A tight budget doesn’t mean boring meals. These easy recipes show how far a few basic ingredients can go when you use them well. From soups to pastas to slow-cooker favorites, each dish costs under ten dollars and still feels satisfying, flexible and doable on any busy weeknight.
#1: Dirty Rice
Dirty rice is a simple mix of ground beef, onions, bell pepper and celery cooked with Cajun seasoning. Add peas, carrots, uncooked rice, water and bouillon, then simmer until the rice is tender. It’s a full meal in one pot and stays budget friendly while still tasting hearty.
