Make These 28 Amazing Meals For $5 or Less
Cooking at home is great for your wallet and — for the most part — better for your health. But instead of getting stuck in a cooking rut and making the same recipes over and over again (we've been there), why not challenge yourself by trying out some of the best budget-friendly recipes we found on the web? It's the perfect excuse to test your skills in the kitchen and have a lot of fun while doing it. Plus, eating something delicious that you worked hard to create just makes it taste that much better. And at about $5 or less per serving, you definitely won't be breaking the bank with these homemade meals. Keep reading to check them out now, whether you're enjoying a solo dinner, a night in with friends, or a meal with your partner. Bon appétit!
Kimchi Fried Rice
The Kimchi fried rice is definitely not for the weak, but is for those who dare to love the strong, spicy flavor of Korea's iconic pickled veggies.
Italian Mac and Cheese
This Italian mac and cheese has a unique spin in that it's a hybrid of two popular dishes: pasta carbonara and mac and cheese. You won't believe how well the cheesy carbonara sauce goes with elbow pasta!
Barbecued Black-Eyed Peas
The barbecued black-eyed peas is a smokin' hot dish that will be a favorite because of its great taste and cost.
Spaghetti With Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes
This simple spaghetti dish has only six ingredients but will have you coming back for more.
Pasta Carbonara
Settle down with a plate of pasta carbonara, and you will feel so content.
Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash
Pasta without the carb overload? Sign me up! This shrimp and spaghetti squash seems too good to be true.
Spicy Sloppy Joes
The spicy sloppy joe is a great twist on a popular, budget-friendly burger.
Warm Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce
Yet another simple meal, the warm tofu with spicy garlic sauce would make a great main dish for a weeknight dinner.
Baked Eggs in Ham Cups
This high-protein dish of baked eggs in ham cups will have you salivating.
Red Lentil Tomato Soup
Get your dose of protein and fiber with this healthy lentil tomato soup.
Black Bean Salad
Add some crunch to your day with this black bean salad.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog
An upgrade on the American classic, this bacon-wrapped hot dog will leave you wanting more.
Panko-Crusted Fish Over Kale
This delicious meal of panko-crusted fish over kale is the perfect post-workout meal.
Eggs Baked in Avocado
An easy and delicious breakfast option? Baked eggs in avocado.
Cumin and Honey Baked Tofu
A bowl of cumin and honey baked tofu is perfect for those who love the taste of savory and sweet.
Lyonnaise Salad
There's no better duo than eggs and bacon. Top them on some greens to create the lyonnaise salad, and you'll have the recipe for success.
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons
What an upgrade! You'll never create a mess with this genius idea of tomato soup and grilled cheese croutons.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
This quinoa tabbouleh is quick, easy, and flavorful. It also tastes great when served either hot or cold.
Healthy Stuffed Peppers
Yum! Fill your belly with these delicious and healthy Paleo stuffed peppers.
Simple Bean Burger
This really easy bean burger will make the perfect meatless Monday meal.
Spicy Garlic Kale With Poached Eggs
Throw this simple but satisfying meal of spicy garlic kale and poached eggs together, and your wallet will thank you!
Tofu Chili With Black Beans
Who knew meatless chili could taste so good? Check out the awesome recipe for this spicy tofu black bean chili.
Tuna Salad Pitas
This tuna salad pita dish comes without the usual heavy mayo, but with a lot of flavor.
Avocado Toast
Simple but satisfying! Make this perfect avocado toast for an easy and cheap snack.
Veggie and Potato Frittata
Time to chop up those Spring veggies and treat yourself with this veggie and potato frittata.
Spiced Carrot Soup With Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini
This Middle Eastern-inspired spiced carrot soup has a creamy flavor although it doesn't require any cream.
Spinach Quinoa Scramble
This filling breakfast of spinach quinoa scramble will start your day off right.
Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Pasta
Just the photo of this roasted garlic and parmesan pasta has our mouths watering.