In a world where meal expenses can quickly add up, finding affordable and cheap dinner ideas that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition is a constant challenge. However, there’s a secret weapon hiding in your pantry that can help you create delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank: canned tomatoes. Here are three ways that canned tomatoes can revolutionize your dinner routine with cheap yet flavorful and nutritious options.
#1: Affordable: Canned tomatoes are not only economical but also bursting with flavor, making them a perfect foundation for budget-friendly dinners. Despite their low cost, canned tomatoes are packed with essential nutrients, offering a nutritious boost to your meals without draining your wallet. They serve as a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of any dish without requiring a hefty investment. Check out this recipe for an affordable dinner idea that’s sure to please!
#2: Limitless ideas: The beauty of canned tomatoes lies in their versatility, allowing you to create a wide range of dinner options that are both satisfying and budget-friendly. From hearty pasta dishes and comforting soups to flavorful curries and zesty chili, the possibilities are endless. With just a can of tomatoes and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a variety of mouthwatering dinners that will impress your taste buds without denting your budget.
#3: Convenient: In addition to their affordability and flavor, canned tomatoes offer unparalleled convenience. They come pre-prepared, requiring no washing, peeling, or chopping, which saves precious time and effort in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student on a tight budget, or anyone in between, canned tomatoes streamline the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy homemade dinners with minimal hassle.
Tips for cheap dinner ideas with canned tomatoes
Here’s how you can make the most of canned tomatoes for cheap dinners.
Buy in Bulk: Look for sales or purchase canned tomatoes in bulk to take advantage of lower prices per unit.
Experiment with Different Varieties: Explore various types of canned tomatoes, such as diced, crushed, or whole, to find the best value for your needs.
Stretch Your Meals: Use canned tomatoes as a base for dishes that can be stretched over multiple servings, such as casseroles, one-pot meals, and slow cooker recipes.
Compare Prices: Compare prices per ounce or per serving to identify the most cost-effective option when purchasing canned tomatoes.
Moral of the story…
Cheap dinner ideas don’t have to be bland or boring, thanks to the affordability and versatility of canned tomatoes. With their budget-friendly price tag, rich flavor, and nutritional value, canned tomatoes can transform your meals into culinary delights that won’t break the bank. So, the next time you’re planning your dinner menu, reach for a can of tomatoes and let your creativity shine. With a little ingenuity and the right ingredients, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dinners every night of the week without spending a fortune.
Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with this recipe for Mofongo! Thanks to the burst of flavor and added health benefits from the pineapple salsa, this vegetarian Mofongo recipe is sure to please everyone at your table!
What is mofongo?
Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish that features plantains as the main ingredient. While this traditional recipe often calls for pork, we love that this one is a vegetarian version.
Making mofongo
Making mofongo is easier than you might think! Start by frying up ripe plantains until they’re beautifully caramelized. Then, mash them together with garlic, salt, and a touch of adobo seasoning until you achieve a delightful mash. Top it off with a pineapple salsa made with canned tomatoes, and voila – dinner is served!
Health benefits
We’ve already mentioned that this recipe uses pineapple salsa, which is a delicious way to enjoy canned tomatoes. This convenient pantry staple not only packs a punch with flavor, but it stands out even more when it comes to nutritional value. Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, canned tomatoes offer a boost to your immune system and promote healthy skin and bones. Plus, they’re a convenient way to add vibrant flavor and depth to dishes like this one.
Transform the humble spaghetti squash into a culinary masterpiece with this recipe for Tomato Basil Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. This flavorful dish is great to serve on any night of the week (as you can whip it up in no time), yet it also packs a nutritional punch, thanks to the inclusion of canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Tomatoes are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene. Lycopene, in particular, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. The canned tomatoes and tomato sauce used in this recipe contribute not only to the vibrant color and robust flavor but also to the nutritional value of the dish.
