Are you low on funds this week? Then you have come to the right place! Check out this list of 5 dollar dinners meal plan or cheap meals that can help you stretch your budget and improve your grocery list. From soup to tacos, there are plenty of cheap and easy meals to choose from. So why not give one of these recipes a try tonight? Here are some easy ways I recommend:
1. Soup is always a great option and a simple recipe for a cheap and easy dinner. Make a pot of homemade soup using ingredients that you already have on hand, or opt for a can of soup from the grocery store.
2. Another easy option is tacos. You can make them with ground beef or turkey, or go for a meatless version with beans or lentils.
3. Rice and beans is another cheap and easy meal to make. This dish can be tailored to your liking by adding in different seasonings and toppings.
There are plenty of recipes that fit this description. And no, you do not need to add more expensive ingredients to your shopping list.
One of my favorites is oven-baked chicken breast. It’s simple to make, and the ingredients are easy to find and affordable. You can use any seasoning you like, or just salt and pepper. Another plus: it’s a healthy dish that my whole family enjoys.
Another one of my go-to recipes is skillet chicken with peppers and onions. Again, it’s simple and quick to prepare, and the ingredients are very affordable. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into your kids’ diet.
If I’m looking for something a little more adventurous, I might try crockpot chicken enchilada soup. This recipe is definitely easy to follow, perfect for cold days, and it doesn’t require a lot of expensive ingredients.
Being on a budget does not mean you will have to skip your meals. The same goes if you are always in a hurry – skipping meals is still not your best option especially if you need to kickstart your day.
My favorite thing about following a budget-friendly recipe or meal plan is that you will get creative in making your meals and you will get to use all your untouched pantry staples! Also, another best thing about this is that since you will be using few ingredients, you will also have less time preparing and cooking!
With that said, here are cheap healthy meals under $5 that are easy to do and perfect for any type of diet (weight loss, etc.) See more delicious recipes on Healthy Frugal Meals.
34. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This dump-and-bake chicken broccoli rice casserole is a one-dish wonder. One my favorite and easy recipes and hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. You only need 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time! The casserole cooks in the oven, so you can just put it in and forget it until dinner is ready.
Check it here.
32. Vegetarian Spinach Quiche with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Looking for new recipes to use your veggies? This Spinach Quiche with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, feta, and mozzarella is an easy, protein-and vegetable-rich dish.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a hearty brunch option.
The quiche is packed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese, making it a great source of nutrients. Plus, it’s simple to make – just mix the ingredients together and bake in a pie pan.
You can also customize the quiche to your liking by using different types of cheese or vegetables.
Check it here.
31. Weight Watchers Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s both delicious and with healthy ingredients, this Weight Watchers chicken recipe is perfect for you! The creamy onion sauce is packed with flavor, and the chicken is cooked to perfection. This meal will definitely be a favorite with your family!
Check it here.
30. Entomatadas Recipe: Cheese and Onion
This entomatadas recipe is the closest you’ll get to the comfort of a Mexican version of grilled cheese and tomato soup. It’s everything you love, perfect for a quick and cheap breakfast or lunch.
Check it here.
29. 4-Ingredient Tomato Basil Egg Casserole {Keto}
With only 4 ingredients, this tomato basil egg casserole is quick to make and bake up. It’s the perfect brunch dish or Christmas morning breakfast!
Check it here.
28. Fluffy Egg Casserole {Keto, Paleo}
This recipe is my go-to recipe for brunch with friends and family! It can be whipped up so quickly and it’s also an easy weekend breakfast when you don’t want to go to the trouble of making anything fancy.
Check it here.
27. Simple Boiled Egg Sandwich Recipe
Simple boiled egg sandwich recipe: A delicious protein-packed sandwich that can be made in just 10 minutes, if boiled eggs are already in hand.
Check it here.
26. Prawn Pulao Recipe | Shrimp Pulao
Prawn pulao recipe with step by step photos and tips: A simple, light, super delicious one-pot prawn pulao prepared with basmati rice, a few spices, and the star ingredient prawn. That can be made in just 30 minutes.
Check it here.
25. Easy Pasta Dinner Recipe
It is full of yummy noodles and cheesy goodness, it also happens to be one of the quickest and easiest dinners I make. So if you are needing a simple, budget friendly dinner idea, this is for you!
Check it here.
24. Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe
This Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe is such a classic combination, that it is sure to become a family favorite. Yes, it is a simple smoked Polish sausage recipe, but many of the best dishes are simple.
Check it here.
23. Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Chili (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
This easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a dump-and-go crockpot meal you can set and forget! This healthy three bean chili is vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of plant-based protein, veggies, and bold Southwest flavors!
Check it here.
22. Easy Lentil Shepherd’s Pie (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
This insanely Easy Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is made in less than 30 minutes! This hearty meatless recipe is just 10 main ingredients, gluten-free, allergy-free, featuring protein-packed lentils, veggies, and simple dairy-free mashed potatoes! Healthy and budget-friendly comfort food the whole family will love and devour! Perfect for the holiday season as well!
Check it here.
21. Easy One-Pot Vegan Gluten-Free Louisiana Red Beans & Rice (Allergy-Free)
An easy one-pot recipe for the classic Southern dish! This Vegan & Gluten-Free version of Louisiana Red Beans & Rice is full of deep smoky and spicy flavors, rice (brown rice or white), kidney beans, and veggies. It’s allergy-free, oil-free, and still a hearty and comforting meal without the meat!
Check it here.
