Home
Recipes
🛒 Kitchen Essentials
Home › Recipes
› Cheap Dinner Ideas for Two
🍝
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.
🛒 Recommended for This Recipe
Budget-friendly kitchen tools that make this recipe easier (all under $80)
Amazon affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat.
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
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds.
Add frozen vegetables and stir-fry 3-4 minutes.
Add soy sauce and honey. Toss to combine.
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
In a bowl, mash half the black beans with a fork. Mix with whole beans, cumin, and onion.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread half the bean mixture on one half, top with cheese.
Fold tortilla in half and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
Repeat with remaining tortillas.
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
Sauté diced onion and garlic in 1 tbsp butter until soft.
Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Simmer 15 minutes.
Blend until smooth (or leave chunky). Stir in cream.
For grilled cheese: butter bread, add cheese, cook in skillet until golden on both sides.
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
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Scramble eggs, remove from pan.
Add remaining oil, garlic, and frozen vegetables. Stir-fry 2 minutes.
Add cold rice, breaking up clumps. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes.
Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Toss to combine.
Garnish with sliced green onions.
Money-Saving Tips for Cooking for Two
Buy in bulk: Rice, pasta, and frozen vegetables are cheaper per serving when bought in larger quantities.Use leftovers: Cook extra rice or pasta to use in fried rice or quick pasta dishes later in the week.Shop seasonal: Fresh spinach and vegetables are cheaper when in season.Compare prices: Store brands are often just as good as name brands at half the cost.
© 2026 Budget Recipe Blog. All rights reserved.
This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.