Are you low on funds this week? Read this list of 5 dollar dinners to give you ideas for cheap meals!
Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or just looking to save some money, I think we all need ideas for cheap dinners. Ways to stretch our grocery budget every week.
Back when we ate for $37 a week, I felt like the master of coming up with cheap meals! I’ve come up with a list of 20 dinners you can make for $5.00 or less, almost all of which are kid friendly!
Are these recipes healthy?
Keep in mind that some of these may not fit in with your lifestyle; that is, they may not be the healthiest option for your family. If you don’t like plain cheese quesadillas, add a can of beans or some chicken, keeping in mind that may take you over $5.00.
There are always healthier options, but when you’re low on money, you do what you can with what you have!
These are also all main dishes, which means you can add any vegetable you may have in your house for a more well-rounded dinner.
Do these recipes really only cost 5 dollars or less?
Disclaimer: I live in Ohio and have access to an Aldi. Your prices may not be this low, so do your research!
The prices I’ve come up with below are based on what I’ve found at Aldi; your store’s prices may vary. I’ve also tried to stay true to the actual cost. Some recipes elsewhere may say they only cost $5.00, but don’t take into account that you pay $2.00 for cheese but only use about $.50 worth for the recipe.
The prices below also don’t include seasonings. My local Dollar Tree sells jars for $1.00 each and they’re bigger than what I can find at Aldi!
I’ve tried to make sure each recipe stays around $5.00 even after buying more than what you need. Look at it this way: you now have leftover food to create another meal! Another great way to save money. So what sounds good for dinner next week?
20 Dinners That Cost 5 Dollars or Less
1.) Pancakes- We like cooking these with our griddle because we can fit 6 at a time!
- Box of pancake mix: $2.00
- Bottle of syrup: $1.59
- Eggs (as a side, for protein): $.48-$1.00
2.) Sloppy Joes
- Ground turkey: $1.89
- BBQ sauce: $1.00
- Hamburger buns: $1.00
3.) Grilled cheese and tomato soup
- Bread: $1.00
- Cheese: $2.00
- Can of soup: $.89
- Butter/Margarine: $1.00
4.) Salad- Adding protein with this helps but will take you over $5.00
- Iceberg lettuce: $1.00
- Tomato: $.99
- Shredded cheese: $2.00
- Dressing: $1.29
5.) Grilled ham and cheese
- Bread: $1.00
- Deli ham: $2.49
- Sliced cheese: $2.00
- Butter/margarine: $1.00
6.) Spaghetti
- Box of spaghetti: $1.00
- Jar of spaghetti sauce: $1.00
- Small bag of meatballs (Optional): $2.50-$3.00
7.) Mac and cheese with tuna and peas
- Box of mac and cheese: $1.00
- 1 can of tuna: $.69
- Bag of frozen peas: $1.00
8.) Spanish rice with ground turkey and diced tomatoes
- Box of Spanish rice: $1.00
- Ground turkey: $1.89
- Can of diced tomatoes: $.59
9.) Baked potatoes
- Potatoes: $1.99
- Sour cream: $.99
- Bag of frozen broccoli: $1.00
- Butter: $1.00
10.) Egg noodles with butter and Parmesan
- Egg noodles: $1.29
- Butter: $1.00
- Parmesan cheese: $2.49
11.) BBQ pulled chicken- easily made in our slow cooker and shredded using our KitchenAid mixer!
- 1 pound of chicken: $1.99
- Bottle of BBQ sauce: $1.00
- Hamburger buns: $1.00
12.) Quesadillas
- Tortilla shells: $1.49
- Shredded cheddar cheese: $2.00
- Can of black beans: $1.00
- Sour cream: $1.00
13.) Tuna melts- Will take you over $5.00 if you don’t have butter
- Bread: $1.00
- Can of tuna: $.69
- Mayo: $2.00
- Cheese: $1.79
- Butter/margarine: $1.00
14.) Smoked sausage and potatoes- Use leftover potatoes as baked potatoes above!
