5 Family Dinners Under $5 (That Actually Taste Good)

Five easy family dinners you can make for under $5 each - simple, filling meals that actually taste good and don’t feel like “budget food.”

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Garlic Butter Pasta

Approximate cost: ~$4–$5

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 4 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ cup grated parmesan

• salt & pepper

• parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

2. Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.

3. Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss with the garlic butter.

4. Sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper.

5. Garnish with parsley.
   ** Add a squeeze of lemon if you have it to brighten it up!

Boom — simple, comforting, and ridiculously cheap.

Cheesy Bean & Rice Skillet

Approximate cost: ~$4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice

• 1 can black beans (drained)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• 1 tsp taco seasoning

• ½ cup corn (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat rice, beans, and corn in a skillet.

2. Stir in taco seasoning.

3. Sprinkle cheese over the top.

4. Cover for a few minutes until cheese melts.
   ** Add some lime juice or Jalapeños if you want to elevate this dish

Egg Fried Rice

Approximate cost: ~$3–$4

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice

• 3 eggs

• ½ cup frozen vegetables

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

1. Scramble eggs in a large skillet and set aside.

2. Heat oil in the pan and add rice.

3. Stir in frozen vegetables and soy sauce.

4. Add eggs back to the pan and mix.
   * Perfect with YumYum Saucse!

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Approximate cost: ~$4–$5

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• salt & pepper

• chives (if you like)

Instructions

1. Bake potatoes at 400°F for about 45 minutes.

2. Slice open and fluff the inside.

3. Add butter, cheese, and sour cream (and chives).

4. Season with salt and pepper.
   **If you have some in the fridge or a few extra $$ - add bacon or ham bits!

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese & Soup

Approximate cost: ~$5

Ingredients

• 8 slices bread

• 4 slices cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 can tomato soup

Instructions

1. Butter bread and make grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet.

2. Heat tomato soup according to directions.

3. Serve sandwiches with soup for dipping.