Dinner recipes | Healthy food recipes | Easy dinner recipes| Breakfast recipes

🍽️ 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

lentils with marinara sauce and pasta recipe

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Make it gluten free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Make it dairy free/vegan: Don’t add cheese, or choose a vegan alternative.
Parmesan note: Most Parmesans are not technically vegetarian (they contain animal rennet), but Whole Foods 365 and BelGioioso brands offer vegetarian Parmesan cheese.

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 brothI 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 chickenchopped
    • Freshly grated Parmesan cheesefor serving
Instructions 
  • 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

bean and cheese tacos on a baking sheet topped with salsa and sour cream

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

overhead photo of tortillas spread with salsa, refried beans, and cheese

✅ 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:

  1. Cook pasta and drain.

  2. Mix in mashed veggies, cheese, and milk.

  3. 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:

  1. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin.

  2. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients to a pot.

  2. Simmer for 30 minutes or until very soft.

  3. 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:

  1. Cook oats with milk until soft.

  2. 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:

  1. Bake salmon at 375°F for 15–18 mins.

  2. Boil and mash sweet potato with a splash of milk.

  3. 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:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.

  2. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach.

  4. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients to a large pot.

  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.

  3. 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:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Toss everything in olive oil and seasoning.

  3. 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:

  1. Warm beans in a skillet with spices.

  2. 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:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

  2. Sauté garlic and veggies in oil, then add tomatoes and seasoning.

  3. Simmer 10–15 mins, then serve over pasta.


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