10 Dinner Recipes You Can Whip Up for Under $10
There are the foodies of the world and then there are the rest of us: Those who can’t afford to spend our hard earned cash dining out, or would just rather spend it on other things, like home decor and clothes. But saving at mealtime doesn’t mean a lifetime of blah, tasteless food. Here, we have 10 flavor-filled recipes that will leave both you and your wallet full. A money-saving trick for each of these recipes is to make sizable servings so you can nosh on leftovers for lunch and dinner throughout the week.
1. Baked Ratatouille ($8.24 or $2.06 per serving): There’s often a misconception that eating healthy is expensive, but that’s not always the case; this meal is loaded with veggies. The marinara sauce and cheese make it hearty, but the vegetables will keep you from feeling too stuffed. (via BudgetBytes)
2. Fajita-Style Quesadillas ($3 or 43 cents per serving): Forget under $10, this meal costs less than a cup of coffee. Cilantro and lime give this pepper-stuffed dinner a delicious kick. (via BHG)
3. Eggplant and Pesto Chicken ($9.50 or $2 per serving): This dinner has everything you need for a well-rounded meal — protein, veggies and carbs. It keeps, too, so you can make a big batch and keep eating it throughout the week. (via Nicole’s Nutrition)
4. Tortellini and Meat Marinara Sauce ($8.18 or $2 per serving): Pasta is a staple for anyone eating on a budget, but that doesn’t mean sticking to spaghetti and macaroni. Cheese or meat-stuffed tortellini is affordable, as well. With this recipe, you can even make a homemade sauce. Yum! (via $10 Buck Dinners)
5. Chorizo Chicken Jambalaya ($8.98 or $1.12 per serving): Rice and chicken go a long way when you’re pinching pennies, but the secret to keeping things interesting is to use spices — lots of them. This Louisiana-style dinner is packed with flavor and is only about $1 per serving. (via Budget Bytes)
6. Harvest Salad With Tuna ($8 or $1.95 per serving): This meal can be thrown together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for those days when you are just too tired to deal. The avocado and tuna add protein and give the salad a bit of heft, so even if you’re not a “salad person,” you’ll still feel full. (via Poor Girl Eats Well)
7. Veggie and Pesto Quinoa-Stuffed Zucchini ($10 or $2.65 per serving): Yes, you can eat trendy foods like quinoa while saving money. The good thing about quinoa is that it’s filling, so a little goes a long way. (via Poor Girl Eats Well)
8. Beef and Black Bean Chili ($3 or $1.36 per serving): If you want something hearty, you can’t go wrong with a big bowl of chili. It’s the ultimate comfort food. (via BHG)
9. Vegetable Lasagna ($3 or $1.72 per serving): There’s a reason why big families always seem to have a lasagna recipe on hand: It feeds a ton. Spend a Sunday evening making this meal, and you’ll have dinner for the rest of the week. (via BHG)
10. Butternut Squash Frittata ($5.95 or $1.69 per serving): Butternut squash is the ultimate fall food. Give into your craving without having buyer’s remorse with this recipe, which uses organic ingredients. (via Healy Eats Real)
What’s your go-to day-before-payday meal? Help a sister out and share it in the comments!
