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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » 16 Cheap Dinner Ideas {Meals Around $10}

16 Cheap Dinner Ideas {Meals Around $10}

4/4/22

These cheap and easy dinner ideas prove that you can eat healthy on a budget – they can all be made for around $10 or less!

A collage of four different recipes with the text "Healthy Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Recipes" layered over top.

Cheap Meals

Just because you’re cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on flavour. There are tons of delicious recipes out there that cost around $10. I rounded up some of my favourite recipes that are as affordable as they are tasty and will help take your meal budget even further. They’ll keep your wallet and your stomach happy!

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Save Money by Meal Planning

If you want to save even more money, meal planning is the way to go. By having all your meals for the week organized in advance, you can plan out what ingredients you need and save on your grocery bill. You also won’t be reaching for the takeout menus as often since you’ll already have a home-cooked meal ready to go in the fridge.

What Can You Cook For Under $10?

Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean bland. There are a range of meals you can cook for around $10 that are super flavourful – and you won’t even be able to tell they were that cheap! Check out some of my favourites below.

Watch how to make some of these recipes on YouTube!

Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagnas

35 minutes
Estimated Cost: $9.60
These Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups are such a cute individual serving size version of everyone's favourite comfort food, lightened up!
Make this recipe
Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 2.5mg
Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups

Chana Masala {Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Stovetop}

30 minutes
Estimated Cost: $9.80
Chana Masala is a delicious vegan chickpea curry made from pantry staples. Make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker or stovetop.
Make this recipe
Calories: 735kcal | Carbohydrates: 129g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 777mg | Potassium: 1466mg | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 2552IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 12mg
Instant Pot Chana Masala

Meal Prep Individual Taco Pizza

40 minutes
Estimated Cost: $12.80
This Meal Prep Individual Taco Pizza is a great way to save time and money by doing some weekly batch cooking. And it's a healthy, fun twist on pizza that you're going to love – you can freeze these mini pizzas for work too!
Make this recipe
Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 10.7mg | Calcium: 440mg | Iron: 5.6mg
Meal Prep Individual Taco Pizza

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

30 minutes
Estimated Cost: $10.90
This ground turkey stir fry is the easiest recipe ever! It's low carb too – all you need is ground turkey, bell peppers, carrots and coleslaw mix. It's a great weeknight dinner idea.
Make this recipe
Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 369mg | Potassium: 725mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3737IU | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg
Ground Turkey Stir Fry

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Jars {Vegan}

15 minutes
Estimated Cost: $11.20
These Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Jars with artichokes & sundried tomatoes are the perfect plant-based meal prep lunch idea!
Make this recipe
Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 453mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 9.1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 5.2mg
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Jars

Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice {Healthy Dump Dinner}

4 hours 15 minutes
Estimated Cost: $11.70
The Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice is so easy to make in your slow cooker – and no soup can is required! Just add frozen veggies, sour cream and cheese.
Make this recipe
Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 566mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3411IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 2mg
Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Turmeric Lentil Soup {Vegan}

40 minutes
Estimated Cost: $11.50
This Instant Pot Turmeric Lentil Soup is a vibrant vegan soup made with immunity-boosting turmeric that's ready in just 20 minutes.
Make this recipe
Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 1257mg | Fiber: 22g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5609IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 9mg
Instant Pot Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup

Super Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies

55 minutes
Estimated Cost: $12.60
These Super Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies are a healthier, lighter version of your favourite comfort food made with puff pastry in the perfect individual serving size!
Make this recipe
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 882mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 7800IU | Vitamin C: 34.7mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Super Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Healthy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

30 minutes
Estimated Cost: $8.60
This Healthier Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with broccoli and white cheddar is comfort food that comes together with less than 10 ingredients!
Make this recipe
Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 580mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 540mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Instant Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich

25 minutes
Estimated Cost: $9.50
This Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious, healthy lunch idea filled with avocado, spinach, sprouts, havarti and mozzarella! 
Make this recipe
Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 794mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1232IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 448mg | Iron: 3mg
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese

Copycat Chili's Texas Cheese Fries {Oven-Baked}

45 minutes
Estimated Cost: $10.80
These Copycat Chili’s Texas Cheese Fries will satisfy all your cravings, made with homemade fries, crispy bacon and creamy ranch on the side.
Make this recipe
Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 611mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 504IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 2mg
Texas Cheese Fries

The BEST Arugula Salad

45 minutes
Estimated Cost: $12.90
Inspired by Aroma Espresso Bar, is the BEST Arugula Salad with lentils, sweet potatoes and lemon-olive oil dressing. You can meal prep it, too!
Make this recipe
Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 1030mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 17294IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 6mg
The BEST Arugula Salad

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup {Super Easy}

30 minutes
Estimated Cost: $13.40
This easy Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a delicious spin on the Italian classic that comes together in less than 20 minutes.
Make this recipe
Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 674mg | Potassium: 789mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3550IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 4.1mg
Super Easy Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Garlic Chicken Collard Wraps {Low-Carb}

30 minutes
Estimated Cost: $13.40
These Garlic Chicken Collard Wraps are a healthy and low-carb meal prep idea with fresh veggies and a creamy vegan garlic sauce!
Make this recipe
Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 34g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3680IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 1mg
Low Carb Garlic Chicken Collard Wraps

Southwest Quinoa Salad

1 hour
Estimated Cost: $7.80
These Quinoa Salad Recipes are full of protein! Choose from 5 flavours: southwest, curried, Mediterranean, caprese, or green goddess.
Make this recipe
Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1033IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg
Quinoa Salad 5 Ways

Green Goddess Vegan Broccoli Soup

25 minutes
Estimated Cost: $10.39
This Green Goddess Vegan Broccoli Soup is topped with kale chips and packed with leafy greens – you won't even notice it's dairy-free!
Make this recipe
Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 862mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4276IU | Vitamin C: 132mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 2mg
Green Goddess Vegan Broccoli Soup + Kale Chips
These cheap and easy dinner ideas prove that you can eat healthy on a budget - they can all be made for around $10 or less! #budgetrecipes #healthyonabudget These cheap and easy dinner ideas prove that you can eat healthy on a budget - they can all be made for around $10 or less! #budgetrecipes #healthyonabudget

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About Taylor Stinson

Hey there, my name's Taylor! I’m the founder of The Girl on Bloor, a food blog where I share healthy meal prep recipes for busy people. I'm a busy city girl living in downtown Toronto on (you guessed it!) Bloor Street. I've got 10 years experience meal prepping, along with a Master's degree in journalism, and you can find my work across the internet featured on publications such as Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, Reader's Digest and more. I also run the awesome 5-Day Meal Prep Challenge, which is a free email course and Facebook group where I share my meal planning strategies and easy meal prep tips and recipes. Be sure to check out my free beginner’s guide to meal prep and follow me on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to get my latest recipes and meal prep tips!

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Taylor Stinson

Oh hey there, welcome!!

I'm Taylor Stinson, a busy city girl living in downtown Toronto. Looking to switch up your weekly meal prep routine? I've got you covered with healthy recipes and meal planning resources. Join 1.5 million other monthly readers and dive in! MORE ABOUT ME..

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