15 Delicious Dinners for $5 or Less

Eating at home can save you money, but it can be hard to find recipes that are both satisfying and economical. Making a healthy and delicious dinner for around $5 may seem impossible, but if you plan your meals and shop special sales, you can maximize your savings and still eat well. Here are 15 delicious dinners for $5 or less that we know you’ll love.

Crockpot Pulled Pork

Source: The Good Stuff

Pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd pleaser, and the leftover meat freezes well. A stocked spice cabinet will make this easier on your wallet.

Southwestern Pasta

Source: The Good Stuff

Pasta, frozen veggies, and parmesan cheese make this a quick meal that’s packed with flavor.

Moroccan Meatloaf

Source: The Good Stuff

Meatloaf is as traditional as you can get, but this twist on a classic is an great choice for the chef who is wanting to branch out of their comfort zone.

Pasta with Herb Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Source: See Mom Click

Pasta is an obvious choice here, but there are ways to make it more interesting. Roast fresh tomatoes with basil and oregano and toss with your favorite pasta for a delicious and wallet-friendly dinner.

Garlic Mushroom Quinoa

Source: Damn Delicious

Fresh mushrooms and quinoa are both full of flavor and protein, making it an ideal $5 dinner. Add a green salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Lentil Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage

Source: Bon Appétit

Purchase your Italian sausage on sale, and this hearty soup will make for good eats all week long.

Healthy and Comforting Cream of Turkey Soup

Source: The Good Stuff

Get more mileage out of your leftover turkey or chicken with this rich and creamy soup, perfect for chilly nights.

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino

Source: POPSUGAR

This traditional Italian dish (translated as spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili pepper flakes) can be made for pennies per serving, and will really remind you that the simplest foods are the most satisfying.

Sloppy Joes

Source: The Pioneer Woman

Sloppy joes are a classic American go-to dinner, and making them from scratch takes this recipe to a whole new level. If you like your food a bit spicy, try adding jalapeno slices on top.

Vegetable Polenta Casserole

Source: Budget Bytes

Loaded with veggies and topped with cheese, this recipe is the definition of comfort food. You can easily use dairy free cheese on top to make this a vegan recipe if you choose — this casserole is flexible for most dietary restrictions.

Cream of Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Source: Oh Sweet Basil

Homemade cream of tomato soup paired with a toasty grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless classic and wonderfully affordable.

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas

Source: Budget Bytes

Quesadillas can be perfected with the addition of just a couple of extra ingredients. Add beans, cheese, onions, cilantro, and some taco seasoning, and you have an explosion of flavor.

P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef

Source: Creme de la Crumb

There is so much flavor in this Mongolian beef, you may never order takeout again. Tip: this recipe is extremely affordable if you frequently make Asian food, but please note that if you don’t have the ingredients on hand, you’ll spend more than $5 on this dinner.

Green Beans Chicken and Potatoes

Source: High Heels and Grills

This dish is packed with flavor, takes minutes to assemble, and is a real crowd-pleaser. If you don’t have fresh green beans on hand, use canned.

Poverty Meal

Source: KitchMe

Goulash is a traditional beef, pasta, and tomato dish that is both delicious and flavorful. Look for a great deal on ground beef or ground turkey, and add some paprika for a flavor boost.