It may feel difficult feeding four people for under ten dollars. Just like a wobbly bar, it can be done, but it will take simple steps and good form. These dinners focus on basic, inexpensive staples (rice, beans, pasta, eggs, potatoes). There are some flavor-boosters, but these will not break the bank. Based on regional prices and sales, each of these ideas is doable with ingredients from any grocery store.
1) Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Dinner can be fun and easy by making bean and cheese quesadillas! Take some canned beans and mash them up(add some cumin and pinch of salt for flavor) spread the mixture onto your tortilla, sprinkle some cheese and then crisp it up in a pan. If you want to make it extra nice, you can serve some salsa ( or chopped onions and limes) with it for a great weekday dinner.
2) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
While garlic, oil, chili flakes, and noodles can feel like a very simple dish, it’s actually delicious. To make this dish a little more fancy toast some breadcrumbs in a little oil with garlic and a pinch of salt. Then sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the noodles like a crunchy “budget Parmesan.” Add parsley if you’ve got some lying around. The dish will still be amazing even without it.
3) Rice and Bean Bowls
This dinner is easy to prepare and economical. Simply cook some rice and warm up some canned black beans with a cut up onion and some garlic or some cumin. You can add lime juice to the beans. If you have any toppings in your fridge like shredded lettuce, salsa, or cheese, you can use them as toppings.
4) Egg Fried Rice
Fried rice is an easy meal and is forgiving to your poor choices. It’s even better if you use leftover rice (left in the fridge to cool), scramble some eggs, toss in some frozen mixed veggies and soy sauce. It takes no time at all, fills you up and is nearly always cheaper than ordering take out.
5) Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
This is comfort food that won’t break the bank. Add a splash of milk (or a bit of butter) into your canned tomato soup to make it creamier. A grilled cheese sandwich gives the soup that full meal feel, instead of a snack.
6) Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
This recipe is an easy win under $10 if you find smoked sausage or kielbasa on sale. Make sure to chop the potatoes small so they roast quickly. Add sausage and whatever veggies you have on hand. Everything gets that caramelized edge that makes it look like you put in extra effort!
7) Tuna Pasta
The tuna and pasta combination is definitely a throwback, yet it still seems to work for the majority of people. Simply combine cooked pasta with a can or two of tuna, and some peas, and add a quick sauce (butter + a splash of pasta water, or a little mayo/yogurt if you like that). It’s not fancy, but it works, and it’ll be gone in no time.
8) Chickpea Curry and Rice
This one gives off strong “I thought we had nothing” vibes. To make it, simmer chickpeas with some canned tomatoes, a bit of curry powder and an onion (if you have the time). Serve this over some rice and you have yourself a warm dinner that tastes more expensive than it actually is.
9) Loaded Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are an inexpensive option for some fuel (calories) and also something to keep you full for a longer period of time. If you steam or microwave some broccoli and put it on top of the potato with some shredded cheese, the heat should melt the cheese. With some sour cream or a touch of butter, it’s an even better option.
10) Breakfast for Dinner
You don’t have to hit a personal record with every meal. Sometimes just getting it done is the goal. Eggs are a great form of protein for a budget and toast makes it feel a bit more complete. You can add whatever fruit is cheapest that week (bananas are usually a great option).
11) Lentil Soup and Bread
Dried lentils are budget legends! They are cheap, filling, and cook faster than most beans. Cooked with some onions, spices, and diced carrots, then made thick with simmering and finally seasoned with some salt and a squeeze of lemon (if you happen to have one) makes a delicious dinner. It makes leftovers feel like bonus prize!
12) Upgraded Ramen
Instant ramen, by itself, can leave you feeling hungry even an hour after eating it. However, some quick upgrades can fix that. While the ramen is cooking, add some frozen veggies and then an egg (a poached egg can go right into the broth). To make it taste way more intentional, add a little chili oil or sesame oil.
13) Vegetarian Bean Chili
Chili with beans is inexpensive and perfect for meal prepping. It can be really filling too. Just toss together a few different types of beans, some canned tomatoes, a sprinkle of chili powder, and toss in any other spices you have. If you have some cornbread mix, you can make some along with the chili to make an awesome recovery meal.
14) Cabbage and Noodles
People really underestimate cabbage. It’s super cheap and versatile. It’s also easy to prepare; slice it and sauté until soft. It turns sweet and becomes a fantastic addition to a dish with noodles and some butter or oil. Endless possibilities there. Don’t sleep on cabbage.
15) Peanut Noodles
Peanut butter can be used to make a brilliant cheat code like sauce! Stir some peanut butter with soy sauce, a little sugar and hot water until it loosens, then mix it with your noodles. If you have some sliced cucumbers on the side, it will refresh and balance the dish perfectly without much extra expense.
16) Tuna Melts
This is good energy for lunch. Mix some tuna with a bit of mayo and onion (if you have any) and then spread it on some bread. Top with some cheese and broil it until it gets all bubbly. You can add pickles if you want, they definitely add a nice salty crunch.
17) Veggie Stir Fry and Rice
Stir-fry is really just about getting a sauce and pan hot enough to cook your ingredients. It doesn’t really matter what veggies you use, if you buy frozen broccoli, or if you grab another veggie on sale that’s fine too. Grab some soy sauce, add some chopped garlic and a little sugar and you have a great sauce! Adding in some scrambled eggs or tofu will make it feel more complete as a meal.
18) Tomato Basil Pasta
You can make a real sauce while your pasta is boiling if you use canned tomatoes. Start with sauteing some garlic. Then, add the tomatoes and let it simmer. Add some salt and let it taste like itself. Basil is awesome if you have it, but sprinkling some dried oregano will still do the trick.