- Smoked sausage: $2.50
- Potatoes: $1.99
15.) DiGiorno pizza- Yes, frozen pizza counts! It’s a good, fast weeknight dinner.
- $5.00
16.) Chicken and fries
- Frozen chicken nuggets: $2.50
- Frozen fries: $2.00
17.) Beans and rice
- Can of black beans: $.69
- Bag of rice: $1.79- We cook rice in our rice cooker to save time and energy!
- Diced tomatoes: $.59
- Onion (Optional): $1.59
18.) Cheesy beef skillet
- 1 box of mac and cheese: $1.00
- Ground turkey: $1.89
- Diced tomatoes: $.59
- Taco seasoning: $.39
- Brown ground turkey as the macaroni boils. Add macaroni to the turkey, as well as the cheese powder, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
19.) English muffin/bagel pizzas- Can be easily made in a toaster oven for a quick meal!
- English muffins/bagels: $2.00
- Pizza sauce: $.99
- Mozzarella cheese: $2.00
- Pepperoni: Optional, but will take you over $5.00
20.) Two timin’ pasta
- 1 box of pasta: $1.00
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce: $1.00
- 1 jar of Alfredo sauce: $1.29
- Mozzarella cheese: $2.00
- Mix both jars of sauce together, then pour over boiled pasta in a casserole dish. Top with Mozzarella cheese, then bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes
Would you add anything to this list? Share recipes with us below!
Like this post? Be sure to check out 20 MORE dinners that cost 5 dollars or less!
Barbara Stapleton says
The Quesedillas are confusing. I am sure you put in something besides cheese. I love your site/blog!
Jaime says
Thanks Barbara! As for the quesadillas, I think it just depends on the night. Sometimes we’ll get “fancy” and add chicken, rice, and/or black beans. A lot of times we’ll have just plain cheese (Just the way my daughter likes it!) and have Spanish rice as a side. =) Now that I’m looking at the prices I wrote down, I just realized I can add a can of black beans and still make it under $5.00, so I’ll add that now! Thanks for your help!
Km says
We eat just cheese in ours but dip in salsa or sour cream
Lakisha says
For a struggling college student, I LOVE THIS LIST.
Megan says
I’d like to know where she lives getting chicken breast for 1.99
Jaime says
I live in Ohio! =) My local Sam’s Club has them for $1.88/pound, and they’re usually between $1.99 and $2.49 a pound elsewhere.
Diana says
I have paid as little as 99 cents a pound for them. Just have to find the sales and stock up.
Abi says
Fantastic. I will try all !
Jodi says
I live on the East Coast (Maryland) and most of our grocery stores will have sales on boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 1.99 or 1.88 a pound. We also have a store (Wegman’s) that has year-round special price on family pack of the same for 1.99. Just have to take a peek around. You might be surprised. Also check out ALDI, bare bones stores, but great organic produce and great prices
Jaime says
I wish we had a Wegmans in Ohio! My husband is from New York and every time we go up there to visit, I have to go to Wegmans. It’s not just a grocery store, it’s an experience. =)
KaiCie says
Our Wal-Mart has chicken for $1.99/lb As their regular price. If you get markdowns you can get it for about $1.59/lb. Our local Aldi has it for $1.89 as their regular price but has it for $1.49 pretty often. I do have to say I like Wal-Mart’s chicken better though.
Sandra says
You can find it on sale at this price quite a bit
rita mccauley says
I always get chicken breast for 1.99 a lb! my problem is we have 5 people in my house and i think she only has 3. My cost is almost double her amount.
Jaime says
You’re right, we only have 3 people in our household. =) I still try to stretch what we have, though. A great way to stretch chicken is to either shred it or chop it finely and add it to things like casseroles. You’re still getting your protein, but you’re just making the chicken go further!
Renee says
I get it for that price all the time!