20. Homemade Spaghetti O’s (Allergy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Kick the can and make this healthy recipe for the kids instead! Homemade Spaghetti O’s that are allergy-free, gluten-free, and vegan! A super easy lunch or dinner that’s kid-friendly and mom-approved!
Check it here.
19. Dump And Start Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Pasta is a great choice when you’re looking for a family-loved, hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly meal. Cheese, sauce, and pasta are warm and tasty, and adding just a bit of chicken to this meal takes it over the top while still being easy on your wallet.
Check it here.
18. Instant Pot Fajita Rice
Top this easy Instant Pot Fajita Rice, loaded with juicy chicken and lots of cheese, with your favorite toppings (fresh fruits or fresh vegetables) to make a tasty meal your whole family will love.
Check it here.
17. Ramen Noodles Stir Fry
Enjoy Asian comfort and budget-friendly food at home with this quick-cooking 10 Minute Ramen Noodles Stir Fry. This vegetarian dish cooks quickly but is packed with flavor, and it’s easily customizable.
Check it here.
16. Poor Man’s Stew – Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Poor Man’s Stew is a budget friendly meal made with ground beef that costs less than $2 per serving! It’s absolutely delicious, plus it’s very simple to make. This recipe is Whole30 and Paleo compatible, and you can make it in the Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, OR Dutch Oven!
Check it here.
15.
This entomatadas recipe is the closest you’ll get to the comfort of a Mexican version of grilled cheese and tomato soup. It’s everything you love, perfect for a quick and cheap breakfast or lunch.
Check it here.
14. 4-Ingredient Tomato Basil Egg Casserole {Keto}
With only 4 ingredients, this tomato basil egg casserole is quick to make and bake up. It’s the perfect brunch dish or Christmas morning breakfast!
Check it here.
13. Fluffy Egg Casserole {Keto, Paleo}
This recipe is my go-to recipe for brunch with friends and family! It can be whipped up so quickly and it’s also an easy weekend breakfast when you don’t want to go to the trouble of making anything fancy.
Check it here.
12.
Simple boiled egg sandwich recipe: A delicious protein-packed sandwich that can be made in just 10 minutes, if boiled eggs are already in hand.
Check it here.
11.
Prawn pulao recipe with step by step photos and tips: A simple, light, super delicious one-pot prawn pulao prepared with basmati rice, a few spices, and the star ingredient prawn. That can be made in just 30 minutes.
Check it here.
10. Easy Pasta Dinner Recipe
It is full of yummy noodles and cheesy goodness, it also happens to be one of the quickest and easiest dinners I make. So if you are needing a simple, budget friendly dinner idea, this is for you!
Check it here.
9. Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe
This Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe is such a classic combination, that it is sure to become a family favorite. Yes, it is a simple smoked Polish sausage recipe, but many of the best dishes are simple.
Check it here.
8.
This easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a dump-and-go crockpot meal you can set and forget! This healthy three bean chili is vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of plant-based protein, veggies, and bold Southwest flavors!
Check it here.
7.
This insanely Easy Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is made in less than 30 minutes! This hearty meatless recipe is just 10 main ingredients, gluten-free, allergy-free, featuring protein-packed lentils, veggies, and simple dairy-free mashed potatoes! Healthy and budget-friendly comfort food the whole family will love and devour!
Check it here.
6.
An easy one-pot recipe for the classic Southern dish! This Vegan & Gluten-Free version of Louisiana Red Beans & Rice is full of deep smoky and spicy flavors, rice, kidney beans, and veggies. It’s allergy-free, oil-free, and still a hearty and comforting meal without the meat!
Check it here.
5.
Kick the can and make this healthy recipe for the kids instead! Homemade Spaghetti O’s that are allergy-free, gluten-free, and vegan! A super easy lunch or dinner that’s kid-friendly and mom-approved!
Check it here.
4.
Pasta is a great choice when you’re looking for a family-loved, hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly meal. Cheese, sauce, and pasta are warm and tasty, and adding just a bit of chicken to this meal takes it over the top while still being easy on your wallet.
Check it here.
3.
Top this easy Instant Pot Fajita Rice, loaded with juicy chicken and lots of cheese, with your favorite toppings to make a tasty meal your whole family will love.
Check it here.
2.
Enjoy Asian comfort and budget-friendly food at home with this quick-cooking 10 Minute Ramen Noodles Stir Fry. This vegetarian dish cooks quickly but is packed with flavor, and it’s easily customizable.
Check it here.
1. Poor Man’s Stew – Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Poor Man’s Stew is a budget friendly meal made with ground beef that costs less than $2 per serving! It’s absolutely delicious, plus it’s very simple to make. This recipe is Whole30 and Paleo compatible, and you can make it in the Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, OR Dutch Oven!
Check it here.
34 Healthy Meals Under $5 - Cheap 5 Dollar Dinners
Being on a budget does not mean you will have to skip your meals. The same goes if you are always in a hurry – skipping meals is still not your best option especially if you need to kickstart your day. With that said, here are healthy and delicious meals under $5 that are easy to do!
Ingredients
- Entomatadas Recipe: Cheese and Onion
- Tomato Basil Egg Casserole
- Fluffy Egg Casserole
- Simple Boiled Egg Sandwich Recipe
- Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Fried Cabbage with Bacon
- Fluffy Egg Casserole {Keto, Paleo}
- Simple Boiled Egg Sandwich Recipe
Instructions
- Choose any Healthy and Delicious Meals Under $5 from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Healthy and Delicious Meals Under $5 and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.