10 cheap meals I make for under $5

10 cheap meals I make for under $5

Feeding your family doesn't have to blow your grocery budget. Some of the cheapest meals I make are the ones that get requested the most. I'm not talking about fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen-I'm talking real food that fills everyone up without costing more than $5 total.

These are the meals I reach for when I need to stretch what's left in the fridge and still get something hot on the table.

Rice, beans, and cornbread

Dry pinto beans, white rice, and a cheap box of cornbread mix go a long way. You can season the beans with broth or a bouillon cube, add garlic and onion if you've got them, and serve the rice underneath. One pound of dry beans makes a massive amount of food. Add a box of Jiffy and you've got a full meal for about $3.50 total.

Scrambled eggs and toast

Eggs are one of the most affordable proteins, especially if you get the 60-count pack. Scramble them with salt, pepper, and a little butter or oil, then toast up a few slices of bread. You can add shredded cheese or veggies if you've got extras on hand, but even plain, it's filling and cheap. This one runs about $4 for the whole family.

Spaghetti with jarred sauce

A box of pasta is still under $1, and the cheapest jar of marinara can be found for around $1.50. Add some oil, garlic, or dried herbs to stretch the flavor, and you've got a family-sized dinner for under $3. If you need extra protein, adding one or two scrambled eggs into the sauce actually works and doesn't taste weird.

Quesadillas

Tortillas and shredded cheese are a go-to in my kitchen. You can make a big stack of quesadillas for under $5, especially if you buy your tortillas and cheese in bulk. Add refried beans or leftover meat if you've got some, but plain cheese and tortilla with a side of salsa is cheap and still hits the spot.

Pancakes and eggs

You can make a whole batch of pancakes with flour, eggs, milk, and a little baking powder or use a $1.25 boxed mix. Serve them with scrambled eggs on the side, and you've got a breakfast-for-dinner meal that's cheap and filling. Syrup adds a few cents more per serving, but it still keeps the total under $5.

Tuna patties and rice

One can of tuna, an egg, a little flour or breadcrumbs, and some seasoning can make three or four tuna patties. Fry them in oil until golden. Serve with rice and any frozen or canned veggie you've got on hand. It's a fast, protein-packed meal that usually comes out to around $4.50 for the whole thing.

Baked potatoes with toppings

Potatoes are still one of the cheapest foods per pound. Bake them, split them open, and load them up with butter, sour cream, cheese, or leftover taco meat if you've got it. Even with a few toppings, you can keep this under $5 total, especially when you buy ingredients in family-size containers.

Ramen with extras

Basic ramen is less than 50 cents a pack. Boil it, drain it, and stir-fry it with a scrambled egg, frozen veggies, and a little soy sauce. It turns into more of a full meal than a snack and costs around $1.50 per person or less. You can also skip the seasoning packet and use your own broth or garlic powder for better flavor.

Fried rice

Cold rice, scrambled egg, frozen vegetables, and a little oil or soy sauce are all you need. It's a great way to use up leftovers and still get a full meal. You can toss in chopped onion, garlic, or whatever protein you've got, but even without meat, it fills everyone up. Under $5 and you won't hear complaints.

PB&J and fruit

When I'm out of energy and money, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches show up on the plate. A loaf of bread can make 8 to 10 sandwiches, and a jar of each lasts for weeks. Add a banana or some canned fruit if you want something extra. It's cheap, fast, and surprisingly satisfying when the fridge is empty.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.