Alexis M says
Great Post! Groceries are so expensive these days it’s CRAZY! As a stay at home, I’m always looking for ways for our family to save money (especially with the holidays just around the corner)! I’ll definitely be adding some of your meals to my grocery list. Thanks 🙂
Jaime says
Thank you for reading! =) I agree, with the holidays coming up, I’m trying to fit all baking stuff into my grocery budget as well, and it’s so difficult!
Courtney says
I buy Tortillas, ground turkey or beef and a packet of cheesy taco seasoning for tacos under $5 usually make 6 tacos
Jaime says
They make cheesy taco seasoning??? 😮 I need this in my life, thanks for the suggestion!
Crystal says
This can be over $5 if you don’t have milk, eggs, and oil. But those items are staples in my house and this meal is super quick and easy and everyone loves it! Sometimes I use whatever frozen veggies we have, one time I even used stir-fry ones, lol! You need:
Can or frozen bag mix soup veggies (corn, peas, carrots)
Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
Can/Pouch of Cooked Chicken or Tuna
1-2 Box of Jiffy Corn Bread (I use 2 if I’m splurging)
(optional) Can of Creamed Corn to mix in cornbread
Sautéed frozen veggies in a little oil in a 10″ skillet or cast iron pan until soft if using frozen or 2-3 minutes on med-high heat with a little salt and pepper. Stir in drained tuna or chicken and cream of chicken soup (you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin out and make creamy if you want). Bring to a little boil and then Reduce heat to a simmer. Mix corn bread batter according to directions and preheat oven to box directions. You can omit liquid and add creamed corn if you choose that option – If batter is too thick, add milk or water to add more liquid. Pour batter directly over soup mixture and spread evenly. Put in oven and bake according to box directions for muffins. Hola! Chicken/Tuna Pot Pie!
Jaime says
Wow, that sounds amazing! =) Thanks for the recipe, I’m going to try this!
Jessica says
Love tjis idea
Kesha Parvin says
Breakfast for dinner is always a cheap go to in my house! Whether it be biscuits and gravy or waffles and bacon or sausage!
Jaime says
Totally!! We try to keep a box of pancake mix in the house for quick dinners. =)
VitaLynne says
Ah yes! Waffles with bacon or sausage! Love it!
Tracy says
Costco rotisserie chickens are huge, delicious and $4.99 each. This is one where you’re obviously going to spend more than $5 if you want more than chicken but there’s so much you can do with the mountain of meat from these things that they’re worth considering. We like to make chicken shepherd’s pie using leftover mashed potatoes, frozen peas and chicken gravy. We also have cold chicken sandwiches, hot open sandwiches with gray and mashed potatoes, chicken salad, make stock from the carcass to have soup, etc. One chicken turns into several meals.
Jaime says
That’s a great idea! =) It does initially cost more than $5.00, but if you divide it up, I’m sure the recipes will cost much less! We have a Sam’s Club membership, so I may check out those instead of the chicken breasts we usually buy.
Lisa says
We like make egg noodles + a large can of cream of chicken. It’s super fast and easy. Sometimes I add a can of mixed veggies and it’s still under 5$
Jaime says
That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Mairi says
If you are from the US the 99 cents store is amazing!
Jennifer says
One of my favorite go-to dinners:
1 box Mac n cheese
1 lb hamburger meat
1 can ranch style beans
Mix all together and binge watch Netflix! 😉
Jaime says
That actually sounds delicious! It’s going on my “to-make” list. 😀
Becki says
my aunt Nancy makes these amazing nachos. we call them Nancy nachos. bag of torilla chips can of refried beans American cheese.
spread beans on chips then put a slice of cheese (break up to make fit, doesn’t have to cover the whole chip or all the beans) bake til cheese is melted/bubbly. I like to dip mine in salsa
Jaime says
That sounds awesome and very frugal! Thanks for sharing that!
