One way to save money is to spend less per meal on your family's dinners. Here are five quick and easy dinners 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 dinner under $10 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
Total Cost: $8.16
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 dinner 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
Total Cost: $8.70
Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Serve this dinner under $10 with mashed potatoes and fresh carrots, and you'll still stay well within your budget.
Cost Breakdown:
- mashed potato flakes $2.59
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs $3.98
- fresh carrots $1.50
Total Cost: $8.07
