4 Family Dinners For $10 or Less
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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 »