with frozen peas, chopped spinach (fresh or frozen), diced onion, garlic, vegetable stock, and a pinch of dried thyme. Top with grated cheddar and bake covered at 180°C for 30 minutes, then uncover and cook for 10 more until the cheese is melted and golden.
3. Chickpea, Tomato & Aubergine Stew
Tinned tomatoes and chickpeas come together in this rich, warming stew. Sauté onion and garlic in a deep pan, then add diced aubergine, paprika, cumin and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir in chopped tomatoes and simmer until thick. Serve with crusty bread or spoon over couscous for a hearty meal that costs pennies.
4. Egg Fried Rice—Sheet Pan Style
Got leftover rice? This twist on egg-fried rice is made entirely in the oven. Spread cooked rice on a baking tray, toss with frozen mixed veg, a drizzle of sesame oil, soy sauce, and 2 beaten eggs. Roast at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Finish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for crunch.
5. Stuffed Peppers with Lentils & Feta
Bell peppers become edible bowls in this easy veggie bake. Halve and deseed your peppers, then fill them with a mix of cooked green or brown lentils, tinned chopped tomatoes, garlic, and a little oregano. Crumble feta over the top and roast for 30–35 minutes at 190°C until soft and bubbling.
Budget Tips for One-Pan Wins:
Shop your cupboard first: Tinned beans, rice, and pasta are excellent bases for a filling meal.
Buy veg in season or frozen: Frozen spinach, peas, and mixed veg are cheap, nutritious and last ages.
Use what you’ve got: Swap proteins or grains based on what’s already in the fridge or freezer.
There you go—five flavour-packed meals you can make on one tray or in a single pan, without spending loads or sacrificing taste.
Which one will you try first? Got a go-to budget-friendly one-pan dish? Share it in the comments—we love discovering new ideas from fellow food lovers!
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