Katherine says
forgot the “melt” part of your tuna melts. Love the list
Jaime says
Oh my, I can’t believe it’s been up all this time and I forgot the cheese! Thank you for telling me, I’ll go and fix it now. =)
Jessica says
Here is a recipe I made in college :
1 can condensed ck rice soup
1 can rotel (tomatoes w chiles)
Heat and add tortilla chips to top …. Viola ! Tortilla soup
Jaime says
Pretty awesome! Frugal and sounds great, too. =)
Lisa says
Spinach mushroom and feta frittata comes in under $5!
Jaime says
Ooh, that sounds really good! I’ll have to try it. =)
Sonny says
One of our low cost favorites is cabbage, onions and bow tie pasta. Cook the bow tie pasta per box instructions. Sauté 1 sliced onion and small head of cabbage sliced in butter until soft. Combine with bow ties. Makes a t
Lot for less than $5.00
Jaime says
That sounds great, thanks for sharing!
Jessica says
1 small onion
16 oz. can of tomato sauce
Polish sausage
Jalapeño
Rotini pasta
Water
I had the onion and noodles, but everything else came in around $4 at the store. My husband LOVED it.
Jessica says
Oh! And cream cheese.
Jaime says
That sounds amazing! Definitely going on the menu at our house soon. =)
Lenoria says
Wow, I love some of these ideas and I am always looking for ways to use leftovers when we have them. I also love breakfast for dinner and when I have spaghetti I never seem to know how much to cook and usually end up with a bunch left over so I put it in a bag and a couple of nights later we have leftover spaghetti in a 9×13 inch pan, browned hamburger meat, mozarella cheese, and then spaghetti sauce on top with a little more mozarella cheese on top. Cook at 350 for 30 minutes and supper! Makes a cheap meal and the meat can be left out if you don’t have it or don’t want it.
Jaime says
That’s a great use of leftover spaghetti! Thanks for sharing! =)
Barbara Stapleton says
My favorite “instant soup” is a handful of vegetables in a bowl and I pour over it some organic bone broth. It cost me about $1-2 dollars at the most!
I buy a large bag of organic frozen vegetables at Costco on someone else’s account. They are VERY big and chunky. Because it’s a large bag they last me a long time. I used to make my own bone broth but it’s expensive and extremely messy. Now I just buy the carton of the organic bone broth from my supermarket on sale and stock up.
Jaime says
That’s a really good idea! Thanks for sharing. =)
Tamy says
“Stock up” 😀
Hannah says
A pound of chicken isn’t $1.99 sweetheart❤ good try though!
Jaime says
It depends on where you live! =) $1.99 is actually higher than I’d pay now where I live (Ohio). I’ve seen them go as low as $1.47 a pound.
Stapes says
ShopRite supermarket chain has chicken breast for $1.99 a pound. That is the regular price. The problem is sometimes it’s not safe to eat and other times it’s fantastic.
Crystal says
I live in Ohio, too, and chicken breast is $1.99 at several places around here (Toledo). If you get chicken quarters you can get a 10lb bag for like $6.
Kimber says
I can get if for less at several stores. Shop frugal.
Vanna says
Why be condescending when you don’t have to?
Ashley says
Hannah quit making a fool of yourself!
“good try though” ? Seriously?
Of course prices vary depending on which state your are in! You don’t expect the same gas prices in every state, do you?
Same goes for food! Go try to buy chicken in Hawaii for $1.99 and they’ll think you are insane, but other places that may be high in price!
I love this list! Super helpful for our family of four! ❤️
Jaime says
I used to think I was pretty good with $1.59 milk until I saw it was $.99 in other places. =) It’s pretty cool seeing the price differences in other states!
Tanesha P says
What?? Omg! I’m in FL and haven’t paid less that $3.00 for milk in years.
Jaime says
I was in New Smyrna Beach, so I don’t know how that compares to other parts of Florida. =) I just know that I was totally surprised!
Kimber says
I get organic 2% for less than $3.