19) Sloppy Joes and Fries
You can substitute cooked lentils for ground beef, and most people won’t (or shouldn’t) be able to tell the difference. I make a quick simple sauce using ketchup, mustard, and a bit of brown sugar and then I just load it on the buns. While my filling is simmering, I bake some potato wedges. This way dinner hits all the comfort buttons.
20) Pizza Quesadillas
Here’s a hack for those nights where someone is craving pizza, but the wallet says, “not tonight.” Spread some marinara on tortillas, sprinkle on some mozzarella, and throw on some pepperoni if you snagged some on sale. You can then toast it on the skillet for a crunchy finish. Dip the slices in the extra sauce and you’ve got yourself a win!
21) Refried Bean Tostadas
Tostadas are an exciting dinner idea. Simply spread warm refried beans on a crispy tortilla, then top with your choice of lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. Plus, they are super crunchy, quick to make, and easy to adapt to picky eaters.
22) Split Pea Soup
Split peas are inexpensive and create a thick, hearty soup with nearly no work. Just simmer them with onions, carrots, and celery. For extra flavor, toss in a bouillon cube. If you have leftover ham, toss it in, but the soup is still good without it.
23) Rice and Beans Casserole
I appreciate a recipe that doesn’t require me to use every bowl in the house. You just mix together cooked rice, beans, salsa or tomatoes, and some cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly! It’s a strong bench player meal, so simple, filling, and good for leftovers too!
24) Pasta and White Beans
Pasta seems more filling when combined with white beans and not much cost is added to the recipe. Simply warm the beans with some garlic and olive oil, toss with the pasta, and add a bit of brightness with some lemon if you have it. Additionally, if there is some spinach or kale on sale, toss that in as well; it will wilt in no time.
25) Corn and Cheese Arepas
Arepas are easy to make if you have precooked cornmeal like masarepa. Simply cook thick patties in a pan until they are crispy on the outside. Then you can split the arepa in half and stuff it with your choice of cheese, beans, or eggs. If you don’t have masarepa no need to worry! You can make do with simple corn cakes. All you need is some canned corn and a little flour and you are on your way to that same warm feeling!
26) Chicken Drumsticks and Rice
Drumsticks are usually one of the less expensive options for chicken, especially when it comes to sales. Roast drumsticks that have had salt, pepper, and paprika added until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy. Serve alongside rice and frozen green beans and it creates a simple and balanced meal.
27) Veggie Omelet Bar
This is a good “everyone’s tired” dinner because it’s quick and adjustable to personal tastes. You could also set out any cooked leftovers like onion, peppers, cheese, or spinach and let everyone pick to make their omelet look impressive. It’s just a matter of heat and a little patience.
28) Loaded Nachos
Nachos are like the perfect finisher in a game because they are quick and everyone is pleased with them. To make them just spread some chips on a tray along with some cheese and beans and bake them until they are nice and gooey. Once they are finished, add some salsa and anything else you want and serve them straight out of the pan!
29) Cabbage Fried Rice
Cabbage is a good choice for your wallet and your grocery cart. Simply chop it up and sauté it, then mix it into the fried rice along with soy sauce and egg. It will feel hearty while also making a large batch without expensive ingredients.
30) Mac and Cheese
With a little help, Box Mac can definitely be turned into a dinner. For example, you can add some peas or broccoli (which will also add color and a nice crunch) and some garlic powder if you have it. It’s a great low effort win and is especially helpful on crazy nights.
31) Eggs in Tomato Sauce
Eggs in tomato sauce might sound fancy but you likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Just warm up some canned tomatoes, add garlic, a little paprika, and a pinch of salt, throw in some eggs, cover, and let those babies cook. Add some bread to the mix and you can really enjoy those “I cooked” vibes without creating a mountain of dishes to clean.
32) Beans on Toast
There’s a reason this is a classic dish. No wonder it’s cheap and filling and strangely, comforting. It features warm baked beans, which you drizzle over toast, then add black pepper. If you want some crunch and freshness to balance the dish, a quick salad adds the perfect touch.
33) Fish Cakes and Slaw
Using some canned salmon, breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), and an egg, you can make some legit fish cakes! Just pan fry them until they’re nice and brown on the outside and tender on the inside… no raw fish vibes okay! To keep the meal bright, a quick cabbage slaw is all you need to give the meal a complete look.
34) Potato and Onion Frittata
Here’s a delicious and filling dish that you can make with a nearly empty fridge. Simply sauté some potatoes and onions, add beaten eggs, and keep cooking until everything is set. Not only is it easy to slice, but it also serves 4 people! If you have any leftovers, they are great to eat cold or reheated.
35) Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e fagioli is a meal in itself. It isn’t a starter. This recipe is a masterpiece on a budget. Simply simmer some beans, tomatoes, broth, and your choice herbs. Then, toss in some small pasta to cook right in the pot. It’s absolutely delicious and a wonderful way to extend a couple cans into a dinner for four.
36) Burrito Bowls
This is a great meal-prep dinner that still tastes good on the first day. Roast a sheet pan of onions and peppers (or any other veggies that are cheaper) and layer them with rice and beans. Add some salsa and yogurt or sour cream and a squeeze of lime to finish off the meal. It will feel like you planned ahead and put a lot of thought into dinner when, in fact, you didn’t.
The Prep Kit
The gear that makes weekly prep from this list faster.
- AROMA Digital Rice Cooker. Rice comes out the same every time and stays warm until the rest of dinner catches up.
- BYSNOW 16 oz Deli Containers with Lids. Leak-proof lids, freezer to microwave, and enough of them that you stop rationing containers.
- WOODLANDS USA Teak Wooden Ladle with Spoon Rest. Deep teak bowl for soups and stews, a hook handle, and a spoon rest so the counter stays clean.
