20 Cheap and Easy Meals Under $10

1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

This vibrant dish is perfect for using up leftover vegetables in your fridge. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds!

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender. Add the pasta and Italian seasoning, followed by enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until the pasta is cooked. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2. Chickpea Salad

This protein-packed salad is not only healthy but also incredibly filling. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

This quick and easy stir-fry is loaded with nutrients and can be customized based on the vegetables you have on hand.

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• Cooked rice or noodles

Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds. Then, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender. Stir in soy sauce and serve over cooked rice or noodles.

4. Egg Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into a delicious dish with just a few ingredients. This meal comes together in no time!

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

In a large skillet, scramble the beaten eggs and set aside. In the same skillet, add the rice and frozen vegetables, cooking until heated through. Stir in soy sauce and green onions, then return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing everything together.

5. Tomato Basil Soup

This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches.

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and basil. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.

6. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be filled with whatever ingredients you have on hand. They’re quick, easy, and delicious!

• 4 tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• Salsa for serving

On half of each tortilla, layer cheese, black beans, and corn. Fold the tortillas in half and cook in a skillet over medium heat until cheese melts and tortillas are golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

7. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable that can be transformed into a flavorful stir-fry with just a few seasonings.

• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Heat sesame oil in a pan and add garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add cabbage and carrots, stir-frying until tender. Stir in soy sauce and serve as a side or over rice.

8. Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious option.

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add lentils, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.

9. Baked Potatoes with Toppings

Baked potatoes are an inexpensive meal that can be customized with a variety of toppings. Get creative with what you have!

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potatoes with a fork, then bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper.

10. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This simple Italian dish requires only a few ingredients but packs a lot of flavor!

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Parsley for garnish

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Add red pepper flakes, then toss in the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with parsley before serving.

11. Oatmeal with Fruit

This healthy and filling breakfast can be customized with your favorite fruits and toppings.

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

In a pot, bring water or milk to a boil. Add rolled oats and reduce heat, simmering for about 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in banana, honey, and cinnamon before serving.

12. Simple Tacos

Tacos are a fun and easy meal that can be made with just about anything you have on hand.

• 8 small tortillas
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or beans for a vegetarian option)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup salsa

Cook the ground meat in a skillet, adding taco seasoning and following package instructions. Fill tortillas with meat, lettuce, and salsa.

13. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

This comforting risotto is easy on the wallet and is sure to impress your family!

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan, heat broth and keep warm. In another pot, sauté onion and mushrooms until soft. Add rice and cook for a few minutes, then gradually add broth, stirring until absorbed. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper before serving.

14. Peanut Butter Banana Toast

This simple meal is perfect for breakfast or a snack, providing healthy fats and carbohydrates.

• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Toast the bread and spread peanut butter on top. Add banana slices and drizzle with honey if desired.

15. Stuffed Bell Peppers

This colorful dish can be filled with a variety of ingredients and is a great way to use up leftovers.

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix rice, tomatoes, and black beans in a bowl. Stuff the mixture into the bell pepper halves and top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until peppers are tender.

16. Macaroni and Cheese

This classic comfort food is easy to make and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Add cheese and stir until melted. Combine with cooked macaroni and serve.

17. Chicken and Rice Casserole

This easy-to-make casserole is a family favorite and can be thrown together in just minutes.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soup, and vegetables. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

18. Zucchini Fritters

These crispy fritters are a great way to use up zucchini and make for a tasty snack or side dish.

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix grated zucchini, flour, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.

19. Sweet Potato Hash

This hearty breakfast hash is nutritious and satisfying, making it perfect for starting your day off right.

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a skillet, heat olive oil and add sweet potatoes. Cook until they start to soften, then add bell pepper and onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook until everything is tender and slightly crispy.

20. Simple Fruit Smoothie

This refreshing smoothie is perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, and it’s an excellent way to use up overripe fruit.

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 cup yogurt or milk
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Adjust sweetness with honey if desired. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With these 20 cheap and easy recipes, you can create delicious meals for under $10. From hearty soups to vibrant salads, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and savoring the fruits of your labor without breaking the bank!