🍽️ Easy Breakfast & Dinner Recipes Anyone Can Make
A good meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing food for a community in need, simple, healthy dinner recipes can nourish bodies and bring people together. At Fundraising Cup, we believe that access to nutritious meals is a right, not a luxury — and that starts in our own kitchens.
Here are some affordable, healthy, and delicious dinner ideas you can try tonight — or share with others who need quick, nutritious meal inspiration.
🥦 1. One-Pan Veggie Stir-Fry
Quick • Vegan • Budget-Friendly
A mix of broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas sautéed in olive oil with soy sauce and garlic. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying plant-based dinner.
✅ Tip: Buy frozen veggies to save time and reduce waste!
🍗 2. Baked Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Protein-Packed • Gluten-Free
Season chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Bake with cubed sweet potatoes and carrots for a full meal on one tray.
✅ Meal-prep friendly — just reheat and eat!
🍝 3. Pasta with Lentil Marinara
Ingredients
Lentils
- ½ cup dry lentils (French green lentils or regular brown lentils), or 1 ½ cups cooked lentils (leftover or from a can, rinsed and drained)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled but left whole
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Everything else
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces whole-grain pasta (or 12 ounces, if you like your pasta less saucy than mine)
- Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan and/or chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- To cook the lentils, first pick through the lentils for debris (I once bit into a tiny rock) and then rinse them in a fine-mesh colander. In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, bay leaf, garlic, salt and broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the lentils are cooked through and tender, which will take somewhere between 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the age and variety of the lentils. Drain the lentils, discard the bay leaf and garlic, and set the pot aside, uncovered.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, then return the pasta to the pot and set it aside.
- Stir the marinara into the lentils and warm them together over medium heat. Divide pasta into bowls, top with warm marinara and lentils, and garnish with Parmesan and/or chopped fresh basil, if you’d like. Serve warm. Leftovers will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
Hearty • Vegetarian • Kid-Approved
Notes
Swap meat for lentils in your pasta sauce. They’re full of protein, fiber, and iron. Add diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
✅ Affordable and freezer-safe.
🥣 4. Turkey & Brown Rice Soup
Comforting • Low-Fat • Easy to Make
Use leftover turkey or ground turkey, carrots, celery, and brown rice in a light broth. Perfect for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
✅ Great option for food drives or community meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup (113 g) chopped onion or shallot
- 1 cup (170 to 227 g) diced carrots (about 2-3 large carrots)
- ½ – ¾ cup (113 g) diced celery (about 3 stalks)
- 6 cups chicken broth, I use low-sodium
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ – ¾ cup (99 to 156 g) long grain, jasmine or basmati brown rice
- 2 teaspoons herbs de Provence (see note)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4-5 cups (85 to 113 g) chopped kale
- 3 cups (340 g) cooked turkey or chicken, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- For the Instant Pot, using the saute function, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, rice, herbs de provence, salt and pepper. Secure the lid. Select manual and dial up or down to 20 minutes.
- When finished cooking, quick release the pressure (if liquid spurts through the valve, close the pressure valve, wait 10 minutes and try again). Open the lid and stir in the kale and turkey. Heat through (either using the Saute function or just letting the residual heat of the soup work it’s magic; simmer longer for more tender kale). Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve each serving of soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
🌮 5. Bean & Cheese Tacos
Fast • Vegetarian • Kid-Friendly
Use canned black beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa in corn tortillas. Quick to make and easy to customize.
Step 1: season your beans
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat, then add the onion. Once it’s browned, stir in the paprika, oregano, and chili powder. When this mixture is fragrant, stir in the refried beans. Remove from the stovetop and season to taste.
Step 2: fill your tacos
Warm the tortillas for 20 to 30 seconds on each side in a dry skillet set over medium-high heat.
Spread the salsa over the top, then sprinkle on the shredded cheese and add the refried beans.
Step 1: sauté
Fold the tacos in half, gently pressing on the beans to push them all the way to the edges. This ensures you get beans in every bite
✅ Add avocado or corn for extra flavor.
Step 3: pan fry
To fry the tacos, brush both sides with oil. Cook them in a heavy skillet preheated over medium-high heat; it will take 2 to 3 minutes to get each side nicely browned and crispy. Serve your bean and cheese tacos with your favorite toppings, sauces, a squeeze of lime juice—whatever you like!
Don’t skip warming the tortillas! Whether you use corn or flour tortillas, both benefit from that quick heating in a dry skillet. But for corn tortillas, you really do need to take that step. Without it, your tortillas are likely to break when you attempt to fold them.
Adjust the heat as needed. If you’re frying the bean and cheese tacos and notice the bottoms of the tortillas browning too quickly, lower the heat. If they’re not browning fast enough, increase the heat slightly. I’ve found that when I’m cooking things in a skillet, there’s usually a little finessing involved as the pan gets hotter.
