Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can whip up tasty, satisfying meals for just $5 or less per serving. Whether you’re a student, on a tight budget, or simply looking to save a little extra cash, these four meals prove that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound spaghetti: $1.00
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: $0.50
- 1/4 cup olive oil: $0.75
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: $0.10
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: $1.00
- 1 small baguette or half a loaf of French bread: $1.25
- Salt and pepper to taste: $0.10
Total cost: $4.70
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the garlic-infused oil, coating it evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- For the garlic bread, slice the baguette, brush with a bit of olive oil, and toast in the oven until golden brown.
- Enjoy a simple yet flavorful Italian meal that’s both filling and easy on the wallet.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice: $0.50
- 1/2 pound mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli): $2.00
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: $0.10
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: $0.10
- 1 clove garlic, minced: $0.10
- 1/2 inch ginger, minced: $0.20
- 1 egg (optional): $0.30
Total cost: $3.20
Instructions:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce and cook for another minute.
- For added protein, crack an egg into the pan and scramble it with the vegetables.
- Serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice. This meal is versatile, healthy, and perfect for those busy weeknights.
3. Black Bean Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: $0.80
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): $1.50
- 4 large flour tortillas: $1.00
- 1/2 onion, diced: $0.50
- 1 teaspoon cumin: $0.10
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: $0.10
- Optional toppings (sour cream, salsa): $1.00
Total cost: $5.00
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the black beans and cumin, cooking until the beans are heated through.
- Place a tortilla in a separate pan over medium heat. Sprinkle half of the cheese over one half of the tortilla, then spoon some of the black bean mixture on top.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown, flipping once.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream or salsa. These quesadillas are filling, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
4. Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry lentils: $1.00
- 1 carrot, diced: $0.20
- 1 stalk celery, diced: $0.20
- 1/2 onion, diced: $0.50
- 1 clove garlic, minced: $0.10
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water: $1.00
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: $0.10
- 1 bay leaf: $0.05
- Salt and pepper to taste: $0.10
- 1 small loaf crusty bread: $1.00
Total cost: $4.25
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth (or water), thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the lentil soup hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side. This hearty, nutritious meal is perfect for a cozy night in and is incredibly budget-friendly.
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With a bit of planning and some simple ingredients, you can create satisfying meals that are both delicious and easy on your wallet. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, these $5 meals prove that great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Check out more of our recipes. Happy cooking!