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 …

source

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!