9 Delicious Budget Meals You Can Make for Under $5

Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here are 9 quick meals that won’t break the bank, each costing under $5. From hearty pastas to filling stir-fries, these recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a fortune. Dive in and find your new favorite go-to dish!

Vegetable Quesadilla with Salsa

Vegetable quesadillas are a delightful and simple dish that packs a punch of flavor. These cheesy treats are filled with a colorful mixture of vegetables, making them both satisfying and nutritious. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and are super easy to whip up in under 30 minutes!

The crispy tortillas paired with melty cheese and fresh veggies create a delicious contrast. Serve them with a side of salsa for an extra kick, and you’ve got yourself a meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Salsa for dipping

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of it with cheese and the sautéed vegetables. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Serve hot with salsa on the side for dipping.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal is a warm, comforting dish that brings together creamy peanut butter and sweet bananas for a delicious breakfast. It’s not only simple to make but also budget-friendly, making it a perfect start to your day. The combination of flavors is delightful, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

This oatmeal is packed with nutrients, giving you a good dose of energy to kick-start your morning. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Whether you need a quick meal or a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil. Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats are tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until melted and creamy.
4. Top with sliced banana and drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon for added flavor, and serve warm.

Egg Fried Rice with Peas

Egg Fried Rice with Peas is a delicious and satisfying dish that packs a punch of flavor while being super easy to prepare. The fluffy rice, combined with sweet peas and a perfectly cooked egg, creates a comforting meal that’s ready in no time. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to whip something up without much fuss.

The dish is not only budget-friendly but also versatile, allowing you to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand. With its savory notes and slight crunch from the peas, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it can easily be made vegetarian or customized to your taste!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
2. Add the frozen peas and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until heated through.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing everything together. Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing

This Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing is a refreshing and nutritious dish that packs a punch of flavor while being easy to make. With protein-rich chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. The blend of textures and tastes makes it delightful, and it’s budget-friendly too!

To whip this up, all you need is a handful of ingredients and just a bit of chopping. It’s a great option for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with some crusty bread for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

This Vegetable Stir-Fry with rice is one of the simplest and tastiest meals you can whip up on a budget. It’s packed with vibrant veggies that not only add color but also a fresh taste that’s hard to resist. Perfect for quick dinners, this dish is not just easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying.

The combination of stir-fried vegetables over fluffy rice creates a comforting meal that’s both healthy and filling. You can mix and match your favorite veggies, making it versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve the cooked vegetables over a bed of rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that perfectly balances simplicity and flavor. Made primarily with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, it delivers a delightful taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. This dish is not just easy to make, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick dinner.

The combination of garlic and olive oil creates a rich, aromatic sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. A sprinkle of parsley and cheese adds freshness and depth, rounding out the dish perfectly. It’s an ideal meal for anyone looking to eat well on a budget without sacrificing flavor!

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to let the flavors meld.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
5. Garnish: Season with salt, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Simple Tomato and Basil Pasta

This Simple Tomato and Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of fresh ingredients. It’s bright, tasty, and incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and refreshing.

The combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and perfectly cooked pasta delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, keeping your wallet happy while pleasing your taste buds. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
3. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
4. Add Basil: Stir in the chopped basil and mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tuna Salad Wrap

A Tuna Salad Wrap is a quick, tasty meal that’s perfect for busy days. With a blend of creamy tuna and crisp veggies, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. This dish is super easy to whip up, making it ideal for lunch or a light dinner.

Each bite is packed with flavor and crunch, thanks to the mix of lettuce and tomatoes. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option that fits your taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, keeping your meal costs under control.

Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large tortilla wrap
• 1 cup lettuce leaves
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Mix tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
2. Lay the tortilla wrap flat and place the lettuce and tomatoes in the center.
3. Spoon the tuna mixture over the veggies.
4. Wrap the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides as you roll it up.
5. Slice in half and enjoy your delicious Tuna Salad Wrap!

Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread

Lentil soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a simple recipe that warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly days. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices creates a satisfying blend that is both filling and healthy.

This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.