The succulent, roasted spaghetti squash also serves as the perfect canvas for a flavorful filling. So, what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe for Tomato Basil Stuffed Spaghetti Squash for a meal that will treat your taste buds and nourish your body. Learn how to make this recipe here.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Transform the humble spaghetti squash into a culinary masterpiece with this recipe for Tomato Basil Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour15 minutes
Ingredients
1 Medium Whole Spaghetti Squash
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil, Divided
1/8 Tsp. Kosher Salt
Pinch Ground Black Pepper
½ Tsp. Garlic Powder
½ Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
¼ Tsp. Dried Thyme
½ Tsp. Dried Oregano
1 (14.5 Oz) Can Diced Tomatoes, Preferably Fire-Roasted
1 (8 Oz) Can No-Salt-Added Tomato Sauce
1 (15.5 Oz) Can Cannellini Beans, Drained And Rinsed
¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Basil, For Serving
Instructions
To prepare the squash, preheat your oven to 375° F. Use a sharp knife to trim the top and bottom of the squash off and slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Brush the inside of the squash with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch each of the salt and pepper. Place the squash, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the squash skin is tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Allow the squash to cool down enough to handle, and then use a fork to scrape out the flesh into a mixing bowl. Add the garlic powder and more salt and pepper to taste. Return spaghetti squash to hollowed out skin so that the skin becomes a bowl for the filling.
While the squash roasts, make the sauce. Heat the remaining olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add in the garlic and saute for another 2 minutes, adding a splash of water if the onions are sticking. Add the thyme, oregano, the remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt, pepper to taste, tomatoes, tomato sauce and beans to the pot and stir them well. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, or until the sauce has thickened. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings as desired.
Top spaghetti squash with sauce and sprinkle with chopped basil. Enjoy!
Notes
This tomato and bean sauce is not only delicious with spaghetti squash, it’s also excellent served over a baked potato, rice or pasta.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
Dinner is served with this 30 minute mole recipe! It’s a quick and easy dish that brings the rich, complex flavors of traditional mole sauce to your table in record time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion where you crave a hearty and satisfying meal.
While there are many reasons why this recipe is a standout dinner option, we love that canned tomatoes play an important role in both flavor and health. Not only do they add a vibrant color and depth to the mole sauce, but they also provide a plethora of health benefits. In fact, canned tomatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as essential minerals like potassium. Moreover, the lycopene found abundantly in tomatoes is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall wellbeing.
Are you on the hunt for healthy zucchini recipes that are not only delicious but also versatile for all seasons? Look no further! These Zucchini Rollups are a delightful and nutritious option that combines the goodness of fresh zucchini with the health benefits of canned tomatoes. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of wholesome meals.
This recipe for Zucchini Rollups is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants thanks to the fresh zucchini and canned tomatoes. While there are many health benefits associated with both of these ingredients, research shows that the lycopene content in tomatoes has been linked to various health benefits, including heart health and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
So, what are you waiting for? Give these Zucchini Rollups a try this week for a light and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season! Learn how to make this recipe here.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
These Zucchini Rollups are a delightful and nutritious option that combines the goodness of fresh zucchini with the health benefits of canned tomatoes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Ingredients
3 Large Zucchini, Ends Trimmed
2 Tsp. Olive Oil
8 Tbsp. Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese, Divided
1 Large Egg, Lightly Beaten
1⅓ Cups Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
1 10 Oz Package Frozen Spinach, Thawed And Squeezed Dry
1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
¼ Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
⅛ Tsp. Kosher Salt
¾ Cup Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce, Divided Or The Marinara Sauce On Page000
2 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F and position racks in upper and lower thirds of the oven.
Slice zucchini lengthwise as thin as possible to get 20 total strips, about ⅛ inch thick each. Toss the zucchini in olive oil and arrange in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Bake the zucchini, turning once, until tender, about 10 minutes total.
Meanwhile, combine 6 Tbsp. mozzarella, egg, cottage cheese, spinach, garlic powder, black pepper and kosher salt in a medium bowl.
Spread ¼ cup marinara in an 8-inch square baking dish. Place 1 Tbsp. of the cottage cheese mix near the bottom of the strip of zucchini. Roll it up and place, standing up, in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining zucchini and filling. Top the rolls with the remaining ½ cup marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
Bake the zucchini until the cheese is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more Italian seasoning, if desired, right before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve this beautiful dish with a simple green salad and some crusty whole grain bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
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