Make These 28 Amazing Meals For $5 or Less
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Cooking at home is great for your wallet and — for the most part — better for your health. But instead of getting stuck in a cooking rut and making the same recipes over and over again (we've been there), why not challenge yourself by trying out some of the best budget-friendly recipes we found on the web? It's the perfect excuse to test your skills in the kitchen and have a lot of fun while doing it. Plus, eating something delicious that you worked hard to create just makes it taste that much better. And at about $5 or less per serving, you definitely won't be breaking the bank with these homemade meals. Keep reading to check them out now, whether you're enjoying a solo dinner, a night in with friends, or a meal with your partner. Bon appétit!
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Kimchi Fried Rice
The Kimchi fried rice is definitely not for the weak, but is for those who dare to love the strong, spicy flavor of Korea's iconic pickled veggies.
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Italian Mac and Cheese
This Italian mac and cheese has a unique spin in that it's a hybrid of two popular dishes: pasta carbonara and mac and cheese. You won't believe how well the cheesy carbonara sauce goes with elbow pasta!
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Barbecued Black-Eyed Peas
The barbecued black-eyed peas is a smokin' hot dish that will be a favorite because of its great taste and cost.
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Spaghetti With Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes
This simple spaghetti dish has only six ingredients but will have you coming back for more.
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Pasta Carbonara
Settle down with a plate of pasta carbonara, and you will feel so content.
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Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash
Pasta without the carb overload? Sign me up! This shrimp and spaghetti squash seems too good to be true.
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Spicy Sloppy Joes
The spicy sloppy joe is a great twist on a popular, budget-friendly burger.
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Warm Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce
Yet another simple meal, the warm tofu with spicy garlic sauce would make a great main dish for a weeknight dinner.
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Baked Eggs in Ham Cups
This high-protein dish of baked eggs in ham cups will have you salivating.
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Red Lentil Tomato Soup
Get your dose of protein and fiber with this healthy lentil tomato soup.
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Black Bean Salad
Add some crunch to your day with this black bean salad.
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Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog
An upgrade on the American classic, this bacon-wrapped hot dog will leave you wanting more.
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Panko-Crusted Fish Over Kale
This delicious meal of panko-crusted fish over kale is the perfect post-workout meal.
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Eggs Baked in Avocado
An easy and delicious breakfast option? Baked eggs in avocado.
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Cumin and Honey Baked Tofu
A bowl of cumin and honey baked tofu is perfect for those who love the taste of savory and sweet.
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Lyonnaise Salad
There's no better duo than eggs and bacon. Top them on some greens to create the lyonnaise salad, and you'll have the recipe for success.
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Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons
What an upgrade! You'll never create a mess with this genius idea of tomato soup and grilled cheese croutons.
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Quinoa Tabbouleh
This quinoa tabbouleh is quick, easy, and flavorful. It also tastes great when served either hot or cold.
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Healthy Stuffed Peppers
Yum! Fill your belly with these delicious and healthy Paleo stuffed peppers.
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Simple Bean Burger
This really easy bean burger will make the perfect meatless Monday meal.
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Spicy Garlic Kale With Poached Eggs
Throw this simple but satisfying meal of spicy garlic kale and poached eggs together, and your wallet will thank you!
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Tofu Chili With Black Beans
Who knew meatless chili could taste so good? Check out the awesome recipe for this spicy tofu black bean chili.
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Tuna Salad Pitas
This tuna salad pita dish comes without the usual heavy mayo, but with a lot of flavor.
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Avocado Toast
Simple but satisfying! Make this perfect avocado toast for an easy and cheap snack.
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Veggie and Potato Frittata
Time to chop up those Spring veggies and treat yourself with this veggie and potato frittata.
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Spiced Carrot Soup With Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini
This Middle Eastern-inspired spiced carrot soup has a creamy flavor although it doesn't require any cream.
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Spinach Quinoa Scramble
This filling breakfast of spinach quinoa scramble will start your day off right.
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Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Pasta
Just the photo of this roasted garlic and parmesan pasta has our mouths watering.