25 Cheap Dinner Ideas Under $2 Per Serving
Eating well doesn't require a big budget. These 25 dinner ideas cost less than $2 per serving without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Eating well doesn't require a big budget. These 25 dinner ideas cost less than $2 per serving without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. They're proof that "cheap" doesn't have to mean boring or unhealthy.
Budget Cooking Basics
Before the recipes, a few principles that make budget cooking work:
- Build meals around cheap proteins: Eggs, beans, lentils, chicken thighs, and canned fish are your friends.
- Buy produce in season: It's cheaper and tastes better. Frozen vegetables are also great and often cheaper than fresh.
- Use pantry staples: Rice, pasta, and dried beans form the base of countless cheap meals.
- Cook from scratch: Pre-made sauces and seasoning packets cost more than making your own.
Pasta Dishes (Under $1.50/serving)
1. Simple Garlic Pasta
Just pasta, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Sounds simple — tastes incredible.
2. Pasta e Fagioli
Italian pasta and bean soup. Hearty, filling, and practically free to make.
3. Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
Canned tomatoes, a splash of cream (or cream cheese), garlic, and basil. Restaurant-worthy for pennies.
4. Best Spaghetti Sauce Ever
The classic. Buy ground beef on sale, stretch with lentils for even more savings.
5. Linguine Alla Carbonara
Eggs, cheese, and bacon or pancetta. No cream needed — eggs make it silky.
5b. Chicken Pasta Primavera
Load up on seasonal vegetables for a colorful, healthy pasta that uses whatever's cheap.
Rice & Grain Bowls
6. Rice and Beans
A complete protein for under a dollar. Add hot sauce and you've got a meal.
7. Cuban Black Beans & Rice
Seasoned black beans over rice with a squeeze of lime. Simple and satisfying.
8. Cauliflower, Brown Rice & Vegetable Fried Rice
Use leftover rice, whatever vegetables you have, and an egg or two. Ultimate fridge-cleaner meal.
9. Mexican Chicken & Rice Bowl
Rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and whatever toppings you have. Chipotle at home for a fraction of the price.
10. Indian Lentil Dahl
Indian spiced lentils over rice. Incredibly cheap, incredibly flavorful.
Egg-Based Meals
11. Poached Eggs in Tomatoes
Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
12. Frittata
Whatever vegetables you have + eggs + cheese = dinner. Works hot or cold.
13. Fried Rice - Chinese Comfort Food
The ultimate cheap meal. Rice, eggs, soy sauce, and green onions. That's it.
14. Easy Cheesy Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs, toast, and some fruit. Sometimes simple is perfect.
Soups & Stews
15. Lentil Soup with Smoked Turkey
Cheap, filling, and packed with protein. Make a big batch for the week.
16. Minestrone Soup
Use whatever vegetables you have. It's basically a fridge-cleaning soup.
17. Smoky Black Bean Soup
Canned black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, and broth. Blend half for creaminess.
18. Baked Potato Soup
Cheap potatoes make a surprisingly luxurious soup. Top with cheese and green onions.
Chicken Dinners
19. Lemon and Honey Chicken
Thighs are cheaper than breasts and way more flavorful. This glaze is addictive.
20. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken, peppers, onions, and homemade seasoning. Tortillas are cheap.
21. Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
Chicken, frozen vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, ginger. Serve over rice.
21b. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Everything cooks together in one pot. Easy cleanup and budget-friendly.
Other Budget Winners
22. Cheesy Cowboy Quesadillas
Tortilla + cheese + whatever else you have. Kids love them, adults do too.
23. Black Bean and Peppers Taco Filling
Refried beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa. Meatless Monday never tasted so good.
24. Mexican Stuffed Potatoes
Load them with chili, cheese, broccoli, or whatever's in the fridge.
25. Creamy Tomato Soup
The ultimate comfort food. Rich, creamy, and pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese.
Budget Shopping Tips
- Buy whole chickens and break them down yourself — significantly cheaper per pound.
- Stock up when things are on sale. Freeze meat and use within 3 months.
- Don't skip the ethnic food aisle. Spices and ingredients are often cheaper there.
- Buy store brands. They're usually identical to name brands at a lower price.
- Plan your meals around what's on sale, not the other way around.
Make Budget Cooking Easier
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