Grocery shopping is an expensive affair these days; however, when it comes to food, they are not all too wasteful. On some occasions, one is not even trying to save money but wants to prepare simple and inexpensive dinners; these dirt-cheap meal ideas will satisfy your belly without doing too much damage to your pockets.
Some of these meals cost just a couple of dollars and require pantry ingredients that you most probably have on hand.
Here are 30 quick-fix and filling meals that are easy on the pocket and are fit for any frugal kitchen.
30 Dirt Cheap Meals👇Under 7 Dollar
1. Rice and Beans ($2-$4 per meal)
A classic staple for a reason! Cook rice and mix it with canned or dried beans, spices, and a little cheese for a simple yet hearty meal. Add a side of cornbread for extra comfort.
2. Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil ($3 per meal)
Cook spaghetti and toss it with sautéed garlic in olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly.
3. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup ($4 per meal)
A childhood favorite that’s cheap and comforting! Use store-brand bread, cheese, and canned tomato soup for a filling meal under $5.
4. Pancakes and Eggs ($3 per meal)
Breakfast for dinner is always a hit! Make a stack of pancakes from a mix and pair it with scrambled eggs for a cheap, satisfying meal.
5. Ramen with Vegetables and Egg ($2 per meal)
Upgrade instant ramen by adding frozen veggies and a fried or boiled egg. Toss in soy sauce or chili flakes for an extra kick.
6. Baked Potatoes with Toppings ($3 per meal)
Bake some large potatoes and top them with butter, cheese, sour cream, and whatever leftovers you have in the fridge!
7. Sloppy Joes ($5 per meal)
Ground beef, tomato sauce, and seasonings served on hamburger buns make for a cheap and tasty dinner. Swap beef for lentils or beans for an even cheaper version.
8. Homemade Pizza ($5 per meal)
Use store-bought pizza dough (or make your own) and top it with tomato sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings you have on hand.
9. Mac and Cheese ($4 per meal)
A homemade version using pasta, butter, milk, and cheese is cheaper and tastier than the boxed version!
10. Chili with Cornbread ($6 per meal)
Use canned beans, tomatoes, ground beef (optional), and spices for a hearty meal that stretches. Cornbread on the side makes it even better.
11. Tuna Salad Sandwiches ($4 per meal)
Canned tuna, mayo, and some chopped celery or onion make a delicious and protein-packed sandwich.
12. Chicken and Rice Casserole ($6 per meal)
Use chicken thighs (cheaper than breasts), rice, and a can of cream soup for a filling dish that feeds a family.
13. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice ($5 per meal)
Use frozen or fresh veggies, soy sauce, and a little oil to stir-fry over rice. Add tofu or eggs for extra protein.
14. Cabbage and Noodles ($3 per meal)
Sauté cabbage with butter and mix with cooked egg noodles for an ultra-cheap yet tasty dish.
15. Lentil Soup ($4 per meal)
Lentils, canned tomatoes, garlic, and some spices make a healthy, hearty, and super affordable soup.
16. Fried Rice ($4 per meal)
Use leftover rice, eggs, soy sauce, and frozen veggies for a quick and cheap meal.
17. Bean Burritos ($5 per meal)
Canned refried beans, tortillas, cheese, and salsa make for a filling, inexpensive meal.
18. Egg Salad Sandwiches ($4 per meal)
Hard-boiled eggs mashed with mayo and mustard create a cheap and tasty sandwich filling.
19. Stuffed Peppers ($6 per meal)
Use rice, beans, or ground meat to stuff bell peppers and bake them with tomato sauce.
20. Shepherd’s Pie ($7 per meal)
Use mashed potatoes, ground beef, and frozen veggies for a warm, comforting dish.
21. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches ($3 per meal)
A classic, simple, and super cheap meal idea for a quick bite.
22. Meatless Spaghetti ($4 per meal)
Skip the meat and make spaghetti with canned tomato sauce and some seasonings.
23. Veggie Omelet ($4 per meal)
Use eggs, cheese, and any leftover veggies for a protein-packed, budget-friendly meal.
24. Hot Dogs and Baked Beans ($5 per meal)
A cheap and nostalgic dinner using store-brand hot dogs and canned baked beans.
25. Cornbread and Beans ($3 per meal)
Cornbread mix and a pot of seasoned beans make for a Southern-style, budget-friendly dinner.
26. Tuna Pasta Salad ($5 per meal)
Pasta, canned tuna, mayo, and some chopped veggies make for a filling meal or side dish.
27. BBQ Chicken Thighs and Rice ($6 per meal)
Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and taste amazing when baked with BBQ sauce.
28. Vegetable Soup ($4 per meal)
Use any leftover veggies, canned tomatoes, and broth for a hearty soup.
29. Cheap Tacos ($6 per meal)
Use ground turkey or beans, tortillas, cheese, and salsa for affordable tacos.
30. Baked Ziti ($7 per meal)
Pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese baked together for a warm, delicious meal.
Also Cook- 18 Super Tasty Healthy Crockpot Recipes To Try in 2025!
Final Thoughts
Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. These 30 dirt-cheap meals prove that you can cook satisfying, delicious food without breaking the bank. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking for ways to save on groceries, these easy and affordable meal ideas will keep your wallet happy and your stomach full.
Try them out and see how much you can save on your grocery bill!