Sherry says
One of our favorite cheap dinners, is chili mac. 1 box of macaroni and cheese, made as directed, and 1 can of chili (with or without beans, your choice) heated and mixed in. If we want to get expensive, we add in some cut up hot dogs.
Jaime says
That’s a good, frugal meal! I’ll have to try it sometime. Thanks for your suggestion! =)
Charissa says
I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out how I’ve never heard of Two Timin’ Pasta and why no one seems to be as fascinated at the idea as I am. 😂😂
Jaime says
It’s a hilarious name! I saw it on Pinterest and I was surprised at how good it was. =)
lindsay says
same here !! cant wait to try it
Erica says
I make it with cut up chicken nuggets in it (or patties or anything that’s on sale really) it’s sooo good!
Megan says
This list is exactly what I’v been looking for! We have tried to eat clean but really need to cut back our budget. I feel like if the rest of our day is balanced and we add veggies (and this is what we can afford) then its great. Funny how sometimes you just can’t figure out what other people must eat to save money. This is perfect!
Jaime says
Thanks, Megan! And you’re not alone; I feel like every week I’m searching for recipes like “Wait, what is food and how do I cook?” Sometimes you just need something to look at first!
Vita Lynne says
This is the most authentic list of meals you can eat when you only have $5 to spend and that’s it! All the other blogs I’ve seen, in order to get to the $5 meal, you have to spend way more than that! Thank you for “keepin’ it real” and giving us a list we five-ers can work with! I referred to your list last evening, when I only wanted to spend $5, and a pizza was listed. It just so happened that Acme’s store brand pizza was on sale for on $3.34 per pizza. Were it not for your list I would not have even considered a whole pizza as a $5 option. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Jaime says
Thank you so much! I noticed the same thing when I looked at other blog posts, so I’m so glad this could help you! =)
Crystal says
Finally a blog that gets what “budget” meals means. I don’t have $200 to fill my pantry with bulk spices and such, I need cheap meals to make NOW. THANK YOU SO MUCH. And thanks to all the commenters, too!
Jaime says
Thanks, Crystal! =) I try to keep a good supply of pantry items, but there are definitely weeks where you have just enough money to buy what you need right now!
Tanesha P says
Thanks so much for these great (frugal) dinner ideas!!! I’ve got $10 in my wallet and was out of ideas! You are heaven sent girly!
Jaime says
Thank you so much! I hope this list can help. =)
Rachel zahel says
I make beanee weenie with corn muffin
Pork and beansee 1.00
Gwaltney traditional hot dog .88 cents
Jiffy corn muffin mix .59 cents
6 CT eggs for .56 cents
I pint of milk 1.00
Total 4.03
Jaime says
That sounds really cute! Thanks for the idea. =)
Shelly says
Thanks for real food meal ideas not all those fancy meals that I always see. I have my list of usual meals but wanted something different, easy and cheap.
Jaime says
Thanks, Shelly! I hope you found something to add to your list. =)
Coleen says
My easy fix meal is with my 6 quart/crocketpot, 5/6 chicken breast and salas. Put a approximately a cup of salas in bottom of crocketpot then add your raw chicken (I used frozen or fresh chicken with no problems). Pour about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of salas over chicken. Set your crocketpot – Hi for 3 to 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours. I serve the chicken and salas mixture over white or brown rice and with a vegetable. Depending on the size of your crocketpot will determine how many pieces of chicken you are cooking.
Jaime says
Ooh, Salsa Chicken is one of my favorites! And so easy, too!
Ashley says
I love your blog! There are so many great ideas on here!
Jaime says
Thank you, Ashley! I really appreciate that!
Vanessa says
These are great ideas! Cutting back on meats is so helpful!
Renee says
Egg Drop Soup
Cook ramen noodles. When they are ready use a fork to stir in a beaten egg, a splash of soy sauce and some spinach.
Jaime says
That’s super easy! Thanks for sharing, I love egg drop soup. =)
Stef says
Depression Spaghetti, a family favorite. Spaghetti noodles, butter, parm cheese, packaged bacon bits. About $5/pot exactly, depending on where you shop, and can feed a lot of ppl.
