15 Dinner Ideas That Cost Under $5/Plate

15 Dinner Ideas that Cost Under $5 Per Plate

Are you trying to feed the family on a budget? Cutting corners doesn’t mean you have to cut flavor. These 15 dinner ideas cost under $5 per plate (or per ingredients as a whole). Make your weekly grocery bill so much lighter by using this list as your guide.

Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas for the Whole Family

1. Slow Cooker Chili Mac from $5 Dinners

Slow Cooker Chili Mac from $5 Dinners

Chili mac is a family-friendly treat that everyone loves to chow down on. It may not be the healthiest (although you can definitely make it healthier using ground turkey) but it sure is yummy. Add toppings like cheese and sour cream to personalize.

2. Smoky Black Bean Soup from Budget Bytes

Smoky Black Bean Soup from Budget Bytes

Soups are usually budget friendly – and that goes for this spicy black bean soup. We love adding a bit of cornbread and cheese toppings to this one.

3. Ground Beef Cabbage from Savory Tooth

Ground Beef Cabbage from Savory Tooth

For those that like cabbage – this one is right up your alley. All the ingredients are fresh and delicious – and none break the bank.

4. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies from i heart naptime

Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies from i heart naptime

Sheet pan dinners are so easy to whip up. They’re a no-fuss option that we love and they can be really budget-friendly too – like this sausage and veg option.

5. Pressure Cooker Creamy Baked Ziti from This Old Gal

Pressure Cooker Creamy Baked Ziti from This Old Gal

Grab the pressure cooker and a this short list of ingredients. You’ll be able to whip up a hearty meal in no-time. But don’t forget some shredded mozzarella to go atop!

6. Bean & Cheese Quesadillas from Taste of Home

Bean & Cheese Quesadillas from Taste of Home

Bean and cheese quesadillas are a hearty and kid-friendly option as well if you’re looking to feed the entire fam. Whip up some fresh salsa and sour cream to top it all off.

7. Bacon & Potato Layer Baker from Fab Food 4 All

Bacon & Potato Layer Baker from Fab Food 4 All

This bacon and potato layer bake is hearty enough to stand on its own or as a luxurious side dish for a night where you’re cooking up steaks. Green salads make easy accompaniments as well.

8. Vegetarian Fried Rice from Served From Scratch

Vegetarian Fried Rice from Served From Scratch

Variations of fried rice are always a wonderfully easy-on-the-wallet, tasty, and family-friendly treat. And this one is all about the veggies!

9. Spicy Sloppy Joes from POPSUGAR

Spicy Sloppy Joes from POPSUGAR

Sloppy joes are easy and fun as well – and this one is infused with a spicy kick! Top them with homemade coleslaw!

10. Baked Chicken Tenders from Something Silly

Baked Chicken Tenders from Something Silly

Surprisingly, you can whip up some healthier chicken tenders for everyone in the family and still stay on budget for the week. Take the leap and follow the recipe tonight!

11. Honey Garlic Chicken from That Frugal Foodie

Honey Garlic Chicken from That Frugal Foodie

Whip up your favorite Chinese takeout menu item without breaking the bank. White rice goes along with it quite nice.

12. Sweet Potato Red Curry Stir Fry from Happy Kitchen

Sweet Potato Red Curry Stir Fry from Happy Kitchen

This is a wonderful vegetarian option and because its sans meat, it is incredibly inexpensive as well. Spice up weeknights with this recipe!

13. Spaghetti with Garlic & Olive Oil from Veggies Save the Day

Spaghetti with Garlic & Olive Oil from Veggies Save the Day

Some of the simplest recipes seem to go over the best. Spaghetti with a bit of garlic and olive oil can be quite delicious. Sprinkle some fresh parm on top too!

14. Parsley Parmesan Pasta from Brooklyn Farm Girls

Parsley Parmesan Pasta from Brooklyn Farm Girls

Here’s another simple pasta dish that’s easy to whip up and easy to buy as well. Rigatoni is fun for the kids and the parmesan is nice on everyone’s taste buds.

15. Chicken Pot Pie Fettucini from Whole & Heavenly Oven

Chicken Pot Pie Fettucini from Whole & Heavenly Oven

And finally, combine pasta with all the indulgent flavors of chicken pot pie. This innovative dish will quickly become a family favorite.