10 Delicious Meals You Can Make for Under $10

Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge! Here are ten tasty meals that can each be made for under $10, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, you’ll find satisfying options without breaking the bank.

1. Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry

This Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal that won’t break the bank. Packed with colorful veggies and protein-rich chickpeas, it’s both satisfying and healthy. Serve it over rice for a complete dish that’s ready in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until softened.
2. Stir in bell pepper and chickpeas, cooking for about 5 minutes. Add soy sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve over cooked rice.

2. Taco Night with Ground Turkey

Taco night is a fun and easy way to bring everyone together for a delicious meal. Using ground turkey keeps it light and budget-friendly, making it perfect for a family dinner. Load up your tacos with fresh toppings like salsa, cheese, and cilantro for a tasty treat!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering for about 5 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. Assemble tacos by adding turkey mixture and your favorite toppings. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

3. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

This One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that won’t break the bank. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (any shape)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and dried basil.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

4. Chickpea Salad Wraps

Chickpea salad wraps are a tasty and budget-friendly meal option. Packed with protein and fresh veggies, they make for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt or vegan alternative
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large lettuce leaves or wraps
• Your choice of toppings (e.g., tomatoes, avocado, hot sauce)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork until slightly chunky.
2. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Lay out the lettuce leaves or wraps, fill with the chickpea mixture, and add any additional toppings. Roll up and enjoy!

5. Egg Fried Rice with Peas

Egg fried rice with peas is a quick and tasty meal that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice and can be made in just a few minutes. With a bit of soy sauce and some fresh peas, you’ll have a satisfying dish that’s both simple and delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.
2. Push the rice to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the rice.
3. Add the peas, soy sauce, and green onion. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

6. Vegetable Quesadillas

Vegetable quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal that won’t break the bank. Packed with colorful veggies and melted cheese, they make for a satisfying dish any time of day. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for a fun twist!

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and onion. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle half with cheese and add a portion of the sautéed veggies. Fold the tortilla in half.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
4. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.

7. Vegetable Pasta Primavera

Vegetable Pasta Primavera is a colorful and tasty dish that’s easy on the wallet. Packed with fresh veggies and tossed in a light sauce, it’s perfect for a quick meal. You can whip this up for under $10 and enjoy a healthy dinner!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (any type)
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, then add bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook until veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together, seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.

8. Hearty Vegetable Stir-Fry

This hearty vegetable stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal that won’t break the bank. Packed with colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Serve it over rice for a complete dish under $10!

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add broccoli and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve over cooked rice.

9. Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and tasty dish that anyone can whip up. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that won’t break the bank. Perfect for a quick dinner, this classic Italian recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
3. Combine: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and stir in chopped parsley.
4. Serve: Plate the spaghetti and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

10. Savory Chickpea Curry

This chickpea curry is a cozy dish that’s easy on the wallet. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner that won’t break the bank!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in curry powder and cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Serve the curry over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.