I am always in need of some low budget meals! After a BUSY BUSY week, I needed some quick easy ideas that weren’t very …
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15 Cheap $5 Dinners! Quick Low Budget Meals Made EASY!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick and affordable meal options can be a challenge, especially for families on a tight budget. Luckily, there are numerous delicious recipes that can feed you and your loved ones without breaking the bank. Here’s a list of 15 cheap $5 dinners that are not only easy to prepare but also filled with flavor!
1. Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables sautéed with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger served over rice or noodles. Toss in some tofu or scrambled eggs for added protein!
Ingredients:
- Mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Rice or noodles
Estimated Cost: $4.50
2. One-Pot Chili
A hearty and satisfying chili made with canned beans, diced tomatoes, ground meat (or omit for a vegetarian option), and spices. Perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed over days!
Ingredients:
- 1 can of beans
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional)
- Chili powder
- Onion
Estimated Cost: $5.00
3. Taco Night
Set up a taco bar with ground meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. You can use corn tortillas or flour tortillas to keep the cost down.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground meat or a can of black beans
- Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Cheese
- Salsa
Estimated Cost: $5.00
4. Pasta Primavera
Toss cooked pasta with sautéed seasonal vegetables and a splash of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This is a quick meal that is packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Mixed vegetables
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
Estimated Cost: $4.50
5. Vegetable Fried Rice
Use leftover rice and mix it with whatever veggies you have on hand. Add in scrambled eggs and soy sauce for flavor. It’s a filling and economical choice!
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Soy sauce
- Eggs
Estimated Cost: $4.00
6. Simple Lentil Soup
Lentils are packed with protein and fiber. Simmer them with diced carrots, celery, and spices for a warming soup. Serve with bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Carrots
- Celery
- Vegetable broth
Estimated Cost: $4.00
7. Baked Potatoes with Toppings
Bake some potatoes and top with sour cream, cheese, chives, or whatever leftovers you have in the fridge. It’s filling and customizable!
Ingredients:
- Baking potatoes
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Chives
Estimated Cost: $4.50
8. Egg Fried Rice
This is a super quick meal where you stir-fry eggs with leftover rice and frozen veggies. It’s delicious, affordable, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Eggs
- Mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
Estimated Cost: $3.50
9. Cabbage Stir-Fry
Utilize a head of cabbage by stir-frying it with carrots and onions. Add soy sauce or spices for flavor. Serve over rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Soy sauce
- Rice or noodles
Estimated Cost: $4.00
10. Cheesy Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cheese and any leftover meat or veggies, grill until crispy and golden. Serve with salsa or guacamole and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Cheese
- Cooked meat or veggies
- Salsa
Estimated Cost: $4.50
11. Curry Chickpeas
Sauté chickpeas with curry powder and diced tomatoes for a quick meal. Serve it over rice for a delightful Indian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients:
- Canned chickpeas
- Diced tomatoes
- Curry powder
- Rice
Estimated Cost: $4.00
12. Sloppy Joes
Cook ground beef or turkey with a store-bought Sloppy Joe sauce and serve on buns. Add a side of veggies or chips for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- Ground meat
- Sloppy Joe sauce (canned or homemade)
- Buns
- Side veggies or chips
Estimated Cost: $5.00
13. Pasta with Marinara Sauce
Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with jarred marinara sauce. Add some sautéed garlic and herbs for a gourmet touch without the price tag.
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Estimated Cost: $3.50
14. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
For a quick and nutritional dinner option, make a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Pair with yogurt or a side of fruit for added nutrition.
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Banana
- Yogurt or fruit
Estimated Cost: $2.50
15. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Halve bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of rice, beans, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender for a healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Rice
- Canned beans
- Spices
Estimated Cost: $5.00
By planning ahead and getting creative, these 15 cheap $5 dinner ideas can meet your dietary needs without breaking the bank. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making meal times a breeze. Enjoy cooking!
