30 Delicious Meals You Can Make for Under $10
In today’s economy, finding meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, fear not! Here are 30 meals you can whip up for under $10. Not only will they satisfy your tastebuds, but they’ll also keep your wallet happy.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian dish requires very few ingredients but is bursting with flavor. You will need:
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- Spaghetti – $1
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- Garlic – $0.50
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- Olive oil – $1
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- Red pepper flakes – $0.50
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- Parsley (optional) – $0.50
Total: $3.50
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Quick, healthy, and delicious, this stir-fry can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
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- Mixed vegetables (frozen) – $2
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- Soy sauce – $0.50
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- Rice – $1
Total: $3.50
3. Bean Chili
A hearty chili packed with protein and flavor, using canned ingredients makes this quick and easy.
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- Canned beans (black or kidney) – $1
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- Canned tomatoes – $1
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- Onion – $0.50
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- Chili powder – $0.50
Total: $3.00
4. Egg Fried Rice
This is a great way to use leftover rice and comes together in minutes.
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- Rice – $1
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- Eggs – $2
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- Frozen peas – $1
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- Soy sauce – $0.50
Total: $5.50
5. Lentil Soup
A warm meal packed with nutrients and fiber, perfect for cold days.
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- Lentils (dry) – $1
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- Carrots – $0.50
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- Onion – $0.50
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- Vegetable broth – $2
Total: $4.00
6. Tuna Salad Sandwich
Quick to assemble and filling, this sandwich is perfect for lunch.
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- Canned tuna – $1
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- Mayonnaise – $0.50
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- Bread – $1
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- Lettuce/veg – $1
Total: $4.50
7. Quesadillas
Cheese, beans, and tortillas come together for a satisfying meal.
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- Tortillas – $1
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- Cheese – $2
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- Canned beans – $1
Total: $4.00
8. Chicken Stir-Fry
Simple and quick, this stir-fry is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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- Chicken breast – $3
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- Frozen vegetables – $2
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- Soy sauce – $0.50
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- Rice – $1
Total: $6.50
9. Creamy Tomato Pasta
This comforting pasta dish can easily be made with pantry staples.
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- Pasta – $1
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- Canned tomatoes – $1
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- Cream (or milk) – $1
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- Garlic – $0.50
Total: $4.50
10. Garlic Butter Shrimp
A quick dish that feels luxurious but can be made on a budget.
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- Shrimp – $3.50
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- Butter – $1
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- Garlic – $0.50
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- Pasta or rice – $1
Total: $6.00
11. Vegetable Omelette
Loaded with veggies, this dish is great for any meal of the day.
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- Eggs – $2
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- Onion – $0.50
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- Bell pepper – $1
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- Spinach – $1
Total: $5.50
12. Baked Potatoes
Simple yet satisfying. Top them with your favorite ingredients.
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- Potatoes – $2
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- Cheese – $1.50
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- Sour cream – $1
Total: $4.50
13. Fried Green Tomatoes
This Southern classic makes a great side or light meal.
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- Green tomatoes – $2
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- Flour – $0.50
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- Cornmeal – $0.50
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- Oil for frying – $1
Total: $4.00
14. Beef Tacos
A crowd-pleaser, tacos are always a hit!
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- Ground beef – $4.00
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- Taco shells – $2.00
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- Cheese – $1.50
Total: $7.50
15. Greek Salad
A refreshing and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare.
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- Lettuce – $1
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- Cucumber – $0.50
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- Tomato – $1
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- Feta cheese – $2.00
Total: $5.50
16. Chicken Alfredo
This rich, creamy pasta can easily be made at home!
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- Pasta – $1
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- Chicken – $3.00
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- Cream – $1.00
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- Parmesan – $2.00
Total: $7.00
17. Minestrone Soup
The perfect way to use up vegetables, this soup is healthy and filling.
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- Canned beans – $1
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- Mixed frozen veggies – $2
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- Canned tomatoes – $1
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- Pasta – $1
Total: $5.00
18. Pie Iron Pizzas
Fun and a bit nostalgic, pie iron pizzas are simple to make!
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- Bread – $1
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- Cheese – $2
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- Pepperoni – $1.50
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- Pizza sauce – $1
Total: $5.50
19. Sloppy Joes
A childhood favorite, easy to make for a quick dinner.
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- Ground beef – $4.00
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- Buns – $1.50
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- Sloppy Joe sauce – $1.00
Total: $6.50
20. Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting classic made with leftovers.
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- Chicken – $3
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- Noodles – $1
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- Carrots – $0.50
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- Broth – $2
Total: $7.50
21. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Easy, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast or lunch.
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- Bread – $1
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- Peanut butter – $1.50
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- Banana – $0.25
Total: $2.75
22. Baked Ziti
This pasta dish is great for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead.
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- Ziti – $1.00
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- Marinara sauce – $1.50
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- Cheese – $3.00
Total: $5.50
23. Falafel Wraps
Healthy and delicious, falafel can be made easily from scratch!
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- Chickpeas – $1
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- Wraps – $1.50
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- Vegetables (lettuce, tomato) – $1.00
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- Tahini sauce (or similar) – $1
Total: $4.50
24. Stuffed Peppers
Colorful, tasty, and full of nutrition!
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- Bell peppers – $2
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- Rice – $1
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- Canned beans – $1
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- Tomato sauce – $1
Total: $5.00
25. Pancakes with Fruit
A classic breakfast treat that can be made from scratch.
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- Flour – $0.50
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- Milk – $1
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- Eggs – $2
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- Fruits (banana or berries) – $2
Total: $6.50
26. Ramen Noodle Soup
A quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal!
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- Ramen noodles – $0.50
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- Canned vegetables – $1.00
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- Broth – $2.00
Total: $3.50
27. Chicken Wraps
Quick and simple, perfect for picnics or snacks.
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- Chicken – $3.00
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- Tortillas – $1.00
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- Veggies – $1.00
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- Dressing – $1.00
Total: $6.00
28. Curried Chickpeas
Flavorful and filling, curried chickpeas are a fantastic vegetarian option.
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- Canned chickpeas – $1.00
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- Curry powder – $0.50
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- Rice – $1.00
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- Coconut milk – $2.00
Total: $5.50
29. Caprese Salad
Simple, fresh, and full of flavor, ideal for summer meals.
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- Tomatoes – $1.00
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- Fresh mozzarella – $2.00
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- Basil – $1.00
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- Balsamic vinegar – $1.00
Total: $5.00
30. Oatmeal with Fruit
Fill your mornings with energy with a warm bowl of oatmeal.
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- Oats – $1.00
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- Milk – $1.00
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- Fruit (banana, berries) – $2.00
Total: $4.00
Conclusion
Creating meals under $10 is not only achievable but can also be fun and rewarding. With a bit of creativity and the right ingredients, you can put together delicious, filling dishes that everyone will love. Remember, the key to staying within budget is planning and utilizing what you already have in your pantry. Happy cooking!
FAQs
1. Are these meals suitable for families?
Yes! Many of these meals can be scaled up to feed a family and can be customized based on personal preferences and dietary needs.
2. Can I make these meals vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Many of the meals listed can easily be modified by swapping out meat for beans, lentils, or other plant-based alternatives.
3. Where can I find these ingredients?
Most ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. Look for sales and bulk options to save even more money!
4. How long do these meals take to prepare?
Most of the meals listed can be prepared in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the dish and your cooking skills.
5. Can I freeze these meals for later?
Yes, many of these meals can be made in bulk and frozen for later use, making them convenient for meal prep!
About the Author
https://hillrecipes.com/30-delicious-meals-you-can-make-for-under-10/