Dinner recipes that cost under $10 are the answer when you want great food without spending all day in the kitchen. These recipes balance convenience and taste, making them perfect for busy schedules and hungry families. Each one is worth trying at least once.

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti topped with cherry tomatoes, greens, shredded cheese, and herbs sits beside a fork, spoon, pepper grinder, and a yellow-checked napkin—an easy Dinner recipe perfect for budget meals under $10.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It doesn’t get much better than this easy but oh-so impressive pasta dish! Tomatoes, artichoke hearts, spinach, feta, and plenty of fresh herbs transform humble spaghetti into a show-stopping meal!
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

A white plate with multiple four cheese square ravioli served on a marble countertop; cooking ingredients visible in the background.
Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Get the step-by-step instructions to create your own homemade ravioli and filling and serve a delightful and satisfying homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

A plate of fried rice with tofu, peas, corn, carrots, and egg.
Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This tofu fried rice recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile and packed with healthy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Baked tender, sticky, and savory Asian chicken wings on a plate.
Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Baked Asian chicken wings are a delicious appetizer that features chicken wings seasoned with Asian flavors and then baked in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of creamy pasta with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon, sits on a red patterned cloth—perfect for those seeking budget meals or cheap dinner ideas, with vegetables and a bowl of grated cheese nearby.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta that is bursting with bright, lemony flavors and perfect for both busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Ground Beef and Noodles

A bowl of creamy beef stroganoff with egg noodles on a striped cloth next to a fork and a sprig of parsley.
Ground Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Ground Beef and Noodles are made with tender ground beef, flavorful pasta, and homemade beef gravy. It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl.
Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Smoked Sausage and Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. Make with smoked sausage, tender pasta, fresh vegetables all cooked in a creamy sauce. Your family will love it!
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A serving spoon lifting Salisbury steak with mushrooms and onions from a baking dish with sauce.
Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks are tender and flavorful ground beef patties that are simmered in an onion and mushroom gravy for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Baked Chicken and Orzo

A plate with baked chicken thigh and orzo pasta mixed with tomatoes, garnished with herbs, with a fork and knife beside.
Baked Chicken and Orzo. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Baked Chicken and Orzo is the perfect busy weeknight meal. Made with juicy chicken thighs, and fluffy rice it’s always a crowd-favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

A sliced quesadilla filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of red sauce.
Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps are a delicious and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love! Made with ground beef, cheese, and crunchy tostada shells, these wraps are perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beer braised short ribs on a plate on top of a bed of mashed potatoes.
Beer Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Beer Braised Short Ribs are a hearty and delicious meal. The rich and savory flavors of the tender beef, combined with the rich beer, make this dish a comforting and satisfying choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These golden, crispy chicken cutlets topped with Parmesan are a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. A simple recipe with bold flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Soy Garlic Chicken

Soy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Soy Garlic Chicken is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Chicken

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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