🧡 Why Healthy Meals Matter
Eating well isn’t just about calories — it’s about energy, growth, and wellness. For families experiencing food insecurity, quick and affordable meals like these can make a big difference. That’s why we share recipes that use accessible ingredients, simple prep methods, and affordable staples.
🧒 For Kids – Nutritious & Fun
🥣 1. Creamy Mac & Veggie Pasta
Kid-approved • Soft texture
Ingredients:
1 cup small pasta (elbows or shells)
1/2 cup steamed carrots (mashed)
1/2 cup steamed broccoli (chopped small)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
Cook pasta and drain.
Mix in mashed veggies, cheese, and milk.
Stir on low heat until creamy.
✅ Add more milk for smoother texture for toddlers.
🥪 2. Turkey & Avocado Roll-Ups
No crust • Soft & protein-rich
Ingredients:
2 slices whole wheat bread (crust removed)
2 slices turkey
1/4 avocado, mashed
Instructions:
Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin.
Spread avocado, add turkey, roll up, and slice into pinwheels.
✅ Great for lunchboxes and picky eaters.
👵 For Seniors – Gentle & Nourishing
🍲 3. Soft Vegetable Stew
Low-sodium • Easy to chew
Ingredients:
1 potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup green beans
1/4 cup peas
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 tsp dried herbs (thyme or basil)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a pot.
Simmer for 30 minutes or until very soft.
Optional: Blend slightly for easier digestion.
✅ Add shredded chicken for protein.
🍛 4. Creamy Oats with Banana
Warm • Easy to swallow • Comforting
Ingredients:
1/2 cup oats
1 cup milk or plant milk
1/2 banana, mashed
Dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
Cook oats with milk until soft.
Stir in mashed banana and cinnamon.
✅ Can be eaten warm or cold, ideal for breakfast or a light dinner.
🥄 5. Baked Salmon & Mashed Sweet Potato
Omega-3 rich • Easy-to-eat
Ingredients:
1 small salmon fillet (boneless)
1 small sweet potato
Olive oil, lemon juice
Instructions:
Bake salmon at 375°F for 15–18 mins.
Boil and mash sweet potato with a splash of milk.
Serve together with a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice.
✅ Good for brain, heart, and joint health.
These recipes are also perfect for:
Community kitchens
Meal donation programs
School family nights
Emergency food boxes
👨🍳 Share, Cook & Give Back
Know someone who could use healthy meal ideas? Share this blog with them! Or better yet — host a meal-prep night, donate ingredients, or start a fundraiser to support hunger relief in your neighborhood.
👉 Start a fundraiser to help feed families
👉 Donate food supplies today
🥗 1. Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Vegan • High-Protein • Pantry-Friendly
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas (drained)
2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp curry powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Olive oil
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Serve with rice or flatbread.
🍲 2. Lentil Vegetable Soup
Vegetarian • One-Pot • Freezer-Friendly
Ingredients:
1 cup dry lentils
1 carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 potato, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups broth (or water + bouillon)
1 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a large pot.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Season to taste and enjoy with whole grain bread.
🍽️ 3. Baked Chicken & Veggies
Protein-Packed • Gluten-Free
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts or thighs
1 sweet potato, cubed
1 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss everything in olive oil and seasoning.
Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes.
🌮 4. Black Bean Tacos
Vegetarian • Kid-Friendly • 15-Minute Meal
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Corn tortillas
Optional toppings: salsa, cheese, lettuce, avocado
Instructions:
Warm beans in a skillet with spices.
Fill tortillas and top with your favorite extras.
🍝 5. Whole Wheat Pasta with Veggie Sauce
Budget-Friendly • Fiber-Rich
Ingredients:
8 oz whole wheat pasta
1 zucchini, grated
1 carrot, grated
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp oregano
Olive oil, salt & pepper
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Sauté garlic and veggies in oil, then add tomatoes and seasoning.
Simmer 10–15 mins, then serve over pasta.
💼 Helping Small Businesses Thrive
We Support Small Businesses
At Fundraising Cup, we know that strong communities are built not only through access to food — but also through opportunity and entrepreneurship. That’s why we’re proud to support small business owners with the tools they need to grow and succeed.
💸 Need Funding for Your Business? We’ve Got You.
We’ve partnered with leading lenders and investors to solve one of the biggest challenges small businesses face: access to capital. Whether you’re launching a new idea or expanding your current operation, our cutting-edge technology evaluates your business based on real performance — not just personal credit.
✅ Fast. Simple. No Stress.
We’ve created a quick and easy borrowing process, so you can get the funding you need — when you need it.
Our team will jump through hoops so your business doesn’t have to.
👥 Who We Help:
Local restaurants and food vendors
Health and wellness startups
Family-owned shops and online stores
Community-focused services and nonprofits
🚀 Ready to Grow Your Business?
Let us help you turn your vision into reality. Whether it’s funding your kitchen, stocking your shelves, or launching a new service — we’re here for you.
👉 Apply for Business Funding Today
👉 Partner with Fundraising Cup to Make an Impact

Quick and simple cash available for any business purpose.