Quick Cheap Dinner Ideas For Two

So, you’re staring into the fridge, then at your significant other (or just your hungry self), and the thought of cooking anything elaborate makes you want to order pizza again. Sound familiar? 😉 Good, because you’re in the right place! We’re talking quick, cheap, and utterly delicious dinner ideas for two that won’t have you washing a mountain of dishes or breaking the bank. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Today, we’re whipping up something so ridiculously simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly, you might just feel like a culinary genius (without, you know, doing any actual genius-level work). This “Speedy Sausage & Pepper Skillet” is practically **idiot-proof**. Seriously, if I can make it without setting off the smoke detector, you’re golden. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those odds and ends in your veggie drawer, making it a true hero in the fight against food waste. Plus, it’s mostly a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time for… well, whatever it is you do after dinner. Binge-watching? Deep philosophical discussions? Napping? Your call!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sausage (1 lb): Your favorite kind! Italian, chicken, turkey, or even a good plant-based sausage works wonders. We’re talking flavor, not judgment.
• Bell Peppers (2-3, various colors): Because we eat with our eyes, right? Plus, they add a lovely sweetness.
• Onion (1 medium): The unsung hero of many a delicious dish. Chop it up!
• Garlic (2-3 cloves): Or more, if you’re a garlic fiend like me. Mince it, baby!
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Drained, or not, depending on how saucy you like it. I usually drain about half the liquid.
• Olive Oil (1-2 tbsp): Just a drizzle, not a swimming pool.
• Seasonings:
  • Dried Oregano (1 tsp)
  • Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, or more for a kick! 😉)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• Optional for Serving: Crusty bread, rice, or even some quick pasta. Trust me on the bread for dipping!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Warriors: Chop your bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince that garlic. If your sausage is in links, slice it into rounds or chunks.
2. Heat It Up: Grab a large skillet (cast iron works beautifully here!) and heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. We want it nice and hot.
3. Sausage Party: Add your sausage to the hot skillet. Cook until it’s beautifully browned all over, breaking it up if it’s ground sausage. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Leave any delicious drippings behind – that’s flavor town!
4. Veggies Go In: Toss your chopped bell peppers and onion into the same skillet. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a little color. They should still have a slight bite.
5. Garlic & Spice & Everything Nice: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the veggies. Cook for another minute until fragrant – don’t let the garlic burn, that’s a sad flavor! Stir in the dried oregano.
6. Tomato Time: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (drained or not, as per your preference). Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – again, flavor!
7. Bring Back the Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine.
8. Simmer Down Now: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
9. Taste Test & Serve: Uncover, give it a taste, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, perhaps with that crusty bread or over rice. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: We’re searing, not steaming! If your pan is too full, your veggies and sausage will steam instead of getting those lovely browned, caramelized bits. Cook in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. Rookie mistake!
• Under-seasoning: Bland food is a crime. **Always taste as you go!** Add a pinch more salt, a grind of pepper, or an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if it feels like it’s missing something.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic goes from fragrant to bitter in a blink. Add it towards the end of the veggie sauté and cook just until you smell it. Your taste buds will thank you.
• Forgetting the “Optional” Crusty Bread: Okay, it’s optional, but is it *really*? That saucy goodness deserves to be mopped up. Don’t deprive yourself!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or just realized you’re missing an ingredient? No worries, this recipe is super flexible!

• Sausage Swap: Not a fan of Italian sausage? Try chicken apple sausage, crumbled ground turkey, or even cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Heck, you could even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shredded at the end for an even quicker meal.
• Veggie Variety: Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach (add at the very end!), or even some hardy greens like kale would be delicious additions or swaps for the bell peppers. Just remember to adjust cooking times – softer veggies need less time.
• Tomato Twist: No diced tomatoes? Crushed tomatoes or even a bit of tomato paste thinned with some water or broth can work. If you have fresh tomatoes, chop them up and throw them in!
• Serve It Differently: While great on its own, this skillet meal is also fantastic over pasta, polenta, quinoa, or even stuffed into hoagie rolls for a delicious sandwich night!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• “Can I make this ahead of time?”

  You totally can! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• “Is it really *that* cheap?”

  Absolutely! Sausage, peppers, and onions are usually pretty budget-friendly. Especially if you catch the sausage on sale. Plus, you’re using pantry staples. It’s a win for your wallet, **FYI**!

• “What if I don’t like spicy food?”

  No problem! Just omit the red pepper flakes entirely. The dish will still be packed with flavor from the sausage, peppers, and garlic.

• “Can I make this for one (or four)?”

  Yup! This recipe is super scalable. Halve the ingredients for a solo dinner or double them if you’re feeding a crowd (or want lots of leftovers, which, let’s be real, is always a good idea).

• “Do I really need *two* peppers? My grocery store only had one sad-looking green one.”

  Look, the more colors, the merrier, but one pepper is fine! Or swap it out for some zucchini or mushrooms. It’s your kitchen, you do you!

• “What kind of sausage is best for this?”

  IMO, a good Italian sausage (sweet or hot) truly shines here, but feel free to experiment with chicken & apple for something milder, or even a spicy chorizo for an extra kick! It’s all about what you love.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A quick, cheap, and undeniably delicious dinner for two that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to whip up something satisfying. Now go impress someone – or just yourself – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned that cozy, delicious meal. Happy cooking, my friend! 🍝