Budget Recipe Blog

Delicious Meals That Won't Break the Bank

5 Cheap Dinner Ideas for Two Under $10

Total Cost: $9.50 for 2 servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes

Cooking for two on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety. These five dinner ideas prove you can eat well for under $10 total—that's less than $5 per person. Each recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

1. Garlic Butter Pasta with Spinach

Ingredients ($2.80 total)

  • 8 oz spaghetti ($0.60)
  • 3 cloves garlic ($0.20)
  • 2 tbsp butter ($0.40)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach ($1.00)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated ($0.60)
  • Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Top with Parmesan.

2. Budget Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients ($6.20 total)

  • 2 chicken thighs ($2.50)
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables ($1.20)
  • 2 cups cooked rice ($0.50)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.30)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil ($0.20)
  • 2 cloves garlic ($0.20)
  • 1 tsp ginger ($0.30)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp honey ($0.40)
  • Green onions for garnish ($0.60)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds.
  5. Add frozen vegetables and stir-fry 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add soy sauce and honey. Toss to combine.
  7. Serve over rice, garnish with green onions.

3. Black Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients ($3.80 total)

  • 4 flour tortillas ($1.20)
  • 1 can black beans, drained ($0.90)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($1.20)
  • 1/2 onion, diced ($0.30)
  • 1 tsp cumin ($0.20)
  • Optional: sour cream, salsa

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mash half the black beans with a fork. Mix with whole beans, cumin, and onion.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread half the bean mixture on one half, top with cheese.
  4. Fold tortilla in half and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
  5. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  6. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.

4. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Ingredients ($4.50 total)

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes ($1.20)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth ($0.40)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream ($0.60)
  • 1 onion ($0.50)
  • 2 cloves garlic ($0.20)
  • 4 slices bread ($0.60)
  • 2 slices cheese ($0.60)
  • 2 tbsp butter ($0.40)

Instructions

  1. Sauté diced onion and garlic in 1 tbsp butter until soft.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Blend until smooth (or leave chunky). Stir in cream.
  4. For grilled cheese: butter bread, add cheese, cook in skillet until golden on both sides.
  5. Serve soup with grilled cheese for dipping.

5. Simple Fried Rice

Ingredients ($3.40 total)

  • 3 cups cooked rice, cold ($0.80)
  • 2 eggs ($0.60)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots ($0.80)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce ($0.40)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil ($0.30)
  • 2 green onions ($0.50)
  • 2 cloves garlic ($0.20)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  2. Scramble eggs, remove from pan.
  3. Add remaining oil, garlic, and frozen vegetables. Stir-fry 2 minutes.
  4. Add cold rice, breaking up clumps. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Toss to combine.
  6. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Recommended Tools for Budget Cooking

Want to make these recipes even easier? These affordable kitchen essentials are worth the investment:

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Money-Saving Tips for Cooking for Two