When I first started living on my own, the idea of cooking dinner every night felt like a daunting and expensive task. I quickly realized that delicious meals didn’t have to break the bank or take hours to prepare. That’s why I’m so excited to share these fantastic quick recipes for 9 dinners, all coming in under $10! Forget the takeout menus; you’re about to become a weeknight wizard.
Why You’ll Love These Dinners Under $10
In today’s world, everyone is looking for smart ways to save time and money without sacrificing flavor. These recipes hit that sweet spot perfectly. They’re designed for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast, but also when your grocery budget is feeling a little tight. Think wholesome ingredients, simple steps, and hearty results that will please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or looking for budget-friendly meal prep ideas, these dinners are your new go-to.
> “I usually dread weeknight cooking, but these recipes have been a game-changer! Quick, cheap, and actually delicious. My wallet and my taste buds are equally happy.”
Preparing Your Quick Dinners
The beauty of these quick recipes is their straightforward approach. While each meal has its unique steps, the general flow is designed for efficiency. You’ll often start with some quick chopping, move to a stovetop or oven for cooking, and then quickly assemble or serve. Many rely on pantry staples and fresh, affordable produce, meaning less time hunting for obscure ingredients and more time cooking. The key here is organization: a little mise en place (having your ingredients prepped before you start) goes a long way in making these dinners truly speedy.
What You’ll Need
Each of the nine recipes will have its own specific ingredient list, but generally, you’ll be working with readily available and budget-friendly items.
Key Ingredients (Common suspects across these meals):
- Proteins: Ground beef, chicken thighs, canned tuna, eggs, canned beans (e.g., black beans, cannellini beans)
- Grains: Rice, pasta, tortillas, bread
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, spinach, potatoes
- Dairy/Fats: Cheese (shredded cheddar, Parmesan), milk, butter, olive oil
- Pantry Staples: Broth, various spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano), soy sauce, hot sauce
(Keep an eye out for sales on these foundational items to maximize your savings!)
Directions to Follow
Here’s a general outline of the steps you can expect across these 9 quick dinners. Full detailed instructions for each individual recipe can be found below.
- Prep: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Depending on the recipe, this might involve chopping vegetables, opening cans, or measuring out spices. This pre-prep is crucial for speed.
- Cook Protein (if applicable): If your dish includes meat, fowl, or eggs, you’ll typically cook this first in a skillet or pot until browned or cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Many recipes start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavor base.
- Add Vegetables & Liquids: Incorporate your chosen vegetables, canned goods like tomatoes or beans, and liquids such as broth or water.
- Simmer/Cook Grains/Pasta: If your dish includes rice or pasta cooked in the same pot, you’ll add these next and simmer until tender, absorbing the liquid and flavors.
- Season & Finish: Stir in spices, adjust seasonings, and add any final touches like cheese or fresh herbs just before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy Your Under-$10 Dinners
The beauty of these quick meals isn’t just their speed and cost, but also their versatility in serving.
- Laissez-faire: Many of these dishes are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, served straight from the pot or pan. Think one-pan pastas or hearty chili.
- Simple Sides: If you want to round out the meal a bit, a simple side like a quick green salad with a vinaigrette, some warmed crusty bread, or a spoonful of plain yogurt or sour cream (depending on the dish) can elevate it without adding much cost or time.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle of fresh herbs (if you have them), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime to brighten flavors and make the dish feel a bit more special.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Most of these quick dinners are excellent candidates for leftovers, making them perfect for lunch the next day!
- Storage: Once cooled to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to label containers if you’re preparing multiple meals.
- Reheating: Most dishes reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if things seem a little dry during reheating.
- Freezing: Some of these dishes, particularly those with a sauce base like chili or pasta dishes without cream, freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Label clearly with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Food Safety: Always ensure that reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Want to make these quick recipes even quicker and more delicious? Here are a few pro tips:
- Meal Planning is Key: Take 15 minutes at the start of the week to plan out which of these dinners you’ll make. This allows you to create a smart grocery list and avoid impulse buys.
- Batch Cook Grains: Cook a larger batch of rice or pasta on Sunday. This drastically cuts down on active cooking time when you’re making dishes that require cooked grains.
- Utilize Frozen Veggies: Don’t shy away from frozen chopped onions, bell peppers, or mixed vegetables. They’re just as nutritious, often cheaper, and save you precious chopping time.
- Season as You Go: Instead of waiting until the end, season lightly at different stages of cooking. This builds layers of flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your food before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch more salt, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon can make a huge difference.
Creative Twists
While these recipes are solid as written, feel free to use them as a springboard for your own culinary creativity!
- Protein Swap: Most ground meat dishes can easily use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian spin. Canned tuna can often substitute for chicken in creamy or saucy dishes.
- Veggie Boost: Have some sad-looking spinach or bell peppers in the fridge? Toss them in! Most savory dishes welcome extra vegetables.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends. A little smoked paprika can add depth, while a pinch of cayenne can bring the heat.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs are a low-cost way to finish a dish. Parsley, cilantro, or green onions can brighten almost any savory meal.
- Cheese Please: Don’t have the recommended cheese? Use what you have on hand – a sprinkle of mozzarella, a grating of Parmesan, or even a dollop of cream cheese can add richness.
Your Questions Answered
FAQ: How can these meals really be under $10?
These meals are designed with budget in mind by focusing on affordable ingredients like ground meat, eggs, beans, pasta, rice, and seasonal or frozen vegetables. The cost is calculated based on average grocery prices for the components, assuming you have basic pantry staples like oil and common spices. Buying on sale, using store brands, and optimizing quantities for portions are also key.
FAQ: Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Many of the recipes can be easily adapted. For ground meat, consider swapping in lentils, black beans, or a plant-based crumble. Dairy can often be replaced with plant-based milk, cheese alternatives, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Eggs can sometimes be replaced with tofu scrambles or plant-based egg substitutes. Look for specific notes within each recipe for easy swaps.
FAQ: Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
Many of these recipes are indeed freezer-friendly, especially those that are soup, stew, or casserole-like. Dishes with pasta or rice can sometimes become a bit softer after freezing and reheating, but are usually still delicious. Items like egg-based scrambles are generally best made fresh. Always cool food completely before freezing in airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Quick Lemon-Herb Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or quick-cooking pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- lemon Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Cook linguine as directed on the package, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes, tossing to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve the dish immediately.