Cheap Eats: 15 Delicious Home-Cooked Meals for Less Than $5!
As a busy mom juggling work, family meals, and a tight budget, I know how challenging it can be to prepare hearty, nutritious meals without overspending. But guess what? You don’t need a gourmet kitchen or a big wallet to create satisfying dinners your family will love. With just a little creativity and planning, you can whip up meals under $5 that hit all the right notes—taste, ease, and affordability. I’ve added recipe links for convenience but many of these meals don’t require recipes nor do you need to buy any speciality items recommended.
Why Cook on a Budget?
Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to cut costs, especially when dining out is so expensive. Plus, home-cooked meals allow you to control what goes into your food, which can make meals healthier and more filling. With these budget-friendly recipes, you’ll discover that saving money and eating well can go hand in hand.
Here are 15 tried-and-true cheap dinner ideas that’ll save you time and money without sacrificing flavor.
15 Budget-Friendly Meals Your Family Will Love
1. Easy $5 Baked Potato Dinners
A baked potato bar is a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal. Start with large russet potatoes (a bag costs around $3), and load them up with budget toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, canned chili, or sautéed vegetables. It’s a simple way to turn an ordinary potato into a fun and filling dinner.
Pro Tip: Save leftovers for a hearty potato soup the next day.
2. One-Pot Spaghetti and Marinara
With a $1 box of spaghetti, a $1.50 jar of marinara, and some garlic bread, you can serve a classic Italian meal for less than $5. This is one of the easiest cheap dinner ideas that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Spaghetti is a favorite in our household. Even my toddler gobbles it up. One of my favorite tips is to add lentils to the sauce. Just grab a jar of already cooked lentils and mix them with the sauce. It’s a cheap way to add fiber and make you feel fuller longer.
3. 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry
A bag of frozen stir-fry veggies, soy sauce, and chicken thighs or tofu (for a vegetarian option) can create a delicious, healthy dinner in under 20 minutes. Serve it over rice (one of the most affordable staples) for a complete meal.
Shopping Tip: Buy rice in bulk to keep costs down while making it stretch across multiple meals.
4. Creamy Mac and Cheese with a Twist
A family-sized box of mac and cheese costs about $3. Add frozen peas and sliced sausage ($2) for a filling, protein-packed dinner. Some other variants would be mac and cheese casserole, mac and cheese with cooked broccoli, or mac and cheese with tuna. My mom used to make the tuna one with cream of mushroom soup when I was little. It’s definitely not my favorite as an adult, but the rest of these dishes are kid-approved.
5. Quick Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
All you need are tortillas, refried beans, shredded cheese, and salsa. For under $5, this dish is a lifesaver on nights when you need something quick.
My grandfather used to always order quesadillas at Mexican restaurants but say it “qweysadilla”. My sister now has an annual “qweysadilla” night with her family. One of my favorite tips is to make them sheet pan quesadillas so you’re not having to make a whole bunch of individual quesadillas. Here’s a link to give you an idea of how to cook them on a sheet pan.
6. Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
This hearty, veggie-packed soup is perfect for stretching your grocery budget. Use frozen or canned vegetables, beans, and a basic broth for a meal that’s both comforting and cheap.
7. Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies
Chicken drumsticks are an affordable protein option, and paired with roasted potatoes and carrots, they make a delicious and balanced meal. Sub the chicken with cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Pro Tip: Season generously with pantry staples like garlic powder and paprika for maximum flavor.
8. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Noodles
Cabbage is a budget superhero—cheap, healthy, and versatile. Toss it in a skillet with soy sauce, garlic, and cooked noodles for a meal under $5. We also make a low carb version of this called egg roll in a bowl.
9. Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
A can of tomato paste, some ground beef, and a few basic seasonings can create a delicious batch of Sloppy Joes. Serve on buns with a side of chips or a simple salad.
I recently made sloppy joes because we had extra buns and ground beef on hand. All I had to buy was a jar of the sauce. My husband got so excited because he hadn’t had sloppy joes since he was a kid.
10. Budget-Friendly Chili
Make a big pot of chili using canned beans, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and spices. It’s one of the best frugal recipes for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. If you want to keep it even cheaper, consider making it vegetarian. I’ve made that vegetarian recipe many times, it’s one of my favorites.
11. Homemade Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
Instant ramen noodles can be elevated with scrambled eggs, frozen veggies, and soy sauce. This is one of the ultimate cheap dinner ideas that doesn’t feel cheap. Leave the chicken out of the linked recipe to keep it cheap.
My husband hates soup, but loves ramen bowls. These are especially nice when it is very cold out.
12. Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! Scramble some eggs, add cheese, and wrap it in tortillas for a quick, affordable meal.
13. Hearty Lentil Stew
Lentils are an underrated protein source that’s both nutritious and inexpensive. Cook them with diced tomatoes, onions, and your favorite spices for a stew that costs pennies per serving. Make it even better by making a curry version.
14. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Halve and hollow out bell peppers, then fill them with rice, beans, and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian meal. If you don’t want to deal with baking them in the oven, turn the recipe into a one-pan meal by sauteing it all in a pan.
15. Pasta Primavera
Use whatever vegetables are in season or on sale to create a colorful, tasty pasta dish. Lemon, garlic, and olive oil elevate this simple recipe.
Tips for Keeping Your Meals Under $5
- Plan Ahead: Use a weekly meal plan to avoid impulse buys and food waste.
- Shop Smart: Stock up on staples like rice, beans, and pasta when they’re on sale.
- Embrace Leftovers: Turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunch or an entirely new dish.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to adapt recipes based on what’s in your pantry.
Conclusion
Cooking meals under $5 doesn’t mean compromising on quality or taste. With a little planning and creativity, you can prepare delicious, affordable meals that your family will love. These recipes are not just budget-friendly—they’re a reminder that good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. What’s your go-to cheap dinner idea? Share your tips and recipes in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
Like this post? Keep reading here!