Jaime says
Nice! I like the addition of bacon bits; I’ll have to try that. =)
Tabytha says
I’m more from the south but a yummy quick cheap meal we make is open face sandwiches. It may cost a little over $5 for everything. We use loaf bread , sliced cheese, one onion , one tomatoe and a can of spam .
All I do is cut everything up put 2 slices of spam , tomatoe, onion and cheese and put it in the oven and my kids love them !!
Jaime says
Spam is such a great comfort food! I haven’t had it in forever, but I used to love the spicy Spam mixed with mac and cheese. =) Delicious!
Kim R says
I just quite my second job and while I know I don’t need it anymore (all the hospital bills are paid off!) I’m in panic mode that I’ve lost $500 on month in income So I have been searching for cheap meal options. Thank you so much for this list. Several of the other ‘budget’ menus I found I leave the website wondering if they know what a budget is. Several of these ideas are going into this months menu.
Jaime says
Thanks, Kim! Good on you for paying off your bills, that’s a huge goal. =)
Jordan says
From Audi’s
Hot dogs 89¢
Buns 85¢
Chili in the can maybe 1$
Fries 1.89$
Salisbury steak 2.59$ a box
Vegetable 50¢ a can
Mac & cheese 50¢ a box
Pizzas 2.59$ self rising crust
Lasagna 2.59$ a box
Eggs 1-2$ carton
10 pk sausage links 1$
Waffles 10pk 1.19 box
Syrup maybe 1-2$
I use a few others but they run a few dollars more to feed usually 3 people sometimes 4.
Chicken 5$ worth
Vegetable 50¢ can
Mac & cheese or instant mashed potatoes usually no more than 1$ worth.
Same as above but with 5$ worth pork chops.
Burgers and fries if u find beef cheap enough.
Jaime says
Excellent ideas, thanks for sharing! Breakfast for dinner is super cheap and can feed a ton of people.
Gina says
We make oven fries and use left overs on top. It’s a fridge cleaning of sorts. Peel potatoes we use baking. Try to make them all the same size add a tad of oil and whatever spices you have. I bake mine at 400 for around 25 minutes ovens vary though. We pile high veggies or any left overs you have. I also use Budget Bytes.Com recipe for cheese bread except we turn it into a soft bread pizza with leftovers. That recipe I can double or triple and I buy bulk yeast at Sams Club. Very cheap and easy meals.
Jaime says
I love the idea of topping fries with leftovers! I’ve done it with leftover chili, but that’s it. Great ideas. =)
Erica says
I think you forgot a few ingredients. Like butter for the grilled cheese and the grilled ham and cheese. Otherwise that’s just dry toast with cheese on it. Also, what seasonings are you using for a quesadilla? Cheese in a tortilla isn’t a quesadilla. And there is almost no protein in that meal. You can add chicken or beans or something, but it still needs seasoning. Otherwise it’s basically a cheese sandwich. There were a few others that seem incomplete as well. Since you included mayo in one of your price lists I’m assuming you meant to include things like butter and seasonings.
Jaime says
Hi Erica, thanks for letting me know! I’ll look through these and update where necessary.
I’ve never actually put seasonings in a quesadilla. Maybe we’re just boring, haha. =) You can certainly add beans to yours to add extra protein and still be under budget! We do like our cheese quesadillas sometimes, though.
Kim says
We make hamburger casserole but we make it for 7 …….2 lb.ground beef browned and grease drained , 2 cans of corn drained , real mashed potatoes ( 12 potatoes for our family ) and 6 slices of American cheese …put in bakeware dish the cooked ground beef , then the corn , then the mashed potatoes . Then top with the cheese .Cook in oven approx. 10 minutes or until cheese is melted . All the kids LOVE this
Jaime says
That sounds really good! Thanks for sharing this! =)