4 Family Dinners For $10 or Less

Busy schedules don’t have to mean relying on fattening or pricey take-out dinners. In fact, hectic days are an even better reason to stay energized with balanced, healthy and delicious meals. Eating smart doesn’t have to break the bank – here are 5 dinner ideas to prove it.
Applesauce Granita

3739 F

This quick frozen dessert uses applesauce and other healthful ingredients.

Busy schedules don't mean you have to  rely on pricey (and usually higher-calorie) take-out dinners. In fact, hectic days are an even better reason to stay energized with balanced, healthy and delicious meals. Eating smart doesn’t have to break the bank – here are 4 dinner ideas to prove it.

Chicken in Four Steps

This quick, flexible chicken dish from Melissa D'Arabian please everyone.  Use just one pan to make the chicken, a lemony sauce and a spinach side dish.  Serve it up with nutrient-packed (and budget-friendly) baked sweet potatoes. Shop for deals on larger packages of chicken breasts and stock up in the freezer they’re on sale.

Beef Stew

A classic money-saver, all you need to make this hearty soup are inexpensive pieces of beef and some pantry staples. Make a big batch -- it freezes well.

Recipe: Beef Stew
Penny-Pinching Pasta

Pasta is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table fast! Nowadays even the whole-grain varieties are wallet-friendly . Roast peppers, onions, mushrooms and bell pepper to concentrate their flavors, then toss with pasta, sausage, tomato and a light wine sauce.

Soup and Sandwich

Soup and a sandwich for dunking can make a satisfying vegetarian dinner option. Grilled cheese on whole wheat bread would be lovely with this citrusy carrot soup.

Bonus Recipe: Melissa's Dessert

Don't forget the occasional dessert.  Melissa D'Arabian makes the easiest granita ever using just 4 ingredients: applesauce, lemon, yogurt and maple syrup.  See how she does it:

Applesauce Granita
Loading Video...
TELL US: What are your money-saving dinner options?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

You Might Also Like:

Next Up

10 Must-Have Kitchen Tools That are Less Than $10

These simple, accessible kitchen gadgets will upgrade your cooking without emptying your wallet.

How to Cook Thanksgiving Dinner for Less Than $100

We put together several detailed menus.

6 Tips for Less-Stress Family Dinners

Feeding a family is tough. Feeding a family with not only different taste buds but different restrictions — medical, ethical and more — is an uber challenge!

10 Kid-Friendly Dinners Done in 30 Minutes or Less

These Food Network recipes are all you need to feed a crew fast, and stay sane while doing it.

10 Ways To Eat Less Meat

Some cuts of meat, full fat dairy products and other high fat ingredients are oftentimes used in cooking to add texture, flavor and mouth feel. Problem is you might be adding artery clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. There are plenty of meatless options you can use that’ll even surprise your taste buds. Here are 10 ideas.

Dinner in 20 Minutes or Less

Think you're too busy to make dinner a healthy dinner at home? Think again. These recipes are all ready in under 20 minutes.

Holiday Table Settings for $10 or Less

Get great decor on a budget with these ideas that won't break your holiday bank.