Top 35 Budget Meals Under $5 Per Serving

Eating well on a tight budget is absolutely possible. These 35 meals prove that flavor and nutrition don't require a big grocery bill.

Pasta Dishes (Under $2/serving)

1. Spaghetti aglio e olio — pasta, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Under $1.50/serving.
2. Pasta e fagioli — pasta with cannellini beans in tomato broth. About $1.80/serving.
3. Mac and cheese from scratch — elbow pasta with a simple béchamel and cheddar. About $1.50/serving.
4. Cacio e pepe — pasta, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Under $2/serving.
5. Lemon pasta — pasta tossed with lemon zest, olive oil, and Parmesan. Under $2/serving.

Rice and Grain Bowls

6. Fried rice — day-old rice, eggs, soy sauce, and whatever vegetables you have. Under $1.50/serving.
7. Rice and beans — seasoned black beans over white rice with lime. About $1.20/serving.
8. Congee — rice porridge with ginger, scallions, and a soft-boiled egg. About $1.50/serving.
9. Shakshuka — eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce, served with bread. About $2/serving.
10. Lentil dal — red lentils with turmeric, cumin, and coconut milk. About $2/serving.

Soups and Stews

11. Minestrone — seasonal vegetables, pasta, and beans in tomato broth. About $2/serving.
12. Split pea soup — dried split peas with ham hock or smoked paprika. About $1.50/serving.
13. Potato soup — potatoes, onion, broth, and cream. About $2/serving.
14. Lentil soup — green lentils with carrots, celery, and cumin. About $1.80/serving.
15. Tomato soup — canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cream. About $1.50/serving.

Egg Dishes

16. Frittata — eggs with whatever vegetables are in the fridge. About $2/serving.
17. Egg fried rice — a classic use for leftover rice. About $1.50/serving.
18. Huevos rancheros — fried eggs on tortillas with salsa and beans. About $2.50/serving.
19. Spanish tortilla — potato and egg omelette. About $2/serving.
20. Baked eggs in tomato sauce — eggs baked in a simple tomato sauce. About $2/serving.

Meat-Based Meals

21. Chicken thigh stir-fry — bone-in thighs are the most affordable cut. About $3/serving.
22. Ground beef tacos — seasoned ground beef with corn tortillas and toppings. About $3/serving.
23. Pork and cabbage stir-fry — ground pork with cabbage, ginger, and soy sauce. About $2.50/serving.
24. Chicken soup — whole chicken legs simmered with vegetables. About $3/serving.
25. Sausage and bean stew — smoked sausage with white beans and kale. About $3.50/serving.

Vegetarian Mains

26. Black bean quesadillas — beans, cheese, and salsa in a crispy tortilla. About $2/serving.
27. Vegetable curry — seasonal vegetables in a spiced coconut milk sauce. About $2.50/serving.
28. Stuffed peppers — bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and cheese. About $3/serving.
29. Chickpea tikka masala — chickpeas in a creamy tomato sauce. About $2.50/serving.
30. Vegetable fried rice — a colorful, satisfying plant-based meal. About $1.80/serving.

Comfort Food

31. Shepherd's pie — ground lamb or beef with mashed potato topping. About $4/serving.
32. Chicken pot pie — using a store-bought crust and frozen vegetables. About $4/serving.
33. Tuna noodle casserole — canned tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup. About $2.50/serving.
34. Beef and vegetable stew — chuck beef with root vegetables in a rich broth. About $4/serving.
35. Potato and leek gratin — thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream with cheese. About $3/serving.

Money-Saving Tips

Buy proteins in bulk and freeze in portions. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are significantly cheaper than breasts. Dried beans cost about one-third the price of canned. Seasonal vegetables are always more affordable than out-of-season produce.

Use our Portion Calculator [blocked] to scale these recipes for your household size.