Dinner for Under $10: 5 Delicious Meals You Can Make Tonight

Affordable, quick, and delicious dinners the whole family will enjoy!

Dinner doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, these five budget-friendly meals are easy to make and won’t break the bank. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table for under $10.

1. One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (Under $8)

This classic Italian dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 jar marinara sauce (store-brand recommended)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and serve.

📌 Tip: Save money by buying pasta and sauce in bulk or during sales.

2. Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice (Under $9)

A quick and healthy dinner loaded with veggies and protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken until golden brown and set aside.
3. Add vegetables to the same pan and stir-fry until tender.
4. Return chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, and stir to combine.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

📌 Tip: Frozen vegetables are cheaper and just as nutritious as fresh ones.

3. Vegetarian Chili (Under $8)

This hearty chili is packed with flavor and protein, making it a satisfying meatless meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in a large pot until softened.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices.
3. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with rice or cornbread.

📌 Tip: Make a double batch and freeze portions for future meals.

4. Baked Ziti (Under $10)

A cheesy, comforting pasta bake that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. Mix pasta with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
4. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

📌 Tip: Buy shredded cheese in bulk to save more.

5. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies (Under $10)

An easy, one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage links (chicken or pork)
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss potatoes and carrots with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Spread on a baking sheet with sausage links.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

📌 Tip: Look for sausage on sale or use chicken thighs as a substitute.

Quick Reference Table: 5 Delicious Dinners Under $10

Conclusion

Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These five delicious dinner ideas prove that you can create satisfying meals for under $10 without sacrificing taste or quality. Try one of these recipes tonight and see how easy it is to save money while enjoying a home-cooked meal!