0Before you eat me alive…. You can get 4 Meals for $20!!! So we are counting it as $5 Dinners even though the lasagna is $10!

source

Cheap $5 Dinners: Tasty, Quick, Low Budget Meals Made EASY!

In today’s economy, finding ways to save on meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition is essential. But just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor or variety! With a little creativity and smart planning, you can whip up delightful dinners that all come in at $5 or less. Here are some delicious options that are quick to prepare and sure to please your palate!

1. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta ($1)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth ($1)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ($1.50)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the pasta, minced garlic, and broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Total Cost: $4.50
Calories per serving: Approx. 400

2. Veggie Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas ($1)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) ($1.50)
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced ($1)
• 1 small onion, sliced ($0.50)
• Salsa for dipping ($1)

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
2. Sauté onions and bell peppers until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with cheese, and add some sautéed veggies.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve with salsa.

Total Cost: $5.00
Calories per serving: Approx. 350

3. Chickpea Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed ($1)
• 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables ($1)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.50)
• 1 tsp ginger powder (optional) ($0.25)
• 1 cup rice (uncooked) ($1)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, stir-fry the frozen vegetables until heated through.
3. Add the chickpeas, soy sauce, and ginger powder. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve over the cooked rice.

Total Cost: $3.75
Calories per serving: Approx. 450

4. Tomato and Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1)
• 1 cup vegetable broth ($1)
• 1 tsp dried basil ($0.25)
• 4 slices bread ($1)
• 2 slices cheese ($1.50)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine diced tomatoes, broth, and dried basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency, if desired.
3. Meanwhile, make grilled cheese sandwiches by placing cheese between two slices of bread and grilling until golden.
4. Serve the soup with the grilled cheese on the side.

Total Cost: $4.75
Calories per serving: Approx. 500

5. Homemade Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best) ($1)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ($1)
• 2 eggs ($0.50)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.50)
• 1 green onion, chopped ($0.25)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, scramble the eggs until cooked and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and cook until heated through.
3. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring until combined.
4. Fold in the scrambled eggs and garnish with chopped green onion.

Total Cost: $3.25
Calories per serving: Approx. 400

Tips for Budget Cooking

1. Plan Your Meals: Planning helps avoid impulse buys and ensures you use up ingredients before they go bad.
2. Embrace Frozen and Canned Foods: They can be just as nutritious as fresh and are often cheaper.
3. Buy in Bulk: Items like rice, pasta, and canned goods can be cheaper when bought in bulk.
4. Cook Once, Eat Twice: Make larger portions that you can enjoy for lunch the next day or freeze for later.

Cooking within a budget doesn’t have to be a chore! With these tasty picks, you can create meals that nourish both the body and your wallet. Try them out and enjoy flavorful dinners at just $5 or less!