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🍲 Easy One-Pot Dinners Under $5

Budget Meals That Are Delicious, Simple & Wallet-Friendly

Looking for quick, easy dinners that won’t drain your wallet? These one-pot meals cost less than $5 to make and are perfect for weeknight cooking. With minimal ingredients, easy cleanup, and maximum flavor, they’re ideal for students, families, and busy professionals on a budget.

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Budget Dinners

  • 💸 Under $5 per recipe (serves 2–4!)
  • 🍳 One pot = less mess & less stress
  • ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes or less
  • 🥘 Simple pantry staples & easy to customize
  • 🧡 Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

📝 6 Best One-Pot Dinners Under $5

1. 🍅 One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Just pasta, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs — all cooked together in one pot for a creamy, starchy sauce.
✅ Vegetarian | ⏱️ Ready in 25 mins
🛒 Approx. Cost: $3.80
🔎 Search term: one pot tomato pasta cheap dinner

2. 🍛 Lentil & Rice Curry

Protein-packed lentils simmered with rice, onion, turmeric, and coconut milk or broth — super filling and nutritious.
✅ Vegan | ⏱️ 30 minutes
🛒 Approx. Cost: $4.50
🔎 Search term: cheap vegan curry one pot

3. 🐔 Chicken & Veggie Rice Skillet

Use leftover chicken or thighs with frozen veggies, rice, and a bouillon cube. A full meal in one pan!
✅ High-protein | ⏱️ 30 mins
🛒 Approx. Cost: $4.90
🔎 Search term: easy chicken rice one pan

4. 🥔 Cheesy Potato & Bean Stew

Diced potatoes, canned beans, carrots, and a handful of shredded cheese — thick, creamy, and ultra-budget-friendly.
✅ Vegetarian | ⏱️ 30 mins
🛒 Approx. Cost: $4.00
🔎 Search term: potato bean stew one pot cheap meal

5. 🌮 One-Pot Taco Pasta

Pasta, canned beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and a sprinkle of cheese — a Tex-Mex hit for kids and adults alike.
✅ Family-friendly | ⏱️ 25 mins
🛒 Approx. Cost: $4.75
🔎 Search term: taco pasta one pot budget recipe

6. 🥬 Cabbage Stir-Fry with Noodles

Cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and instant noodles tossed together for a fast, filling, and flavorful stir-fry.
✅ Vegan optional | ⏱️ 15–20 mins
🛒 Approx. Cost: $3.00
🔎 Search term: cabbage noodle stir fry cheap dinner

👩‍🍳 Money-Saving Cooking Tips

  • Shop store-brand or bulk dry goods like rice, beans, pasta, and spices
  • Use frozen veggies — cheaper, no waste, and just as nutritious
  • Repurpose leftovers (roast chicken, cooked rice) into new meals
  • Plan around what’s on sale and build flexible meals
  • Keep a “budget pantry” stocked with canned tomatoes, bouillon cubes, and onions

📦 Meal Prep & Storage

  • These recipes are great for meal prepping on a budget.
  • Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze portions of soups, stews, or curry for later — up to 2 months.

📌 Pin It for Later!

Delicious doesn’t have to be expensive.
Save these One-Pot Dinners Under $5 and cook smarter, not harder!

 Similar Recipes You May Like:

🍝 1. One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Tomato Sauce

Description: A simple, comforting pasta dish cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Why it’s similar: Budget-friendly ingredients and quick cooking time.
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and parmesan.

🍗 2. Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Vegetables

Description: Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks baked alongside seasonal veggies.
Why it’s similar: Uses affordable ingredients and feeds the whole family easily.
Main Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, potatoes, carrots, olive oil, herbs, and garlic.

🥔 3. Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole

Description: A hearty vegetarian casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and filling.
Why it’s similar: Perfect for budget cooking and uses pantry staples.
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, broccoli, shredded cheese, milk, butter, flour.

🌮 4. Ground Beef Tacos

Description: Classic tacos made with seasoned ground beef and simple toppings.
Why it’s similar: Inexpensive, customizable, and ready in 20 minutes.
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, tortillas, lettuce, tomato, cheese.

🍳 5. Vegetable Fried Rice

Description: A quick stir-fry using leftover rice and mixed veggies for a complete meal.
Why it’s similar: Cheap, fast, and easy — ideal for weeknight dinners.
Main Ingredients: Cooked rice, eggs, soy sauce, mixed vegetables, garlic, sesame oil.

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