10 Dinners You Can Make for $10 or Less

Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending a lot on groceries! These budget-friendly dinners cost $10 or less to make and are packed with flavor, wholesome ingredients, and serious weeknight appeal.

A bowl of cabbage and noodles, with a fork resting on the plate.

Email Me the Recipe!

From time to time, we'll send you Well Plated emails. You can unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Log In.

These recipes stretch your grocery budget a little further.

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

Put down the ramen noodle packet. You CAN eat well on a budget!

While I love a good splurge recipe now and then, most nights I’m looking for something a little more practical—meals that are affordable, satisfying, and delish.

These recipes prove you can keep dinner under $10 and keep it tasty too.

(PS – If you’re not using my meal plans yet, you’re going to love them. They break down the cost for each meal, helping you keep your grocery spending in check!)

10 Budget-Friendly Dinners to Add to Your Menu

Cabbage and Noodles ($5.16 — $1.29 per serving)

Simple, buttery, and deeply comforting, Cabbage and Noodles proves just how far a humble head of cabbage can go. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and perfect for nights when you want something warm without much effort.

Check out this recipe

Vegetarian Chili ($10.12 — $1.69 per serving)

Okay, we’re 12 cents over $10, but with a recipe so hearty and satisfying, I didn’t think you’d mind! (Use dried beans and you’ll be well below ten bucks.) Packed with beans, vegetables, and bold spices, this Vegetarian Chili is filling enough to satisfy even meat lovers.

Check out this recipe

Overhead view of mushroom pizza cut into slices

Mushroom Pizza ($6.74 — $3.37 per serving)

This Mushroom Pizza delivers big flavor on a small budget. Savory mushrooms and melty cheese make it feel indulgent, while still keeping the total cost low.

Check out this recipe

Easy and healthy Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowl. Low carb, packed with roasted veggies, with a creamy and delicious Whole30 dressing. Top with a soft boiled egg for a filling, high protein vegetarian meal! Dairy free, gluten free, grain free, and Paleo compliant.

Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls ($9.48 — $2.37 per serving)

These Vegetarian Power Bowls are colorful, nourishing, and packed with plant-based ingredients. They’re a great example of how simple vegetables can turn into a satisfying meal.

Check out this recipe

Fettuccine with cottage cheese alfredo sauce in bowl.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo ($5.92 — $1.48 per serving)

Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly light, this Cottage Cheese Alfredo uses a clever swap to create a rich sauce without expensive ingredients.

Check out this recipe

Vegetable Lo Mein ($9.84 — $2.46 per serving)

Skip takeout and make this Vegetable Lo Mein at home. It’s loaded with vegetables, quick to prepare, and far more budget-friendly than ordering out.

Check out this recipe

a bowl of cheesy crockpot potato soup from scratch with a spoon

Crockpot Potato Soup ($9.88 — $2.47 per serving)

This Crockpot Potato Soup is cozy, creamy, and incredibly affordable. Potatoes do the heavy lifting here, creating a filling meal with minimal ingredients.

Check out this recipe

A wooden spoon stirs a skillet of cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, red bell peppers, and green onions.

Ground Beef and Potatoes ($9.20 — $2.30 per serving)

A classic for a reason! Ground Beef and Potatoes is hearty, simple, and built from pantry staples that come together into a deeply satisfying dinner.

Check out this recipe

Crustless Quiche ($6.55 — $1.54 per serving)

Eggs make this Crustless Quiche both affordable and protein-packed. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and works just as well for dinner as it does for leftovers.

Check out this recipe