10 Delicious and Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes Under $10

Feeling the pinch of inflation at the grocery store? Don't worry, you can still enjoy delicious and satisfying dinners without breaking the bank. Here are 10 budget-friendly recipes that all clock in under $10 per serving. Get ready to cook up some culinary magic!

1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies

This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and a flavorful lemon herb sauce. It's a simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying meal. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
3. Spread the chicken and veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken and veggies.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

2. Creamy Tomato Pasta

This classic pasta dish is comforting, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly. You can use any type of pasta you like, and feel free to add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain pasta and add to the sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Speedy Tuna Noodle Casserole

This nostalgic dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. It's a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or turkey, too!

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) can tuna, drained
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked noodles (any kind)
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine tuna, soup, milk, and cheese. Stir until well combined.
3. Stir in cooked noodles.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

4. Easy Black Bean Burgers

These hearty black bean burgers are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. They're packed with protein and fiber, and they're incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse black beans, oats, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined but still slightly chunky.
2. Form mixture into 4 patties.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

5. Cheesy Chicken and Rice

This comforting casserole is a great way to stretch your chicken and rice. It's also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, soup, milk, cheese, and onion. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

6. Taco Soup

This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cold night. It's loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor, and it's super easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and your favorite taco toppings.

7. Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight meal. You can use any type of veggies you have on hand, and it's a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned.
2. Add broccoli, carrots, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, or until veggies are tender-crisp.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
4. Pour sauce over chicken and veggies. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until sauce is thickened.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

8. Lentil Soup

This hearty and healthy lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber. It's also incredibly affordable and can be made ahead of time for easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped carrot
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine lentils, tomatoes, broth, onion, celery, carrot, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

9. Veggie Pizza

This simple and customizable pizza is a great way to get your veggies in. It's also a fun and interactive meal that the whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-inch) pizza crust
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (your choice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Spread pizza sauce over pizza crust.
3. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and top with your favorite vegetables.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

This simple and elegant meal is surprisingly budget-friendly. It's packed with healthy fats and protein, and it's a great way to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1-pound) salmon fillet, skin on or off
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Place salmon fillet on top of asparagus.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and asparagus is tender-crisp.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy delicious and budget-friendly dinners all week long. Happy cooking!