In times of rising inflation and soaring grocery costs, finding ways to cut spending while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals becomes crucial. We understand the importance of stretching your budget without compromising on taste, so we've assembled a collection of five budget-friendly dinner recipes that are easy to make and use affordable ingredients. There will be links to items on Amazon that you can get at a lower cost and free shipping if you are an Amazon Prime member. Let's dive into these wallet-friendly delights!
Budget-Friendly Dinner Meals Less Than $7
1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice:
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs ($3)
1 cup rice ($0.50)
2 cups chicken broth ($1)
1 onion, diced ($0.50)
2 carrots, sliced ($0.50)
1 cup frozen peas ($0.75)
1 teaspoon garlic powder ($0.10)
Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 4 Estimated Cost: $6.85 ($1.71 per Person)
Instructions:
In a large pot, brown the chicken thighs.
Add diced onions and sliced carrots, and sauté until softened.
Stir in rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
Add frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
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2. Vegetarian Bean Chili:
Ingredients:
2 cans of mixed beans (kidney, black, pinto) ($1 each)
1 can diced tomatoes ($0.75)
1 onion, diced ($0.50)
1 bell pepper, diced ($0.75)
2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.20)
2 tablespoons chili powder ($0.25)
1 teaspoon cumin ($0.10)
Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 6 Estimated Cost: $4.55 ($ .76 per Person)
Instructions:
Sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
Add beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serve with rice or crusty bread.
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Cumin Powder (Amazon Brand)
3. Pasta Primavera:
Ingredients:
1 lb pasta ($1)
2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes) ($2)
2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.20)
1/4 cup olive oil ($0.50)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 4 Estimated Cost: $3.70 ( $ .93 per Person)
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Sauté garlic in olive oil, add mixed vegetables, and cook until tender.
Toss vegetables with cooked pasta.
Season with salt and pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese.
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4. Budget-Friendly Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken or tofu, cubed ($3)
3 cups mixed stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas) ($2)
1/4 cup soy sauce ($0.50)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce ($0.50)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil ($0.10)
1 teaspoon ginger, grated ($0.10)
Cooked rice or noodles
Serves: 4 Estimated Cost: $6.20 ( $1.55 per Person)
Instructions:
Stir-fry chicken or tofu in vegetable oil in a wok or large pan.
Add vegetables and continue stir-frying until tender.
Mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and grated ginger.
Serve over rice or noodles.
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5. Egg Fried Rice:
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover and cooled) ($0.50)
3 eggs, beaten ($0.60)
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) ($1)
2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.25)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil ($0.10)
Green onions, chopped (optional)
Serves: 3-4 Estimated Cost: $2.45 ( $ .82 per Person)
Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan, add beaten eggs, and scramble.
Add mixed vegetables and stir until cooked.
Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
Top with chopped green onions if desired.
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These five budget-friendly dinner recipes allow you to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. The estimated costs and serving sizes make planning and sticking to your budget easy while enjoying tasty and nutritious homemade dishes. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what's affordable and in-season in your area. Saving money on groceries doesn't mean sacrificing flavor, and these recipes are proof that budget-friendly meals can still be tasty, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Happy cooking and happy savings!
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