5 Budget-Friendly Recipes Under $10

When it comes to feeding a family or saving money as a single person, you don't always need to look far or spend a lot. This post explores five delectable recipes, each with a budget-friendly price tag of under $10. These meals not only fit into a tight budget but also guarantee flavor and nutrition, proving that good food doesn't always mean expensive.

1. Lentil Soup with Garlic Bread

Our first meal is the classic Lentil Soup, known for its warmth and comforting taste. Here’s what you need:

• 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt, pepper, and your choice of spices

🍲 Note: Lentils are a fantastic protein source and are usually inexpensive; look for them in the bulk section of your grocery store for the best value.

Ingredients for Garlic Bread

• 1 French baguette or similar bread
• 2 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon of dried parsley (optional)

Instructions

Lentil Soup:

1. Heat a bit of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften.
2. Add the garlic, cook for an extra minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Pour in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and spices to taste.

Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the butter with minced garlic and parsley (if using).
3. Slice the bread lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy.

2. Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole

Tuna is versatile, affordable, and perfect for an easy Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can of tuna (in water, drained)
• 1 pound of pasta (rotini, elbow macaroni, or penne)
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or any melting cheese)
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Add tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, and ¹⁄₂ cup of cheese to the pasta. Mix well.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

3. Egg Fried Rice

Fried rice is a global favorite, and it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Here are the essentials:

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold and day-old for best results)
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh; carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• Sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Scramble the eggs in a hot wok or large pan with a bit of oil, remove, and set aside.
2. In the same pan, stir-fry the onions until translucent, then add vegetables and cook until just tender.
3. Add rice and stir-fry until the rice is hot. Return the eggs to the pan.
4. Season with soy sauce, stir well, and drizzle with sesame oil if using.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

🍳 Note: If you’re using day-old rice, this dish is a great way to use up leftovers, making it an even more economical choice.

4. Black Bean Tacos

Beans are a staple in many cuisines, and Black Bean Tacos are both healthy and delicious. Here’s what you need:

• 2 cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning or homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, cheese, and sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat black beans with taco seasoning in a pot over medium heat until hot. You can add a bit of water if you need to loosen the mixture.
2. Warm tortillas either in a pan or directly over a gas flame for a charred taste.
3. Assemble tacos with beans and toppings of your choice.

5. Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake

This hearty Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake is a crowd-pleaser and remarkably affordable. Here are the ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (sliced thin)
• 1 head of broccoli (cut into florets)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer half of the potatoes in a baking dish, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Layer broccoli florets on top, then add another layer of potatoes. Season again.
4. Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts. Pour over the potato-broccoli layers.
5. Cover with cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly browned.

🌿 Note: This recipe is versatile; feel free to add other veggies or swap the potato for sweet potato for a different twist.

In this era where every penny counts, these recipes not only help you manage your budget but also ensure that you're feeding yourself or your family with nutritious and satisfying meals. From the humble lentils to the versatile black beans, these dishes show that you can create a diverse and delicious meal plan without breaking the bank. By choosing affordable ingredients and focusing on flavors, you can make every meal memorable and delightful.

Can I make these recipes with gluten-free ingredients?

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Absolutely! Most of these recipes can be adapted for a gluten-free diet. Here are some tips:

• Use gluten-free pasta in the Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole.
• Opt for gluten-free soy sauce in Egg Fried Rice or make sure your broth is gluten-free.
• Use gluten-free flour tortillas or corn tortillas for the Black Bean Tacos.

How can I make these meals vegetarian or vegan?

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Many of the recipes listed are already vegetarian or can be easily modified:

• For the Lentil Soup, skip the garlic bread or use a vegan recipe.
• Replace the tuna with chickpeas or a meat substitute in the Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole.
• Egg Fried Rice can be vegan if you skip the eggs or use a vegan egg substitute.
• Black Bean Tacos are naturally vegan if you choose vegan toppings like avocado or salsa.
• For the Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake, use a vegan cheese substitute and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

How long do these dishes typically last in the fridge?

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When stored properly in an airtight container, most of these dishes will last:

• 4-5 days for Lentil Soup and Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole.
• Egg Fried Rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, as rice can dry out.
• Black Bean Tacos and the filling can last for up to a week, but the tortillas might not stay as fresh.
• Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake is good for 3-4 days, though it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for the best texture.