35 Super Cheap Dinner Ideas to Eat When You Are Broke (Even <$1!)

When your budget is tight, finding affordable meal options can be challenging. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity, you can whip up delicious and nutritious dinners without breaking the bank. Here are 35 super cheap dinner ideas that cost less than $1 per serving. Each meal is designed to be simple, satisfying, and kind to your wallet.

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—carrots, bell peppers, onions, and broccoli work well. Stir-fry them with a bit of oil, soy sauce, and garlic for a quick, tasty dish. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

2. Bean and Rice Burritos

Combine cooked rice and canned beans (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans) with some salsa and cheese. Wrap in a tortilla for an easy, filling dinner.

3. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Cook pasta and top it with a homemade tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you have it.

4. Egg Fried Rice

Stir-fry leftover rice with eggs, frozen peas, and soy sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile.

5. Vegetable Soup

Simmer a mix of chopped vegetables and potatoes in vegetable broth. Add some herbs and spices for flavor. This is a great way to use up any leftover veggies.

6. Cheese Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with shredded cheese and cook until the cheese melts. Add beans or veggies if you like. Serve with salsa or sour cream.

7. Lentil Stew

Cook lentils with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. This hearty stew is both nutritious and economical.

8. Chickpea Salad

Mix canned chickpeas with chopped veggies (like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions), olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This is a refreshing and protein-packed meal.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, beans, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender.

10. Omelette

Whip up an omelette with eggs, cheese, and any leftover veggies or meat. Serve with toast or a side salad.

11. Rice and Beans

A classic budget meal. Combine cooked rice with canned beans, and season with spices like cumin and chili powder.

12. Sweet Potato Hash

Sauté diced sweet potatoes with onions, bell peppers, and spices. Top with a fried egg for extra protein.

13. Pasta with Garlic and Oil

Cook pasta and toss it with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add some grated cheese if you have it.

14. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Stir-fry shredded cabbage with soy sauce, garlic, and any leftover meat or tofu. This dish is quick and uses budget-friendly ingredients.

15. Potato Soup

Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them and add some milk or broth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor.

16. Tuna Salad

Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, chopped celery, and onions. Serve on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.

17. Breakfast-for-Dinner

Scramble some eggs and serve with toast or make pancakes using a simple mix of flour, eggs, and milk.

18. Pita Bread Pizzas

Top pita bread with tomato sauce, cheese, and any veggies or meats you have. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

19. Vegetable Frittata

Combine eggs with chopped veggies and cheese, and bake until set. This is a great way to use up leftovers.

20. Baked Potatoes

Bake potatoes and top them with cheese, beans, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also add some cooked veggies for extra nutrition.

21. Macaroni and Cheese

Cook macaroni and mix with a simple cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese.

22. Corn and Bean Salad

Combine canned corn with black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

23. Greek Yogurt with Fruit

For a light dinner, mix Greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of granola for extra flavor.

24. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Mix cooked chicken with rice, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and some frozen veggies. Bake until hot and bubbly.

25. Sausage and Peppers

Sauté sliced sausage with bell peppers and onions. Serve with rice or in a sandwich roll.

26. Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Cook noodles and toss them with a simple peanut sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar.

27. Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich

Layer tomato slices and mozzarella cheese on bread, and toast until the cheese melts. Add some basil for extra flavor.

28. Vegetarian Chili

Combine canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and chili seasoning in a pot. Simmer until all the flavors meld together.

29. Bulgur Wheat Salad

Cook bulgur wheat and mix with chopped vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This is a healthy and inexpensive meal.

30. Eggplant Parmesan

Slice and bake eggplant, then layer with marinara sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

31. Cornbread

Make a simple cornbread using cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and a bit of sugar. Serve with soup or chili.

32. Baked Ziti

Mix cooked ziti with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. This is a comforting and budget-friendly option.

33. Stuffed Mushrooms

Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.

34. Potato and Leek Soup

Simmer chopped potatoes and leeks in vegetable broth until tender. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

35. Simple Veggie Tacos

Fill tortillas with sautéed or roasted vegetables and top with salsa and a squeeze of lime.

Tips for Keeping Costs Low

Buy in Bulk: Purchase staples like rice, beans, and pasta in bulk to save money.

Use Seasonal Produce: Opt for vegetables and fruits that are in season to get the best prices.

Cook in Batches: Make larger quantities and freeze portions for future meals.

Embrace Leftovers: Incorporate leftovers into new meals to reduce waste.

With these 35 budget-friendly dinner ideas, you can enjoy a variety of tasty meals without spending a fortune. Happy cooking!