One way to save money is to spend less per meal on your family's dinners. Here are five quick and easy dinners for under $10 from the Guides on About.com's Food & Drink Channel. The cost breakdown for each meal is based on prices advertised on ShopRite's Web site. (Please note that I did not include the cost for items you probably have already in your pantry or refrigerator, such as common spices or milk).
Tuna Tortellini
This meal is an updated variation on the traditional tuna noodle casserole.Cost Breakdown:
- tortellini $3.99
- frozen peas $.99
- 12 oz. tuna (in olive oil) $3.18
Ramen Corn Chowder
This delicious soup is super-quick and easy to make. Serve it alonside a small salad and fresh biscuits and still stay within your $10 budget!Cost Breakdown:
- Ramen noodles $0.20
- can of creamed corn $1.00
- frozen corn $0.99
- Colby cheese $2.99
- biscuits: $1.67
- bag of salad greens: $2.99
Beef and Bean Burritos
These burritos are easy to make and taste delicious! Plus, you might even be able to squeeze an extra lunch out this meal, which feeds 4-6 people.Cost Breakdown:
- 1 pound lean ground beef $2.69
- onion $0.75
- garlic $0.50
- refried beans $1.09
- enchilada sauce $1.49
- flour tortillas $1.49
- lettuce $1.69
Clam Linguine
Here's another quick and delicious recipe for under $10. You can even throw in a loaf of fresh bread and stay within your budget.Cost Breakdown:
- onion $0.75
- garlic $0.50
- clams (canned) $4.17
- chicken broth $0.50
- linguine $0.60
- fresh parsley $0.49
- Parmesan cheese $1.69
Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Serve this meal with mashed potatoes and fresh carrots, and you'll still stay well within your $10 budget.Cost Breakdown:
- mashed potato flakes $2.59
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs $3.98
- fresh carrots $1.50
