Make These 28 Amazing Meals For $5 or Less

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cooking at home is great for your wallet and — for the most part — better for your health. But instead of getting stuck in a cooking rut and making the same recipes over and over again (we've been there), why not challenge yourself by trying out some of the best budget-friendly recipes we found on the web? It's the perfect excuse to test your skills in the kitchen and have a lot of fun while doing it. Plus, eating something delicious that you worked hard to create just makes it taste that much better. And at about $5 or less per serving, you definitely won't be breaking the bank with these homemade meals. Keep reading to check them out now, whether you're enjoying a solo dinner, a night in with friends, or a meal with your partner. Bon appétit!

01
Kimchi Fried Rice
POPSUGAR Photography | Sara Yoo

Kimchi Fried Rice

The Kimchi fried rice is definitely not for the weak, but is for those who dare to love the strong, spicy flavor of Korea's iconic pickled veggies.

02
Italian Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Italian Mac and Cheese

This Italian mac and cheese has a unique spin in that it's a hybrid of two popular dishes: pasta carbonara and mac and cheese. You won't believe how well the cheesy carbonara sauce goes with elbow pasta!

03
Barbecued Black-Eyed Peas
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Barbecued Black-Eyed Peas

The barbecued black-eyed peas is a smokin' hot dish that will be a favorite because of its great taste and cost.

04
Spaghetti With Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Spaghetti With Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes

This simple spaghetti dish has only six ingredients but will have you coming back for more.

05
Pasta Carbonara
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Pasta Carbonara

Settle down with a plate of pasta carbonara, and you will feel so content.

06
Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash

Pasta without the carb overload? Sign me up! This shrimp and spaghetti squash seems too good to be true.

08
Warm Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Warm Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce

Yet another simple meal, the warm tofu with spicy garlic sauce would make a great main dish for a weeknight dinner.

09
Baked Eggs in Ham Cups
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Eggs in Ham Cups

This high-protein dish of baked eggs in ham cups will have you salivating.

10
Red Lentil Tomato Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Jaime Young

Red Lentil Tomato Soup

Get your dose of protein and fiber with this healthy lentil tomato soup.

11
Black Bean Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Black Bean Salad

Add some crunch to your day with this black bean salad.

12
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog

An upgrade on the American classic, this bacon-wrapped hot dog will leave you wanting more.

13
Panko-Crusted Fish Over Kale
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Panko-Crusted Fish Over Kale

This delicious meal of panko-crusted fish over kale is the perfect post-workout meal.

15
Cumin and Honey Baked Tofu
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cumin and Honey Baked Tofu

A bowl of cumin and honey baked tofu is perfect for those who love the taste of savory and sweet.

16
Lyonnaise Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Lyonnaise Salad

There's no better duo than eggs and bacon. Top them on some greens to create the lyonnaise salad, and you'll have the recipe for success.

17
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons

What an upgrade! You'll never create a mess with this genius idea of tomato soup and grilled cheese croutons.

18
Quinoa Tabbouleh
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Quinoa Tabbouleh

This quinoa tabbouleh is quick, easy, and flavorful. It also tastes great when served either hot or cold.

19
Healthy Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Stuffed Peppers

Yum! Fill your belly with these delicious and healthy Paleo stuffed peppers.

20
Simple Bean Burger
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Simple Bean Burger

This really easy bean burger will make the perfect meatless Monday meal.

21
Spicy Garlic Kale With Poached Eggs
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Spicy Garlic Kale With Poached Eggs

Throw this simple but satisfying meal of spicy garlic kale and poached eggs together, and your wallet will thank you!

22
Tofu Chili With Black Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Michele Foley

Tofu Chili With Black Beans

Who knew meatless chili could taste so good? Check out the awesome recipe for this spicy tofu black bean chili.

23
Tuna Salad Pitas
POPSUGAR Photography | Michele Bell

Tuna Salad Pitas

This tuna salad pita dish comes without the usual heavy mayo, but with a lot of flavor.

24
Avocado Toast
POPSUGAR Studios

Avocado Toast

Simple but satisfying! Make this perfect avocado toast for an easy and cheap snack.

25
Veggie and Potato Frittata
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Veggie and Potato Frittata

Time to chop up those Spring veggies and treat yourself with this veggie and potato frittata.

26
Spiced Carrot Soup With Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Spiced Carrot Soup With Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini

This Middle Eastern-inspired spiced carrot soup has a creamy flavor although it doesn't require any cream.

27
Spinach Quinoa Scramble
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spinach Quinoa Scramble

This filling breakfast of spinach quinoa scramble will start your day off right.